TIP
I was forever misplacing hoof picks until I attached one to the handle of my grooming kit with a coiled lanyard. The coil stretches far enough for me to use the pick safely, but keeps it attached to the box so I can find it the next time I groom.— Stephanie Lowell, Southlake, Texas changes are reason to call your veterinarian for an ocular check.
• Lack of clarity in the pupil. The center of the horse’s eye is normally pitch-black and clear. A milky appearance can indicate that a cataract is forming as a result of ongoing inflammation.
• A cloudy look to the entire globe. Fungal infections and inflammatory disease can cause a horse’s eye to take on a hazy, bluish appearance. If one eye looks less clear than the other, or if both look more clouded than you recall, it’s cause for investigation. check of his hindquarters can usually reveal the problem.
First, look for evidence of pinworms. These parasites, which emerge from a horse’s anus to lay eggs on the sensitive skin nearby, have made a resurgence in North America recently. The eggs trigger itchiness that helps spread them through the environment as the horse rubs against fence posts and trees. The eggs may be visible as small, white plaques around the anus. Your veterinarian can also check for unseen eggs by sticking a piece of clear tape to the area, removing it and then examining it under a microscope.
If you suspect your horse has pinworms, call your veterinarian before starting any treatment. You’ll want to be sure to select a deworming agent that is effective against that parasite in your geographic area.
Next, inspect the tail itself. Separate the hairs to check the skin along the tailbone and lift it to examine the