New “ Managed ” Health Program For Horse Owners
A new horse health program — designed to give horse owners full benefit of latest scientific health information and approved disease prevention practices — has been initiated by Fort Dodge Laboratories , in cooperation with local veterinarians . The “ Managed Health Program , 01 MHP , was developed by Fort Dodge as a service to horse , owners , and as a means of promoting practical preventive veterinary care for their horses .
MHP is the first program of its kind based entirely on professionally approved and supervised health practices and procedures .
“ There are several reasons why an equine health and disease prevention program is greatly needed .” said D . A . Peterson , president of Fort Dodge Laboratories , Fort Dodge Laboratories , Fort Dodge , Iowa . “ First , there is of course an explosion in the horse population , with estimates of 6 to 7 million — double the number of 5 or 6 years ago .
“ Second , with increases in horses kept for pleasure , hobby , or light work , there arc many new owners who are new at the game and need help .
“ Third , there has been a general lag in development and dissemination of horse health information — because in recent years meat and milk animals have received top priority .
“ A fourth reason ,” said Mr . Peterson , “ is the great increase in group events — more shows , races , crossroads rodeos , trail riding , and ‘ cowboy ’ parties . This has contributed to the spread of contagious and infectious diseases .
“ Finally , many new or uncommon diseases — such as infectious equine anemia — are becoming more prevalent , causing problems unknown a few years ago . “ It ’ s high time some special attention was devoted to the health , well-being and care of the horse ,” Mr . Peterson concluded . “ As a leading producer of equine veterinary products , we
are glad to be instrumental in helping to provide this service for the benefit of horse owners .”
The new Managed Health Program will be carried out entirely in conjunction with the horse owner ’ s local veterinarian . On his initial visit with the horseman , the veterinarian will discuss a recommended vaccination program . He may also recommend other health maintenance requirements such as a worming program , dental and hoof care , and help with breeding problems . He will then administer any needed vaccinations or treatments at the request of the owner .
A complete health and immunization record for each horse , provided by Fort Dodge Laboratories , will be filled out by the veterinarian and a copy given to the horse owner to be kept as a permanent record as long as he has the horse . The veterinarian will maintain constant supervision of the record , and send a reminder card to the owner when it ’ s time for a booster injection , check-up , worming , or other attention .
By combining several procedures on each call , the program makes professional care more economical and practical . Equally important , it provides a continuous health history , which is extremely valuable to the veterinarian in diagnosing any future ailments .
In case of an animal being sold , the health record is of great benefit to the new owner , and , in fact , may serve to increase the sale value of the animal .
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“ Such a program as MHP can help immeasurably jn preventing many diseases problems which arc on the increase ” Mr . Peterson said . “ Take the increasing incidence of equine influenza , for instance It ’ s a serious situation at many tracks . Yet there is a well proven vaccine availbreaks of encephalomyelitis ( sleeping sickness ). Many able for veterinarians that is highly effective in controlling ‘ this problem .” Every year in some areas there are outowners have avoided vaccination because of side reactions But a newly developed tissue culture vaccine virtually eliminates reactions and interference with show schedules , training programs , or usefulness to the horse .
It ’ s estimated 90c / c or more of all horses are infested to some degree with internal parasites . This is a big drain on the health and vitality of the horse , particularly young animals . This is not necessary , said Mr . Peterson , because there are many highly effective anthelmintics or worming preparations available today . It is essential , however , that a proper diagnosis be made of the type of parasite involved . Such diagnosis can only be done by a veterinarian . He also has the knowledge to choose and recommend proper medication to most effectively combat each particular parasite in the horse .
“ There arc but a few of the many modern developments in veterinary medicine which can be made available to horse owners through a program such as MHP ,” Mr . Peterson said . Interested horse owners should contact their local veterinarian to discuss details of MHP , and ask for valuable free literature on horse health .
The supervised professional care by the veterinarian can relieve the owner of many health worries , to say nothing of keeping his horses in peak condition and vibrant health .
Florida Walking Horse Newsletter
Members of our Walking Horse Association have enjoyed some pleasant activities during 1966 . We refer to our Trail Ride at Little River Ranch , our first amateur show at Port Orange Stables and our Fall Trail Ride at Mr . and Mrs . Lou Ehrich ’ s . Participation in these events was certainly appreciated by those that made the plans and arrangements .
We have also discovered new Walking Horse interests in Florida . Each time we secured a new address , a letter was mailed , calling attention to our organization .
From a national standpoint , history was made in Shelbvvillc . For years the work of Miss Betty Sain will be discussed by Walking Horse enthusiasts . A statement has been made that there were more well-trained , properly presented young horses at this 1966 celebration than at any time in the history of the event .
I he sale date for the First Florida Walking Horse Sale has been set for March 11 , 1967 , with Ocala as the place . At present , the location cannot be definitely stated . However , the Sale Committee and Sale Manager decided on this location . To manage our first sale , Mr . John CulvrCal^ haS bccn . sclcclcd to work with the Sale Committee . Mr . Culbreath is a horseman and has conducted excellent Gharolais sales throughout the Southeast . He is interested w iL ■ ^J ' n^ talking Horse breeders establish a Florida a ing Hoi sc Sale that will grow in prominence each year . More about the sale later .
( Continued on Page 14 )
VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse