Now, we have found that maternal antibodies can interfere with protection conferred through vaccination, and that those early vaccinated foals actually might be more susceptible to disease as they grow older. There also are emerging and re-emerging diseases. These are health problems that either we haven't faced in this country before, or with which we are vaguely familiar, but now are a concern. On the brighter side, our horses are healthier than ever and are living longer. Everything from deworming to nutrition to arthritis to tooth care is being addressed by veterinarians and through research.
Many people have horses well into their teens that still are working with a healthy mind and body.
Part of the changes we are seeing in equine medicine include the so-called alternatives. This takes in everything from acupuncture and chiropractic to herbal and holistic remedies. While there are many skeptics, there are just as many believers. Science is lagging behind in proving or disproving these practices, and we have those answers to look forward to in the coming years. The welfare of animals is a hot topic, and unless this industry takes control of its destiny, non-equine people might be deciding what we can and can't do with our horses.