Category Archives: Diana de Rosa

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Protection from Imported Fire Ants

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Fire ants first entered the United States about 1918, near Mobile, Alabama. They then reached Mississippi around 1930. Today fire ants have inhabited much of the Southeast. Importation included two species. Red imported fire ants are the most common, but some areas have black imported fire ants.

Fire ants nest in the soil within large colonies containing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. A fire ant queen lays a few eggs that eventually become workers. These first workers then help care for their younger sisters and the colony begins to grow. Fire ants vary in size, but all are capable of stinging. Once they attack, they spread by swarming and are very aggressive.  Here’s how to protect your horse if they live in your area.

Pouring boiling water into the mound will kill a lot of ants quickly, but often misses the queen and fails to kill ants that are out foraging. There is research that indicates application of hydramethylnon directly to the mound is a better choice. Elimination of the colony may take up to a week. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has achieved acceptable levels of fire ant control, although results are inconsistent. The key is to kill the queen; killing thousands of workers only stimulates the queen to lay more eggs.

This tip was brought to you by Kendra Helfter (www.abcplus.biz) and KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place monthly.  These webinars are an expansion of KAM’s weekly tips.  Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for the next webinar.

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Webinars

Healthy Horse Tip – What to Do When the Panic Is On!

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Hurricane, Fire, Toxicity, Infectious Disease: KAM’s Next FREE Webinar – September 26, 2011

September 1, 2011 — KAM’s Equine Learning Circle FREE webinars have covered numerous topics such as gut health, feed and supplements, teeth, joints, worming, fungus and so much more.  The response has been extremely positive with lots more to come.  The next webinar on September 26 will focus on preparing for an emergency situation.  Take a moment now and sign up for this next free webinar by going to www.kamanimalservices.com.

In this webinar the panelists will talk about infectious disease, hurricane evacuation, fire and smoke, environmental toxicity and biosecurity.  When we are faced with any of these situations it’s critical that we be prepared for the “worst.”  This webinar will guide you through the steps you need to take to be prepared.

Title: When the Panic Is On – What to Do!
Date: Monday, September 26, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM PST, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM CST, 8:30 PM EST

Continue reading Healthy Horse Tip – What to Do When the Panic Is On! →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Lyme Disease – Just a Tick Away

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Interestingly enough, tick-borne Lyme Disease was first reported in 1975 near Lyme, Connecticut. A tick carrying the bacteria will transfer the bacteria by biting through the skin of the horse in order to begin feeding.

The initial response is usually inflammation surrounding the tick bite. Other symptoms are fever, lameness, poor performance, behavior/attitude change, laminitis and uveitis (moon blindness).  Insulin resistance can also be found in a laminitic Lyme horse.

Lyme may present itself with recurrent fevers along with the presence of stiff and/or painful joints and muscles. In fact, you may witness these symptoms prior to the bloodwork indicating Lyme.

Lyme Disease is difficult to diagnose in horses. Examine your horse daily simply by brushing. In addition, it has been suggested that once your horse has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease to recheck the titer three months after the determined treatment has ended. Increased titers at this time could mean there is still an active infection. Early detection followed by a quick diagnosis and treatment is key!

This tip was brought to you by Kendra Helfter (www.abcplus.biz) and KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place monthly.  These webinars are an expansion of KAM’s weekly tips.  Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for the next webinar on September 26 which will focus on what to do in an equine emergency (hurricane, fire, toxicity, infectious disease).  The FREE webinars will conclude with a question and answer session, so be ready with your questions.

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Platelet Rich Plasma = PRP

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PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, or blood plasma with concentrated platelet content. Platelets are derived from stem cells in the patient’s bone marrow.

As platelets come into contact with the damaged collagen and endothelial cells, a fibrin clot forms and growth factors are recruited and released.

Two growth factors are of particular interest in dealing with orthopedic injuries. Platelets release transforming growth factor beta and platelet derived growth factor upon activation at an injured site. These growth factors and others act synergistically to enhance access of healthy inflammatory cells to the area of tissue injury, formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), formation of new connective tissue (fibroplasia) and regeneration of injured tissues.

Injection of PRP is a recommended treatment option for both sub-acute and chronic tendon and ligament injuries. Certain arthroscopic procedures are also incorporating the use of PRP in equine surgery.

Continue reading Tip of the Week – Platelet Rich Plasma = PRP →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Webinars

Healthy Horse Tip – What to Do When the Panic Is On!

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Hurricane, Fire, Toxicity, Infectious Disease: KAM’s Next FREE Webinar – September 26, 2011

September 1, 2011 — KAM’s Equine Learning Circle FREE webinars have covered numerous topics such as gut health, feed and supplements, teeth, joints, worming, fungus and so much more.  The response has been extremely positive with lots more to come.  The next webinar on September 26 will focus on preparing for an emergency situation.  Take a moment now and sign up for this next free webinar by going to www.kamanimalservices.com.

In this webinar the panelists will talk about infectious disease, hurricane evacuation, fire and smoke, environmental toxicity and biosecurity.  When we are faced with any of these situations it’s critical that we be prepared for the “worst.”  This webinar will guide you through the steps you need to take to be prepared.

Title: When the Panic Is On – What to Do!
Date: Monday, September 26, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM PST, 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM CST, 8:30 PM EST

Continue reading Healthy Horse Tip – What to Do When the Panic Is On! →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Horses May Benefit from Adult Derived Stem Cells

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Equine tendon, ligament, and joint injuries are some of the most frequently seen problems in clinical veterinary practice.  These lead to joint instability, degenerative joint disease, and reduced performance.

Osteoarthritis is one of the main causes of lameness in horses and involves the deterioration of joint cartilage leading to pain and inflammation. Conventional therapies involve intra-articular medications such as hyaluronic acid and/or steroids, rest, shockwave therapy, Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, IRAP and PRP.

Adult derived stem cells are a relatively new means of treating acute and chronic tendon injuries, suspensory and collateral ligament injuries and osteoarthritis in horses.  Adult derived stem cells are concentrated and autologous to the patients in which they are used.

Research is ongoing pertaining to how stem cells offer regeneration of injured tissues.  The process begins either by the collection and storage of umbilical cord blood in a foal or by harvesting 50 grams of adipose tissue (fat) or 20-40 cc of bone marrow from the sternum or hip under standing sedation in adults.

These samples are in turn sent overnight to commercial laboratories where they are processed for pleuripotent stem cells.  These initial cells are then cultured in a lab and expanded to produce 5 to 30 million cells for injection back into the patient depending on the injury being treated and patient’s age and relative health. Stem cells are injected back into an injured joint or ligament or tendon with ultrasound guidance when needed or after arthroscopy if appropriate.  Additional stem cells can be cryo-preserved dependent on the initial cell yield and used for subsequent regenerative therapy treatments. Get more info at www.alpinehospital.com.

This tip was brought to you by Chuck Maker, DVM (www.alpinehospital.com) and KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place monthly.  These webinars are an expansion of KAM’s weekly tips.  Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for the next webinar.  The FREE webinars will conclude with a question and answer session, so be ready with your questions.

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Diana de Rosa, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Washington Int'l Horse Show

National Museum of the American Indian and Washington International Horse Show Team Up to Celebrate Horses

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Photo: Fine Art Photography by Brady Willette

Exhibition Grand Opening Oct. 29-30 and Free Kids’ Day

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Washington International Horse Show announce a new partnership to celebrate horses in Native American culture and equestrian sport throughout history.

The museum opens “A Song for the Horse Nation” Saturday, Oct. 29, at its flagship museum on the National Mall, a major exhibition that explores the role horses have played in Native culture from the 1500s to the present. The exhibition runs through Jan. 7, 2013. The Washington International Horse Show celebrates its 53rd year Oct. 25-30 at Verizon Center. Together, the two organizations will celebrate these occasions with free family programs on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at Verizon Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all day Sunday, Oct. 30, at the museum. A free shuttle service between the museum and Verizon Center will be provided by Reston Limousine on Saturday.

Activities include free pony rides at Verizon Center Oct. 29 for WIHS Kids’ Day, war-pony painting demonstrations by Crow equestrian and tribal general council member Kennard Real Bird, storytelling by award-winning children’s book author and illustrator S. D. Nelson (Standing Rock Sioux), hands-on ledger-art lessons, and much more at both locations.

“What better way for us to come together to illuminate our shared history and distinct cultures than through our mutual admiration for horses,” said museum director, Kevin Gover (Pawnee). “This unique collaboration celebrates the indomitable spirit not just of the Horse Nation, but of the whole nation. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Washington International Horse Show and know that the spectators at Verizon Center and the visitors to the museum will be, too.”

Continue reading National Museum of the American Indian and Washington International Horse Show Team Up to Celebrate Horses →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

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Why is there so much controversy regarding vaccines and possible reactions in the news these days?  That is because in some cases the cons outweigh the pros; because medicine is not an exact science; and because not all pathogens and not all immune systems are the same.

It is true that vaccinations have helped eliminate, or at least minimize, some fatal diseases in people and animals.  However, it is also true that vaccination reactions can cause harm, both short term and long term, and even result in the death of the patient.

Fortunately, most vaccine reactions are transitory and not life threatening; such as fever, swelling, and pain at the injection site.  Unfortunately, some vaccine reactions can worsen an existing condition, trigger a pre-existing condition, create a permanent problem, or result in the death of the horse.

If your horse has a history of vaccine reactions or other medical conditions (laminitis, allergies, auto-immune conditions, Cushing’s/IR, kidney or liver dysfunction), you may consider doing a titer test before vaccinating.  A titer test requires taking a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory to measure the level of anti-bodies for a specific disease in that patient’s blood.

The titer indicates the level of anti-bodies either from exposure to that disease or as the result of a previous vaccination.  If the titer is high enough, one would assume the horse has protection against that disease and doesn’t need to be vaccinated at that time.  If the titer is low, a “booster” vaccination may be indicated.   The only disadvantage to tittering is the cost and the time to have the test done.  The advantage of not over vaccinating may be preventing your horse’s death.

This tip was brought to you by KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place monthly.  These webinars are an expansion of KAM’s weekly tips.  Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for the next webinar and the weekly tips.

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – What Are Our Options for Waste Management?

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The early industrial age of America was an exhilarating and awe inspiring time.  However we gained much from the era.  Yet to this day we struggle with the environmental ramifications of industrial waste and contamination.

Is it really possible to wrap our minds around a contamination or waste figure in reference to the earth?  Is the truth to this question even available?  Let your thoughts consider these current industries:  Industrial & Municipal Wastewater, Petrochemical, Oil, Gas, Food Processing, Paper, Beverage & Bottling, Manufacturing, Agriculture Insecticides & Pesticides etc.

We have got to find alternative means to clean up; encompassing the day-to-day wear and tear on the environment, let alone the massive spills that have destroyed multiple ecosystems.  With this in mind, does it make sense to create another provision to eliminate the waste and contamination, yet to yield more?  In the year 2000, a three-year United Nations funded study concluded that bacterial and enzymes were the most effective biological formulas to improve water quality and reduce solid waste.

Can it be said that an answer is possible utilizing natural methods that won’t continue to destroy what must not be lost?  Studying the power of bacteria and enzymes may indeed provide us the means to a good start.  Bio Pure Products, Inc. would like to help us seize this opportunity.

This tip was brought to you by Kendra Helfter and KAM Animal Services, home of KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars, which take place monthly.  These webinars are an expansion of KAM’s weekly tips.  Go to www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for the next webinar and the weekly tips.

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – The Dangers of GMO, Genetically Modified Organism

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GMO, genetically modified organism, involves the insertion or deletion of genes to create a certain outcome or purpose.  Crops already induced are the following:  canola, honey, cotton, rice, soybean, sugar cane, tomatoes, corn, sweet corn, potatoes, flax, papaya, squash, red-hearted chicory, peas and sugar beets.  Now alfalfa is being added to the list thus spurring this tip.

Crops being genetically modified like corn, sugar beets, soybeans and rice are ingredients commonly found in equine grain mixes and pelleted feeds.  Beet pulp may be found in processed feeds also but it is often used in addition to the ration for fiber and calories.  The introduction of GM crops has had an impact on the equine diet but not quite as much as the genetically modified alfalfa will have.

Genetically modified crops are generally altered for chemical herbicide application.  The crop may be sprayed with a plant killing chemical to eliminate weeds but will not kill the crop itself.  For the farmer they need to purchase the seeds and purchase the correct chemical herbicide that the seed has been genetically modified for to withstand or survive its application.  It’s much like having to purchase a specific bolt to fit a specific bicycle to match a specific bicycle tire.  The company makes additional income without allowing customers to utilize a standardized item.

A farmer’s freedom is lost from there on.  Once a GM seed has been grown in their soil, there is no turning back.  Additionally, every farmer in the neighborhood will more than likely have GMO contamination in their crop whether they wanted it or not.  This in itself is leading farmers into serious issues with the chemical company and/or any farmers attempting to grow organic.

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