EEVS Monthly Newsletter

December

2015

 

Nutrition Series Part 1
What is your horse's "score"?  
By Dr. Amanda Wilson
 
What is your horse's BCS? How do you determine it? How do you use this information for your horse's health?
 
Equine veterinarians use the Body Condition Score (BCS) system developed by Dr. Don Henneke to create a standard in assessing a horse's body weight. By assigning horses a number, we can determine if their weight needs to be adjusted and how to appropriately do that through nutrition and exercise.  
 
The scale ranges from 1 to 9, with a 1 being emaciated and a 9 very obese. Most horses are ideally at a BCS 5. This can be somewhat variable depending on breed and discipline.
 
Horses deposit fat in certain areas on their body. The areas are:
1. Crest of the neck
2. Over the withers
3. Behind the shoulder 
4. Crease down the back
5. Ribs
6. Tailhead
 
When your veterinarian assigns your horse a Body Condition Score, they are evaluating all of these areas on the body. They will also document your horse's BCS in its medical record.

Now what do we do with this information? We use it to determine if your horse's nutrition program is appropriate for its needs. Horses with a BCS of 1 to 4 need to gain weight and horses with a BCS of 6 to 9 need to lose weight.

We all know that being underweight and not getting enough calories can be detrimental to health. On the flip side, being overweight can be dangerous for a horse, too. Overweight horses have an increased of laminitis, or founder. Laminitis is a debilitating disease.

During your next vet visit, ask them to assign your horse a BCS if they haven't done so already.

Here are some additional resources:
  • http://www.purinamills.com/find-answers/articles/horses/body-condition-scoring-your-horse/
  •  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY3yVC4l8K4
 
Ask the Vet!

What burning questions do you have for your veterinarian? Submit your questions via email and Dr. Kin will select one each month to reply to in our newsletter. You could see your question featured in our newsletter!
 
Dr. Wilson recently attended the Oklahoma State University Fall Conference. She learned some of the latest advances in equine medicine on topics such as dermatology and nutrition.


 

 


Client Education Night a Success!

EEVS recently hosted another Client Education Night at Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the OKC Stockyards. The event was sponsored by Troy Williams of Boehringer-Ingelheim and Kevin Miller of Henry-Schein Animal Health. Troy discussed the importance of vaccinations in preventing illnesses, and Dr. Wilson talked about equine nutrition. Thank you to all who attended, be looking for an announcement for our next event in Spring 2016!


From all of us at EEVS, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!