Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice

1st Edition - August 29, 2024
Editor: Virginia Wensley Koch
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 5 0 8 - 5
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 5 0 9 - 2

Equine veterinarians frequently encounter behavior and welfare problems, but they generally focus only on the physical issues affecting their patients because they lack the… Read more

Purchase options

Institutional subscription on ScienceDirect

Request a sales quote

Equine veterinarians frequently encounter behavior and welfare problems, but they generally focus only on the physical issues affecting their patients because they lack the training to address psychological, behavioral, or other welfare issues. This book is meant to remedy that lack. As the primary source of medical information for horse owners, veterinarians need to address the unmet need for medical professionals to deal with equine mental health problems through treatment or referral. Science tells us that mental health determines an animal’s welfare status. The public considers veterinarians to be animal welfare experts, so clinicians need to become familiar with animal welfare science. Knowledge of equine behavior science is important in assessing welfare, and even more importantly, the appropriate handling of horses requires behavioral expertise. Clients prefer veterinarians who handle patients with gentleness, and using persuasion instead of force improves equine welfare, handler safety, and practitioner effectiveness. Veterinarians who understand and can educate their clients in equine welfare and in safe and appropriate care and handling techniques will increase their business success and improve the lives of their clients and patients.

The book’s topics are addressed by internationally recognized experts and are most important for those whose formal veterinary education neglected to cover animal psychology, behavior modifi cation, and animal welfare, but they also provide current information and useful practical tips for those already familiar with equine behavior/welfare science. Topics include practical welfare assessment; how horses learn (both good and bad habits); safe, appropriate, and fear-free training and handling techniques for both adult horses and foals; how equine behavior is affected by diet (and the microbiome), by the differences between horse and human senses and cognition, and by enrichment; differentiating medical from behavioral problems; and preventing and treating behavioral problems (including stereotypies). It describes the Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ), a tool that can assist veterinarians to introduce behavior into their practices in a simple and basic manner, and it offers guidance on resolving ethical dilemmas while advancing equine welfare. The final chapter offers resources for further study and access to specialists for consultation or referral. Ultimately, the book will serve its purpose if it helps improve the lives of horses, their owners, and their veterinarians.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Contributors
About the contributors
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
References
Chapter 1 Assessing equine welfare: Operationalizing the Five Domains Model for veterinary practitioners
Abstract
Introduction
What is animal welfare and how can we assess it?
Equine veterinarians already include assessments of some aspects of welfare in everyday clinical practice, but they could assess welfare more holistically
Summary
References
Chapter 2 Principles of learning for equine clinicians
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The laws of learning
Behavior modification in horses
Chapter summary
References
Chapter 3 Minimizing fear associated with veterinary procedures
Abstract
Introduction
Sensory and neural factors
Fear and memory
Pain
“Fear Free”
Medical needs vs. medical wants
Behavioral treatment plan
Cooperative care
Pharmacology
Summary
References
Chapter 4 Raising well-trained and sustainable foals
Abstract
Introduction
Forage, Freedom, and Friends
Handling and training
Foal handling around birth
Handling foals while they are still with the mare
Weaning
Post-weaning handling
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5 Equine training and behavior modification: The good, the bad and the ugly
Abstract
Introduction
Training approaches
Learning principles
Applying learning theory to produce desired results
Applying learning theory to replace inappropriate training approaches with appropriate methods
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6 Diet and behavior, including the effects of the gut microbiome
Abstract
Introduction
Why horses eat
Why horses drink
Diet and behavior
The gut microbiome and behavior
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7 How horses perceive their world—What can practitioners share with their clients to enhance safety and welfare?
Abstract
Introduction
Sight/vision
Hearing/audition
Smell/olfaction
Taste/gustation
Touch/tactile perception
Personality
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8 Between the horses ears: Equine cognition, welfare implications, and why it matters for equine practitioners
Abstract
Introduction
Cognition and Clever Hans
What do we know about equine cognition?
Bringing the research to the stable
Too stupid? Or too smart?
References
Chapter 9 Environmental enrichment
Abstract
Introduction – Why is this an issue for veterinarians?
Horse management and its consequences – An overview
Optimizing the equine environment
Re-establishing an environment that fulfills the horse's needs
Enrichment that aims to compensate for environmental deprivation
Conclusion
References
Chapter 10 Distinguishing physical vs psychological causes of behavior and performance problems
Abstract
Introduction
The difficulty of recognizing discomfort as a cause of undesirable behavior or performance problems in horses
Evaluation of physical vs psychological causes of behavior changes
Common types of presenting behavior complaints with likely physical root causes
Physical conditions commonly presenting for evaluation of undesirable behavior
Summary
References
Chapter 11 Prevention and treatment of horse behavior problems and “vices”, including stereotypic behavior
Abstract
Problem behavior and the veterinarian
Stable vices and stereotypies
Advice relating to specific management problems commonly presented to the veterinarian
Concluding comments
References
Chapter 12 The Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ): How citizen science can enhance veterinary practice
Abstract
Introduction
What is E-BARQ?
How to use E-BARQ
Why use E-BARQ?
Other advantages of integrating a standardized behavioral assessment into veterinary practice
Reliability and validation of E-BARQ
Early research findings
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13 Veterinary ethics and equine welfare: Principalism, a Five Cs approach, and ethical decision-making in support of the duties to care and guide
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Veterinary ethics, animal welfare, and animal welfare science: Implications for equine welfare
Ethical considerations in practice
Deciding how to act: the step-by-step ethical decision-making framework
Conclusion
References
Chapter 14 Finding help
Abstract
Introduction
Training and referral options
Conclusion
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Further reading
Index

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health

Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice

Purchase options

Institutional subscription on ScienceDirect

Virginia Wensley Koch