Kasey’s Cure

 Snowball & Old Rusty

Many of you know that I am a huge horse lover and a big fan of thoroughbred racing (some would argue that the two do not go hand in hand), but the death of the filly Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby last month may have changed my mind.  What is going on out there?  How big of a problem is this?  What is happening to our horses?

According to the AP, thoroughbred racetracks in the U.S. reported more than three horse deaths a day last year and 5,000 since 2003, and the vast majority were put down after suffering devastating injuries on the track.

When a horse breaks a leg - let alone two, as Eight Belles did - often the only choice is to euthanize the animal. A thoroughbred’s bones are thinner than most breeds. Usually it’s not possible for the horse to lie down for long periods because that could disrupt the blood flow to the arteries in the lower limb, causing an extremely painful hoof infection called laminitis.

Questions about breeding, medication, synthetic surfaces versus dirt and other safety issues have dogged the industry for some time.  Have we over breed to the point where these horses are competing on legs as delicate as Champaign flutes?

With all of the terrible flooding in the Mid-West, the ASPCA has updated their tips on emergency preparedness for our pets.  Many of them are obvious but with the hurricane season just starting it is a quick reminder to make sure that both our family and our pets are save.  Here are just a few:

• If you receive storm warnings, bring your pets inside and make sure they have plenty of food and water;
   
• Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation—do NOT leave your pets behind. Many disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so it is vital to determine where your pets can stay ahead of time;
   
• Keep emergency pet supplies, an ASPCA “Pet Grab ’N Go Bag” (one for each pet), and travel kits handy and make sure everyone in the family knows where they are kept;
   
• Get a “Rescue Alert” sticker, which is visible to rescue workers and includes vital information about your pets and veterinarian;
   
• Choose a designated caregiver who can take care of your pet in the event you are unable.

For a detailed list of emergency and evacuation preparedness suggestions, please visit www.aspca.org/pets_emergency.