We all know how long the show season can get. With world shows, futurities, and medal finals just around the corner, it’s time to make sure your equine athletes are prepped, protected, and primed to perform.

Dr. Matt Klotz, DVM, Equine Technical Services veterinarian at Aurora Pharmaceutical, gave us insights for peak performance.

Before you step into the ring, start with smart, daily care behind the scenes with these tips.

 

Joint Support

Hard ground, long hauls, and longer days can take a toll on joints, even in younger horses. Osteoarthritis is not just a condition for seniors, it’s a common challenge for active show horses at all levels.

Joint comfort is a necessity for performance horses, so don’t wait until the week of the big show. Begin proactive support early to keep those turns quick, leads correct, and ears forward. For the additional aches and stiffness that come from trailering and stalling in unfamiliar environments (often on hard concrete or asphalt) Dr. Klotz suggests that daily EquiCoxib® (firocoxib) can help your horse feel their best, with minimal risk of undesirable side effects.

EquiCoxib® (firocoxib) is an FDA-approved, flavorless, odorless oral liquid that helps manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. The generic to EQUIOXX® Paste, it’s an easy and effective way to help your horse stay sound and comfortable all season long.

It’s important to remember before administering any medication, always check the rules and regulations of the governing association to ensure compliance.

Learn more about EquiCoxib® here

For oral use in horses only. Do not inject EquiCoxib®. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. EquiCoxib® is contraindicated in horses with a hypersensitivity to firocoxib. As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse’s medical history. Treatment with EquiCoxib® should be terminated if signs such as inappetance, colic, abnormal feces, or lethargy are observed. As a class, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EquiCoxib® has not been evaluated in horses less than 1 year of age or in breeding horses, or pregnant or lactating mares. Keep out of the reach of children. For complete safety information, refer to the package insert.

Hydration

Show season stress, travel, heat, and inconsistent water sources can throw off hydration fast. Dehydration can lead not only to poor performance from loss electrolytes, but it is also very common for them to develop colic from impactions and leads to an increased risk for stress induced ulcers.  Balance™, Aurora’s hydration and recovery supplement, goes beyond traditional electrolytes. Dr. Klotz points out that, “Daily Balance administration increased water consumption by 10%¹, replaces essential electrolytes needed for proper muscle performance and sweating and buffer the stomach acid.”

¹Trial conducted at East Tennessee Clinical Research, Inc. (ETCR) under the supervision of Craig R. Reinemeyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVM.

It’s a smart addition to your daily routine and a must-have in every show kit.

Want it? Check out BALANCE Stress & Dehydration Aid

Biosecurity

Travel means exposure. With horses coming and going from all over the country, the risk of illness increases drastically. According to Dr. Klotz, “Long trailer rides are especially stressful for a horse’s immune system so biosecurity, when traveling is essential to prevent contracting contagious disease such as respiratory viruses and gastrointestinal pathogens.”

Once arrived at your show, take these simple precautions to avoid unwanted illness:

-Before putting horses in stalls, make sure that surfaces are clean and disinfect them with a dilute solution of common household bleach.

-Never share buckets with horses from elsewhere

-Keep your stall cleaning implements to yourself

 

Dr. Klotz summed it up by adding, “Before a horse can be his best, he has to have a good day! And that good day starts with keeping him healthy, clean, hydrated and free of aches and pains.”

It’s that daily commitment to comfort, care, and prevention, that sets the stage for every great performance.

Ask your vet about Equine solutions like EquiCoxib® today and visit AuroraPharmaceutical.com to explore the full lineup.
Because great runs start with great care.