Equine Welfare in Clinical Practice reviews the current psychological, behavioral, and welfare knowledge equine veterinarians should have and discusses how such knowledge may be incorporated into clinical practices. It covers such topics as practical welfare assessment, fear-free practices, how horses learn (both good and bad habits), how to differentiate medical from behavioral problems, and how diet affects behavior, including the new field of gut microbiome effects on behavior. Written by international experts, the book explores the physical, psychological, and behavioral factors contributing to equine welfare, while also discussing current knowledge about topics such as equine senses, cognition, and stereotypies, as well as enrichment and appropriate and inappropriate training methods for both adult horses and foals. It also includes a discussion on ethical decision-making and a chapter on additional helpful resources.
This is an important resource for clinical veterinarians who want to incorporate knowledge of equine behavior and welfare into their practices. Veterinarians who understand and can educate their clients in equine welfare and safe and appropriate care and handling techniques will increase their business success, improve the lives of their clients and patients, and strengthen the human-animal bond. The book provides updated information and useful practical tips for all horse handlers, so even those who are already familiar with equine psychology, behavior, and welfare can benefit.
This is an important resource for clinical veterinarians who want to incorporate knowledge of equine behavior and welfare into their practices. Veterinarians who understand and can educate their clients in equine welfare and safe and appropriate care and handling techniques will increase their business success, improve the lives of their clients and patients, and strengthen the human-animal bond. The book provides updated information and useful practical tips for all horse handlers, so even those who are already familiar with equine psychology, behavior, and welfare can benefit.
Table of Contents
1. Assessing Equine Welfare: Operationalizing the Five Domains Model for Veterinary Practitioners2. Principles of Learning for Equine Clinicians
3. Minimizing Fear Associated with Veterinary Procedures
4. Raising Well-Trained and Sustainable Foals
5. Training and Behavior Modification for Veterinarians: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
6. Diet and Behavior, Including the Effects of the Gut Microbiome
7. How Horses Perceive Their World What Can Practitioners Share with Their Clients to Enhance Safety & Welfare?
8. Between the Horse's Ears: Equine Cognition, Welfare Implications, and Why It Matters for Equine Practitioners
9. Environmental Enrichment
10. Distinguishing Physical vs Psychological Causes of Behavior and Performance Problems
11. Prevention and Treatment of Horse Behavior Problems and ‘Vices’, Including Stereotypic Behavior
12. The Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ): How Citizen Science Can Enhance Veterinary Practice
13. Veterinary Ethics and Equine Welfare: Principalism, a Five Cs Approach, and Ethical Decision Making in Support of the Duties to Care and Guide
14. Finding Help
