Customer Reviews

Miniature Horses: A Veterinary Guide for Owners and Breeders

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4 star:		(2)
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I was very nervous when I ordered this book since I didn't know what I was going to get. However, It was exactly what I had hoped for; A Veterinary Guide about Miniature Horses. It covers all the topics that Miniature Horse Owners worry about and gives preventive tips and symtoms of such things like dwarfism, colic and many others. I recommend this to all Miniature Horse owners!

Maintaining good equine health, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury are Number One concerns for any horse owner. In the case of Miniatures, having the right information at your fingertips can often make the difference between having a positive result or a tragic one. This veterinary guide addresses the special medical concerns of the Miniature Horse, as they pertain to small size and the attendant unique physiological and metabolic demands.

Dr. Rebecca Frankeny approaches Miniature Horses from both a veterinary standpoint and that of an owner, and her fondness and appreciation for the breed gives her advice a nice personal touch. Dr. Frankeny holds the position of surgeon at Comstock Large Animal Hospital in Reno, Nevada, and also teaches equine medicine to pre-veterinary students and animal science majors.

This guide is organized by systems: Musculoskeletal (in-depth discussion of feet and legs), Respiratory, Teeth and Jaws, Liver (including hyperlipemia and hepatic lipidosis), Gastrointestinal (colic including causes, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and when to call a veterinarian), Endocrine (diseases as they relate to treatment in Miniatures), and Reproduction (extensive information on special needs of Miniature mares). A brief, but informative chapter on dwarfism outlines what it is, how and why it appears, and how to care for dwarf Miniatures.

Contributing author Stephen Duren, Ph.D. discusses nutrition in Miniatures, with special emphasis on balanced nutrients in feed, and nutritional needs of various stages in the Miniature's life. He also discusses feeding the overweight or underweight horse, needs of older horses, stallions, broodmares, growing horses, and performance horses. This information is of great value to any owner, new or seasoned.

Several appendices enhance the text: Normal Physiological Parameters and a list of Poisonous Plants are good information to have. A chart of Clinical Signs of Disease is one of the outstanding features in this book-a quick look-up for a symptom has the corresponding page number next to it. The final appendix is a list of resources for Miniature Horses; the only disadvantage to such information is that as the book ages, so does the contact information.

This book is well-written and understandable, for both laypersons with no equine experience, and established owners. The author is careful to explain new words and, in many cases, veterinary terms are in boldface type with extended explanation in the glossary. The text is nicely enhanced with color photos and good diagrams. A comprehensive index rounds out this excellent book, which should be part of any Miniature Horse owner's reference bookshelf.

As an owner of both Arabian horses and Miniature Horses I decided to buy this Veterinary Guide especialy printed with information on the wellbeing of the miniature horse ,the book was reccomended to me , I have found it very helpful , full of information to all kinds of ailments in the miniatures, covering just about everything you would need to know without the expense, I bought this book to join my other veterinary books and, the information and advice is well worth reading, I'd suggest everybody keeps one , it's not just a reference book it's my miniature horses bible !!!!!!!,

This is a great book! Just what I had hoped for. Buy it - you'll like it! Lots of info for mini owners.

I have owned horses most of my life but had little knowledge regarding a miniature horse. This book is a great 'primer' on mini's, both the difference in mini's and the full size horses most of us are used to, and for the beginner owner who needs information on everything from confirmation to feeding requirements. If you're thinking of purchasing a miniature horse, I would totally recommend reading this BEFORE you buy. Well worth the money and a book I'll keep for future reference.

This book is excellent for all breeders who work in conjuction with their veterinary surgeons.

this book is a must for mini horse owners. alot of great info. I bought it and it was here very quickly!!!

The book comprises summarized facts and specific knowledge regarding minitature horses on anatomy, physiology, patophysiology, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment. This is a valuable textbook for veterinarians experienced in working with (normal sized) horses and now treating miniature horses also. As a recent owner of a miniature filly with some walking disabilities I was looking for a no-nonsense source of this type of information and knowledge. I would also appreciate a special addition to this book by this author on communication and socialisation of your "horsey", and also on advice on keeping these delightful creatures. I would definitely recommend this book as a source of valuable and expert information on miniature horses.

This is the first book I have found that actually tells it in laymans terms. She has also added pictures that are very helpful.

This is a very good book to have on your shelf. Especially for the novice or beginner.