Log in to browse, order and prescribe from our compounded drugs formulary. This study showed that pruritus was improved in only 42% of the study population; thus, use of oclacitinib in cats did not seem to be as effective as in dogs.17 A follow-up study was conducted with a higher dose (0.7 to 1.2 mg/kg) and a longer induction period (28 days). This content is intended for counseling purposes only. Diphenhydramine | VCA Animal Hospital - Veterinarians & Emergency Vets And some can got a lower dose or a further spread out dose. Apoquel for horses - Horse Care - Chronicle Forums A blinded, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of oclacitinib and ciclosporin for the control of atopic dermatitis in client-owned dogs. Urticaria (hives) is the most widely reported presentation of a skin allergy. All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. 18. Simple strategies for dust reduction include removing the horses from the stalls when mucking out and blowing the aisle or ditching the leaf blower altogether, Fultz says. BMC Vet Res 2019;15(1):137. Apoquel may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. It can be given with or without food. In the first pilot study, oclacitinib (0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg, q12h for 14 days, then q24h for 14 days) was used to treat pruritus in cats with non-flea, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. The drug is primarily used as a tranquilizer to calm anxious pets, especially dogs and horses, according to DailyMed. She reports choosing Apoquel over corticosteroids in several of her allergic patients that are also at risk for developing laminitis. Treatment will probably need to repeated somewhere between 1 and 6 weeks after the initial treatment course. The dose of APOQUEL tablets is 0.4 mg/kg to 0.6 mg oclacitinib/kg body weight, administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy. It's touted as being "a fast-acting and safe treatment for the control of acute and chronic canine pruritus." Pruritus means itching. Meaning, if a 100lbs dog gets 16mg (1 pill), a horse does not need 160mg (10 pills). Drake GJ, Nuttall T, Lpez J, et al. The powerful network of cells and antibodies known as the immune system can recognize dangerous invaders and disarm them before they hurt the host. FALL 2019. m. Editor: Norma White-Weithers, MS, DVM, DACVD Veterinary Allergy & Dematology Consultant, Baldwin, NY 11510 Work: 646-329-4719 . @stb its definitely not cheap. Oclacitinib maleate is used twice daily for two weeks and then dropped to a maintenance dose of once daily. Therefore, in many of these cases, veterinarians use steroids sparingly, says Fultz, at lower doses than recommended, or they turn to non-steroidal medications. Blood was collected prior to drug administration and at 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 . However, the twice-daily use must not last for more than 14 days. Thereafter the dose should be reduced to once daily for maintenance. Apoquel | Zoetis Petcare My dog has been on apoquel for about 2 years. Oclacitinib is well tolerated and, compared with classic allergy medications such as glucocorticoids and cyclosporine, equally effective in controlling pruritus. More studies are necessary to confirm oclacitinibs effects in non-allergic diseases and what other immune-mediated mechanisms may be involved. Skin allergies can also cause pruritus (itching) and associated hair loss. Many medications are available to help manage your horses allergies, some of which are best used as preventives in sensitive horses. Apoquel (oclacitinib) | PetMD A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the safety of oclacitinib in cats. Apoquel has been a game changer, however. Buy Apoquel for Dogs UK - UK Pet Drugs Because many respiratory allergies come from the dust in hay and bedding, veterinarians generally recommend maximizing fresh-air time through turnout. As the only FDA-approved equine PSGAG (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) for degenerative joint disease (DJD) in horses, Adequan i.m. Typically, a few sessions are required. Because one of mine had similar food allergies and I was told the serum would not address that. I had a cat on it years ago and it was $$$$ but it was the only thing that worked for her. Learn how allergies happen, how they affect your horses body, and how to avoid or treat them. Apoquel Dosage. Meaning, if a 100lbs dog gets 16mg (1 pill), a horse does not need 160mg (10 pills). Apoquel Dosing & Administration - Apoquel (oclacitinib tablet) I Have you considered trying allergy testing? Thats def not nothing but its not insane. Apoquel 16 mg tablets for Dogs (Canada) - Drugs.com I often recommend switching your Asthma horse off of regular hay and trying a period of hay-replacement to see if it helps. Yamaoka K, Saharinen P, Pesu M, et al. IgE binds to cells in the body and releases inflammatory molecules. 23. Weve been doing really well with every other day dosing. The concentration of the drug is 500 mg/ml. Chlorpheniramine Maleate | VCA Animal Hospital Although oclacitinib is licensed for use in dogs, it has been reported to be effective to treat pruritus in allergic diseases in other species, including cats. These animals require the opposite regimen. Apoquel starts working within 4 hours of administering the first dose and controls itching within 24 hours. Apoquel For Dogs With Allergies: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects Cost is <$50/month, its easy, and its usually very effective. The Feed: One of the most common recommendations for managing Equine Asthma has always been to stop feeding hay. Because many respiratory allergies come from the dust in hay and bedding, veterinarians generally recommend maximizing fresh-air time through turnout. Oclacitinib in feline nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis: results of a small prospective pilot study of client-owned cats. Ultimately, my vet did not recommend we go down that route. . EHV Quarantine Released at Turf Paradise Racetrack, Six Simple Spring Safeguards for Senior Horses, Evaluating the Suspensory Ligament in Cutting Horses, Regular Dental Care Important in Horses Worldwide, Investigating Equine Cases of Toxicant Exposure, Podotrochlosis: Navicular is No Longer the End of the Road for Horses. There are two types of this condition, summer-pasture-associated and classic recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). While efficacy was comparable to that observed in the previous studies, significant positive effects on the dogs quality of life were observed in >91.5% of cases after 630 days. Oclacitinib Maleate (Apoquel) - Veterinary Partner - VIN 8. Though rare, allergic reactions to medications and vaccines also occur. 28. Atopic dermatitis is often a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach. Binding of these cytokines to their receptors activates the JAK-STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) pathway, which leads to further cytokine production.1 In recent studies, IL-31 has been shown to play an important role in pruritus, and elevated serum levels of IL-31 have been found in many atopic dogs.2, There are 4 JAK families in mammals: JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. Oclacitinib preferably inhibits JAK1 and, to a lesser degree, JAK3, resulting in decreased activity of JAK1-dependent cytokines involved in allergy and inflammation (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13) as well as pruritus (IL-31).4. The recommended dose of Apoquel for dogs is 0.18 to 0.27 mg per pound of body weight. In the first 2 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials, it was shown that oclacitinib, given at a dose of 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg q12h, induced a rapid reduction in pruritus and treatment success in 62.3% to 67% of treated cases within 7 to 14 days.7,8 Treatment success was based on reductions from baseline of at least 2 cm on the owner-assessed visual analog scale and at least 50% on the clinicians Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-02). If your horse's test results (from a BAL or tracheal wash) show a certain cell type in the lungs, we may recommend trying Zyrtec!Clenbuterol: This is a bronchodilator that may be beneficial in treating some horses with Equine Asthma. Oclacitinib (APOQUEL) is a novel Janus kinase inhibitor with activity against cytokines involved in allergy. Each dosage is sold per tablet, in 20 count, or 100 count bottles. Apoquel is an anti-itch tablet given twice daily for the first . I actually have 2 horses now on serum and one I eliminated the food specific allergens from his diet. Apoquel: The Fast Acting And Safe Itch Relief For Dogs - CanadaPetCare Blog Apoquel is the #1 prescribed medicine for fast, effective relief of allergic itch and inflammation due to atopic and allergic dermatitis 1 Indications Control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. At that point, the treatment can be changed to oclacitinib. With equine allergies, prevention is a horse owners best bet. Safety & Side Effects Apoquel is safe to use in dogs one year and older. Log in to fill, refill or renew the medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Acupuncture: It appears that some horses with Equine Asthma can benefit from acupuncture to help with breathing function. May be used with other common medications. Clenbuterol should only be used short-term, since it will stop working with long-term administration. Panteri A, Strehlau G, Helbig R, et al. Since oclacitinib is a rather weak anti-inflammatory drug, it was suggested that remission of active moderate to severe atopic dermatitis be induced with a course of a broad inflammation-targeting drug, such as a short-acting glucocorticoid, until clinical signs become mild. Shes on 5 pills once a day for 7 days, after that we will drop to every other day, and then see how far we can space it out. Olivry T, Banovic F. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: time to revise our strategy? Vet Dermatol 2016;27(1):22-e7. 12. Dosage Chart If your horse worsens when hay is re-introduced, you'll need to consider a permanent change to one of the other options! The only FDA-approved equine PSGAG. | Adequan i.m. That was 5-6 years ago now. 11. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. The pharmacokinetics of oclacitinib maleate, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in the dog. Unlike some other allergy. On the topic of simple and economical allergy management, a readily accessible ingredient that helps many horses is, Recently, we have found that latex, which is everywhere in the horses environmentembedded in riding surfaces and racetracks, for examplemay be associated with severe equine asthma, he says. Its an easy and cost-free strategy you can do yourself. Several reports of successful use of oclacitinib to treat other diseases have been published. The efficacy and safety of oclacitinib have been assessed in various studies. Although no studies of pharmacokinetics in cats have been published, oclacitinib is well tolerated and seems to be safe when used in cats at 1 or 2 mg/kg q12h for 28 days.21 Further studies are needed to investigate adverse effects associated with long-term use in cats. Apoquel should be administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days, and then once daily for maintenance therapy. Several of their drugs are eligible. They result in the production of antibodies that block the allergy-causing IgE from recognizing the allergen, thus preventing the associated symptoms.. Milder cases of asthma are still associated with coughing, airway inflammation, mucous production, and poor performance.. Allergies are generally managed based on the severity of clinical signs. How to Manage Equine Asthma (RAO or Heaves) - Foundation Equine Clinic Since oclacitinib has been shown to be comparable to prednisolone, oclacitinib can be a good alternative to prednisolone when combined with cyclosporine for initial treatment. Minimum order 6 tablets per dosage. Buy Apoquel 16mg for Dogs - UK Pet Drugs While relatively safe for use in most horses, these potent anti-inflammatory drugs can cause a serious potential side effect in some individuals: an increased risk of developing the debilitating hoof disease laminitis. Control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. Oclacitinib in feline nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis: results of a small prospective pilot study of client-owned cats. Many allergic reactions are evident as a mild case of transient hives. Orthobiologic Options for Treating Horses. These might include antihistamines such as cetirizine, which you can buy over the counter as Zyrtec from any drug store or pharmacy, or hydroxyzine, which requires a veterinary prescription. In some dogs, this can be overcome by splitting the total daily dose in half and give twice daily. Hay replacement consists of any of the following: a complete pelleted diet, soaked alfalfa cubes, hay pellets, or possibly a bagged forage product like Chaffhaye. Avoid storing hay in the same barn as sensitive horses, since hay particles and spores can be irritating, even from a distance and even if they are not visible in the air. What Will Happen If a Human Takes Acepromazine? - Reference.com Simpson AC, Schissler JR, Rosychuk RAW, et al. Depending on the size of a cat and the condition being treated, a veterinarian may elect to alter the dosage. Pasture-associated equine asthma is most prevalent during the summer in the southeastern U.S. but has been reported worldwide. There is a new drug available to help allergic horses: Apoquel. Less common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, dry mouth and mild straining to urinate. Apoquel Dosing Chart For Dogs 2. Apoquel | European Medicines Agency Apoquel is a non-hormonal drug for dogs, used for dermatitis of various etiologies, which are accompanied by itching. This would be treatment with a systemic steroid (usually dexamethasone or prednisolone). Loft K, Simon B. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION SUMMARY - Food and Drug Administration 19. Apoquel is the brand name of oclacitinib, a dog medication designed to relieve itching associated with allergies in dogs, particularly canine atopic dermatitis. Haugh IM, Watson IT, Menter MA. We cannot be sure of accurate dosing when tablets are quartered, and thus this practice is not recommended. Is it possible to cure an allergy? The frequency of urinary tract infection and subclinical bacteriuria in dogs with allergic dermatitis treated with oclacitinib: a prospective study. Not really cheap any way you shake it, but considering that she was on zyretc, dex, smarthbreathe ultra, respi-free previously. 13. Therefore, the recommended initial dosage for dogs 6.6-9.9 lbs is of a 3.6 mg tablet twice daily. Interestingly, the results suggest that oclacitinib has immunosuppressive properties, but only at a higher dosage than that approved on the label.30. Treatment should be started at a dose of 0.4 - 0.6 mg per kilogram bodyweight twice a day for up to two weeks. If she suspects a product or ingredient to be the source of an allergic reaction, Fultz recommends performing elimination trials. Quartering tablets is extra-label use. llergies can develop at any time, in any horse, and for virtually any reason. If your horse has "classic" RAO, he may have more difficulty in the barn, and need to be kept outside 24/7.3: The Supplements: Studies have shown that horses with Asthma benefit from supplements with Omega 3 fatty acids. Cosgrove SB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. However, the study showed that cyclosporine caused a 3-fold higher risk for developing gastrointestinal side effects (vomiting and diarrhea) compared with oclacitinib.12, Despite its delayed effects, cyclosporine is still a popular drug to treat canine atopic dermatitis because in some cases it can be dosed every other day or even every third day after initial daily treatment. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy. Avoid giving the medicine twice daily long-term. Yes, we looked into this approach, but unfortunately it was not a viable option for my horse for a variety of reasons including other health factors and severity of allergies. This encourages the natural drainage of irritants, allergens, and bacteria from the airways.. 25. These are known as allergy shots. Therefore, it is important to get your veterinarian involved right away. Breeding and Reproduction Horse breeding from planning through foal care; Diseases and Conditions Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; Farm and Barn . Many allergens can cause skin reactions. Works on all common sources of allergens. Left untreated, these conditions can not only cause discomfort but also lead to raw, broken skin that allows bacteria to invade and infect. She added, "Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help horses with equine asthma. 21. All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. Vet Dermatol 2017;28(5):512-e123. Allergen avoidance and allergen-specific immunotherapy are measures that address the allergy itself; various drugs are available for symptomatic management. To overcome its delayed effect, cyclosporine is often initially combined with other drugs such as prednisolone to accelerate the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects. For the first two weeks, this is to be given twice per day, and then once per day after the first two weeks for maintenance. 10. Since some horses have both "types" of asthma, you may need to try a stall without bedding, or experiment with different types of bedding. 19. The Horsesexperts answer your questions during a monthly live audio event. On the topic of simple and economical allergy management, a readily accessible ingredient that helps many horses is flaxseed. Stay up-to-date on the latest news about your horse's health with FREE newsletters from TheHorse.com. Pulsoni D, Freire A, Ferreira DR. Juvenile-onset ischemic dermatopathy in two dogs treated with oclacitinib. Wedgewood Pharmacys compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals. To ensure that it's easy to administer the proper dosage to your dog, this treatment comes in three different dosages. Why Do Some Horses Develop Respiratory EHV-1 and Others EHM? New Approach to Equine Asthma Treatment Vet Dermatol 2014;25(6):512-518. Fukuyama T, Ganchingco JR, Bumer W. Demonstration of rebound phenomenon following abrupt withdrawal of the JAK1 inhibitor oclacitinib. Vet Dermatol 2015;26(3):171-179, e35. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. If she stays the way she is now, I will play with spacing it out furtherfirst with every 2 days. She then completed a 1-year rotating small animal internship in Massachusetts followed by a 3-year veterinary dermatology residency in Georgia. Find out more. This is interesting. Innovation is constantly occurring in the field of immunotherapy. If you struggle to get your dog to take tablets, you can try hiding it in their food, or wrapping it in a tasty piece of meat. Topical suspension administered in the ear. Allergies can develop at any time, in any horse, and for virtually any reason. APOQUEL may be administered with or without food. Until recently, glucocorticoids (systemic and/or topical) and cyclosporine have been considered the most effective symptomatic treatment options to manage atopic dermatitis. The onset of efficacy for oclacitinib is up to 1 week, but Little et al found that after 4 weeks of treatment, both drugs demonstrated comparable control of clinical signs. 6. Cosgrove SB, Cleaver DM, King VL, et al. This makes it a common site for the bodys expression of allergic reactions. 1. You can give your dog Apoquel with or without food. PDF Pharmacy Hydroxyzine - College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical While oclacitinib is a very effective and fast-acting antipruritic drug, the decision of when to use it depends on various factors. Apoquel for Dogs - Drugs.com The most common side effects associated with Apoquel are vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Generally self-limiting and harmless, hives are nonetheless uncomfortable and can occasionally lead to angioedema (swelling under the skin) or purpura (blood vessels rupturing and leaking blood internally). Alternatively, your veterinarian may be able to show you some techniques. Allergies primarily affect the immune, respiratory, and integumentary (skin) systems and, if unmanaged, can seriously impact an animals performance and well-being. Before your vet administers immunotherapy, though, you must identify your horses respiratory and skin allergies. The steroids are usually given orally, but we may want to start with injections for a week or so in severely affected horses. The downside is that it can cause laminitis and can suppress their immune system. 14. Cyclosporine, which is approved for the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis, has an onset of efficacy of up to 4 weeks. A Magnawave-certified practitioner, Lucile also runs a small equine PEMF therapy business. Pet owners should visit ZoetisPetcare.com for product info, rewards and support. Previcox (firocoxib) | Medication: PetMD | PetMD Definitely less than a horse lol but 1.5 16mg tabs a day is $$. The most common side effect is lethargy, dry mouth, and urinary retention. But I had my mare tested last year, she also came up allergic to some foods (flax being one) for which I was told serum was not an option. Apoquel Vet Dermatol 2015;26(4):235-e52. You'd do anything for your pet. Intradermal allergy testing is the gold standard for this and involves a veterinary dermatologist subcutaneously injecting very small quantities of potential allergens into a clipped patch of the horses neck. We recommend Platinum Skin and Allergy or Aleira. Apoquel Dosage in Dogs Apoquel tablets for dogs comes strengths of 3.6mg, 5.4 mg and 16mg of oclacitinib per tablet. Apoquel - Equinecet Pharma In cats, this medication can cause excitement rather than sedation. My understanding from my vet and from what Ive read is that in horses theres been a lot of success in spacing out the dosing, but not as much success in lowering the dose amount. Dexamethasone commonly is used in horses to treat allergic reactions such as respiratory allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (heaves), hives, itching and inflammatory diseases including arthritis. In atopic dermatitis, it is mainly mediated by a large group of proinflammatory and proallergic Th2 cytokines (e.g., interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-31). In severely affected horses, we would expect to see lower airway inflammation and airway obstruction, manifesting as increased respiratory effort, frequent coughing, mucous buildup, and exercise intolerance, White says. has been administered by veterinarians to help horses of . The most common practical starting dosage for many cats is of the 5.4mg tablet, or 2.7mg. Assuming you cannot contact your vet: For hives or possible allergic airway disease (heaves), for a 1000 lb horse, give 5-10 tabs of 25mg diphenydramine crushed up and mixed in water and dosed in a syringe orally (by mouth). Repeated oral dose tolerance in dogs treated concomitantly with ciclosporin and oclacitinib for three weeks. For atopic and allergic dermatitis, Apoquel may be given to dogs at a dosage of 0.18 - 0.27 mg/lb. The dosage for dogs 10-14.9 lbs is of a 5.4 mg tablet twice daily. Posted by Lucile Vigouroux | May 4, 2022 | Article, Diseases and Conditions, Farm and Barn, Hives & Skin Allergies, Horse Care, Medications, Nutrition, Seasonal Care, Skin Problems. Its expensive, but its working. I was one of the veterinarians involved in early field trials for Apoquel in horses. The dose of APOQUEL (oclacitinib maleate) tablets is 0.18 to 0.27 mg oclacitinib/lb (0.4 to 0.6 mg oclacitinib/kg) body weight, administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy. This product came to the market in the US in Fall 2020. Vet Dermatol 2013;24(5):479-e114. Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141-345 12. For dogs weighing between 10 and 14.9 pounds, give of a 5.4 mg tablet twice daily as dosage. Avoiding Allergies Your veterinarian also may use dexamethasone in high doses in emergencies for anaphylactic reactions, spinal cord trauma or shock. KER offers EO3, which contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Genome Biol 2004;5(12):253. 29. An antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced when the body detects an allergen, says Samuel White, PhD, a professor of equine science at Nottingham Trent University, in England, known for his research on allergen identification and diagnostic development in the horse. I have not tried to go less than that. Apoquel tablets are scored to be halved to ensure that the ingredients are equally distributed. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. 2019;30(3):201-e63. Zyrtec: The human antihistamine may be beneficial in a small proportion of horses with Equine Asthma. Ordering patient medications is easy. The Vet had put her on Apoquel as an initial dose for 10 days tapering off. After completing a doctorate thesis and a rotating internship at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, he moved to the United States, where he completed a 3-year veterinary dermatology residency at the University of Georgia in 2004. This content is informational/educational and is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or patient. 2022 Zoetis Services LLC. So I want to make sure she has the support she needs to acclimate to hot humid summer weather. 7. Simpson AC, Schissler JR, Rosychuk RAW, et al. In a 3-week trial, the combination of oclacitinib and cyclosporine did not show an increased risk for adverse effects. How Should It Be Given? "Even though the drug is currently labeled for use in dogs (with. She reports choosing Apoquel over corticosteroids in several of her allergic patients that are also at risk for developing laminitis. If the patient remains stable and other controlling measures-such as allergen avoidance, allergen immunotherapy, and preventive topical therapyhave been implemented, the use of oclacitinib can be limited to flare control.16, Although oclacitinib is licensed for use in dogs, it has been reported to be effective to treat pruritus in allergic diseases in other species, including cats.17-20 shutterstock.com/Thrithot, Although oclacitinib is licensed for use in dogs, it has been reported to be effective to treat pruritus in allergic diseases in other species, including cats.17-20. Clenbuterol dilates the airways, and may improve air flow, but it doesn't treat the inflammation associated with the disease. Haugh IM, Watson IT, Menter MA. K. Route of Administration . The drug targets pro-inflammatory proteins, called cytokines, responsible for itching and inflammation, relieving signs of skin allergies. test dose in your pet before long-term use, espe- cially in horses. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, You need to be logged in to fill out this form. No texts please., Horse breeding from planning through foal care, Horse-health-problem risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, Design and maintain a healthy horse operation, Prevention and treatment for problems of the equine foot, How to care for the basic health needs of horses, Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leg lameness, Proper feeding practices for foals, adult horses, and older horses, All aspects of caring for performance horses, News and issues for equine health professionals, Discussions about the welfare of our equine friends.