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The event horse from the perspective of veterinarian on the grounds: keeping safe and well away from home.
One recent morning, GHF Committee member Leslie Brooks and Bob Orcutt sat down for a few minutes at the SRH Veterinary Services offices in Ipswich. Taking a few minutes out of an extremely busy practice (and hoping to finish before a colic call came in!), Bob answered questions for Leslie based on his many years as the on grounds vet at Groton House.
Bob, who received his DVM degree from Cornell, shares responsibilities in the large animal division of the SRH practice with his sister Helen Noble, VMD and Annmarie Marcucci, DVM. The practice was established in 1952 by Bob and Helen's father, S. Robert "Doc" Orcutt.
With apologies to Bob for the paraphrasing, here's a glimpse of his conversation with Leslie:
Leslie: First and foremost, I guess, competitors would want to know how to reach you on the grounds.
Bob: Competitors can find me in the stabling area on Saturday and Sunday, or at the finish on cross-country day. The Organizing Committee provides for this coverage and encourages anyone with a question or needing an expert opinion to seek me out at no charge to them. Should treatment be required, regular charges are billed to the owner. When not physically available in stabling, the stable manager can reach me at any time of the day or night. The TD will also reach me on the grounds by pager or 2-way radio.
On Thursday and Friday, I am available through the stable manager on an on call basis. There is a call fee in that case.
Leslie: Many of the horses that you are asked to evaluate a horse at the event you have never treated before. Does the absence of their medical history present a problem?
Bob: Some prior history is occasionally necessary, but usually it's a more immediate veterinary situation – cuts, tying up, and lameness being among the most common. Those are the situations that typically happen there, and history isn't critical.
Leslie: What do you suggest competitors always include in their trunks when traveling away from home.
Bob: The most important is probably bandaging material – lots of it – sheet cotton, leg quilts. Also nsaid's like bute, plenty off fluids, electrolytes, and *****VERY IMPORTANT – KNOW WHERE THE ICE IS.****
Leslie: From your years on the grounds, what do you see as the most common injury or problem that develops that could easily be prevented?
Bob: Tying up. It's seen most frequently with less experienced riders…not adapting to the weather, pushing too hard…horses often overextended (maybe not fit enough to begin with) plus the stress of travel and being away from home.
Leslie: What is a good check list for post cross-country?
Bob: Check the horse frequently after completion of course, especially after it's stopped and started moving again. The horse should be checked by someone who knows it. Look in the nose for blood.
Leslie: Recognizing that every horse is different, what recommendations do you have for handling changes/extremes in weather conditions?
Bob: Worry less about time in heat or wet weather. Poultice or tub feet often. If horse has tendon issues, think twice about competing in wet weather. GHF does well in accommodating heat in terms of scheduling.
Leslie: Many competitors are very confused about allowable levels of anti-inflammatory drugs such as bute—can you offer a general recommendation about allowable levels?
Bob: Riders/trainers need to know the USA Eq drug rules. This is especially important because they change a little every year. One gram of bute twice daily (split dose) won't exceed allowable levels.
Leslie: Continuing in that vein, if a forbidden substance must be administered for therapeutic purposes, what happens?
Bob: The horse must be withdrawn for 24 hours (but can still compete in the event if his next phase is not within the 24 period). A drug and med report form must be completed in a timely manner and provided to the TD. Forms are available from the TD and the secretary.
Leslie: What recommendations do you have regarding avoiding potential hazards in temporary stabling with unknown other horses?
Bob: The best you can do is to be sure to be up on all vaccinations and check horses in neighboring stalls. Many competitors travel in groups and put a tack stall between their horses and others.
Leslie: Can you briefly describe what provisions Groton House has made in the unlikely event a horse needs transport to an equine hospital.
Bob: The specially equipped MSPCA equine ambulance is on the grounds. This is a great improvement in handling any situation where transportation might be required.
Thank you Bob for your years of service to GHF and the horses!
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