> Wow, I guess if someone has a "grade" horse, that's the end of that.  I
> guess the whole thing boils down to "watch for the signs".
 
Actually there is no absolute way to watch for signs of a stone..  even 
the situation is: preventive maintainence (i.e. diet), and keeping an eye out 
for colics, especially when they seem prone to them. 
 
The single worst stone I've seen had NO warning signs.. the horse  just 
coliced, we battled to colic for 3 days (actually 2 1/2) before it went to 
the hospital. The largest of 5 stones was the size of a soccer/bowling ball.
This horse survived and recovered, and that's when we first heard of apple 
cider vineger although the debate still rages on that one. 
 
 
> Also, do you advise when one is transporting a horse from state to
> state, do they need a "Patomac Fever" vaccination?  I know about the
> Coggins test, but wasn't sure about this one?
 
 
Depends on where you're coming from.. we've only had very few confirmed PHF 
cases that I'm aware of.. but if you'd feel more comfortable I'd say yes.. 
then understand that the first vacination is actually two, the horses usually 
have a reaction to these shots.. then *IF* you forget to give them again the 
next year.. you start all over again.
 
The single best bet is always to ask your vet.
 
 
                                    BK 
--- DB A3000sl/001347
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