4-H and Pony Club members in Monroe, Ontario, Livingston and Genesee counties braved the snow to attend a lecture and demonstration at Genesee Valley Equine Clinic on January 20. More than 40 youth, parents and leaders were in attendance. Dr. Amy Leibeck and Dr. Amy Todd gave a lecture on equine teeth, eyes and airways. Throughout the lecture, the youth were treated to many visuals, including pictures, skulls and equine dental equipment. Both doctors included visuals of abnormal conditions that may be found in the horse upon examination. Following the lecture, attendees divided into two groups to do some hands-on learning. Dr. Leibeck showed how an endoscope is used. The horse model was Lady. She was given a sedative and the scope was inserted into her nostril. The internal structures of the nasal passages were viewed through a camera attached to the endoscope. Dr. Leibeck also rinsed Lady's mouth and used a mouth speculum so everyone could get a close up look at Lady's teeth. Lady was a very patient model even though most horses do not like having these procedures done. Dr. Todd and her equine model, Nighty Nite, showed how the eye is stained with a dye and any tears, scratches or other problems where the cornea is not intact are made visible by the dye. Nighty Nite was a great model and also had healthy eyes. After the eye exam, Dr. Todd led the youth through a dissection of a bovine eye. Everyone suited up in gloves, mask and safety glasses and then proceeded with the dissection. The internal structures of the eye were seen, making for a very interesting activity. This was a great learning opportunity for both youth and adults. Many thanks are extended to Dr. Leibeck, Dr. Todd and Kelly, who was the assistant and horse holder, as well as both Lady and Nighty Nite for being the models. Submitted by Dakota Wong, Club reporter of Stable Minds 4H Club January 28, 2007 |
