Caslick

[BillB]

Does anyone run their fillies without a caslick? What would be the potential issues running without one?

[Crystal]

some fillies have no problems running without one, others not so much. It really depends on how the filly is built. Sucking air into the vulva can cause bacteria infections.

[BillB]

Thanks.....does it ever cause discomfort when running??

[Crystal]

The wind sucking? I'd imagine it wouldn't be plesant and possibley uncomfortable. I think the best thing I could compare it to would be a bloating feeling because it is air in the body. Anything uncomfortable would cause a horse to shorten stride to protect the muscles that protect the gut.

[majxmom]

It's really a function of anatomy. If the vulva isn't tipped and has good muscle tone, it's usually not necessary. I've never had a Caslick done on a filly in training. I've only ever had to do one on a mare that's been bred a few times. Frankly, sometimes there are trainers that sign up for every procedure to explain why a slow filly won't run fast.

[Dave C]

If they are sucking wind when they work, they absolutely need it. It will make a huge difference in their performance. If you are in the barn after the filly has worked 5f, you know whether she needs it or not. She will be letting out the air for the next half hour while she cools down. If she's not letting out then your trainer is pulling at straws, looking for a reason why the horse is performing poorly.

[Tappiano]

I got a bill from the vet for taking it out so I guess they put them back in when they are in foal too..

[madelyn]

Racing fillies very nearly ALWAYS come off the track with a Casliks. They are opened up prior to the first cover by a stallion. Similarly, mares with tipped vulvas will very OFTEN have a partial or full Casliks, at least to the point of the pelvic rim, to prevent manure fluids from entering through the vulva. The manure fluids can seep into the uterus during heat cycles, when the cervix is "open" and soil the uterus, preventing the mare from being able to get in foal. This usually cannot happen in a maiden mare, since there is an intact hymen.

[foothillsequine]

Racing fillies very nearly ALWAYS come off the track with a Casliks. They are opened up prior to the first cover by a stallion. Similarly, mares with tipped vulvas will very OFTEN have a partial or full Casliks, at least to the point of the pelvic rim, to prevent manure fluids from entering through the vulva. The manure fluids can seep into the uterus during heat cycles, when the cervix is "open" and soil the uterus, preventing the mare from being able to get in foal. This usually cannot happen in a maiden mare, since there is an intact hymen.

I agree with Madelyn 100%, but I have to tell you, I was at the track in Portland this winter, and saw that some trainer had used DUCT TAPE on the filly! Perhaps it is/was a poor man's solution to the problem, however, I thought it was a little tacky. Imagine the filly's response when that gets pulled off! Yikes...

Of all of our foal crops, we have only had one filly, and she will definitely have a Caslick prior to starting.

[Toccet02]

Racing fillies very nearly ALWAYS come off the track with a Casliks. They are opened up prior to the first cover by a stallion. Similarly, mares with tipped vulvas will very OFTEN have a partial or full Casliks, at least to the point of the pelvic rim, to prevent manure fluids from entering through the vulva. The manure fluids can seep into the uterus during heat cycles, when the cervix is "open" and soil the uterus, preventing the mare from being able to get in foal. This usually cannot happen in a maiden mare, since there is an intact hymen.

I agree with Madelyn 100%, but I have to tell you, I was at the track in Portland this winter, and saw that some trainer had used DUCT TAPE on the filly! Perhaps it is/was a poor man's solution to the problem, however, I thought it was a little tacky. Imagine the filly's response when that gets pulled off! Yikes...

Of all of our foal crops, we have only had one filly, and she will definitely have a Caslick prior to starting.

Holy Crap, what the hell was he/she thinking? Can't be very hygenic either.

[foothillsequine]

Racing fillies very nearly ALWAYS come off the track with a Casliks. They are opened up prior to the first cover by a stallion. Similarly, mares with tipped vulvas will very OFTEN have a partial or full Casliks, at least to the point of the pelvic rim, to prevent manure fluids from entering through the vulva. The manure fluids can seep into the uterus during heat cycles, when the cervix is "open" and soil the uterus, preventing the mare from being able to get in foal. This usually cannot happen in a maiden mare, since there is an intact hymen.

I agree with Madelyn 100%, but I have to tell you, I was at the track in Portland this winter, and saw that some trainer had used DUCT TAPE on the filly! Perhaps it is/was a poor man's solution to the problem, however, I thought it was a little tacky. Imagine the filly's response when that gets pulled off! Yikes...

Of all of our foal crops, we have only had one filly, and she will definitely have a Caslick prior to starting.

Holy Crap, what the hell was he/she thinking? Can't be very hygenic either.

Unbelievable I know. Who knows what people are thinking at any given time. I do know that some family trees don't fork though...

[Ramona]

I've heard tell that some trainers say a gelding or stallion will suck air and that alum treated gauge is stuffed in the shute or that duct tape is used. I heard a vet tell a trainer he was damn lucky he didn't get his head kicked off. OUCH!