Feeding Your Horse

Clients frequently ask our veterinarians about their horse’s nutrition, especially if they are dealing with an under weight or over weight horse.  Knowing the type of feed you are giving, how much you are feeding, and how frequently you are feeding is important when developing an appropriate feeding protocol.   Types of Feed Forages: These […]

What is a lameness exam?

What does it mean when a horse is “lame”? A lameness is defined as any alteration of gait, but can also include changes in attitude or performance, and is usually associated with pain.   When should I call my vet? While a lameness issue is not considered an emergency, it is best to have a […]

What is PPID (Cushing’s)?

What is PPID? Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease, is an endocrine disorder of the pituitary gland, resulting in hormonal imbalances.  It is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and geriatric horses.   What are the clinical signs of PPID? Long/wavy haircoat (also known as hirsutism) Abnormal shedding patterns Excessive sweating […]

Should I get a pre-purchase exam?

Asking your vet to perform a pre-purchase or pre-lease examination on a new horse may not always seem necessary, but using the time and resources on the front end can often prevent you from discovering major issues down the road.   What is a pre-purchase exam? A pre-purchase or pre-lease examination consists of a thorough […]

Which vaccines do my horses need?

Why does my horse need vaccines? As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Vaccines help prevent your horse from contracting certain diseases, such as rabies or influenza.  As an owner, it is up to you to communicate with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate vaccine protocol for […]

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome?

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is an endocrine disorder in obese horses that is commonly associated with insulin resistance (IR), laminitis, and fat redistribution.  EMS is more often diagnosed in middle-aged horses, but can occur in younger horses as well.   Genetic Predispositions Studies have shown that certain breeds are predisposed to having IR and EMS.  […]

Which dewormer should I give my horse?

Horse owners have been following the same deworming protocol for decades – administer a dewormer every other month, and rotate the type of dewormer you use.  Recent studies have found that these practices are outdated and unnecessary.  So what should you do to protect your horse from parasites?  Recommendations vary based on your horse’s risk. […]