METABOLIC DISORDERS
by Lisa Nilson

Often horse owners are unaware of problems that affect their horse’s health in less obvious ways. Endocrine diseases are classic examples. As a horse owner, it is important to be aware of two of the common endocrine diseases Cushing’s disease (PPID) and Insulin Resistance (IR), and understand that they usually manifest in subtle ways. Changes in a horse’s appearance that are caused by these diseases are often missed, and mistaken for normal. [ more ]

SPRING VACCINATIONS
by Drs. Tony Kimmons and Elizabeth Maddux

While it is now cold and blustery outside, and bundling up to go to the barn seems more like a chore than a hobby, warm spring weather is just around the corner.  Lessons will soon be back in full swing, and it will be time to get the horses in top shape and show ready, or ready to hit the trail.  While proper conditioning is important to your horse’s health and wellbeing, vaccinations are also a vital tool in maintaining your horse’s health. [ more ]

HORSE WORMS AND DEWORMING PRACTICES
by Lisa Nilson

One of the most important routine health care procedures in the life of domestic horses is appropriate deworming, commonly referred to as ‘worming’.  All domestic horses should be on a worming program. Parasite infections can simply be a minor irritation to your horse and may result in poor condition, with your horse not benefiting from the full nutritional value of its feed. Colic, loss of weight, poor skin and hair, depression, diarrhea and anemia are all conditions of a parasitic horse. Parasite infections can also be fatal. [ more ]

EQUINE VACCINATIONS
by Lisa Nilson

Spring is here! The horse show season has begun and the warm sunny days beg for leisurely trail rides. It is also time for biannual vaccinations for our equine friends. For many of us, spring and fall are the times when we take care of this important element of our horse care. Vaccinations are an important part of any preventive equine health program and they are a highly effective method of preventing certain infectious diseases. [ more ]

LAMINITIS
by Lisa Nilson

The death of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro brought sharply into focus the challenges that laminitis brings. The champion racehorse survived and recovered from a catastrophic leg injury, only to succumb to laminitis. Laminitis can occur in any breed of horse, of any size, at any age. The prevalence of laminitis among horses, combined with the incomplete understanding of the disease, along with the emotional and economic costs, all contribute to the frustration felt by veterinarians, owners, trainers, and caregivers when confronted with this dreaded disease. [ more ]