Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services

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Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services

Equine Veterinary Service for Perth and surrounding regions. Fully mobile equine veterinary practice

29/08/2024

Learn more about phenylbutazone toxicity from internal medicine specialist, Guy Lester.

https://equiimed.com/reviews/phenylbutazone-toxicity/

27/08/2024

🙋‍♀️ Hands up if this is you! 😂

27/08/2024

Preparing for the arrival of a foal requires careful planning and attention to detail.

Knowledge is Key:
Understanding the basics of equine reproduction and the stages of pregnancy is fundamental. Educate yourself on the normal signs of impending foaling, including changes in mare behavior, udder development, and changes in the v***a.

Establish a Foaling Area:
Create a comfortable and safe foaling environment, ideally in a clean and well-ventilated foaling stall. Ensure that the mare is accustomed to the foaling area, promoting a sense of security and reducing stress during labor.

Foaling Kit:
Prepare a foaling kit containing essential supplies such as clean towels, disinfectants, iodine for naval dipping, a flashlight, and a tail wrap. Be organized and keep the kit easily accessible when the time comes.

Surveillance System:
Consider implementing a surveillance system or a foaling camera to monitor the mare without causing disturbance. This allows for continuous observation and timely intervention if needed.

Familiarize Yourself with Normal Labor Signs:
Understand the typical stages of labor in mares, from the onset of contractions to the delivery of the foal and the passing of the placenta. Knowing what to expect helps in recognizing deviations from normal behavior.

Emergency Plan:
Have an emergency plan in place. Know the contact details of your veterinarian and be prepared to seek professional assistance if complications arise. Familiarize yourself with basic foal resuscitation techniques if immediate intervention is necessary.

Post-Foaling Care:
After foaling, provide post-natal care for both the mare and the foal. Ensure proper bonding, monitor the foal's first attempts to stand and nurse, and schedule a post-natal examination and IgG check within 24hrs of the foal being born.

For more information please call 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

25/08/2024

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors or SGLT2i) are a class of human medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They target a specific protein in the kidneys, known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2)

Normally, glucose is filtered from the bloodstream into the urine through the kidneys. However, the majority of filtered glucose is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream in the kidneys by the action of SGLT2. SGLT2 inhibitors specifically target and inhibit the action of the SGLT2 protein. By doing so, they reduce the reabsorption of glucose, allowing more glucose to be excreted in the urine. Lowering of blood glucose reduces the stimulus for insulin secretion from the pancreas.

Studies now report the use of three SGLT2i in horses: velagliflozin, canagliflozin and ertugliflozin. In a case series published from work performed at our practice, ertugliflozin (administered at 0.05 mg/kg PO SID) was effective at rapidly reducing insulin concentration and improving the recovery of clinical cases of HAL that were refractory to diet and management changes (Sundra et al. 2023). While these initial results are promising long-term safety studies and robust clinical trials are currently lacking.

Liver and kidney function and triglyceride concentrations must be assessed prior to commencing treatment with SGLT2i as the use of these drugs in horses with compromised renal or hepatic function has not been investigated. It is also crucial to withdraw therapy if signs of reduced feed intake, colic or dullness are observed or if feed is being withheld to prevent hyperlipemia. Furthermore, abrupt feed restriction should not coincide with the start of SGLT2i treatment and dietary strategies to manage hyperinsulinaemia should have been implemented prior to considering pharmaceuticals.

For more information, read our recently published review article:

25/08/2024

Did you know that a foal’s gut bacterial population in the first months of life could potentially predict disease risk and athletic performance up to 3 years old?

A recent study (Leng et al., 2024) found that foals with lower faecal bacterial diversity at 1 month old had a higher risk of respiratory disease later in life, while those with higher diversity had better athletic performance.

Antimicrobial treatment in the first month led to lower bacterial diversity, increased disease risk, and reduced athletic performance. This interesting research sheds light on the importance of early-life gut microbiota on the health and performance of horses bred for racing. Understanding these relationships could lead to better management practices and improved outcomes for all horses. ��

19/08/2024

🌟 Excited to be presenting one of our clinical studies at the 2024 Australasian Diabetes Congress over the next few days. Still not entirely sure how much of my presentation will be spent explaining laminitis to human gp’s and researchers…. 😂🤓🐴

18/08/2024

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16/08/2024

It’s always an absolute pleasure to have enthusiastic vet students with us, especially those passionate about equine practice. Caitlin & Olivia - your curiosity and drive truly stood out, and I have no doubt you’ll make a positive impact in the profession. Wishing you all the best as you embark on your veterinary careers. 🌟

Murdoch University
Equine Services at The Animal Hospital, Murdoch University

15/08/2024

Great work team!! 👌🌟🙌

14/08/2024

🩷 So appreciative that one of our amazing clients took the time to write this lovely review of our practice! Thanks Kelti Park for also being so accomodating of our students yesterday and for giving them great experience with gastroscopes and X-rays (… and our usual banter!) 😂💕

13/08/2024

🐴 Did you know that the TRH stimulation test is a valuable tool for early detection of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses? This test measures the horse's ACTH response to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), helping us identify early cases of PPID. This is especially helpful in the winter months when basal ACTH levels might be “normal”. Early detection means early intervention and better management of this common age-related disorder. Older horses with recurrent episodes of laminitis usually indicate failure to manage PPID alongside the hyperinsulinemia.

🩺 Contact us to discuss whether a TRH stimulation test might be useful for your horse.

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

🩺💉🐎

12/08/2024

� A recent study from Utrecht University (Kranenburg et al. 2024) compares treatments for Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and explores the influence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) on treatment outcomes.

� Researchers analyzed gastroscopic images and patient histories of horses with EGUS, finding that long-acting intramuscular omeprazole showed significant improvement in squamous and glandular lesions. Interestingly, the presence of IBD reduced the effectiveness of treating glandular lesions with oral omeprazole alone. This study provides valuable insights into managing EGUS and highlights the importance of tailored treatment protocols for different types of gastric ulcers in horses.

� Book our mobile gastroscope service for your horse: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

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12/08/2024

🩺 Final year vet students, Caitlin and Olivia are getting some hands-on clinical experience with us this week. They’re only a few months away from being registered veterinarians and we hope to give them a great introduction to equine ambulatory practice. Be sure to say hi if you see them with us this week! 👋

07/08/2024

Laminitis is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition in horses that involves inflammation and stretching of the sensitive laminae within the hooves. It is almost always caused by hyperinsulinemia (high circulating levels of insulin in the blood).

Detecting laminitis early is crucial for successful management. Here are common signs of laminitis in horses:

- An increased digital pulse is often palpable in the affected limbs.
- Difficulty turning. This often noticeable on firm ground.
- Laminitic horses may be reluctant to walk on hard surfaces and may prefer softer ground.
- Abnormal rings or ridges (divergent growth rings often called "founder rings" on the hoof wall) can indicate previous laminitis episodes.
- The hooves may feel warm to the touch due to inflammation (though this is often very subjective).
- The horse may shift its weight frequently between the front and hind limbs, attempting to relieve pain.
- Laminitic horses often exhibit a characteristic "walking on eggshells" appearance, avoiding movement.
- The horse may adopt a rocked-back stance, attempting to shift weight away from the painful hooves.
- In severe cases, a horse may adopt a swayback posture due to the pain associated with laminitis.

If you suspect laminitis, it is essential to contact a veterinarian promptly for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Early intervention and management are critical for improving the prognosis and minimizing long-term damage associated with laminitis.

For more information please call 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

06/08/2024

🐴 Go Taffy 🌟 Loving life and super cheeky now that we have her insulin levels under control. She is being managed with a combination of diet (including a weight management plan), medication and wonderfully dedicated owners who have followed all our advice to achieve this terrific outcome. 💕

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

04/08/2024

Curious about how common gastric impactions are in horses?

A recent study (Scheidemann & Schusser, 2024) investigated the incidence of true primary gastric impaction in horses with recurrent colic.

Out of 2964 colic cases, only 17 horses were diagnosed with this condition, resulting in a low incidence rate of 0.57 per 100 colic cases per year.

We often hear owners describing their horse had a gastric impaction when a “feed-ball” was seen in the stomach during gastroscopy. The most common reason for horses to have feed material present in their stomach during gastroscopy is due to inadequate or inappropriate fasting. Primary gastric impactions are a rare occurence.

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01/08/2024

In the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, the convention of assigning August 1st as the universal birthday for horses is a counterpart to the January 1st convention in the Northern Hemisphere. This practice mirrors the need for a standardised method to determine the age of horses for racing, breeding, and other horse-related activities. It simplifies the organization of races and the classification of horses into specific age groups.

August 1st provides a consistent reference point for the registration and documentation of horses in the Southern Hemisphere. It is used in pedigrees, breeding records, and other official documents related to horse management.

August 1st falls during the Southern Hemisphere's winter, which is the equivalent of January in the Northern Hemisphere. Using this date helps maintain a balance between the two hemispheres, considering the seasonal differences in horse breeding and development.

31/07/2024

🌟 Handsome Diego. Still winning hearts at 19yrs young! 💕

31/07/2024

Princess Charlotte taking her royal duties very seriously in supervising Cara! 👑 🐴

29/07/2024

Thank you to the Equine Veterinarians Australia and Virbac! It’s great to have so much support for our clinical research.

Huge thank you to Dave, Guy, Gabri and Erin for all your mentoring and support over the last few years. Looking forward to sharing more of our studies in the next 12mths. 🤓

28/07/2024

🐴 A new study (Oliveira et al. 2024) has developed a predictive formula for determining the clinical significance of sand accumulation in horses.

🐴 This study is the first to demonstrate a weight-associated cutoff for determining clinical significance of sand observed on abdominal radiographs of horses.

🐴 Given that sand can be an incidental finding, this formula involving simple measurements from abdominal X-rays can help in diagnosing and managing clinically significant sand accumulation.

To schedule an appointment for your horse with our mobile X-ray service, please contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

28/07/2024

What an engaged and interactive audience! It would be good if more breed societies follow suit to raise awareness about the importance of proactive management to prevent laminitis

Welsh Pony & Cob Society WA RPG

A great turn out for our social gathering and annual meeting! A very important talk on the updates in laminitis management thanks to Dr Tania Sundra from Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services currently underway!

24/07/2024

Looking forward to this!

22/07/2024

Great to be presenting our clinical research on the different treatment options for laminitis at Equine Veterinarians Australia conference this week!

Bain Fallon is the largest equine veterinary conference in the southern hemisphere and the study we presented was the first to investigate the effects of a human drug, empagliflozin on oral sugar test responses in horses. We are eager to share these results and findings with our clients in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

17/07/2024

Love getting these videos! These EMS ponies were previously laminitic and needed medications to manage their hyperinsulinemia. They have now been off all medications for the past 6 months. The owner has been diligent in their management and the ponies are enjoying life back out in a paddock. Regular monitoring of their insulin levels allows us to develop a grazing plan to ensure their risk of developing laminitis is reduced.

14/07/2024

📸 Drop a photo in the comments below!

11/07/2024

Learn more about ringworm from internal medicine specialist, Guy Lester.

https://equiimed.com/reviews/ringworm-dermatophytosis/

11/07/2024

Great to have 4 of our research projects being presented at the 14th International Equine Colic Symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland over the next few days. Sadly, I couldn’t be over there, but the work is good hands with equine medicine specialist, David Rendle presenting our studies.

We will be discussing these exciting new findings with our clients during their upcoming appointments as they are very relevant to the treatment and prevention of gastric disease for horses in Western Australia.

* Five‐versus seven‐day dosing intervals of extended‐release injectable omeprazole in the treatment of equine squamous and glandular gastric disease

* Comparison of oral esomeprazole and oral omeprazole in the treatment of equine squamous gastric disease

* Are there relationships between signalment, clinical presentation and gastroscopic findings in pleasure horses?

* Clinical and gastroscopic responses to treatment of equine squamous and glandular gastric disease in leisure horses in Western Australia

For more information, contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

Equine Veterinary Service for Perth and surrounding regions. Fully mobile equine veterinary practice

Address

Brigadoon
Perth, WA
6000

Telephone

+61427072095

Website

http://www.avonridgeequine.com.au/

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Videos

#laminitissurvivor 🐴 Go Taffy 🌟 Loving life and super cheeky now that we have her insulin levels under control. She is being managed with a combination of diet (including a weight management plan), medication and wonderfully dedicated owners who have followed all our advice to achieve this terrific outcome. 💕 🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/ #horsevet #ponyvet #laminitis #laminitisrecovery #equinemedicine

❓When is sugar lowest in pasture? An important question if you have a horse or pony with EMS! 🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

Those TRH feels….. 🥱 #ppid #horse #equinecushings #equinemedicine #mobilevet #horsevet @bovaaus

🕺 Someone’s celebrating their insulin coming down from 88 to 13! Clearly feeling full of beans!!! 😂🙌 …. not sure what the herd mates think of her celebration 🎉

#CASESTUDY This Welsh pony suffered a severe episode of laminitis last year caused by high insulin levels. X-rays revealed her pedal bone (p3) was dangerously close to penetrating the sole. Luckily, her owners promptly sought veterinary advice. This included strict dietary management, remedial farriery and medication to control her insulin levels and PPID. When the video of her cantering with the herd was filmed, she was stable for several months and off all medication apart from pergolide. It speaks volumes to the dedication of her owners who are extremely diligent in monitoring and managing her metabolic conditions to ensure she doesn’t suffer another episode of laminitis. Wondering when or if your laminitic horse might be allowed out on pasture again? Stay tuned for our post tomorrow. #laminitis #pony #horsevet #equinevet #mobilevet

Inside the stomach of a horse with GASTRIC SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA. This 15yo Thoroughbred gelding presented for gastroscopy for investigation of unexplained weight loss. The entire squamous mucosa was thickened and we performed a biopsy via gastroscope at the property. (Images of a normal squamous mucosa in the comments) The histopathology report confirmed gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC). Sadly, this horse continued to rapidly lose weight over the next few weeks and was euthanased. GSCC is a relatively rare form of cancer in the horse with a reported prevalence of 3-4%. Horses may present with weight loss, choke, fever, foul breath and poor appetite. Unfortunately, the prognosis is poor as metastasis is high (68%) and most horses require euthanasia shortly after diagnosis. Jansson, A., Harris, P., Davey, S. L., Luthersson, N., Ragnarsson, S., & Ringmark, S. (2021). Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in Horses—Effects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration. Animals, 11(8), 2197.

#LAMINITIS The recent rains coupled with warmer days means we are seeing a huge spike in the sugar content of pasture, and hence laminitis cases. The key to preventing a laminitic episode lies in measuring your horse’s insulin levels. We now have evidence from recent studies that allows us to predict your horse’s risk of laminitis based on their insulin result. This doesn’t simply mean collecting a blood sample at a random time of day. Instead these tests require careful planning and we can guide you on the most appropriate test for your horse. Some horses have previously returned “normal” levels but dynamic testing allows us to accurately measure their insulin status. The insulin value also needs to interpreted appropriately. It’s important to recognise that various grades of insulin dysregulation exists and it’s simply not a “yes” or “no” answer. The results from these tests not only reliably predicts your pony’s risk of future episodes of laminitis but also allows us to monitor their response to management and diet changes. Horses with PPID (Cushings) as well as insulin dysregulation will continue to suffer from laminitis until BOTH these conditions are appropriately managed. Early testing for PPID using the TRH stimulation test is now part of our standard practice protocol and we are currently the only practice in WA to offer this test. *Luckily the little pony in the video has wonderful owners who have followed a strict management plan and he has not had an episode of laminitis since this video was taken 18mths ago. Follow up video in the comments! Contact us if you have any questions or book an appointment online. https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

Occupational hazard #276 - Not being able to catch previously laminitic ponies for their blood test now that they’re feeling so good! 😂😈

When you’re trying to scope a horse but it’s neighbour insists of nose scratches and kisses 😂😘

Who else is envious of the leg warmers on this little one?! 🥰 #toocute #ponyvet

What’s cold, wet, sticky and unimpressed? A pony who started his oral sugar test this morning! 🤣😝 😈

⚠️ PLEASE SHARE: Symptoms of annual rye grass toxicity from consuming contaminated meadow hay. (Confirmed by hay analysis from DPIRD). 🎥 Video may be distressing to watch. Shared with owners permission ❗️ Signs can occur days after consuming infected hay, however it can also take weeks to develop ‼️ Horses affected with rye grass toxicity are at risk for sudden death in the 7-10 days following the initial clinical signs ⚠️ There is no specific treatment for rye grass toxicity in horses 🐴 Some may make a full recovery, however others are left with permanent neurological deficits 🙏 This horse is slowly recovering. The hay supplier has been notified and they’re making contact with owners who have purchased hay from them. Please be diligent and ensure you are sourcing your hay from reputable suppliers. 👀 For more info: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/argt-horses/

👁️ Grass seed removed from a horse’s eye this morning! This horse presented with mild swelling around the lower eyelid and the owner was quick to contact us. Any swelling, discharge or “squinting” should be considered an emergency and prompt veterinary attention should be sought. #emergencyvet #horsevet #horseeye #opthamology #equinevet

Pretty much sums up the morning! 😂 #ponies 😈

🐴 As more laminitic horses are now being treated with ertugliflozin, we created this short video for owners to describe how ertugliflozin works. 🐴 Ertugliflozin belongs to a class of human antidiabetic drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). Ertugliflozin works by promoting urinary glucose excretion, thereby lowering blood glucose levels and reducing the stimulus for insulin secretion from the pancreas. ❗️Ertugliflozin should only be used in cases where horses are closely monitored. It is not a substitute for proper dietary management. 📖 Download our ertugliflozin factsheet from our laminitis page: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/laminitis/

❗️A few tips to make sure your horses stay well hydrated during these hot days! 💦 Water troughs in full sun can very quickly heat up making the water temperature warm. This can reduce water consumption. Make sure they have access to cool, fresh drinking water 24/7. Keep the water in shaded areas if possible. 🧂 Adding some electrolytes to their feed can also encourage water intake and replenish electrolytes lost in sweat. Follow directions according to the label. 🪣 Offering a bucket of molasses-spiked water can encourage fussy drinkers to consume water when temperatures rise. ✂️ Older horses and ponies with PPID may need to be clipped over summer. 🐎 Avoid exercise and long-distance transport during the warmest times of day. 😎 Stay cool! #summer #horse #summerhorsecare #aussiehorse

Managing a laminitic horse to prevent gastric ulcers

❓Laminitis & Gastric Disease 😣 Owners frequently tell us they are worried about limiting their horse’s access to pasture because they don’t want them to develop gastric ulcers. 🐴 This is a legitimate concern but we will ALWAYS prioritise preventing laminitis. Laminitis is an excruciatingly painful and life threatening condition. ✅ A few simple steps which you can implement straight away is to trickle feed low-sugar forage throughout the day. Remember, in obese horses you want to aim for feeding approx 1.5% body weight per day. Feeding this via multiple small meals throughout the day will help prevent gastric ulcers. ✅ Hay is better than chaff as it requires more chewing. Chewing stimulates saliva production and saliva contains bicarbonate which helps buffer stomach acid. 📞 Contact us if you’d like more information - 0427 072 095 🎥 You can watch the entire laminitis webinar here: https://youtu.be/BvfX9jgD2is

‼️ High insulin levels are the most common cause of both acute and chronic laminitis we see in our patients. 🔑 The key to prevention is early identification of horses at risk using insulin testing. ✅ Management to reduce the risk of laminitis include a combination of dietary control, weight loss and exercise (where appropriate). 🐴 Some cases (like the horse in the video) have insufficient responses to management changes alone and may benefit from medications (eg. SGLT2 inhibitors). 💉 When using these medications, horses need to be closely monitored by your veterinarian which includes regular testing of insulin and biochemistry. Medication is not a substitute for good management practices but it can make a massive difference to the welfare of horses suffering from laminitis. ⚠️ It is impossible to adequately control chronic laminitis in cases where there inadequate control of underlying high insulin levels. 📞 Call for more information: 0427 072 095 📱Book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/