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

13/11/2024

We all have that one friend….. 🤦‍♀️😂

W.A Veterinary Equine Dentistry Pty Ltd
Equiimed

12/11/2024

⚠️ Warning: Incoming Cute Pony!! 💕

11/11/2024

Choke in horses is a condition characterised by an obstruction of the esophagus, preventing the normal passage of food and liquids into the stomach.

Causes:
- Dry Feed: Inadequate chewing of dry or coarse feed, especially in horses with dental issues.
- Rapid Eating: Consuming food too quickly without proper chewing.
- Insufficient Water: Lack of access to water or reluctance to drink can contribute to dry feed sticking in the esophagus.
- Esophageal Dysfunction: Anatomic abnormalities or motility issues in the esophagus may predispose horses to choke.

Clinical Signs:
Coughing and Gagging: Persistent attempts to clear the obstruction.
Drooling or Nasal Discharge: Due to the inability to swallow.
Extended Neck and Distress: Exhibiting discomfort with a stretched-out neck.
Decreased Appetite: Reluctance to eat or drink.

Potential complications:
- Aspiration Pneumonia: Inhaling food particles into the lungs can lead to respiratory issues.
- Esophageal Tears or Rupture: Severe cases may result in tears or ruptures of the esophageal wall.

Prevention:
- Ensuring horses receive well-soaked or adequately chewed feed.
- Providing continuous access to clean water to aid in swallowing.
- Regular dentals

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

10/11/2024

▪️Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also called Equine Cushing's Disease, is a common endocrine disorder affecting older horses.

▪️While hypertrichosis, or excessive hair growth, is a widely recognized clinical sign of PPID, it is not present in all cases.

▪️Studies have shown that hypertrichosis is present in approximately 33-69% of horses with PPID. Therefore, diagnosing or testing for PPID solely based on the presence of hypertrichosis may result in underdiagnosis in horses without this sign, especially in cases of early or subclinical disease.

▪️Other signs can include laminitis, lethargy, muscle loss, pendulous abdomen, increased drinking and urination, abnormal fat deposition, increased sweating, recurrent infections, infertility, behavioural changes.

▪️At this time of year, we perform the Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) stimulation test as it is more sensitive for detecting early PPID cases, especially cases that might be missed with a basal ACTH test alone.

🔑 #1: Many horses with PPID may have completely normal coats.

🔑 #2: The TRH stimulation test which is now available at our practice is useful for diagnosing early PPID cases.

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

06/11/2024

Chronic muscle pain can significantly hinder performance and often presents as lameness or exercise intolerance.

▪️Clinical signs

The term myopathy refers to any disease or disorder affecting muscle tissue.

The 2 main signs that point toward a myopathy are the presence of muscle pain and presence of weakness, which manifests as loss of muscle mass and/or a decline in performance.

▪️Breed-Specific Myopathies

Breeds like Quarter Horses, are predisposed to conditions like Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM), while Arabian and Warmblood horses can develop to Myofibrillar Myopathy (MFM). Recurrent exceptional rhabdomyolysis (RER) tends to occur in fit, nervous, excitable racehorses.

▪️Diagnosis

Distinguishing between primary muscle pain, secondary muscle strain, and orthopedic lameness is complex, especially as horses may exhibit overlapping symptoms. A detailed history and a blood sample combined with clinical signs of muscle pain and weakness, can help identify a myopathy. Genetic testing might also be useful in some cases.

▪️Diagnostic markers

Testing serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels is essential for determining the type of myopathy. Elevated CK and AST distinguishes forms of myopathies where muscle fibres are damaged compared to others where the muscle is painful but not degenerating. Measurements taken before and after exercise can also help determine if a myopathy is present.

▪️Targeted treatment

Treatment plans vary depending on the condition. For instance a low-starch, high fat diet and regular daily exercise is recommended for horses with RER.

However, this approach is not appropriate for Warmbloods MFM. New targeted training recommendations are also very important in improving the performance and recovery of horses with MFM.

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

04/11/2024

Did you know we offer mobile ultrasound services?

▪️ Mobile ultrasound technology allows high-quality, real-time imaging without the stress of transporting your horse. This service means that injured horses can be evaluated in the comfort of their familiar environment, reducing anxiety and making it easier for owners to get a quick, accurate diagnosis.

▪️What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of soft tissue structures. Unlike X-rays, which are ideal for bones, ultrasound excels in visualizing soft tissues, making it perfect for examining tendons and ligaments. By moving a transducer (a hand-held device) over the skin, veterinarians can capture real-time images of the soft tissues in the horse’s distal limb.

▪️What to Expect During an Ultrasound Exam

An ultrasound exam is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by horses. The area being examined is typically clipped, as hair can interfere with image clarity, and ultrasound gel is applied to improve sound wave transmission. The veterinarian will move the transducer along the limb, capturing images in different planes. By examining multiple angles, they can gain a comprehensive view of the affected tendon or ligament.

▪️Perfect for Ongoing Monitoring

Our mobile ultrasound isn’t just for initial diagnosis; it’s also an excellent tool for tracking your horse’s recovery. We can schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing progress, ensuring the treatment plan stays on track and your horse returns to activity safely and at the right pace.

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

03/11/2024

Tetanus, is a potentially fatal disease in horses that is highly preventable.

1. Causative Agent and Transmission:
Clostridium tetani: Tetanus is caused by the neurotoxin-producing bacterium Clostridium tetani, commonly found in soil and manure.
Wound Contamination: Transmission occurs through the introduction of bacterial spores into wounds, typically lacerations or puncture wounds including hoof abscesses.

2. Clinical Signs:
Stiffness and Muscle Spasms: The hallmark of tetanus is generalized muscle stiffness, spasms affecting facial muscles, resulting in the classic "lockjaw."
Difficulty Swallowing: Difficulty in eating and drinking due to jaw stiffness.
Sawhorse Stance: Horses often assume a characteristic "sawhorse" stance, with a stiff, extended tail.

3. Incubation Period:
Variable: The incubation period is variable but generally ranges from a few days to several weeks post-exposure.

4. Prevention:
Vaccination: Routine tetanus vaccination is highly effective in preventing the disease.
Boosters: Regular booster shots are essential to maintain immunity, especially in cases of injury.
Wound Management: Prompt and thorough wound cleaning and care are critical to prevent spore entry.

5. Treatment:
Supportive Care: Treatment involves providing supportive care, including wound management, muscle relaxants, and anti-toxin administration.
Intensive Monitoring: Affected horses often require intensive monitoring due to the potential for complications.

6. Prognosis:
Guarded: The prognosis for horses with tetanus is guarded, and mortality rates are high, especially in severe cases.
Early Intervention: Early detection and intervention significantly impact the outcome.

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

01/11/2024

Keratin is a tough and fibrous structural protein that forms the outer layer of the hooves, providing strength, resilience, and protection. Proper hoof care, including regular trimming and balancing, is essential for maintaining the health and function of a horse's hooves. Additionally, factors such as diet, genetics, and environmental conditions can influence the quality of hoof growth and overall hoof health.

Here are the main components of a horse's hoof:

Hoof Wall:
The outer part of the hoof is called the hoof wall. It is a hard, keratinized structure that surrounds and protects the sensitive inner structures of the hoof.

Sole:
The sole is the concave, ground-facing surface of the hoof. It is also made of keratin but is softer and more pliable than the hoof wall. The sole protects the sensitive structures within the hoof and helps distribute weight evenly.

Frog:
The frog is a wedge-shaped, rubbery structure located on the underside of the hoof and makes contact with the ground. It is also composed of keratin and plays a crucial role in shock absorption and traction. The frog

Inner Structures:
Beneath the visible exterior, the hoof contains sensitive structures, including the laminae, coronary band, and other soft tissues.

Growth and Wear:
Hooves continuously grow from the coronet band at the top of the hoof. As the outer layers of the hoof grow, the older, lower portions harden into the durable material we recognize as the hoof wall. The constant growth and wear help maintain the integrity of the hoof.

30/10/2024

Exciting news! Our latest review article, “SGLT2 Inhibitors: Exploring the Effects in Humans and Horses,” has just been published in Equine Veterinary Education.

This global collaborative effort brought together my co-authors who are experts in human and equine medicine, as well as equine nutrition, to explore the use of SGLT2 inhibitors—such as ertugliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin—in both species. While these medications have been extensively researched and used in human healthcare for nearly a decade, their application in horses is still evolving.

In the article, we highlight both the therapeutic potential and the possible side effects of these drugs in horses. Drawing from human medicine, where SGLT2 inhibitors have shown significant benefits for managing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, we also discuss how these lessons might help us mitigate risks and optimize their use in equine medicine.

https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/eve.14071

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

28/10/2024

Colic in horses refers to abdominal pain and can have various causes. Recognizing the signs of colic is crucial for seeking prompt veterinary attention. Here are common signs of colic in horses:

- Frequent pawing at the ground.

- Excessive rolling or attempting to roll, often accompanied by groaning or signs of distress.

- Repeatedly looking at or biting at the flank area, indicating discomfort.

- Frequent lying down and getting up, or difficulty rising from a lying position.

- Agitation or restlessness, pacing, or constantly changing positions.

- Profuse sweating, particularly in areas such as the neck and flanks.

- Lack of interest in eating or a sudden decrease in appetite.

- Reduced or absent passage of f***s or a decrease in normal manure production.

- Diarrhea or unusually hard, dry f***s can be indicative of colic.

- Curling the upper lip, known as the flehmen response, which can be a sign of pain.

- Elevated heart rate (tachycardia), which can be detected by feeling the pulse.

- Increased respiratory rate, noticeable by observing the horse's breathing.

- Walking in circles or pacing in a confined area.

- Prolonged stretching as if trying to urinate but with little or no urine production.

- Grinding of teeth, a sign of pain or discomfort.

- Kicking at the abdomen with hind legs.

- Straining to pass gas, potentially accompanied by tail-raising.

- Distension or swelling of the abdomen, known as "bloated" appearance.

It's important to note that colic symptoms can vary in severity, and not all horses will exhibit the same signs. If you suspect colic in your horse, contact a vet promptly for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Early intervention is critical for a positive outcome in colic cases.

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

27/10/2024

A recent study (Sundra et al., 2024) presented at the 2024 International Colic Symposium, examined the prevalence of gastric parasites from horses scoped at our practice over the past 3yrs. The analysis also investigated whether there was an association between parasites and squamous (ESGD) or glandular (EGGD) disease.

Here’s what we found:

� 14.6% of horses had evidence of Gastrophilus spp larvae (bots), however there was no association with the presence of EGGD or ESGD (p = 0.56); OR = 1.76 (0.53–6.1).

� Draschia (stomach worms) were identified in 6% of horses and there was neither association with the presence of ESGD (p > 0.99); OR = 1.01 (0.21–5.0) nor EGGD lesions (p = 0.75); OR = 1.01 (0.54–1.9).

�This study found that there was no association between gastric parasites and gastric lesions.

� Anecdotally, vets have previously been concerned about the association between gastric parasites and gastric disease. This study is important in the context of responsible use of dewormers as it does not indicate a need to deworm in order to prevent the development of gastric lesions.

24/10/2024

Always nice to visit the crew at Possum Valley Animal Sanctuary. Today we helped support the great work they do with subsidised metabolic testing for all their donkeys and horses.

23/10/2024

Big horse wanted to talk. Little horse wanted to eat. 😂
I can definitely relate to the pony!! 😝

22/10/2024

🐶 Might be running a bit late today….. 🐾

21/10/2024

Great to have the fabulous donkey-loving-dentist W.A Veterinary Equine Dentistry Pty Ltd taking such good care of my patients!!

20/10/2024

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition in horses characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, swollen, and itchy welts or bumps. The condition can be caused by various factors, and determining the specific cause can sometimes be challenging. Here are some common causes of urticaria in horses:

Allergic Reactions:
Allergies to certain substances, such as specific foods, plants, insect bites or stings, medications, or environmental factors, can trigger an immune response leading to the development of hives.

Insect Bites or Stings:
Horses may develop hives as a result of bites or stings from insects like mosquitoes, flies, bees, or wasps. Some horses are more sensitive to insect saliva or venom, leading to an allergic reaction.

Contact Allergens:
Exposure to certain plants, chemicals, or environmental allergens can cause contact dermatitis and result in the development of hives.

Feeding Allergens:
Allergies or sensitivities to specific components of the horse's diet, such as certain grains, hays, or additives, can result in urticaria.

Certain Medications:
Some horses may exhibit an allergic reaction to certain medications, including antibiotics, vaccines, or other drugs. This can manifest as urticaria.

Preventing urticaria in horses involves addressing potential triggers and implementing management practices to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction or skin irritation.

Identify and Eliminate Allergens:
Identify potential allergens that may be triggering urticaria in your horse. Once identified, take steps to eliminate or minimize exposure to these allergens.

Stable Management:
Keep the horse's living environment clean and free of potential irritants. This includes removing sources of dust, mold, and other environmental allergens from the stable.

Insect Control:
Implement effective insect control measures to reduce the risk of insect bites or stings. Use fly masks, fly sheets, and fly repellents to protect the horse from...

18/10/2024

Great to collaborate with the surgical team at Equine Services at The Animal Hospital, Murdoch University on a couple of cases in the field. Thanks for providing such a great service to my patients! Of course a stop at Mrs'Sippy BBQ was inevitable for lunch!

17/10/2024

🩺 🐺 Dr Hector is out seeing patients this afternoon. I think they like him better than me…. 🤷‍♀️😝

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

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. #laminitis #horsevet #horsecare #equinemedicine #ems

❓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/