Bennett Equine Veterinary Services

11/01/2024

As we come into the colder months, feeding warm mash or warm soaked feed is common.

Did you know, horse have a small stomach in relation to their size – on average it is only about 10L for a 500kg horse, the size of a small bucket.

A rule of thumb when feeding, total volume (after soaking) should always be kept to a maximum of 2/3’s the stomach volume which is around:
🪣8L for Horses
🪣3-4L for Ponies

When too much volume is fed, digestion is compromised, and the stomach starts to empty its contents into the small intestine, digested or not, which will then cause changes to the bacteria in the hind gut, which can result in lactic acid build up and the chance of hindgut acidosis.

10/25/2024

📆 October 30th 8pm EST

Navigating The Equine Breeding Season:
Mares

The AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee is thrilled to announce an upcoming webinar designed to help horse owners learn about the equine breeding season.

In this informative session, board-certified theriogenologist Dr. Dale Kelley will discuss the basics of reproductive biology of the horse, logistics of the breeding season and what to expect when breeding your mare.

This webinar is a valuable resource for horse owners/managers who are either new to breeding horses or have limited experience.

Please note that this educational session is free, but registration is required. A recording of the session will be available on AAEP Anywhere and YouTube.

REGISTER: https://aaep.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=098934c9131c3fad1fa75df6c&id=896ec4fac0&e=6c07df54c2

10/24/2024

Equine endocrine disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) feature some striking clinical similarities, most notably a predisposition to the development of chronic laminitis. However, the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case.

The graphic below describes some key differences to be aware of between the two diseases.

If you have questions or concerns about your horse in regard to EMS or PPID, contact your veterinarian so that they may further evaluate them.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

American Association of Equine Practitioners

10/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving 🍂 Our office is Closed Monday October 14th and will reopen Tuesday October 15th at 8am.

Emergency services are available by calling 1-800-565-6823

10/11/2024

A huge thank you to all of you who came out tonight! We are grateful for each and every one of you.

Thank you to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada for allowing us to use your beautiful space and thank you to Boehringer for the support!

09/23/2024

📢 NEW VENUE • LIMITED SPOTS NOW AVAILABLE!!

📍New Venue The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Client Education Evening • October 10th 2024
Dinner & Refreshments Provided

Space is limited - RSVP [email protected]

Sports Medicine & Lameness with Dr. Amy Bennett
Ulcers & Gastroscopy with Dr. Megan Donati
Dental Examinations & Treatments with Dr. Christy Barnes
PLUS Meet & Greet with Dr. Elizabeth Brezina

09/13/2024

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Elizabeth Brezina to Bennett Equine!

Dr. Elizabeth Brezina grew up in Burlington, Ontario, where she developed a love for horses while riding at a local eventing barn. Not surprisingly, once she set foot in that barn she couldn’t be pulled away, and this in turn fuelled her desire to become an equine veterinarian.

Dr. Elizabeth went to the University of Guelph for her undergraduate degree, where she majored in Animal Biology. In between her undergraduate degree and veterinary school. She worked at a sanctuary which rescued, housed, and cared for donkeys. Here, Elizabeth quickly developed a new rival for her affection.

Dr. Brezina went on to receive her degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College, and graduated in the spring of 2023. At her Equine internship in Cochrane Alberta, she developed a a special interest in emergency medicine, internal medicine, and of course...donkeys!

Outside of Veterinary Medicine, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying the company of her family and friends.

09/11/2024

📍UPDATE! SOLD OUT! 🎟️

Client Education Evening • October 10th 2024
Dinner & Refreshments Provided
Space is limited - RSVP [email protected]

Sports Medicine & Lameness with Dr. Amy Bennett
Ulcers & Gastroscopy with Dr. Megan Donati
Dental Examinations & Treatments with Dr. Christy Barnes
PLUS Meet & Greet with Dr. Elizabeth Brezina

08/29/2024

Job opportunity! 🐎🐴
Our team is growing! As we welcome a new Veterinarian to our team this fall, there is a rare opportunity to join our team as a vet assistant!
Job duties include: driving the trucks, horse handling, stocking equipment and the trucks, client communication and keeping the vets organized.
Preference for those with extensive horse experience. Ideal candidate can lift 20-50lbs. Must have valid G-license.
Full-Time hours, Monday to Friday.
Please email resumes to [email protected]

We thank all who apply, those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline September 6th 2024.

08/19/2024

Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the quality of life of horses suffering from PPID. You may be familiar with the more obvious signs of PPID, including delayed hair coat shedding and regional adiposity.

The risk of PPID increases with age—it's estimated that 15%-30% of horses and ponies over the age of 15 suffer from PPID. However, horses as young as 5 years old can also be affected by PPID.

Ask your Veterinarian how your horse may qualify for a complimentary PPID test through October 2024.

Read More About PPID:

Cushing's disease in horses or PPID is one of the most common hormonal disorders in horses and a important cause of laminitis. Learn about this disease.

08/14/2024

🍂🧑‍🌾 As the weather cools, your horse’s dietary needs might change! 🍂🌾
Ensure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients to stay energetic and healthy. Keeping in mind pasture changes as the warm days and cool nights result in grass changes. Consult with your vet or nutritionist to adjust their feed as needed. 🐴💪

Contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-565-6823

08/06/2024

🌟 Let's talk horseshow bio-security! 🐴✨ While we're all excited to hit the ring, let's remember to keep our equines safe and sound. Here are a few simple tips to ensure a healthy and happy show experience:

🧼 Wash those hands! Good hygiene is key. Keep those hands clean and sanitized to prevent the spread of germs between horses.

🐴 Limit Contact: Avoid unnecessary contact between horses, avoid walking through manure & other barn aisles, and remember - don't share water buckets or hoses!

🏡 Home Sweet Home: When returning from a show, give your horse a little R&R before reintroducing them to their buddies at the barn. It's all about easing back into the routine!

🌱 Healthy Habits: Keep your horse's vaccinations up-to-date and monitor for any signs of illness. Prevention is better than cure!

08/06/2024

Dr. Donati has started the acupuncture course! We can’t wait to be able to provide this service to help more horses feel their best.

08/05/2024

Our office will be closed for the Civic Holiday Monday August 5th, 2024

Regular office hours resume Tuesday August 6th at 8am.

🚑 Emergency services are available by calling 1-800-565-6823

07/29/2024

🐴 Potomac Horse Fever, Let's Talk About it!
It's a serious illness caused by the bacterium Neorickettsia risticii, commonly found in freshwater insects, snails, and other aquatic organisms. Keep an eye out for signs like fever, diarrhea, and laminitis. Early detection is key! 🌊

Vaccination against Potomac Horse Fever is available and recommended, especially in endemic areas or during peak seasons. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination schedule for your horse. 🐎💉

🐴 Myth: Potomac Horse Fever only affects horses near the Potomac River.
🚫 Fact: While the disease was first identified in the Potomac River area, it can occur in various regions where conditions favour the bacteria's transmission, including freshwater habitats across North America and beyond.

🐴 Myth: Potomac Horse Fever is only transmitted through direct contact with the Potomac River.
🚫 Fact: While the bacterium Neorickettsia risticii thrives in aquatic environments, horses can contract the disease through ingestion of infected insects, such as mosquitoes, caddisflies and mayflies, or contaminated water sources.

🐴 Myth: Potomac Horse Fever is easily recognizable by a specific set of symptoms.
🚫 Fact: Symptoms of Potomac Horse Fever can vary widely and may mimic other equine illnesses, making diagnosis challenging. Fever, diarrhea, and laminitis are common signs, but not all horses display them. Veterinary consultation and diagnostic testing are essential for accurate identification.

🐴 Myth: Vaccination against Potomac Horse Fever provides absolute protection.
🚫 Fact: While vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection and severity of the disease, it doesn't guarantee complete immunity. Proper management practices, such as insect control and minimizing exposure to potentially contaminated water sources, remain crucial for prevention.

By dispelling these myths, we can better understand Potomac Horse Fever and take proactive steps to protect our equine companions. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and together, let's ensure the health and well-being of our horses! 🐎💪

07/22/2024

🐴 Stall rest can be challenging for our equine companions, but with a little creativity and attention to their mental well-being, we can help keep them happy and engaged! Here are some tips to keep your horse entertained and support their mental health during stall rest:

Interactive Toys: Invest in equine-friendly toys and enrichment devices to keep your horse mentally stimulated. Treat balls, hanging boredom busters, and puzzle feeders can provide hours of entertainment and encourage natural behaviours like foraging.

Grooming Sessions: Spend quality time with your horse by engaging in gentle grooming sessions. Not only does grooming promote relaxation and bonding, but it also helps maintain your horse's coat and skin health. Plus, who doesn't love a good scratch behind the ears?

Environmental Enrichment: Create a stimulating environment within the stall by varying bedding materials, offering different types of forage, and toys. Changing up the scenery can prevent boredom and encourage exploration.

Training and Groundwork: Use stall rest as an opportunity to work on ground manners, obedience, and new skills through positive reinforcement training techniques. Teaching your horse new tricks or practicing groundwork exercises, if approved by your veterinarian, can keep their mind engaged and strengthen your bond.

Music and Audio Books: Believe it or not, horses can enjoy listening to music or audio books! Playing soothing music or calming nature sounds in the barn can create a relaxing atmosphere and help reduce stress for horses on stall rest.

Social Interaction: If possible, arrange for social interaction with neighbouring horses through stall windows. Socialization is important for equine mental health and can help alleviate feelings of isolation during stall rest.

Remember, each horse is unique, so experiment with different activities and enrichment options to find what works best for your equine friend. By providing mental stimulation, physical activity, and social interaction, we can help keep our horses happy and healthy even during periods of stall rest. 🌟🐎

07/15/2024

🐴💉 Wondering about joint injection therapy for your horse? Here's a breakdown of the different types:

1️⃣ Corticosteroids:
Ideal for reducing inflammation and managing arthritis, corticosteroid injections provide quick relief. They work by suppressing the immune response and decreasing swelling in the joint.

2️⃣ Hyaluronic Acid (HA):
Known for its lubricating properties, HA injections help maintain joint health by improving the viscosity of synovial fluid. This reduces friction and supports joint function.

3️⃣ PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):
Harnessing the horse's own platelets, PRP injections promote healing and reduce inflammation. They are effective for tendon and ligament injuries as well as joint problems.

4️⃣ IRAP (Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein):
Derived from the horse's own blood, IRAP injections target specific inflammatory pathways. They are designed to slow down joint degradation and provide long-term relief.

Choosing the right therapy depends on your horse's condition and needs. Consult with your vet to determine the best option for maintaining your horse's joint health and performance! 🐎✨

06/28/2024

Our office will be closed for 🇨🇦 CANADA DAY Monday July 1st, 2024 🇨🇦
Regular office hours resume Tuesday July 2nd at 8am.

🚑 Emergency services are available by calling 1-800-565-6823