Bennett Equine Veterinary Services

11/19/2025

As fall is winding down, here is our checklist before going into winter ❄

11/13/2025

Farrier appreciation post!

Today we collaborated with a wonderful farrier, Wendy of Wendy Wood Farrier Service on an unhandled donkey. We used the dart gun to sedate, and with Wendy’s patient and gentle approach were able to get hooves trimmed, vaccines in and dewormed.

We are so lucky to be able to work with great farriers like Wendy and a huge thanks to the donkeys new owner who did everything in her power to make sure her donkey is well cared for. We love our long ears! 🫏

11/12/2025

Ever wonder what the inside of a horses hoof looks like? Here is a great photo to show the smaller (but very important) structures within the hoof capsule!

Navicular Syndrome: What Horse Owners Should Know

What is it?
Navicular syndrome is a common cause of long-term (usually front) foot pain in horses. It affects the structures in the back half of the hoof, including the navicular bone, deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bursa, collateral sesamoidean ligament, and collateral sesamoidean impar ligament).

Who gets it?
It's most often seen in adult horses, especially those used for heavy work or certain breeds like Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods. Horses with very steep or very low hoof angles are also more at risk.

What are the signs?
• Lameness, usually in the front feet
• Horse may land toe-first instead of heel-first
• Lameness often gets worse when turning in circles
• Both front feet may be affected

What causes it?
• Repeated stress and strain on the navicular area
• Wear and tear on the bone and soft tissues
• Sometimes, poor hoof shape or conformation

How is it diagnosed?
Veterinarians use nerve blocks, radiographs, ultrasounds, and MRIs to pinpoint the source of pain.

How can it be managed?
Management options include special shoeing, rest, and medications. The right approach depends on the individual horse and the specific problem. Remember, what might help one horse might not help another. Overall, early diagnosis and tailored care can help many horses stay comfortable and active.

If you have questions or concerns about navicular syndrome in regard to your own equine, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Photo credit: Dr. Lori Madsen & University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

11/10/2025

Heads up! We’ll be closing early for our Holiday Staff Party at 2pm on Tuesday, November 11th.

If you need medication, please contact the office before 2pm by phone or email.

For emergencies after 2pm on Tuesday,call 1-800-565-6823. Otherwise, we’ll get back to you Wednesday during our regular hours — 8am to 4pm.

Our team will be celebrating at the Royal Winter Fair that evening. If you see us there, come say hello! 🎉

11/06/2025

It’s Royal Season! ✨

A huge congratulations to our clients and patients who are competing this year at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. We know how much hard work, love and dedication it takes to get here and we're cheering you on every step of the way!

Wishing everyone a safe, fun and successful end to the season.

10/28/2025

🕸️ Our patients are looking spook-tacular! 👻
Drop a pic of your horse’s costume below! We want to see your barn’s best dressed! 🎃

Happy Halloween from Bennett Equine!

10/21/2025

In honour of RVT Month, we’re excited to celebrate Janice, our incredible registered veterinary technician! 💙

Amongst many other skills, Janice keeps our team organized, supports our veterinarians in promoting the health and well-being of the horses we care for, and ensures our lab runs smoothly. As such a caring team member, she's even helped our staff pets!

RVTs play a vital role in every clinic’s success, and we’re so lucky to have Janice on our team!

10/10/2025

🧡🍁Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Bennett Equine!🐴🍂

This time of year always reminds us how lucky we are to work with such amazing clients and their incredible horses. We're so thankful for your trust, kindness and the chance to be part of your horse's care. Just a quick heads up for the long weekend:

✨We'll be closed on Monday October 14th
✨Open on Tuesday October 15th

📞If you need us in an emergency, we're just a call away 1-800-575-6823. The emergency line is available all weekend.

Wishing you and your herd a happy, healthy and restful Thanksgiving! 🦃💛

10/09/2025

🚨 Graphic Content Warning 🚨
Swipe with caution — this post contains medical images from a recent case involving EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis).

🦷 Recently, Dr. Brezina and Dr. Barnes performed a lower incisor extraction on a horse diagnosed with EOTRH — a painful, progressive dental disease most commonly seen in senior horses. It leads to the resorption of the tooth and abnormal cementum growth, often causing chronic pain and infection.

Symptoms to watch for include:
🦷Change in behaviour accepting the bit
🦷Difficulty eating, biting into hard treats or dropping feed
🦷Bad breath
🦷Visible changes to the incisors or gum line
🦷Behavioral changes due to pain

Treatment: In advanced cases like this one, extraction is often the most effective way to relieve discomfort and improve quality of life.

If you suspect your horse might be experiencing dental pain contact your veterinarian to schedule an exam.

While the procedure may look intense, it often brings immediate relief — and this patient is already on the road to a more comfortable life!

10/03/2025

In the field: An up-close view of Dr. Donati providing Acupuncture services. Kitty was an excellent patient!

Acupuncture is a time-tested practice that can play a powerful role in supporting your horse’s health, comfort, and overall performance. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps restore balance and promote natural healing, making it a valuable tool in both preventative care and injury recovery.

Some of the key benefits of equine acupuncture include: pain relief, improved mobility, stress & anxiety reduction, faster Healing, or digestive support.

Whether used on its own or alongside other therapies, acupuncture is a gentle, effective way to support your horse’s physical and mental well-being.

10/03/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out tonight to our client education night. I didn’t get any photos during the talks because they were so captivating! A huge thank you to Leanne from Boehringer Ingelheim, Dr. Donati and of course, Dr. Cleary for presenting. A special shout out goes to the Bennett Team for all the behind the scenes work. I’m so grateful to you all!

Can’t wait for next year!

Amy 🐴