Okanagan Equine Veterinary Services

09/15/2025

Here is a good article on Equine Infectious Anemia also known as EIA and the disease the Coggins test is for. Recently in the USA an outbreak occurred from a Vet Hospital by sharing a heparinized saline (what is used for flushing and keeping catheters open). A stark reminder of the need for strong protocols that are followed.

"When a horse tests positive, all potentially exposed horses must be quarantined and retested until two negative results, taken 30 to 60 days apart, are confirmed. EIAV-positive horses must either be euthanized or permanently isolated at least 200 yards from other equids—sufficient distance to prevent mechanical transmission by insect vectors. Positive horses must also be permanently identified with a USDA-issued brand or tattoo."

Researchers warn of rising EIA cases, with inapparent carriers and iatrogenic spread posing ongoing threats to horse health nationwide.

09/15/2025

The Okanagan Valley has a very nice new Dressage Stallion in town!!! We got to meet Pete at this weekend at the Dance in the Vineyards Dressage Festival. He is lovely.

09/06/2025

We are aware of the developing fire in Lavington.

VDRC is able to accommodate horses, farm animals and their people. We have covered stalls, space for trailers & campers and bathrooms so folks can stay on site with their animals. Space is free of charge. Please call ahead if possible. Contact us for more information.

*Access to the VDRC is via Kalamalka Lake Rd as there are closures on Aberdeen Rd*

Stay safe everyone.

Regional District of North Okanagan

09/01/2025

This is a tried and true calculation that is more accurate than weight tapes. The basic formula is girth X girth X length divide by 300.

Use our free adult horse weight calculator to estimate your horse's weight using body length and heart girth measurements.

09/01/2025

How do horses know when they are pregnant? 🐴

Lynka Itogawa, a third-year veterinary student, spent the summer investigating extracellular vesicles (EVs). Like miniature Pony Express riders, EVs carry vital information that allows cells to communicate with each other. They may be the answer to how horse embryos communicate with the mother in early pregnancy.

The research team, led by Dr. Claire Card, is also interested in the regenerative medicine properties of EVs. In addition to delivering messages, these miniscule structures may have the potential to deliver substances that promote healing in parts of the horse’s body — including the uterus.

Learn more by reading Lynka's sience news story about her summer research work, which is featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Horse Health Lines: https://ow.ly/JfeC50WNQQe

Manitoba Horse Council
Horse Council BC
Saskatchewan Horse Federation
Alberta Equestrian Federation

09/01/2025

A jumbo jet carrying 51 horses landed in Calgary, Canada, on Saturday afternoon ahead of the 50th Anniversary Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’.

08/30/2025

Fall is just around the corner, which means it's time for a FALL-CHECKLIST! 🍂🍁

As the cooler weather moves in, now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

Check out this list of essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do list, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse's blankets repaired and waterproofed, securing and storing hay properly, assessing your shelters for safety and soundness, etc.

Note that your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season, so be sure to consult them and discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation. This is also a great opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise programs as well!

08/30/2025

Here is nice write up on a emerging area of concern in the lower neck.

The equine industry is no stranger to controversy, and the ongoing debate about Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation (ECVM) is a perfect storm of differing opinions, misinformation, and genuine scientific inquiry. From social media arguments to differing approaches among veterinarians, the subject....

08/30/2025

08/25/2025