Rhythm Equine Veterinary Services

08/24/2024

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or commonly referred to as Equine Cushing’s disease) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are two distinct endocrine disorders that affect horses. Though they can have overlapping symptoms, here are some key differences between the two.

🐴 Clinical Signs

👉 PPID: Common signs include a long coat that doesn't shed properly, a pot-bellied appearance, muscle wasting/loss of topline, and an increased risk of infections. Horses with PPID may also have laminitis.

👉 EMS: Typical signs include obesity or localized fat deposits (e.g., cresty neck), recurrent laminitis, and potentially abnormal blood glucose and insulin levels.

🐴 Age of Onset

👉 PPID: Typically affects older horses, generally those over 15 years of age, however, horses as young as 5 years old can also be affected.

👉 EMS: Can affect horses of any age but is more common in middle-aged to older horses. It is particularly prevalent in those that are overweight or have been prone to laminitis.

🐴 Diagnostic Tests

👉 PPID: Diagnosis often involves bloodwork that measures resting levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). For horses that have signs of early PPID, or have normal resting ACTH concentrations, performing a TRH stimulation test is used.

👉 EMS: Diagnosis typically involves bloodwork which evaluates insulin and glucose levels. Insulin resistance is a key indicator of EMS, and blood glucose levels can help diagnose the condition.

🐴 Treatment Approaches

👉 PPID: Treatment usually involves a medication called Pergolide (Prascend®), which helps regulate hormone levels and manage symptoms.

👉 EMS: Treatment focuses on managing insulin sensitivity and weight control through diet changes (e.g., low sugar and low starch), exercise, supplements such as InsulinWise™ or Platinum Metabolic Support, and potentially medications that improve insulin sensitivity. Managing laminitis and preventing its recurrence are also crucial.

Let us know your questions about PPID and EMS in the comments👇

08/21/2024

As summer wraps up, we want to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to our Vet Tech Shyanne, who has been an amazing part of the Rhythm team this spring and summer! 🐴❤️

Over the past number of months, Shyanne has brought her skills, knowledge, and her passion to our practice. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm have been a pleasure to have around! We're sad to see Shyanne go but we are excited for what’s next on her journey! We want to wish Shyanne good luck at business school this fall.

Thank you, Shyanne, for all your hard work and for being such a fantastic part of our team. We wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavours!

08/17/2024

🐴 It's estimated that 15%-30% of horses and ponies over the age of 15 suffer from PPID, however, horses as young as 5 can also be affected.

Some common symptoms of PPID are:
-Hay belly
-Shaggy coat
-Failure to shed fully
-Increased drinking/urination
-Laminitis

If you are concerned your horse may be suffering from PPID, now is the time to get them tested. We are offering free PPID testing until the end of October. (Additional fees may apply)
Get in touch for more information.
📞 (306)716-7294
💻 [email protected]

08/14/2024

Cheers to an amazing summer with two amazing vet students! Hanna and Jessica, your dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for equine veterinary medicine is extraordinary!💙

From the early mornings to the late nights, you've shown immense commitment and care for each equine patient you assisted with. As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, we want you to know how much you'll be missed here at Rhythm and how proud we are of all you've accomplished.
Wishing you both success, joy, and endless opportunities! You got this!🩺💪

08/09/2024

🐎 Do you like horses, sunshine, good food, and good people? Are you one of those people that can’t get enough of beautiful sunsets? Have you ever wondered what a 30 degree Celsius temperature swing in 24 hours felt like? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then we have the job for you! Rhythm Equine Veterinary Services is searching for a new associate veterinarian to join our team.

Who we are: a rapidly growing 2 doctor equine practice in central Saskatchewan, Canada (Langham, SK - just outside Saskatoon); currently strictly ambulatory but expanding into a purpose-built clinic in early 2025. Our practice has a lot of toys: DR, ultrasound, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, Bemer, airway scope, dental scope, power dentistry, StableLab, Wellness Ready, and regenerative medicine options - and we are open to adding more. We offer all the expected services of an ambulatory equine practice with a focus on sports medicine. Our priorities are: exceptional patient and client care, employee wellness and satisfaction, and mentorship and continuing education.

Who you are: a DVM (or equivalent) with the ability to be licensed in Saskatchewan who has a passion for equine practice, exceptional communication skills, and the desire to be part of a cohesive, progressive, and expanding practice team. A background in the horse world is preferred. New and recent grads are welcome to apply! If you’re not sure what part of equine practice is your thing - no problem. Our practice has room for just about any interest, including reproduction, acupuncture, VSMT, or more sports medicine. Want to pursue additional training? Awesome - just let us know!

What the job is: associate veterinary position with shared on-call duties (shared equally between all vets). 4 day work week; dedicated assistant or RVT in truck; and practice vehicle to take home when on call. Position includes a comprehensive compensation package; inquire for more details.

Where we are: located just outside Saskatoon, SK - which is the largest city in Saskatchewan. While the weather sometimes leaves something to be desired, Saskatoon is a beautiful prairie city with plenty of big-city amenities but a small-town feel. The food and entertainment scene is pretty incredible - and has something for everyone. Saskatchewan is home to thousands of kilometres of lakefront, and has a large number of gorgeous parks to enjoy.

Check us out at www.rhythmequine.com

Send any questions, or your resume/application to [email protected]

EMERGENCY Do you like horses, sunshine, good food, and good people? Are you one of those people that can’t get enough of beautiful sunsets? Have you ever wondered what a 30-degree Celsius temperature swing in 24 hours felt like? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then we have the job f...

08/03/2024

☀ Wishing all our followers a wonderful and relaxing long weekend!
We will be closed on Monday, August 5 for the long weekend and back to regular hours on Tuesday, August 6.
Emergency services will remain available for current clients.

07/27/2024

☀Summer Student Update!🐴

It has been a pleasure to have Jessica around this summer, she is an enthusiastic student and she has fit right in as part of the Rhythm team. Here are some highlights from Jessica on her experience with Rhythm Equine.

"The summer has been flying by, but I’ve had a blast getting to learn and practice my hands-on skills under the supervision of Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Swirski. We have worked on many things including but not limited to physical exams, lameness exams and ridden exams, dentistry, breeding management, ultrasound and x-ray skills, shockwave therapy, and nerve blocks. I am excited to see what the next 1.5 months bring!"

Thanks for hanging with us this summer Jessica! Help us wish her luck in her next year of vet school! 🩺💙

07/23/2024

☀️Summer Student Update!🐴

We're excited to bring you an update from our talented summer student Hanna. She has made a significant impact here at Rhythm and it has been a pleasure to have her as part of the team this summer.

Here is an update from Hanna:

“I can’t say enough good things about my time at Rhythm so far. Both Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Swirski have gone above and beyond to facilitate an outstanding learning experience in every aspect of equine practice. I have been involved in a wide variety of appointments and procedures since joining the team in May. They have been challenging me to think like a veterinarian and to approach every appointment thinking about how I would handle the situation if I were making the decisions. As I enter into my final year of education, this experience has been so valuable to gain before I enter into practice next year. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and hands-on experience I have received so far and I am excited for the remainder of the summer. It has been a lot of fun working with and getting to know the entire Rhythm team!”

It has been wonderful having you on our team this summer Hanna! Join us in wishing Hanna all the best in her final year of school!

07/05/2024

☀️Summer is here, and our equine friends are feeling the heat! As temperatures rise, it's crucial to ensure your horses stay safe and healthy. How do you help your horse beat the heat?

06/29/2024

We will be closed on Monday, July 1 for the Canada Day weekend, and back to regular hours on Tuesday, July 2. Emergency services will remain available.
Have a great Canada Day! 🇨🇦

06/25/2024

🐎 Do you like horses, sunshine, good food, and good people? Are you one of those people that can’t get enough of beautiful sunsets? Have you ever wondered what a 30 degree Celsius temperature swing in 24 hours felt like? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then we have the job for you! Rhythm Equine Veterinary Services is searching for a new associate veterinarian to join our team.

Who we are: a rapidly growing 2 doctor equine practice in central Saskatchewan, Canada (Langham, SK - just outside Saskatoon); currently strictly ambulatory but expanding into a purpose-built clinic in early 2025. Our practice has a lot of toys: DR, ultrasound, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, Bemer, airway scope, dental scope, power dentistry, StableLab, Wellness Ready, and regenerative medicine options - and we are open to adding more. We offer all the expected services of an ambulatory equine practice with a focus on sports medicine. Our priorities are: exceptional patient and client care, employee wellness and satisfaction, and mentorship and continuing education.

Who you are: a DVM (or equivalent) with the ability to be licensed in Saskatchewan who has a passion for equine practice, exceptional communication skills, and the desire to be part of a cohesive, progressive, and expanding practice team. A background in the horse world is preferred. New and recent grads are welcome to apply! If you’re not sure what part of equine practice is your thing - no problem. Our practice has room for just about any interest, including reproduction, acupuncture, VSMT, or more sports medicine. Want to pursue additional training? Awesome - just let us know!

What the job is: associate veterinary position with shared on-call duties (shared equally between all vets). 4 day work week; dedicated assistant or RVT in truck; and practice vehicle to take home when on call. Position includes a comprehensive compensation package; inquire for more details.

Where we are: located just outside Saskatoon, SK - which is the largest city in Saskatchewan. While the weather sometimes leaves something to be desired, Saskatoon is a beautiful prairie city with plenty of big-city amenities but a small-town feel. The food and entertainment scene is pretty incredible - and has something for everyone. Saskatchewan is home to thousands of kilometres of lakefront, and has a large number of gorgeous parks to enjoy.

Check us out at www.rhythmequine.com

Send any questions, or your resume/application to [email protected]

06/18/2024

🛑 Important Announcement 🛑

Due to our commitment to providing exceptional care for our current clients and the high demand we are experiencing, we regret to inform you that we are temporarily unable to accept new clients at this time. We understand that wait times have been longer than usual, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.

To our existing clients, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued trust and support. Rest assured, we are working diligently to accommodate everyone as efficiently as possible. As a reminder, you are considered a current client if we have had an appointment with one of your horses in the past year.

Thank you for being a part of the Rhythm Equine community. Your horses' health and well-being remain our top priority.

🐴We hope to open our books back up to new clients soon, be sure to keep an eye on our page for the announcement.

06/15/2024

🐴✨ Welcome to the world, little one! Introducing Dr. Reynolds' second foal on this . We are all so excited to meet her and add another addition to Rhythm's herd.💞

06/13/2024

🐴 💓 Ever wonder how horse heart rates compare to ours?

06/11/2024

🐎 "Shockwave therapy is one of my top picks at Rhythm! It's incredibly versatile, aiding in various injuries by boosting blood flow, promoting new blood cell formation, and speeding up the healing process. This leads to enhanced tendon, ligament, bone, and wound healing quality!”
-Shyanne - Registered Veterinary Technician

Do you feel your horse would benefit from shockwave therapy⁉️ Get in touch!
☎ (306) 716-7294
💻 [email protected]

06/08/2024

🐴 Happy , everyone! We are super excited to share some awesome news, Rhythm's herd has grown. Dr. Reynolds' mare recently had her foal and we couldn’t be more excited! Help us give this sweet filly a warm welcoming🩷🩷🩷

06/06/2024

🐴 What is a pre-purchase exam?

✔️An extensive and thorough examination is which is performed on a horse prior to purchase, at the expense of the buyer, with the intention of gathering as much health information as possible to aid in purchase and ongoing management decisions.

🐴 A pre-purchase exam is:

✔️ Ideally performed before purchasing the horse

✔️ A thorough exam that looks at the horse’s general physical condition, movement, response to flexions, eyes, and neurologic status

✔️ Can include diagnostics like X-rays, ultrasound, blood testing, or reproductive testing

✔️ Performed so the prospective buyer can make informed decisions

🐴 A Pre-purchase exam is not:

✖️ An exam to “PASS” or “FAIL” a horse (it is only to provide information)

✖️ A guarantee of future health and soundness

✖️ A lameness exam to provide treatments

If you are Looking at purchasing your next horse, a pre-purchase exam can help provide the clarity you need before making a decision!

Get in touch for more info!
💻: [email protected]
☎️: (306) 716-7294

06/01/2024

🌟 Wishing all our amazing clients the best of luck this show season!
Your dedication and hard work with your equine partners truly shine. Go out there and make every ride count - Good luck!
📸 Make sure you tag us in your show photos this season so we can cheer you on!

05/30/2024

Platinum Performance® Dermal Support is a supplement that helps maintain the health of a horse’s skin and coat.
😍We love this line, have you tried any Platinum products? Tell us which ones you love!

05/25/2024

🌟Summer Student Introduction! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce the return of a familiar face back to the Rhythm Team. Jessica's passion, dedication, and expertise were missed, and we couldn't be happier to have her back for another summer! 👏

Jessica just completed her second year of studies at the WCVM. She is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and hopes to pursue a career in equine medicine. She has a plethora of experience in the horse industry ranging from working as an assistant trainer at the racetrack to working as a groom at an Arabian show/breeding barn. When not at work, Jessica keeps busy by competing in various barrel races and rodeos across the prairie provinces and participating in agility with her dog Rocky.

Welcome back Jessica, we are excited for another fun summer with you! Help us show her some love! 🙏💙

05/23/2024

🌟Summer Student Introduction! 🌟

We're excited to welcome our newest team members who are joining us for the summer. Passionate about equine care and eager to learn, these two amazing women are set to embark on a journey of professional growth with Rhythm...and we are so lucky to have them!

First up, Hanna 💙

Hanna is from Oak River, Manitoba, and completed a degree in Biology from Brandon University before attending the WCVM in Saskatoon and is in her fourth year. She grew up around horses, starting in the showjumping world before transitioning to rodeo. Rodeo has given her the opportunity to see and compete in many amazing parts of North America and meet people from around the world. She has always loved horses as athletes and she is really excited for a career in equine medicine. When she is not at work, she enjoys riding and training her young mare and playing volleyball in the beach and indoor leagues around Saskatoon.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to our summer student, Hanna! 🙏💙

05/18/2024

🌟 Wishing everyone and their horses a fantastic May long weekend!
We will be closed on Monday, May 20 for the long weekend and back to regular hours on Tuesday, May 21. Emergency services will remain available.

05/16/2024

🐴 Only a few weeks left to secure a 2024 Core Wellness Plan for your equine partner—The wellness plan is a comprehensive package designed to prioritize the health and well-being of your equine companion without straining your budget!

🌟 Benefits of investing in a wellness plan:

- Provides a complete plan to cover all your horse’s core health needs

- There are add-on options you can tailor to your horse’s specific health needs

- It allows you to talk to your vet about any of your horse's health questions

- It maintains the client-vet relationship to remain as a current client

- Member-only pricing on services and products throughout the year

👉 Don’t miss out! The last day to purchase a wellness plan is May 31. Head on over to our website for more details! Want to sign up, or have questions, get in touch!

💻 [email protected]
☎️ (306) 716-7294

05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms, human and equine alike! Your love and care make every day special. Tag a mom in your life who deserves all the appreciation today! 🐴💞

05/10/2024

Wishing a fantastic birthday to Wren, our awesome vet assistant! 🐴🎂 Your dedication and passion are truly appreciated! Enjoy your special day! 🥳

05/09/2024

🐴 Wondering if your horse should be vaccinated for strangles? Check out our article here : 👉 https://rhythmequine.com/understanding-strangles-and-the-importance-of-vaccination/

05/07/2024

“One of my favourite things Rhythm offers is Telemedicine consults! It enhances access to healthcare for current clients and their horses by offering another avenue for appointments. It is a modern solution that allows us to facilitate faster-scheduled appointments and provide support for clients who live at a distance.”
Jerilyn - Client Care

🐴 Did you know we offered this as an appointment option?

05/04/2024

🛑 Please share! 🛑
Can anyone who may have a nurse mare please call our emergency line.
Please leave a message and we will call you right back.
(306) 716-7294

05/03/2024

A little something to make your Friday even better!
Happy 💕

05/02/2024

Ever wondered why horses can't vomit? 🤔🐴