Eden & Plaxton Equine Veterinary Services Inc.

09/16/2025

Does your horse have PPID?
Does your horse shed late, struggle with repeated laminitis, or show muscle loss along the topline? These could be signs of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) — also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease. This common hormonal disorder in older horses affects metabolism, immunity, and overall health. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and help prevent complications like laminitis.

Common Signs of PPID:
* Delayed or incomplete shedding
* Long, curly/shaggy coat
* Muscle loss (especially topline)
* Chronic or recurring laminitis
* Lethargy or reduced performance
* Increased drinking/urination
* Abnormal fat deposits (neck, above eyes)
* More prone to infections or slow healing

When is the Best Time to Test? During the Fall Rise!�
From August to October, horses naturally have higher ACTH levels. Testing during this time improves accuracy and early detection.

We are offering 10% off ACTH testing and free courier fees! �(Call fee and blood collection fees still apply)

If you're concerned about your horse or testing was previously recommended, now’s the perfect time.
📞 Schedule today: (250) 580-7386 or email us at [email protected]

** Valid from September 15th-October 15th **

09/09/2025

🍁 Autumn Laminitis: Know the Risks 🐴

Laminitis isn’t just a spring problem. As we move into fall, cooler nights and shorter days trigger pasture changes — especially after the first frosts. Grass starts storing more sugar, which can spike insulin levels in sensitive horses.

Why does this matter? In autumn, horses naturally begin storing fat for winter. This comes with increased insulin — a problem for those with insulin dysregulation (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) or PPID (formerly Cushing’s).

What you can do:
-Test for EMS or PPID
-Limit access to frosty, sugar-rich pasture
-Watch for weight gain
-Keep your horse active — even short daily walks help
-Manage diet to reduce non-structural carbs

Fall is a beautiful season so let’s keep it safe for our horses, too.

Contact our office if you think your horse would benefit from an exam or if you want additional information!

09/02/2025

🍂 Thinking about castration? Fall is a great time!

Spring is a popular time to geld, but fall can be an even better option if you missed the season or have a late bloomer. Here’s why:

✔️Cooler weather & fewer flies → lower risk of infection and swelling compared to hot summer months
✔️Drier pastures → easier turnout and exercise, which helps reduce swelling and supports recovery
✔️Plenty of healing time → horses are recovered and ready for spring training, showing, or turnout
✔️Ideal for weanlings → smaller size means fewer risks with anesthesia/bleeding, and they recover well alongside mom before weaning

Fall castration sets your c**t up for a smoother, healthier start going into next year.

For more information contact our office at 250-580-7386 or [email protected]

08/20/2025

Why X-Rays?
"To see is to know. Not to see is to guess. And we won't guess about your horses health"

Hock radiograph: Radiograph shows evidence of lower hock joint fusion (distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints), consistent with advanced osteoarthritis or bone spavin. While progressive, fusion can lead to improved comfort.

Front feet radiograph: This lateral X-ray of a horse's foot shows the detailed structure of bones, including the coffin bone, navicular bone, and pastern joints. Radiographs like this are essential for diagnosing lameness, hoof balance, and internal hoof health.

08/02/2025

With the heat lingering, take into consideration these important points!

07/31/2025

We asked our team “What’s one thing you’d never do working in the industry?” What is something you’d never do with your horse?

07/25/2025

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in. The swelling will be extreme, hot, very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your equine practitioner will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.

07/18/2025

What are your thoughts? Think we can add all these things? Teamwork makes the dream works!

07/16/2025

Confirmed case of EIA in Surrey. It is always a good idea to run a Coggins at a PPE, as well as a very good idea for Barn protocols.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that produces a persistent infection among equids nearly worldwide.

07/16/2025

07/15/2025

With our temperatures rising this week, make sure you know all the signs for heat stress in your horses! Great article from AAEP.

04/17/2025

Happy Easter Long Weekend!

Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, April 17th and Monday, April 21st for the Easter long weekend. We hope you enjoy a relaxing break and some quality time with loved ones!

As always, we’re available for any emergency calls during this time. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, April 22nd at 8:30 AM.

If you require emergency assistance, don’t hesitate to call us at 250-580-7386.

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday weekend! 🐎☀️