Summit Equine Hospital

11/03/2024

10/31/2024

Fall laminitis refers to cases of laminitis or founder that occur in the autumnal months. Although laminitis can happen in any season, anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in the number of cases in the fall.

Why could this be?

• As the days get shorter and colder, grasses have been shown to respond to this stress with higher sugar concentrations. Diets with higher simple sugar concentrations may increase the risk of laminitis.

• Decreases in exercise may cause increases in body condition. Fat or obese horses are at risk of developing laminitis.

• Horses naturally have increased levels of certain hormones in the fall. If you have a horse with PPID (previously referred to as equine Cushing’s), the increase in their cortisol levels could put them at risk for laminitis.

If you have questions concerning fall laminitis or are concerned that your horse may be at an increased risk, contact your equine veterinarian so that they can properly evaluate your horse's unique situation.

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

10/31/2024

It's Halloween so please share your favorite equine costumes in the comments!

10/15/2024

Stampede Of Love celebrating years of serving the community at Portofino Equestrian Center this past weekend!

10/09/2024

Dr. Maxwell and Dr. Herman performing an ultrasound to help diagnose a forelimb lameness.

10/09/2024

Just a little horsey humor to brighten our day-
If your equine needs a Chiropractor, we have one! 😀

10/09/2024

What a blessing to our equine community that was hit with this terrible devastation!

📢IMPORTANT DONATION UPDATE 📢
Thanks to the phenomenal generosity from near and far, our supply is fully stocked and we will 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 4𝐩𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲. We will post on our website and social media when we start accepting donations again – stay tuned!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, kindness and generosity. It has been deeply humbling to watch the community come together for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts. THANK YOU! ❤️

10/02/2024

Ways to help horse families in crisis after the devastation of Helene-

Our hearts go out to our equestrian family in the western part of the state. We know many of you would like to help or donate during this time. If you would like to donate through the NCHC Foundation, we can promise you that your dollars will only be used for equine needs.

To learn more please visit https://nchorsecouncil.com/hurricane-helene-equine-disaster-relief/ .

To donate directly to NCHC Foundation please visit https://www.mcssl.com/store/nchc/nchc-foundation-donation

Photo credit: The News & Observer

10/02/2024

If you feed Alfalfa bales, please read the following information.

Here is your reminder to check your alfalfa for the presence of blister beetles prior to feeding it to your horses—especially if you feed alfalfa hay from a new or unknown harvesting source.

"The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses," says AAEP member Dr. Benjamin Espy. "As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to a 1100-pound horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse, and whole insects need not be present to be dangerous. Although cantharidin can exist in the alfalfa used to make pellets and cubes, cantharidin toxicity is very rare by this route. Some people believe that it has to do with the processing, others believe that it’s because the feed companies are using alfalfa from reputable sources that have good insect control."

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. While there is no antidote for the toxin found in blister beetles, your veterinarian may still be able to save your horse by providing supportive care to combat dehydration, help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and delay potential absorption. Since there are many representatives of the species Epicauta, contact your local agricultural agent so they can help you identify any beetle that looks suspicious.

09/30/2024

Hurricane Helene: To request critical assistance for livestock and animals in urgent need please visit the link below and complete the form then send to [email protected].

https://forms.fdacs.gov/09027.pdf

09/30/2024

A Letter from Tryon Equestrian Partners President, Sharon Decker Dear Friends and Neighbors in Western North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina: Tryon International has become an emergency command center for response to the devastation that has happened all around us.  We are tha

09/29/2024

“Justa” says today is smile Sunday 😃

09/17/2024

With each passing year, horses are living longer lives and many survive easily to 25 years of age or older. While this is good news, it also means that we need to be aware of changes that can occur with age in order to preserve the health and quality of life of our equine friends.

For example, Equine Cushing’s disease is one of the most common diseases of horses 15 years of age or older. This syndrome is better defined as Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) because it reflects the location within the brain that is abnormal. Clinical signs are associated with abnormally elevated hormone concentrations in the blood.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is another endocrine disorder that can affect mature horses and shares some of the same clinical signs as PPID. Although the two disorders feature some striking clinical similarities — most notably a predisposition to development of chronic laminitis — the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case. Successful management relies on proper diagnosis by your equine veterinarian first.

Our understanding of both conditions, especially EMS, is incomplete and evolving, but sufficient information is currently available to highlight some important similarities and differences for the interested horse owner. Consult your veterinarian for more information and work with them to develop the best wellness practices to ensure a healthy life for your mature horse.

09/06/2024

Teamwork makes the dream work! One of our newest technicians, Mary and Dr Pasko vaccinating this sweet mare, Annie.
Happy Friday!

09/06/2024

Cymro loves his chiropractic adjustments! Wanting to get your horse adjusted? Call us today and schedule your adjustment with Dr. Pasko!

08/29/2024

Dr.Pasko and assistant Lindsay love caring for our equine patients both big and small!

08/28/2024

Oldest existing Mounted Patrol- 150 years!

Protecting and serving the City by the Bay since 1874, the San Francisco Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit has a proud legacy. Read about equine officers.