𝑾𝒂𝒓 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆

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𝑾𝒂𝒓 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆

𝑾𝒂𝒓 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆 Equine veterinary practice with special interest in performance horse medicine and general wellness Welcome to War Equine!

War Equine is a private veterinary practice that provides quality medical care for your horse. We are a satellite facility of Twin Creeks Veterinary Services and offer both haul in and ambulatory services. Dr. Kaitlyn Ruffin is originally from Vero Beach, Florida. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Equine Science at the University of Florida, followed by veterinary school at Auburn University Colleg

e of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ruffin continued her education by completing a rigorous internship at Piedmont Equine Associates. Her interests include lameness, sports medicine and rehabilitation, show horse medicine, as well as general practice. She has an extensive background in western performance horses and grew up competing in ranch sorting and barrel racing events. When Dr. Ruffin is not working, she enjoys riding her horses, spending time with her husband Ben, and making western jewelry. Dr. Ruffin is excited to become a part of your team by proving the best care for your horse. At War Equine, we believe that working with owners, trainers, and equine specialists, we can optimize performance, prevent injury, and maintain the overall health of your equine athlete. Services:
- Advanced performance evaluations
- Lameness exams
- General wellness exams
- Pre-purchase exams
- Routine care (vaccinations, deworming, etc.)
- Equine dentistry and thorough oral exams
- Reproduction services
- New foal exams
- Dermatology consults
- Digital radiography
- Ultrasound diagnostics
- Full lab work
- Due to being a one doctor practice, emergency services are provided on a cases by case basis

Ambulatory service counties:
- Lee
- Macon
- Russell
- Bullock
- Pike
- Montgomery
- Elmore
- Coosa
- Tallapoosa
- Chambers
- Clay
- Randolph

03/15/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬🐴🌪️⛈️

As many of you know, a significant storm is expected to bring severe thunderstorms, strong winds, hail, and the possibility of tornadoes to Alabama. A few simple precautions can help protect your horses and provide essential information in case they become lost.

𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥?

Deciding whether to keep your horse outside or indoors depends on several factors. Barns and structures should be built to withstand high winds to avoid horses being trapped or debris flying around. If your horse is not used to being confined in a stall, they may become anxious, which could lead to injury. Conversely, a horse accustomed to being in a stall for long periods may feel stressed if let outside during a storm. Try to maintain your horse’s regular routine while minimizing risks. If your horse wears a fly mask, it can help prevent eye irritation during high winds.

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐔𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

Ensure you have enough hay, grain, and water on hand. If you rely on power for water, consider filling extra buckets or troughs in case of a power outage. A typical 1,100-pound horse drinks 6 to 10 gallons of water daily in cooler weather, but this amount can increase significantly in hot, humid conditions or for a lactating mare. Avoid making sudden dietary changes.

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

In case of an emergency, it’s essential to identify your horses if they get separated. If you decide to put a halter on your horse, make sure it has a breakaway leather strap to prevent entanglement. Identification options include cattle ear tags, dog tags, or duct tape securely braided into the mane. Large, clear text is easier to read from a distance. Be sure to include the horse’s name, the owner’s contact details, and the address. Other helpful info like identifying a stallion or a horse that kicks can also be included. Waterproof livestock paint can be used to write contact details on the horse’s side. While permanent markers or nail polish on hooves can be used, they may not be visible in muddy conditions.

🚨We will be available for emergencies or any questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Stay safe and be ready!

Credit to: Alabama equine extension! Great information! 🐴

03/13/2025

𝓓𝓻𝓲𝓹𝓹𝔂 💧

Why would you consider getting your horse looked at for a performance evaluation/lameness exam?

A lameness exam is crucial for identifying and diagnosing the source of pain or discomfort in a horse’s musculoskeletal system. This thorough examination helps to assess the horse’s movement, evaluate joint flexibility, and determine if there are any issues with tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints. Early detection of lameness can prevent further injury and improve the horse’s overall well-being. The exam often includes visual observation of the horse’s gait, palpation, flexion tests, nerve blocks, and sometimes imaging techniques like radiographs or ultrasound. By pinpointing the exact cause of lameness, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed, which may involve joint injections, shockwave, medications, rehabilitation, or surgical intervention. Ultimately, an equine lameness exam plays a vital role in maintaining a horse’s performance, health, and longevity.

(I do not own the rights to this music)

03/10/2025

Check out our newest Flexineb! 💨🫁

Why would we choose to nebulize a horse? Nebulizing horses is a therapeutic technique used to deliver medications directly to the respiratory system, providing relief for horses suffering from respiratory conditions like equine asthma, pneumonia, exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeders) or upper respiratory infections. The process involves using a nebulizer, a device that converts liquid medications into a fine mist or aerosol, which the horse inhales through a mask, nosepiece, or nebulizing chamber. This direct delivery allows the medication to reach the lungs more effectively than oral treatments, ensuring faster and more targeted relief. Nebulization is commonly used to administer bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or mucolytics, helping to reduce inflammation, open airways, and alleviate symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing. We can also nebulize certain biological to aid in healing the respiratory tract after a EIPH episode. Depending on the horse’s condition and treatment protocol, nebulizing can be done with us or at home! Regular use of nebulization can significantly improve the horse’s respiratory function and overall quality of life and truly make a difference in their performance and overall comfort.

03/03/2025

Did you know we also perform standing surgeries? Check out this enucleation! 👀

Why would my horse benefit from an enucleation?

“Enucleation” is surgical removal of the eye where the eyelids are permanently closed. There are several possible reasons to consider enucleation including:
1) a painful, blind eye
2) long-term dependency on frequent medications to relieve pain
3) infection that is worsening despite treatment and there is no option for a vision sparing surgery
4) cancer which is recurrent and/or invasive.

Enucleation surgery has a short post-operative period with minor, local discomfort, that is controlled with oral pain medications. Horses that have experienced pain from uveitis, glaucoma, or corneal infection show signs of immediate relief and improvement in behavior after the surgery. Most importantly, almost all will return to previous work and can still perform!

Warrior Princess had her eye removed from her long term battle with glaucoma. Within a few days, she was visibly less painful and back to her normal self. She did so well and has made a full recovery! 💖👀🐴

03/02/2025

Spring is almost here! Which means…it's time to schedule your equine companion to receive their spring vaccinations!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your equine friend should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your animal and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

02/14/2025

War Equine will be in Andalusia this Saturday & Sunday for the Be Mine Barrel Bash . We will also be available Friday evening for emergency services. Please stop by and say hello! We can’t wait to see everyone😊🐴💉

Here’s a few things we offer at shows:
✨ Lameness/Performance Exams
✨ Shockwave
✨ Upper Airway Endoscopy
✨ Joint injections
✨ Ultrasound/Radiology
✨ Vaccines/coggins
✨ Equine Dentals
✨ Consultations
✨ Emergency Services

01/31/2025

🦷🦷🦷

01/22/2025

Hope everyone is staying warm! Show us your snow day photos! 🐴❄️☃️

01/16/2025

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT COLIC IN HORSES?

Colic indicates a painful problem in the horse's abdomen (belly), which can be caused by a number of different conditions. Less than 10% of all colic cases are severe enough to require surgery or cause the death of the horse; nevertheless, every case of colic should be taken seriously because it can be difficult to tell the mild ones from the potentially serious ones in the early stages.

Horses show signs of abdominal pain in a wide variety of ways, and usually a horse shows only a few of the signs during an episode of colic. The rule of thumb is — the more obvious the signs of pain, the more serious the problem.

If you suspect the horse is suffering from colic, we suggest that you:

• Alert your veterinarian immediately

• Remove all hay and grain from the horse's surroundings

• Don't medicate without your veterinarian's approval, as pain medications can mask clinical signs

• Walk the horse around if it's continually rolling or in danger of hurting itself — but do not tire the horse with relentless walking and don't approach the animal if it's not safe

• Keep the horse under close observation until the signs of colic resolve or the veterinarian arrives

The key to increasing the chances of a good outcome is to identify the problem early and get your veterinarian involved from the start.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of colic signs. Horses are individuals and may display signs of pain in a variety of ways. Always consult your horse doctor for more information.

01/10/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Are you familiar with the many adaptations that help your horse stay warm during the cold winter months?

🌾 Hindgut digestion of hay produces the most heat, acting as a small furnace inside of the horse. This is why free choice; good quality hay is so important in the winter.

💪 Horses have a huge muscle mass and muscle activity produces heat. This includes running and playing and even shivering if their body temperature starts to drop. It is important to remember that these activities also will result in a bigger caloric demand so free choice hay and in some cases, grain, is often needed.

🧥 To blanket or not to blanket is a constant debate but either way, as it starts to get cold your horse will grow a thicker coat. If you decide to leave your horse unblanketed you may notice that they look “fluffy”. This is due to a phenomenon called piloerection where the hair stands up to better trap air within. Two layers of the coat also help with warmth. The inner layer is softer and has air pockets to create an insulating layer. The outer layer is coarse and has oils that keep moisture from penetrating the insulating layer and keep the horse warm.

⚖️ Wild horses go into the winter heavier than ideal, and the fat serves as an extra layer of insulation. However, if a horse is going to be kept heavily blanketed and in a barn during the cold weather months this is unnecessary and can lead to obesity related issues.

🦵Their distal limbs (below the knees and hocks) are made of mostly bones and tendons, tissues that are resistant to the cold temperatures.

🦶The hooves have an alternative route of blood circulation through larger vessels that can be used in low temperatures. This is why horses can stand in snow without detrimental effects.

👃A horse’s nose has a robust blood supply and is rounded so that it is less susceptible to frostbite than a human’s nose.
•
Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

01/02/2025

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣, 𝕟𝕖𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦!
There’s no better time to get on top of your horse’s health by being prepared, preventing emergencies, and having a plan!

ʜᴏᴡ ᴄᴀɴ ʏᴏᴜ ʙᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴘᴀʀᴇᴅ?
» Establish care and talk to your veterinarian about having basic emergency medications and supplies on hand. Some of these would include Banamjne, Bute, bandage materials, thermometer, etc!

ʜᴏᴡ ᴄᴀɴ ʏᴏᴜ ᴘʀᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴀɴ ᴇᴍᴇʀɢᴇɴᴄʏ?
» Make sure that your horse is up to date on vaccines and routine care! Twice a year vaccines are boosted typically in the Spring and Fall. These vaccines can vary depending on your horses lifestyle and risk of exposure to various diseases. If your horse is due for vaccines, please contact us to schedule an appointment and we can create a personalized plan for your horse based on their lifestyle and exposure risks!
» Avoid housing horses in a hazardous environment. As we horse owners know, horses will get into anything! Keep horses away from sharp objects, rusty metal buildings, heavy equipment, aggressive animals, or anything that could potentially cause them harm.
» Ensure proper dentition. Your horse’s mouth should be examined every 6 months, with dental floats every 6-12 months.
» Proper nutrition is essential. Your horses energy requirements change throughout the year based on exercise, life stage, and environmental changes. We would love to chat about this based on your horses needs!

ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴘʟᴀɴ!
» Establish a relationship with a veterinarian.
» If you are out of range or not established with a mobile veterinarian, make sure your trailer is ready to haul or you have contacts on hand for someone that can haul your horse for you. We would be happy to provide you with contacts if you do not have access to a trailer.

Please reach out if we can help with any of the above! Let us help keep your horses healthy in 2025! 💖✨🐴

📞(772)321-1804
Kaitlyn Ruffin DVM

12/30/2024

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍! 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥?

𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨?

Cereal grains such as oats and corn contain high amounts of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the form of starch. Acute laminitis can occur in any horse that consumes a large amount of carbohydrates at once, such as when a horse gets into the grain bin or a bag of corn. This is because the undigested carbohydrates cause a rapid change in gut bacteria and pH which allows toxins to be absorbed into the blood stream and cause a significant inflammatory response.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫??
• Horses housed near deer corn or hunting properties
• Horses housed with other livestock that may be fed corn
• Horses that may have access to feed rooms or feed storage containers

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧?
• This is a time sensitive emergency! Call your vet immediately.

12/15/2024

What does it really mean to "let them go on a good day?"

It means it will be your hardest day. It won't matter if you've never done it before, or if you're gifted a dozen good days, each good day is always the hardest one.

It means they won't know what the fuss is about, why they're getting so many treats and extra belly scratches and hugs.

It means you will second guess your decision right up to the very last moment, the very last breath. You'll second guess yourself afterwards.

They'll knicker at you when you arrive, just like any other day.

The weather, perfect. They are content. They look sound today. They are breathing well, eating well, they get up easily enough from a nap in the sun....the list goes on. Whatever issue they struggle with, today they aren't.

Today you euthanize them.

This is what going on a good day means: sending them out while they are happy, while they are healthy, while they are eating well, walking well, etc. You make the choice to do it before an emergency takes the choice away from you, before your horse has to experience any more trauma or pain.

Their last memory will be filled with love.

It'll rip your heart out every time.

We can see the patterns and the increasing trends. We can predict it a little. We can obsess over the past and worry about the future.

Fortunately, horses, all animals, live in the moment. They don't worry about those things. They aren't worried about winter. They aren't worried about July, or allergies, or progressive diseases like cushings or dsld. They don't think about the close calls they've had before, and they certainly aren't thinking about the close calls that are destined to come, as their body continues to age and break down. They just are. They are happy and healthy, or fearful and in pain, on that day, in that moment.

It is the most difficult, most loving gift we are blessed to be able to give.

And that first ice storm will come, that first deep snow, that first heat wave....and you will find a little relief, no longer doubting the choice you made.

They were happy, and safe, and loved. That is all that matters.

It is never easy. ~Kelly Meister, author

12/13/2024

Happy national day of the horse💗

Brighten our day by sharing a photo of your horse down below🐎✨💖

12/12/2024

Big news!!! We are SO excited to announce that we have a PulseVet on the way and will soon be offering shock wave therapy! ✨🐴✨

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?
The PulseVet Shock Wave System produces high-energy sound waves, which stimulate cells and release healing growth factors in the body that reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, accelerate bone formation, and enhance wound healing!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫?
* Tendon and ligament injuries
* Bone fractures (stress fractures/splints)
* OA/Joint inflammation and pain
* EIPH and Asthma
* Foot Injuries
* Wounds
* Back pain/kissing spines
* Cauda Equina Syndrome (LS disease)

Call us if you’re interested in knowing more about shock wave therapy or if it would be an option for your horse!

📞(772)321-1804

12/05/2024

And the answer from yesterday’s post is…. Pro-Stride!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞?
Pro-Stride (autologous protein solution) is a device that creates a solution to manage equine lameness and osteoarthritis in horses by concentrating the cells, platelets, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines from a horse’s own blood!

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!
Pain and damage in a horse's joint is caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines that break down cartilage. These pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines can cause damage to tissues in your horse’s joints. These cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), need to be blocked to prevent the development of or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. If not, they bind to the cell surface receptors on cartilage and start the cartilage degradation process. The horse has several naturally occurring inhibitors (anti-inflammatory proteins) to block the pro-inflammatory cytokines. These include the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1ra or IRAP), soluble interleukin-1 receptor (sIL-1R) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNF-R's). Pro-Stride highly concentrates these inhibitors to help reduce pain and protect the cartilage. This product can be used in areas such as joints or to treat a soft tissue injury!

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞?
By treating with Pro-Stride, you’re not only decreasing inflammation but also helping to heal the joint/injury! This is important to consider when thinking about the longevity of your performance horse.

Wondering if this is right for your horse? Give us a call!

📞 (772)321-1804

12/04/2024

✨What’s up Wednesday!✨

Can you guess what treatment Dr. Ruffin is performing in these photos? Let us know in the comments!

Check back tomorrow for the answer and more information!🤩

Address

3085 CR/086
Auburn, AL
36879

Telephone

+17723211804

Website

http://Warequine.com/

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Videos

𝓓𝓻𝓲𝓹𝓹𝔂 💧 Why would you consider getting your horse looked at for a performance evaluation/lameness exam? A lameness exam is crucial for identifying and diagnosing the source of pain or discomfort in a horse’s musculoskeletal system. This thorough examination helps to assess the horse’s movement, evaluate joint flexibility, and determine if there are any issues with tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints. Early detection of lameness can prevent further injury and improve the horse’s overall well-being. The exam often includes visual observation of the horse’s gait, palpation, flexion tests, nerve blocks, and sometimes imaging techniques like radiographs or ultrasound. By pinpointing the exact cause of lameness, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed, which may involve joint injections, shockwave, medications, rehabilitation, or surgical intervention. Ultimately, an equine lameness exam plays a vital role in maintaining a horse’s performance, health, and longevity. (I do not own the rights to this music) #WarEquine #SportsMedicine

Check out our newest Flexineb! 💨🫁 Why would we choose to nebulize a horse? Nebulizing horses is a therapeutic technique used to deliver medications directly to the respiratory system, providing relief for horses suffering from respiratory conditions like equine asthma, pneumonia, exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeders) or upper respiratory infections. The process involves using a nebulizer, a device that converts liquid medications into a fine mist or aerosol, which the horse inhales through a mask, nosepiece, or nebulizing chamber. This direct delivery allows the medication to reach the lungs more effectively than oral treatments, ensuring faster and more targeted relief. Nebulization is commonly used to administer bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or mucolytics, helping to reduce inflammation, open airways, and alleviate symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing. We can also nebulize certain biological to aid in healing the respiratory tract after a EIPH episode. Depending on the horse’s condition and treatment protocol, nebulizing can be done with us or at home! Regular use of nebulization can significantly improve the horse’s respiratory function and overall quality of life and truly make a difference in their performance and overall comfort.