Animal Clinic of Ava

01/26/2025

So grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the very first Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Mixed Animal Job Fair! Amazing people, warm hospitality, great time!

01/17/2025

Got a farm or just simply curious about the ag world?🌾
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting to explore the agricultural industry, you'll gain valuable insights from this event. Register now to hear from expert speakers covering relevant topics that directly impact our ag community!

01/14/2025

Your Horse’s Cough Could Be More Complex Than You Think…

We’re currently seeing a lot of cases related to RAO. Please take a look at this article to learn more about RAO and how to help your horse recover! 🐴❤️

Horses that live in barns, as well as horses living outside that are exposed to high levels of pollens, molds or other particulates, have an increased risk of developing a chronic and debilitating respiratory syndrome, often known as heaves, or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Falling under the u...

01/10/2025

Update: The clinic will close at noon today but will remain on emergency status. For an emergency, please dial 683-6830 to reach the on-call doctor. Thank you and stay safe!

01/10/2025

Some of our wonderful staff members are here today and have volunteered to assist with any animal emergencies. While the clinic may close early, we will remain on emergency status if that happens and will keep you updated. Please drive safely and stay warm!☃️

01/06/2025

❄️ Cozy Up This Winter! ❄️
Did you know today is National Cuddle Up Day? As the temperatures continue to drop, there’s no better excuse to snuggle up with your furry friends for some extra warmth! Stay safe, stay cozy, and keep your pets comfy this winter season! 🐾❤️

12/30/2024

Please join us in wishing Levi a very happy birthday! 🎉 Thanks for all your hard work at the clinic!

12/24/2024

Happy Holidays from the whole team at Animal Clinic of Ava 🐾

12/19/2024

12/18/2024

Common Equine Emergencies (Part 1)

A common emergency with horses, especially in the winter is colic. The colic emergency call is often worse in the winter due to low water consumption and changing or adding on of feeds. Be sure your horse’s water isn’t ice cold and not frozen. Colic isn’t a specific condition – it’s actually a broad term referencing any gastrointestinal pain. We use the word in the same way pediatricians and parents use the term for a colicky baby. There are a few main types of colic, all of varying severity.

1. Gas bubbles – This isn’t usually a big deal. The intestine quickly distends, or expands, and becomes painful, but a horse can walk it off and resolve it quickly. These are the colics which are likely going to resolve themselves.

2. Impaction – This is similar to a gas bubble but caused by a food blockage. The intestine can normally treat itself while we make the horse comfortable with pain medication. Your veterinarian may help the process by completing a re**al exam and pulling some excess manure out to promote movement.

3. Twist and entrapments – Arguably the most serious type of colic, a twist or entrapment means that the intestine has twisted around itself or gotten trapped between the spleen and kidney, cutting off blood supply, and trapping gas and food material inside of the intestine. A tricky component of a twist is that the intestine won’t distend for a while, so your horse may not show any indications of pain.

4. Bowel rupture – A ruptured stomach is normally a secondary issue. Your horse was likely suffering from a colic which was unresolved. The pain likely became more serious, and then mysteriously disappeared. Sudden relief from pain indicates that the stomach may have ruptured. Since the intestine is no longer distended, which is what is actually causing the pain, your horse is no longer in pain. At this point, your horse should be at an equine hospital and prepared for surgery or euthanasia in most cases is warranted. Any delay in surgical treatment increases the risk of fatality.

So, how do you recognize and treat colic? Your horse may not have passed any manure in a while. He may be attempting to roll, kicking at his stomach, or looking back at his stomach with anxiety.

The first thing you should do is contain your horse – he may attempt to run away from the pain. Close all of the gaits prior to continuing to work with him. Next, carefully assess the horse – see if he’s interested in eating anything, if he has passed any manure lately, and how violently he is moving around. If your horse is attempting to roll or thrash around, safely attempt to get him standing up and slowly moving around. Keeping your horse moving can help the intestinal blockage, but violently thrashing can make the problem worse and result in a twist. If he wants to lie down quietly, that’s ok. Next, contact your veterinarian. You may treat your horse with pain medication only after speaking to your veterinarian, and if you’re confident in how to use the medication. Finally, think about your truck and trailer options should your horse need surgery, and begin contacting anyone whose help you will need. Your veterinarian will determine the type of colic and how to treat when she arrives, but it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact Animal Clinic of Ava if you suspect your horse may be colicking.

12/13/2024

Update: Our phones and internet are back up!

12/13/2024

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our phones and texting app at this time. If we do not respond promptly, please message us on Facebook. Thank you.

11/29/2024

‼️Black Friday Special‼️
Now until the end of the year, receive 20% off equine dental services! Bad dental health is the number one cause of weight loss in horses. Winter can be especially hard on your horse and we want to make sure that your horse is prepared by performing a complete dental exam and float. Call us today to set up an appointment!

11/28/2024

🍂🦃Happy Thanksgiving!🦃🍂

11/21/2024

EPM is widely considered the most important infectious neurologic disease of horses in North America and is caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system. Horses are infected by consuming food or water contaminated with opossum s**t containing sporocysts.

Horses with EPM do not present a biosecurity risk to other animals because the disease is not transmissible between horses. An effective vaccine has yet to be developed, so the best preventative approach includes eliminating access of opossums to feed and water in order to minimize contact with opossum s**t and improving your horse's immune defenses by decreasing stress and optimizing health.

To learn more about EPM, visit the following resources:
https://aaep.org/resource/equine-protozoal-myeloencephalitis-epm/
&
https://www.equinediseasecc.org/EPM

As always, consult your veterinarian for more information and for advice tailored to your horse's specific circumstances.

11/19/2024

Temperatures are getting colder! We recommend to deworm your horses after the first hard frost of the year. Ask us about our products and which is the right choice for your horse. We also perform f***l egg counts to monitor the efficacy of your parasite control program since anthelmontic resistance is prevalent amongst our equine species. Ask us how we can help! 🐴

11/16/2024

Set up and excited for the Large Animal Symposium at UTCVM-University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Maybe we'll find a Veterinarian to add to our team! 🙏🤞