Bend Equine Medical Center

11/20/2025

Many of you may have heard of an EHV-1 outbreak in Texas and Oklahoma. Because the initial (index) case occurred following the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, TX, many unknowingly exposed horses travelled back to their home states or on to other events, unfortunately potentially allowing the outbreak to become widespread. EHV-1 can have an incubation period of up to 14-21 days.

Please be aware that some states may be cancelling 6 month travel passports or may have stricter than typical import requirements; if you have planned upcoming travel with your horse, you should check with the state of destination for the latest information.

Our state veterinarian made an announcement today with the following information:

The Oregon State Veterinarian’s Office has been made aware of an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)/ Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses that were at or associated with barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma. Several cases of EHM have been confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma associated with these equine events, with numerous reports of additional cases and equine deaths pending investigation.

We do not have any confirmed cases of EHV/EHM in Oregon at this time. Our office is coordinating with the affected states and we are currently awaiting to receive trace information from Texas and Oklahoma. If we receive traces from the other states, we will contact those owners directly and issue quarantine orders to mitigate further spread of the disease.

This outbreak serves as a reminder of the potential disease risks associated with large commingling equine events. It underscores the importance of timely reporting of diseases and ensuring that movement requirements are followed, including veterinary inspection and health certificates prior to travel.

Recommendations for Horse Owners
If you have clients with horses that traveled to Texas, Oklahoma, or other equine events where EHV exposure may have occurred, please contact our office directly at 503-986-4711. We will provide guidance regarding isolation and monitoring:

Exposed horses should be isolated for 21 days after last known exposure.
Appropriate isolation includes restricted access to other horses, avoiding the sharing of equipment or personnel, and utilization of protective barrier precautions.

Exposed horses should be monitored twice daily for elevated temperature (above 101.5*), respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing), and for clinical signs consistent with equine herpes myeloenceophalopathy (neurologic symptoms including inability to stand, difficulty walking, lethargy, and urine dribbling).
If elevated temperature, respiratory signs, or EHM-compatible clinical signs are noticed, owners should contact their veterinarian.

Upcoming Equine Events
Equine herpes virus can be shed for prolonged periods of time, including in clinically healthy horses, which increases risk for continued disease spread during a EHV/EHM outbreak.

Event Organizers: We recommend event organizers consult with their designated show veterinarian and understand the risks associated with hosting equine events during a multi-state outbreak. Cancellation or postponement of events may be important to stop continued spread of disease. If events do take place, we recommend short-timed health certificates within 72 hours and increasing biosecurity practices on site. Additional requirements for equine exhibitions may be implemented based on risk.

Interstate Movement
Please note that many states may be implementing movement restrictions or new import requirements for equines during this outbreak. Please always check with the state of destination to ensure that you are following import restrictions.

Equine Herpes Virus Information
EHV‐1 is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets. Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers. Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles. People can spread the virus from horse to horse by contaminated hands and clothing. It is important for owners to watch for signs and symptoms and practice biosecurity measures. Good biosecurity practices include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses need to follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian’s Office Disease Reporting Hotline may be reached any time at 503-986-4711.

11/19/2025

🐴 Alpha2EQ (Alpha-2 Macroglobulin Therapy): Advanced Joint Protection for Horses

Joint inflammation and early arthritis are some of the most common reasons horses lose comfort and performance. Alpha2EQ, a next-generation orthobiologic treatment, offers a powerful new way to protect your horse’s joints — using their own natural proteins.

💉 What It Is:
Alpha2EQ is made from your horse’s own blood and is rich in Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A*M) — a large plasma protein that binds and neutralizes harmful enzymes (proteases) responsible for cartilage breakdown and inflammation.
When injected into a joint, it helps block destructive pathways before they cause further damage.

🔬 How It Works:

A*M acts as a “biologic trap” for catabolic enzymes like MMPs and ADAMTS, which are key drivers of cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis.

By stopping these enzymes, Alpha2EQ helps preserve cartilage, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of degenerative joint disease.

📊 What the Research Shows:

Protects Cartilage: Laboratory and in-vivo models (e.g., Wang et al., 2014; Frisbie et al., 2018) demonstrate that A*M reduces cartilage degradation by neutralizing inflammatory proteases.

Improves Comfort: Horses treated with A*M-based biologics show measurable reductions in lameness and joint effusion within weeks of treatment.

Supports Long-Term Health: Early use of A*M may delay the need for corticosteroids or more invasive interventions in performance horses.

🏇 Why It Matters:
Unlike medications that simply mask inflammation, Alpha2EQ targets the root cause — the destructive enzymes that drive arthritis. It’s a regenerative, drug-free way to support joint health and longevity.

🌿 The Takeaway:
Alpha2EQ is a cutting-edge orthobiologic that helps horses maintain healthy joints and comfortable movement, whether they’re competing, training, or simply enjoying life.

📞 Ask your Bend Equine veterinarian if Alpha2EQ is the right option to help protect your horse’s joints for the long run; check out our blog for more information on Alpha2EQ: https://bendequine.com/blog/2023/04/20/alpha2eq/

📚 Selected References:

Wang, S. et al. (2014). “Alpha-2-macroglobulin suppresses cytokine-induced cartilage degradation in an in vitro model.” Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 22(1), 34–43.

Frisbie, D. D. et al. (2018). “Evaluation of alpha-2 macroglobulin as a disease-modifying biologic for equine osteoarthritis.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 66, 68–75.

Goodrich, L. R. et al. (2020). “Emerging use of alpha-2-macroglobulin in equine joint therapy: mechanism and outcomes.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 370.

11/17/2025

🐴 Pro-Stride (APS): Dual-Action Orthobiologic for Joint Health and Healing

When it comes to managing joint pain and early arthritis in horses, Pro-Stride APS (Autologous Protein Solution) is one of the most advanced and well-studied options available. It combines two powerful biological treatments — platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous conditioned serum (IRAP/ACS) — into a single, same-day injection.

💉 How It Works:
Pro-Stride starts with your horse’s own blood. The sample is processed stall-side to concentrate growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins — particularly those that block interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key driver of joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown.
The result? A potent, drug-free therapy that delivers both healing and protection directly where it’s needed most.

🔬 What the Research Shows:

Reduces Inflammation & Pain: Studies demonstrate that APS significantly decreases synovial inflammation and pain in horses with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (Hraha et al., 2011; Bertone et al., 2014).

Protects Cartilage: APS treatment helps maintain normal cartilage metabolism and slows degenerative changes (Frisbie et al., 2020).

Sustained Benefits: In clinical evaluations, horses treated with Pro-Stride showed improved comfort and range of motion lasting up to 12 months post-treatment (Bertone et al., 2014).

🏇 Why It Matters:
Pro-Stride combines the healing power of PRP with the anti-inflammatory benefits of IRAP in a single injection — no incubation or lab delay needed. It’s a fast, natural way to:
✅ Decrease joint inflammation
✅ Support cartilage health
✅ Improve mobility and comfort

🌿 The Takeaway:
Pro-Stride APS is a scientifically supported, minimally invasive treatment that helps horses with joint soreness or early arthritis move more freely — using their own biology.

📞 Ask your Bend Equine veterinarian whether Pro-Stride could help your horse stay comfortable, sound, and performing at their best.

📚 Selected References:

Hraha, T. H. et al. (2011). “Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) and autologous protein solution (APS) effects on equine synovitis and osteoarthritis.” American Journal of Veterinary Research, 72(2), 243–250.

Bertone, A. L. et al. (2014). “Evaluation of an autologous protein solution for the treatment of equine osteoarthritis.” Equine Veterinary Journal, 46(5), 626–632.

Frisbie, D. D. et al. (2020). “Evaluation of APS on cartilage catabolism and cytokine expression in an equine osteoarthritis model.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 564.

11/17/2025

🐴 Focus on Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Evidence-Based Healing for Equine Injuries

PRP has become one of the most widely used orthobiologic treatments in equine sports medicine — and with good reason. A growing body of research supports its benefits in promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation in horses.

💉 What It Is:
PRP is made by concentrating a horse’s own platelets from a small blood sample. These platelets release growth factors and cytokines that help regulate inflammation, stimulate cell growth, and promote collagen remodeling — key steps in natural healing.

🔬 What the Research Shows:

Tendon & Ligament Healing:
Studies such as Bosch et al., 2011 (Equine Veterinary Journal) and Geburek et al., 2016 (BMC Veterinary Research) found that PRP improves collagen fiber alignment, increases tendon elasticity, and accelerates recovery in superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries.

Joint Therapy:
Research by Carmona et al., 2009 (Equine Veterinary Journal) and McIlwraith et al., 2018 (Journal of Equine Veterinary Science) shows that intra-articular PRP injections reduce synovial inflammation and improve comfort in mild to moderate osteoarthritis cases.

Better Quality Healing:
PRP-treated tissues often develop less fibrosis and show more uniform fiber organization on ultrasound follow-up compared to traditional rest or anti-inflammatory management alone.

🏇 Why It Matters:
PRP harnesses the horse’s own biology to support deeper, more complete healing — not just short-term pain relief. It’s a minimally invasive, drug-free option that can help get your horse back to peak performance safely and sustainably.

🌿 In short:
PRP offers a scientifically supported way to enhance recovery, improve tissue integrity, and protect long-term soundness.

📞 Ask your Bend Equine veterinarian if PRP is the right choice for your horse’s injury or performance program.

📚 Selected References:

Bosch, G. et al. (2011). “The effect of platelet-rich plasma on the neovascularization of surgically created equine superficial digital flexor tendon lesions.” Equine Veterinary Journal, 43(5), 593-599.

Geburek, F. et al. (2016). “Effect of single intralesional treatment with autologous platelet concentrate on tendon healing in horses with naturally occurring tendinopathies.” BMC Veterinary Research, 12(1), 191.

Carmona, J. U. et al. (2009). “Autologous platelet concentrates as a treatment for equine articular cartilage defects: clinical evaluation.” Equine Veterinary Journal, 41(1), 91-97.

McIlwraith, C. W. et al. (2018). “A review of biologic therapies for equine joint disease.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 65, 76-84.

11/15/2025

🐴 Orthobiologics: Helping Your Horse Heal Naturally

When your horse faces joint or soft-tissue injuries or osteoarthritis, modern veterinary medicine offers natural ways to support healing and reduce inflammation — called orthobiologic therapies. These treatments use your horse’s own blood or cells to repair and restore damaged tissue.

Here’s a quick look at the main options 👇

💉 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Uses your horse’s own platelets to release healing growth factors. Great for tendon, ligament, or joint injuries.

🧬 Stem Cell Therapy – Collects and reinjects regenerative cells from bone marrow or fat to rebuild damaged tissue and reduce inflammation.

🧪 IRAP / ACS (Autologous Conditioned Serum) – Blocks a key inflammatory protein (IL-1) in joints, helping reduce pain and slow arthritis.

🧫 Pro-Stride / APS – Combines PRP and IRAP into one powerful injection for long-lasting joint comfort and healing.

🔬 Alpha2EQ (Alpha-2 Macroglobulin Therapy) – A newer orthobiologic made from your horse’s blood that targets harmful enzymes causing cartilage breakdown. It helps protect joints, reduce inflammation, and slow arthritis progression — especially useful for early joint changes or chronic inflammation.

Each option has its place depending on your horse’s condition, workload, and goals. We will continue this series, drilling down a little more into the effects and actions of each of these treatment options.

🌿 The bottom line: Orthobiologics harness your horse’s own biology to promote healing naturally — keeping them comfortable, sound, and performing their best!

📞 Want to learn which option is right for your horse? Contact Bend Equine to schedule a consultation — we’re here to help your horse feel and move their best!

11/13/2025

We are so pleased to share the success of our clients, Zach and Jacqueline Sherer, at the 2025 USEF Pony Jumper National Championships, held in early August during the USEF Pony Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY!

The siblings both ended up as silver medalists—Zach as an individual, and Jacqueline as a team silver medalist for Zone 8/9.

Zach and Jacqueline train locally with Some Day Farms, and we are privileged to help them manage their ponies' sports medicine and preventive care. Irish is 13 and Winter is 25!

Congratulations on your dedication, perseverance and horsemanship in achieving this national recognition!

https://blog.ponyclub.org/2025/10/11/pony-club-sherer-siblings/

Photos courtesy of Dr. Rebecca Sherer

11/06/2025

Featured Case:
‼️Abscess Alert‼️ Earlier this Fall, “Sir” an 18 year old quarter horse was brought to Bend Equine as an emergency for the sudden appearance of a very large and painful abscess on the side of his neck. After initial inspection, Dr. Jensen drained and cleaned out the very stinky abscess which provided immediate relief. Because the abscess was located close to several large blood vessels, nerves, and other important structures of the head and neck, Dr. Jensen and Dr. Blake performed an ultrasound. This turned out to be a very important diagnostic, because it revealed an infected clot in one of the large veins of the neck that was associated with the abscess. Sir was immediately placed on strong IV antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading throughout his body. He was kept in hospital for management with continued IV antibiotics, daily wound cleaning, and careful monitoring of the infected clot with ultrasound. By day six, with the help of the antibiotics and an anti-clot medication, his body was able to resolve the clot without a resulting systemic infection and he was able to go home. However, his care did not stop there - his very dedicated owners continued to carefully clean, flush, and bandage the wound daily which resulted in steady, healthy wound healing. After a couple of recheck exams, he was cleared to be turned out with his friends with no more bandaging required. We are so happy Sir was able to recover from such a large and serious infection without major complications - a result of the prompt and dedicated care we were able to provide as a team with his owners!

Photo 1: Draining the abscess
Photo 2: Day 3
Photo 3: Day 5
Photo 4: Day 14
Photo 5: Day 35
Photo 6: Day 50

11/04/2025

Help the Bend Equine team make a difference for our local community by participating in our food drive! You can drop donations off at the clinic or we can pick them up on farm calls.

Aim for these most needed items to make the biggest impact:

Tuna
Canned chicken
Soups
Peanut Butter
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit
Ready to eat meals (ravioli, stew, baked beans)
Pasta

10/31/2025

10/29/2025

Fall is Laminitis Season, unfortunately, and we are seeing laminitis cases daily right now.
Many owners don't realize the even though there has been a hard freeze in much of Central Oregon, the grass remains unsafe for insulin-resistant horses in many cases. Stressed grasses actually accumulate/store sugars to a greater extent than rapidly growing grass, and even in the dead of winter there can be carbohydrate-rich grass roots to forage on. In addition, recent research shows most horses have a seasonal increase in their insulin-resistance that makes them more vulnerable to laminitis in the fall.
While we all love to see our horses out on pasture, dry lots are a very valuable tool to keep your horse comfortable and healthy for the long term.

10/21/2025

All last week we spent celebrating our incredible staff. We enjoyed indulgent parties, massages, goofy games together and a deep dive into each other’s personalities. We just hope they felt a fraction of the love we have for our incredible team that is the heartbeat of Bend Equine. There are nearly 30 people making our practice tick and every single person’s role is essential to ensuring Bend Equine can be there for our community every single day of the year.

09/25/2025

We wanted to share a particularly sweet success story from earlier this month! Aven Mellor, Dr. Krebs' daughter, and her mount, Finn Rock, were First Level Junior State Champions at the Oregon Dressage Society's Championships at Devonwood Equestrian Center.

What makes this especially rewarding is that Finn Rock, owned by our wonderful client Judy Getz, is 20 years old, and has been a patient of ours since 2007.

While Finney is a senior citizen, he's in excellent health and orthopedic condition.

Judicious support of his joint health with Alpha2EQ, chiropractic care by Dr. Joanne Fehr, early diagnosis and appropriate medication for his PPID/Cushing's Disease and excellent general wellness care have combined to make him extremely spry!

We absolutely love seeing our cherished friends age in comfort and continue to lead productive and healthy lives!