Iron Horse Veterinary Services

11/19/2025

Iron Horse Family!!

By now, you’ve seen the posts regarding the EHV outbreak in multiple states, largely stemming from a barrel horse event.

We don’t condone or pander fear with a public health epidemic, but we absolutely want to express the gravity of this situation. EHV outbreaks, and those leading to the development of EHM, are deadly and disastrous.

We know big events are happening soon, and many are preparing for them… If you have concerns about possible transmission: STAY HOME. If your horse has potentially encountered other horses, please thoroughly cross reference locations and status, and quarantine your horses immediately. Prevention of spread with this disease is critical—and challenging.

We are with you every step of the way, and are committed to helping you navigate these waters as the anxiety rises and hauling dates get closer. Do not hesitate to contact us asking for advice or to make plans moving forward.

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

11/11/2025

IVS Family!!

Be on the lookout for a new face over the next two weeks... We are extremely excited to have future Dr. Amy Clark on board with us every day for a two week externship!

Soon-to-be Dr. Clark is a fourth year equine-focused veterinary student at the University of Florida. She recently completed her certification in acupuncture, and will be available for acupuncture appointments over the next two weeks, if desired!

Amy has accepted a position as a rotating intern to continue her education at Ocala Equine Hospital beginning in the spring, and is pursuing additional certification in Veterinary Medical Manipulation (chiropractic). Maybe if we are lucky, we can keep her around for later. 😜

When Amy is not working on horses, she can be found with her darling OTTB gelding, Cody!

08/26/2025

IVS Family!! PSA from Dr. Miller:

We are so exceptionally honored to be a part of your teams. You guys show us so much love and keep us exceptionally busy and for that, we are grateful.

…BUT 😂 We have received a 200% increase in calls and texts since we posted about going on vacation.

While I appreciate the need for last-minute appointments, we are FULLY BOOKED for this week and the subsequent weeks of September. Please keep this in mind as you call, and be patient (AND ✨KIND✨) to my staff as we try and accommodate all needs.

Y’all gonna give me an ulcer before I leave if we keep these emergency/last minute requests up!! 😂

-Dr. Miller

08/22/2025

IVS Family!!

We will be closed from September 1-11th.

Danielle will be in office answering any questions, and will be available for technician appointments! Full operations will resume September 15th.

All emergencies should be referred to the following hospitals:

✨University of Florida Large Animal Hospital (Gainesville, FL)
✨Contact Number: (352) 392-2229

✨Auburn University JT Vaughn Large Animal Hospital (Auburn, AL)
✨Contact Number: (334) 844-4490

08/19/2025

It’s hotter than the dickens again!! Let’s play another “What’s Your Diagnosis?” to deal with this weather and our flagging energy…

✨All case information shared with permission from the owner✨

Bo, an approximately 17yo Appaloosa gelding, presented today for evaluation of a lesion along his sheath.

Bo was recently rescued out of a kill pen, and has been historically guarded when attempting to touch the right side of his abdomen/his hind feet. Upon further investigation, his owners noted a lesion along the right lateral sheath but were unable to truly investigate it secondary to Bo’s discomfort.

✨Based on the information provided, what’s your primary diagnosis/concern for this lesion?

✨What medications (if any) would you like to start Bo on to begin treatment?

✨What treatment can be performed on the farm, and what aftercare is involved following this?

Photos included below for your enrichment 😜

08/08/2025

Hey IVS Family!!

Little status update… Dr. Miller has COVID and we have officially forced her into timeout (IYKYK) for a bit to try and get her ready for next week’s appointments.

If you’re trying to get in touch and we are a bit slow, we apologize!! If we had to cancel your appointment today, we’ll work you back in as first priority.

We’ll see you guys like usual next week!

07/28/2025

IVS Family!! This heat wave is crushing our soul... So why don't we play a little "what's your diagnosis" on this miserable Monday!!

For rules of engagement:
-No cheating if you know the case (I'm looking at you, PC clients)
-We'll post case history and release information as you guys ask for it/correctly guess
-We'd like to see you guys guess what we should do next, or what your thoughts are, so don't be afraid to share!!
-A thorough summary will be shared on Friday, Aug 1 if we struggle!

**ALL CASE INFORMATION SHARED WITH OWNER PERMISSION**

Finn, a 6 year old AMH (miniature) gelding, presented for establishment and evaluation for a right forelimb lameness.

Initially, Finn was noted to be lame in May of 2025, at which time he presented like a routine hoof abscess. He was treated with routine abscess protocol (poultice wraps, soaking, etc) and did improve. During this time, he was not administered any NSAID medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications).

Approximately 3 weeks following his abscess resolution, he was noted to be experiencing mild atrophy of the right shoulder (specifically the supraspinatus and the cranial portion of the deltoid). At this time, his farrier evaluated him and found him struggling to bear weight on that contralateral limb (LF), or to hold the right front up for extended durations of time.

Finn was previously housed with a young QH gelding, whom of which he played very rough with. Additionally, Finn has been known to paw the gate at feeding time. Finn is an active therapy horse, and frequently make trips to town to visit seniors and others.

What are you thinking?! What should we do next?

07/13/2025

Tux and Carly looking sharp!!

Horse Show Photo of the Day from the July Dressage Show at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida!!! Those boots are just grey-T! As usual, all rounds captured and no signups or registration fees required. Check out your photos in our location in vendor village or on our website!

07/13/2025

Our clients are out and about this week at World Equestrian Center Ocala and showing off!! We love to see our athletes in action.

07/08/2025

IVS Family!!

Have you guys recently taken a drive on the website?? We figured there have been enough changes to our practice to give our website a full on facelift…

…aka we bullied Dr. Miller into updating it…

We’ve updated our hours, put together a Frequently Asked Questions list, given a little insight into how far out we are scheduling, and listed some of the cool, new services we are offering these days!

Go check it out at www.ironhorsevet.com and let us know if we should add something else!

07/01/2025

Iron Horse Family!!

You might have noted an extra human on farm calls or a new name when chatting with us for scheduling and the like… In order to keep serving you guys to the best of our abilities, we have had to expand the team!

We are proud to present to you our new office manager and technician: Danielle LaMarre!!

Danielle was born and raised in Niceville, FL where she was deeply involved in her local 4-H community. From a young age, she gained a plethora of hands-on experience raising, showing and handling a variety of species. Danielle quickly realized that her true passion lied with equestrian sports and the horse.

She began her show career in the western pleasure pen, and slowly migrated through the disciplines until she found three-day eventing. It was here that her fire was further ignited as she found the sport horse. Through her time as a working student and trainer, Danielle realized that developing the young horse was a skill and special interest. This dedication to the next generation of sport horses led to a growing interest in equine reproduction and inspired her to begin breeding Warmbloods.

Driven to deepen her impact within the equine industry, Danielle pursued a Veterinary Technology degree at St. Petersburg College and earned her CVT certification. Now, she combines her clinical training with her interest as often as possible, dedicating her career to supporting the health and performance of sport horses.

When not answering communications or on the truck, Danielle can be found living a quiet life–caring for her horses, heading off to horse shows, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying the Choctawhatchee River with her human half, Caleb.

Pictured below is Danielle with her four-legged half, Dargenzio.