http://www.thompsonequinemedicine.com/

Thompson and Associates Equine Medicine, 762 Roper Road, Canton, GA (2025)

04/25/2025

Did you know? 🤔

A horse’s hoof angle should be about 50° from the front of the hoof wall to the ground.

According to MSU, “The angle of the hoof should match the angle of the dorsal surface of the pastern.”

Good hoof health is crucial to your horse’s overall health. Even a small abnormality in the hoof structure can potentially lead to soundness issues.

If you have questions about your horse’s feet, ask! Our team of veterinarians are happy to answer questions about your horse’s hooves. Additionally, we can shoot x-rays or take measurements and work with your farrier to ensure your horse’s angles are appropriate for their conformation!

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

| Canton, GA

🔗 to MSU Hoof Angle article: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-your-horse-s-hoof-angle-may-be-telling-you #:~:text=A%20horse%20should%20have%20roughly,dorsal%20surface%20of%20the%20pastern.

04/23/2025

Check out this article by very own Dr. Jennifer Melcher about her journey with her family’s POA dressage star, Ziggy!

🔗 https://yourdressage.org/2025/02/25/ziggy-stardust/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ0pllleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHhdVUNYsXzFhaEIjVYUTLwCE2uZ6RFB6byZ6oPObbigClh0Pt0OPqSGfv4ZE_aem_YZwYI5qQ_SRA3ADX7F_lhA

📸 Photo from Jennifer Melcher/Yourdressage.org
💻 www.yourdressage.org

04/22/2025

Lameness happens.

Luckily our mobile vet trucks are equipped with multiple diagnostic tools as well as medical remedies for all types of lameness issues.

Our veterinarians will assess your horse and determine the level of lameness, the cause of the lameness, and the best and most effective treatment for the lameness.

If a closer look is needed, our veterinarians are prepped with mobile x-ray machines and digital ultrasounds for an inside perspective. Whether it's cellulitis, arthritis, or a bowed tendon, we will find the root of the problem and work with your horse’s team to fix it.

Need to schedule an appointment? Reach out to one of our veterinarians directly at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

| Canton, GA

04/09/2025

Three Ways to Maintain Your Horse’s Overall Health at Horse Shows 🐴

1️⃣ Take your horse for walks. Horses are usually stalled more than they are used to at shows. Getting your horse out for some fresh air and movement (in addition to riding) will help with stiffness and boredom.

2️⃣ Keep their feed routine as normal as possible. Hay can be hard to bring on the road, especially for a large number of horses. Make sure that any outsourced hay is similar in type and quality to the hay you feed at home. Also, feed their regular grain and supplements at a normal time for them (don’t forget to factor in time changes!).

3️⃣ Monitor their water intake. Horses can be less inclined to drink in new or unfamiliar places. Make sure your horse is drinking plenty of fresh water. If they need a boost, you can try electrolytes or mashes that encourage drinking.

Have fun, and good luck!

If you need to schedule an appointment, reach one of our veterinarians directly at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

| Canton, GA

04/04/2025

Did you know we can use an ECG on your horse? 🫀

An exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to determine if a horse is having any abnormal heart rhythms during exercise.

Even though a horse has a normal heartbeat at rest, they can have abnormalities during more strenuous exercise.

🎥 This video shows a dressage horse wearing an ECG while exercising. Dr. Christine consulted with cardiology specialists at two universities to ensure this horse could safely continue work at peak performance!

For questions or to set up an appointment, contact one of our veterinarians directly at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

| Canton, GA

04/01/2025

Do you think you have found 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦?

We’re here to help!
Our experienced team of veterinarians are ready to be a part of your journey. Whether it’s a short stirrup pony, a 3rd level dressage horse, or a walk/trot lesson teacher – we are happy to help.

Your pre-purchase exam will be tailored to your specific needs. Your exam can include things like:

✓ Soundness Exam
✓ Radiographs
✓ Ultrasound
✓ Drug Screen

…or anything else you may need!

If you need to schedule a pre-purchase exam, contact one of our veterinarians directly via call or text at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

03/28/2025

Exceptional equine care – right in your barn aisle!

At TAEM, we bring top-tier veterinary care straight to you.
🛻 Our fully-mobile practice means every service we offer is delivered right from our state-of-the-art vet trucks.

From X-rays and dental care to joint injections, eye exams, and everything in between – our expert veterinarians provide the care your horse needs, all in the comfort of your own barn aisle.

📸 Dr. Jennifer prepares for lumbar facet injections in a patient’s home crossties.

To schedule an appointment, contact one of our veterinarians directly at:
Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

03/25/2025

Do you know the best way to achieve a shiny coat for your horse?

The answer is → good nutrition! 🥕

If a horse has a shiny coat, it usually means that they have good nutrition.

While your dedication for currying is great, you may be able to curry a little less for that shine if you tweak your horse’s diet.

𝐀 𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
🪣 The horse’s nutritional needs are not being met.
🪱 Parasites are present in their digestive system (make sure you deworm regularly!).
OR
🐷 Your horse just likes to roll in the mud all the time! 😂

To find out how you can make your horse shine like a new copper penny without hours of currying and show sheen, call or text one of our vets at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

03/20/2025

Dr. 𝒞𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝑀𝓊𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓎, CERP, CEVMM

Dr. Christine has been a part of the TAEM team since 2012! She is active in all areas of general practice with special interests in wellness, sports medicine and lameness, diagnostic imaging, and spinal manipulation.

More facts about Dr. Christine:
🐾 Earned her DVM from the University of Georgia in 2011 followed by an internship in large animal medicine and surgery.
🐴 Received her certification in equine rehabilitation and performance as well as equine spinal manipulation at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Ocala, FL.
📜 Serves as the equine representative on the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors.
🏇 Is a mentor for the AAEP Veterinary Student Program and attended the World Equestrian Games in 2018 in Tryon.
♥️ Grew up riding in the heart of New Jersey’s horse country.
🍊 Lives in Ball Ground, GA with her husband and 2 children.
🥾 Enjoys hiking, camping, and riding in her free time.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine, you can call or text her directly at 770-652-3731.

03/16/2025

A good warm-up not only prepares your horse’s body for a work out, it helps prevent injury as well.

A research article from the Netherlands studied the active warm-up strategies of sport horses and their effect on the horse’s performance. They concluded that:
”An adequate warm-up generated, among others, an increase in body temperature and cardiorespiratory adaptations to exercise, such as higher heart rates, faster oxygen consumption by muscles, and less blood and muscle lactate accumulation.” (Frippiat & Votion, 2024)

💪 Tips for a good warm-up:
— Don't forget to include lots of walking! Walking warms up the body without exerting a ton of energy.
— Keep your warm up balanced — make sure you are giving equal attention to both sides of the horse’s body.
— Allow your horse to stretch their neck and back to promote relaxation and proper use of their top line.
— When collecting your horse, be sure they are holding their body correctly and are not hollowed out or crooked.

If you have any questions about your horse’s warm-up or want to schedule an appointment, you can reach one of our veterinarians directly via call or text at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

Read full article 🔗 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10967340/

03/11/2025

What keeps your sport horse at the top of their game?

Maintaining a high-level sport horse is a true team effort—and at TAEM, we’re proud to be part of that team.

From soundness evaluations to dental care and everything in between, our dedicated practice ensures your horse stays happy, healthy, and competition-ready for years to come. With our expert care, you can focus on achieving your goals together.

Some of our services include:
⚬ Joint Injections
⚬ Acupuncture
⚬ Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation (Chiro)
⚬ Radiographs
⚬ Vaccinations, Coggins, Health Certificates
⚬ Laser Therapy
⚬ Shockwave
⚬ Digital Ultrasound
⚬ Upper Airway Endoscopy

…and so much more!

To schedule an appointment, reach out to one of our veterinarians directly via call/text at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

03/05/2025

Has your horse been acting differently under saddle or on the ground?

👀 Are they more reactive to shadows or sudden movements?
👀 Do they seem less confident navigating familiar spaces?
👀 Do they struggle with distances or bending in a certain direction?

These could be signs of an underlying vision issue. Not all eye problems are obvious—some develop gradually and may not show clear signs like swelling or discharge. If you’ve noticed changes in your horse’s behavior, it’s worth having their eyes checked!

To schedule an eye exam, contact one of our veterinarians via call or text at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

02/28/2025

Skip the paperwork—handle everything seamlessly from your computer, tablet, or phone!

We know that horse professionals, barn managers, and owners are always on the move—whether you're in the barn, at a show, or managing daily tasks.

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you with these convenient options on our 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞:

✓ Online bill payment portal
✓ Digital ‘New Client’ forms
✓ Digital ‘Credit Card Authorization’ form
✓ ‘New Client’ form printable download
✓ ‘Credit Card Authorization’ printable download

👉 Visit www.thompsonequinemedicine.com/clients to access!

To schedule an appointment, reach out to one of our veterinarians directly at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

02/26/2025

Say hi to Dr. Andrea Shuck!

Dr. Andrea has been a part of the TAEM team for several years now, and we could not be more thrilled! With a long career in equine sports medicine, Dr. Andrea works with TAEM clients to ensure their horses are happy and can do their jobs to their highest potential.

Fun facts about Dr. Andrea:
→ Native of central Ohio
→ Earned her DVM from The Ohio State University
→ Earned her CEVMM (Certification in Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation) from Chi University
→ Enjoys traveling, bird watching, and stargazing
→ Loves to photograph trains, aircraft, and the beautiful North Georgia landscape
→ Has 2 cats: Abbey and Tuesday

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrea, you can call or text her directly at 770-686-8912.

02/21/2025

Even after their last courtesy circle, our top notch care for your horse continues 🫶

Your horse deserves the best and most comfortable retirement! After many years of being your loyal equine partner, we want to make sure your retired or semi-retired horse has all of the support they need for their golden years.

Here are some things we recommend for maintaining a happy and healthy retiree:

🐴 Continue regular farrier work. Some horses may need special shoeing/trimming depending on their needs - we can take x-rays, perform soundness exams, and even talk to your farrier in order to ensure your horse has all of the podiatry support they need.

🦷 Keep a close eye on their eating and chewing habits. As a horse ages, their teeth may lose their ability to chew food properly. Look for signs of dropping feed or clumps of hay, and make sure your horse has their teeth examined at by one of our veterinarians regularly.

🪣 Monitor their weight. Older horses can experience excessive weight loss (or gain) for a variety of reasons. Reach out to one of our vets if you have any questions or concerns about their diet.

To schedule an appointment, call or text one of our veterinarians directly at:

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

02/17/2025

Pastern Dermatitis 🦠🪰💧

Common nicknames:
• scratches
• greasy heel
• mud fever

Pastern dermatitis is “a complex disease that can be triggered by different causes.” – UC Davis

If a horse has pastern dermatitis, they will have patches of crusty, irritated, or oozing skin on their legs. This condition is very treatable, however, it must be addressed quickly to avoid any lameness or spreading to other areas.

Things you can do to help avoid the development of scratches:
• Keep horses out of deep mud or tall wet grass when possible
• Make sure legs are dried completely after a bath or exposure to water
• Clean off any sand or mud off of legs after a ride or turnout
• Keep stalls as dry and clean as possible

The treatments for pastern dermatitis can vary depending on your horse and their situation, so make sure you contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about the development of pastern dermatitis.

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

To read more about pastern dermatitis, check out this informative article by UC Davis Ved Med: https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/pastern-dermatitis-scratches

02/13/2025

Keep your sport horse feeling 💯

TAEM offers leading-edge treatments for repairing tissues, strengthening tendons and joints, and minimizing pain.

Here are some of the therapies we offer:
★ Hyaluronic Acid + Steroid Injections
★ Zoetis Equine Pro-Stride APS (Autologous Protein Solution)
★ IRAP (Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein)
★ PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
★ Stem Cell Injections
★ NoltrexVet (Synthetic Joint Lubricant)
…and more!

Reach out to your veterinarian directly via call or text for any questions or to set up an appointment!

Dr. Todd Thompson | 770-206-0282
Dr. Jennifer Melcher | 770-652-4926
Dr. Christine Murray | 770-652-3731
Dr. Andrea Shuck | 770-686-8912
Dr. Kendall Cannon | 678-236-1891

Thompson and Associates Equine Medicine