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Kaydence Sports Medicine & Rehab

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Kaydence Sports Medicine & Rehab

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08/07/2024

First Aid for Wounds

Skin wounds are extremely common in horses, particularly on the limbs or face. Many wounds only require simple first aid in order to treat them, though more serious ones will require veterinary attention. Arming yourself with some basic first aid knowledge and a suitable first aid kit will enable you to treat minor wounds effectively yourself which will aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. You will also be better equipped to assess more serious wounds and provide initial treatment whilst awaiting veterinary attention.

The most important thing is to be prepared- compile a first aid kit, making sure you replace anything you use so it is always well stocked. It is helpful to keep your kit in a portable box with a lid so the contents stay clean and dry and can easily be transported with your horse to events. An equine first aid kit should include:

* Scissors
* Sterile non-stick dressings
* Cotton wool
* Bandaging material
* Poultice material
* Silver tape
* Antibacterial wash
* Wound gel
* Thermometer

It is also sensible to have your vet’s contact details in the first aid kit so the information is readily available for you and others.

Assessing wounds

If your horse acquires a wound you will need to assess it so you can decide how serious it is. This will help you decide if it requires veterinary attention or not, although we are always happy to offer advice over the telephone if you are not sure. When assessing a wound there are a few important things to consider:

* How large and deep is the wound? Wounds that are involve the full thickness of the skin and are more than a few centimetres in length may require suturing. Deep wounds that seem to involve the structure below (e.g. bone, muscle or tendon) should always be assessed by a vet. Small, superficial wounds that do not appear to involve anything other than the skin can usually be managed without veterinary intervention.
* If it’s on a limb - is the horse lame? If so how lame? Severe lameness is a concern as it can suggest there is damage to underlying structures.
* Is it over a joint, tendon sheath, tendon or bone? Wounds over joints and tendon sheaths could have entered the joint or tendon sheath and cause infection of these important structures (see “synovial infection” below).
* What caused the wound? Could there be a foreign body in the wound such as a piece of wood or thorn? If the wound is likely to have been from a kick, there could be damage to the underlying bone or muscle.
* How contaminated is it? This will affect how much cleaning and flushing the wound requires. All contamination will need to be cleaned away in order for the wound to heal.
* How much bleeding is there? If there is large amount of blood draining from the wound, or blood is pumping from the wound then this should be dealt with immediately.

If there is severe lameness, swelling or bleeding associated with the wound you should seek immediate veterinary attention. Large or deep wounds will also require veterinary attention as they may require suturing. With larger wounds, while waiting for the vet, you should clip around and clean the wound, as you would with a smaller wound in order to reduce the likelihood of infection.

Initial treatment of wounds

Firstly, clip the hair away from the edges of the wound. This is usually best done with a pair of scissors. It helps you see the extent of the wound, enables better cleaning and improves healing as hair and discharge will not stick to the edges of the wound.

Next, clean the wound using a dilute antiseptic solution (follow manufacturers advice for dilution rate) or salt water. You can use cotton wool or swabs for this. Sometimes when you clean a wound a small amount of bleeding will occur. As long as the bleeding is not excessive this is not a concern.

Finally, you want to keep the wound clean. If the wound is anywhere other than on a lower limb, apply a layer of wound gel to the entire wound. This will dry to form a protective layer. The wound should then be cleaned and wound gel reapplied daily until the wound has healed. If the wound is on a lower limb, you will probably need to apply a dressing in order to keep the wound clean.

Applying dressings

After cleaning the wound start by applying a small amount of wound gel to the wound. Next, apply a non-stick sterile dressing directly to the wound. This should be held in place by a layer of soft, thin bandaging material, followed by a layer of cotton wool or gamgee for padding. This should be held in place by an outer bandage. Disposable, self-adherent bandages are most useful for this, but it is possible to use a clean stable bandage. Finally, applying some adhesive bandage such as Elastoplast to the top and bottom of the dressing (half on the dressing and half on the horse’s skin) will help keep the bandage in place and will stop bedding material getting under the bandage. Bandages should be changed and the wound cleaned every 2-3 days until the wound has healed. If you are in any doubt as to how best to apply a bandage do not hesitate to call us for advice.

Severe bleeding

If an artery, large blood vessels or multiple blood vessels have been damaged by a wound, there may be excessive bleeding. The best way to stop bleeding is to apply pressure. Anything clean will do but ideally use a wad of swabs held in place by a bandage, which can be applied with a bit more pressure than you normally would use when applying a bandage. If blood keeps soaking through your pressure bandage, keep adding more layers rather than replacing with fresh bandages as removing the bandage may remove a forming blood clot. The bandage should remain in place until the bleeding is assessed by a vet. If the wound is on an area that cannot be bandaged, you can apply pressure by firmly pressing a wad of swabs or cotton wool against the wound until help arrives.

Synovial Infection

Synovial infection is the term used to describe when a wound or sharp object (such as a thorn) penetrates a joint or tendon sheath and allows infection to invade into the structure. This is serious and potentially life threatening because if left untreated the infection and associated inflammation can cause permanent damage to the joint or tendon sheath. Synovial infections are treated by flushing the joint or tendon sheath with large volumes of sterile solution via keyhole surgery, followed by a course of intravenous antibiotics. The sooner an infected joint is identified and treated, the more likely it is that the infection can become under control before irreversible damage has occurred.

Signs of synovial involvement include:

* Severe lameness
* Swollen joint or tendon sheath
* Straw coloured fluid leaking from the wound

Occasionally if there is a very large opening into a joint and all the joint fluid has leaked out, a horse might not appear particularly lame. You should therefore seek veterinary advice if your horse has a wound over a joint even if severe lameness is not apparent.

Tetanus protection

Tetanus is a soil living organism (Clostridium. Tetani) which can be introduced via wounds, especially deep wounds. Horses are particularly susceptible to Tetanus and it is very hard to treat. Affected horses will become extremely ill and sadly often die, so vaccination is imperative to stop the infection from developing. Your horse requires two vaccinations 4-8 weeks apart to be covered, followed by a booster at 12 months and then every 24 months after that. If your horse is vaccinated against influenza, cover for tetanus can be included with this. If your horse is not vaccinated and acquires a wound, it can be given tetanus antitoxin within the first 24hrs to provide immediate protection. This is not a vaccination though and this treatment should always be followed up by starting a course of vaccinations.

If you are in any doubt as to how to treat a wound or whether or not it requires veterinary attention, please do contact your veterinarian.

B&W Equine Vets

08/07/2024

We have a cancellation appointment available Wednesday 8/7 at the clinic in Carthage.

Please text to schedule 417-448-0131.

08/05/2024

Potomac Horse Fever Vaccination Guidelines

Originally described in 1979 as a sporadic disease affecting horses residing in the eastern United States near the Potomac River, the disease has since been identified in various other geographic locations in the United States and Canada. The disease is seasonal, occurring between late spring and early fall in temperate areas.

Clinical signs are variable but may include fever, mild to severe diarrhea, laminitis, mild colic, and decreased abdominal sounds. Pregnant mares may abort infected fetuses. Mortality rates have been reported between 5% and 30%.

If Potomac Horse Fever has been confirmed on a farm or in a particular geographic area, it is likely that additional cases will occur in future years. Foals appear to have a low risk of contracting the disease. Vaccination may not be fully protective against infection. Proposed explanations for this include lack of seroconversion and multiple field strains whereas only one strain is present in available vaccines.

Vaccine:

The currently available commercial vaccine is a killed, adjuvanted product, which is also available combined with rabies vaccine. The current vaccine is labelled as an aid in the prevention of Potomac Horse Fever and is not labeled for prevention of abortion.

Vaccination Schedules:

Due to the seasonal incidence of disease, vaccination should be timed to precede the anticipated peak challenge during the summer months or fall.

Vaccinated Adult horses: Annual revaccination.

Horses in endemic areas: Veterinarians should consider yearly revaccination of two doses with a 3 to 4-month interval between doses. The first dose should be administered in the spring, prior to anticipated challenge.

Unvaccinated pregnant mares: Administer two doses with a 3 to 4-week interval between doses. Schedule 1 dose to be administered 4 to 6 weeks before foaling. Note: Current Product label does not include administration information for pregnant mares.

Vaccinated pregnant mares: Annual revaccination with a minimum of one dose. Schedule 1 dose to be administered 4 to 6 weeks before foaling.

Foals: Administer two doses with a 3 to 4-week interval between doses. The vaccine is labelled for use in foals 3 months of age and older. Due to the low risk of clinical disease in young foals and the possible maternal antibody interference, primary immunization for most foals can begin after 5 months of age. A third dose at 12 months of age is recommended. If the primary series is initiated when foals are less than 5 months of age, additional doses should be administered up to 6 months of age to ensure that an immunologic response is achieved.

Horses having been naturally infected and recovered: Administer a primary series (as described above) 12 months following recovery from natural infection.

AAEP

08/02/2024

Fri-YAY funny!

07/31/2024

Blister Beetles and Alfalfa

Blister beetles are common in southern and eastern areas of the United States. Of the species that occur in Oklahoma, the most common is the striped blister beetle (Epicauta occidentalis). This species comprises 75% of all blister beetles in the state. The striped blister beetle has several black and orange stripes along the back (Figure 2). All fatalities caused by blister beetle toxicity in horses examined by Oklahoma State University veterinarians have been caused by the striped blister beetle. Several species with spotted, black or gray coloration are also found in Oklahoma and other areas.

All of these beetles contain the blistering agent “can-tharidin” in their hemolymph (the blood of insects). There is variation in average cantharidin content among the species, but it has been consistently higher (about 5mg/beetle) in the striped blister beetle than in the other species (about 0.5 mg/beetle). Cantharidin is highly toxic when ingested by livestock, especially horses, and may cause illness and even death in these animals. It is a very stable compound that retains its toxicity to livestock even when dried remains of beetles, that have been killed in the harvesting process, are fed along with forage. Cantharidin is produced only by male blister beetles and is stored until mating. Thus, mating status determines whether females contain the toxin.

Cantharidin may cause irritation to the lining of the stomach, small intestine, bladder and urethra in horses.

Beetle Life Cycle

Blister beetles complete one generation per year. Adult beetles mate and the females lay eggs during the summer in shallow cavities in the soil. These eggs hatch in the fall and the larvae immediately begin searching for grasshopper eggs to consume. Grasshopper eggs are laid in clusters of up to 30 or more within 1 to 2 inches of the soil surface during the late summer and fall. Blister beetle larvae devour clusters of eggs, then overwinter in the soil and emerge as adults in late spring or early summer. When infesting alfalfa, beetles prefer to feed on blossoms but will feed on leaves if blossoms are not present. Pigw**d, goldenrod, goat head, puncturevine, peanuts, soybeans and many other plants also serve as hosts for these beetles.

Emergence of adult blister beetles typically occurs after the first cutting of alfalfa is completed. Striped blister beetles have not been collected by OSU entomologists before May 14 in Oklahoma, and in many years, it is mid-June or later before they become active. Generally, first cutting of Oklahoma alfalfa is in late April or early May. Activity of the adult blister beetle ceases in early fall which should ensure an October cutting free of beetles. Consequently, it is possible for hay producers and buyers to obtain forage harvested at times of the year when there is little chance of beetle infestation.

Avoiding Blister Beetle Contamination

Striped blister beetles are gregarious, and frequently large numbers (swarms) congregate in small areas of fields (Figure 4). This habit makes them easier to see when harvesting, but it also increases the chances that remains of beetles killed in the harvesting process may be concentrated in a few hay bales or portions of bales unless special precautions are taken.

Blister beetles normally do not migrate long distances. In alfalfa, they are often found within 50 yards of the field margin. Therefore, scouting for blister beetles should be concentrated along field borders. When spraying fields for control of other insect pests, also spray border areas to reduce chances of blister beetle migration.

Blister beetle contaminated hay is almost always the result of beetles being crushed prior to baling. This usually happens when the swather goes through a swarm of beetles. Beetles are killed by the crimper rollers and trapped in the hay. Remains of blister beetles may be concentrated in a small portion of the hay from a field. Beetles are also killed and trapped when forage is driven on before the beetles have had time to escape. If left alone, the vast majority of blister beetles leave alfalfa shortly after cutting. Cutting without using crimpers and avoiding wheel traffic on freshly cut alfalfa are two of the best ways to avoid problems.

Other measures alfalfa producers can take to avoid blister beetles in the hay are:
* Maintain w**d control within and outside the field.
* Spraying fence rows and field borders can help prevent migration into fields.
* Inspect fields shortly before cutting and spray only the infested areas if beetles are found.
* Harvest before bloom, if possible.

The insecticide Sevin is registered for blister beetle control in alfalfa. It has given good results under Oklahoma conditions. Use Sevin at 0.5 to 1.0 quarts per acre. It has a 7-day waiting period before harvest. Methoxychlor is also registered for blister beetle control in alfalfa, and it has a 7-day waiting period before harvest.

In addition to these compounds, other chemicals have been used in controlling blister beetles in alfalfa. Malathion and the Permethrin products (at lower rates) have no waiting period between application and harvest; however, their labels do not list blister beetles as a target pest. Furthermore, the efficacy of these products on blister beetles in Oklahoma has not been thoroughly tested.

Things an Alfalfa Buyer Should Do

* Know your alfalfa supplier.
* Ask producers what precautions were taken to avoid presence of blister beetles in forage.
* Inspect hay before feeding if presence of blister beetles is suspected.
* If feeding small amounts of alfalfa, examine each flake for concentrations of dead blister beetles.
* Purchase hay harvested before May or after September. This will not guarantee a lack of problems with blister beetles but will reduce the risks significantly.
* Clinical signs can begin to appear 3-6 hours after ingestion. Aggressive therapy, if caught early, can help with survival rates
* If symptoms appear, call your veterinarian immediately.

Blister Beetle Poisoning in Horses

Symptoms in horses are dependent on the amount of cantharidin eaten. If a large amount of cantharidin is consumed, a horse may die within 6 hours. If a small amount
is consumed, only depression or mild colic (pawing, looking to the side, stretching) may occur. A frequent symptom of cantharidin illness is placing the muzzle in water and playing in the water with the lips and tongue. Severe poisoning may result in low blood calcium and magnesium. These low electrolyte levels may cause stiffness or an exaggerated “goose-stepping” gait. An exaggerated contraction of the diaphragm may also occur. Horses that survive at least 24 hours have better survival rates but may strain frequently and void small amounts of darkened urine (blood in urine). Any horse showing these symptoms should be promptly examined by a veterinarian and the forage inspected for presence of blister beetles. As there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of blister beetles in alfalfa, the prudent approach for management is to take all possible precautions to reduce the likelihood that they are present.

OSU

07/26/2024

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, or EPM, is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting the horse. Most horses exposed to the causative organism, Sarcocystis neurona, will clear any infection with their own immune system. However, in horses with a compromised immune system, the organism can spread to the central nervous system causing very serious and debilitating disease. EPM can have a variety of presentations often making diagnosis difficult. The most common signs include incoordination and loss of muscle mass affecting only one side of the body. It may also affect both sides of the body but one side is usually worse than the other.

The opossum is considered the definitive host of Sarcocystis neurona. It sheds an infective form of the parasite in its f***s. A variety of intermediate hosts become infected with the organism by eating the f***s of the opossum. Common intermediate hosts of S. neurona include cats, skunks and raccoons among others. When the intermediate host is infected with the organism, it can spread to their liver, lungs and muscle tissues without ever affecting their nervous system. When the intermediate host is, in turn, eaten by an opossum, the organism changes to an infective form that is once again shed in the f***s and the life cycle continues. Horses become infected with Sarcocystis neurona by ingesting the opossum f***s. S. neurona travels to the central nervous system and replicates causing damage to nerve cells leading to the clinical signs observed. Horses are considered “dead end” or aberrant hosts for S. neurona, in that they do not pass on the organism and the cycle stops
with them.

Clinical signs in horses with EPM are often varied but again the most common are incoordination and muscle loss that tends to be distributed to one side more than the other. Other signs that the horse may have, which are common to many neurological diseases, are weakness, airway noise, lameness associated with the hindlimbs, locking of the stifle, back soreness, and decreased or poor performance. Horses demonstrating these symptoms should be evaluated for neurologic disease. Other diseases causing clinical signs similar to EPM include West Nile Virus infections, Herpes Virus infection, Rabies, and malformations of vertebra in the neck among others.

Diagnosis of EPM is typically based on clinical signs. Laboratory tests are available to aid in diagnosis. However, these tests are not 100% accurate. The test involves collecting cerebral spinal fluid which is an invasive procedure that has its own risks. In many areas, including Florida, it is estimated that 50% or more of horses are exposed to S. neurona, so simple blood tests are not useful. Positive blood tests only tell us your horse has been exposed to the organism but is not necessarily infected. Positive blood tests do not provide information whether the organism has spread to the central nervous system. Unfortunately, the only definitive diagnosis of EPM is by post-mortem
evaluation.

EPM is a treatable disease, but it is important to note that the horse may never return to its normal state depending on the location and severity of the lesions. EPM is typically treated with daily oral medication of ponazuril
(Marquis) or nitazoxanide (Navigator) for 28 days or a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine for 90 days. Treatment should continue for two weeks after clinical signs stop improving. Anti-inflammatories, such as
Bute or Banamine, may be indicated to control inflammation. Your veterinarian should assess your horse to decide if anti- inflammatories are
needed. Horses with severe clinical signs may not improve and may get worse. In such instances, euthanasia may be the best option. Since horses become infected with the parasite by ingesting the f***s of the opossum,
keeping hay and grain in an area protected from opossums and rodents will help prevent it from becoming contaminated. It is difficult to keep opossums out of pasturelands. Picking up any dead animals (birds, squirrels, road-kill)
encountered around your farm that opossums feed upon, will help prevent opossums from feeding in your area and spreading the pathogen.

A vaccine against EPM has been licensed for horses but has not yet been
shown to be effective and may cause interference when testing your horse for
S. neurona infection. If your horse begins showing any neurologic signs,
please contact your veterinarian for a full physical and neurologic
examination. Early detection and treatment will provide the best outcome.

Brandon Equine Medical Center

07/24/2024

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU), an immune-mediated disease, is one of the
most common causes of blindness in horses. ERU is commonly referred to as
“moon blindness” and is believed to have several possible causes including
bacteria, parasites, viruses, trauma and immune system disorders. ERU is
characterized by increasingly frequent bouts of irritation and inflammation in
the eye (uveitis).

Uveitis can be extremely painful. Common signs associated with uveitis are
small pupils, discharge from the eyes, squinting, red eyes and conjunctiva,
swelling around the eye, and sensitivity to light. Other signs may include
corneal edema (cloudy cornea), loss of balance, abnormal gait or tripping,
rubbing the eye, or even pus inside the eye.

The most common bacteria associated with uveitis is Leptospira. Horses with
Leptospirosis may have acquired it from drinking water or eating feed
contaminated with urine from another infected animal. Leptosporosis can also
be spread from animal to animal by human contact. Horses with a L eptospira
infection may also have a fever, become anorexic and have abnormal milk
production in addition to eye related problems.

Onchocer a Cerviculis is a common parasite associated with ERU. This
Culicoides fly, also known as the “biting midge” or “no-see-um,” is believed to
be the primary means of transmission. Horses affected by Culicoides may
show sores on the abdominal midline and along the base of the mane or
withers. ERU occurs when the horse mounts an immune response to the
parasite and the eye has enough of the parasite antigen (substance from the
parasite that the immune system attacks) that it becomes irritated.

Eye trauma is another important cause of equine uveitis. Any blunt or
penetrating injury, eye surgery, corneal ulcers, or infection may cause trauma
to the eye and subsequent inflammatory irritation. Equine herpes and
influenza viruses have been linked to uveitis in the horse. Allergies have also
been implicated in cases of uveitis.

Topical atropine will dilate the eye and reduce pain associated with the
constricted pupil. Topical antibiotic ointments will help fight or prevent any
bacterial infections. Topical steroids may be indicated to reduce inflammation
but the eye should be examined by a veterinarian prior to use of steroid.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Banamine can also help reduce
inflammation. Wearing fly masks and keeping the horse out of direct sunlight
will help relieve irritations from light, dust or insects.

When uveitis occurs frequently in a horse it becomes a case of ERU. One
episode of uveitis may have cleared up but the same or another cause will
stimulate a recurrence. These additional bouts of uveitis may become more
frequent and less responsive to treatment. It is important to treat these horses
aggressively when episodes first occur in order to have the best chance to
avoid loss of vision. If your horse begins showing signs of uveitis, it is
important to contact your regular veterinarian for an eye examination.

07/22/2024

We have some last minute openings for Fair Grove area tomorrow. We are able to perform all appointment types.

Please text 417-448-0131 if you would like to add on to the schedule.

07/22/2024

Sweet Itch

Sweet itch, also known as culicoides hypersensitivity, is a skin disease caused by an allergy to midge bites. It presents as pruritis or itching, usually of the mane and tail but can also occur on the underside of the abdomen.

Preventing or minimising bites is the most effective way to control symptoms. This needs forward planning and to be started early, i.e. before the midges start biting.

Recommendations for the management of sweet itch:

Consult your vet early on in the year before the midges start biting in earnest. Your vet will also make sure it is sweet itch and not another cause of itchiness, such as pinworm, lice or another allergy.

Good insect control is essential to prevent the midges biting. This can be accomplished in a number of ways:

* Daily application of insect repellents, use of fly sheets or rugs and stabling during times of high midge activity (dawn and dusk). Some people have success with longer lasting pour on fly repellents, please speak to your vet for recommendations.
* During the summer when midge activity is high, stabling from 16:00pm until 18:00am is recommended.
* It is a good idea to move affected horses to open, more exposed fields with good breeze (midges are weak fliers and get blown away with a wind more than 4mph! ) and keep affected horses and ponies well away from woodland and water - especially standing water such as ponds.
* Getting a fan for the stable will also deter midges.
* Many horses or ponies with this condition may need treatment to control the itch and sometimes resolve secondary skin infections. Often topical treatment is very effective (and has fewer potential side effects) but sometimes tablets and / or injections are needed.
* Some people have used nicotinamide based oral supplements and topical ointment. This balances the natural immune reaction in the horse to the midge bites. This treatment should be started before the first sweet itch signs are seen, so around about March.

There are many other supplements that are reported to alleviate signs, but none have been proven effective in all cases. Medication is available that can help decrease the severity but as yet, there is no cure for sweet itch. If you believe your horse or pony suffers from sweet itch, we recommend calling your vet to talk through management and treatment options.

B&W Equine Vets

07/19/2024

Acupuncture

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners currently accept acupuncture as a valid treatment modality. But so many clients remain skeptical when considering acupuncture on their horse. Brandon Equine Medical Center will walk you through the process and communicate what to expect with acupuncture treatment, considering each individual horse’s needs. Dr. Michelle Twilla obtained her acupuncture training at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is available for acupuncture treatment appointments or to answer any of your acupuncture questions.

What is Acupuncture? The basis behind acupuncture is balancing the body. Qi is the vital life force or energy that runs along meridians, or channels throughout the body. In Chinese medicine, an imbalance of yin and yang leads to pain or illness. The imbalance is essentially blocking the flow of Qi. Stress, trauma, and an endless list of environmental factors can cause imbalance in any living thing.

There are 14 primary meridians in the body and acupuncture focuses on points along these channels. Stimulation of these points heals by reducing inflammation and pain. Needles are placed into the acupuncture points along meridians to stimulate and open the flow of Qi, subsequently relieving the blockage or stagnation.

How do you know if your horse needs acupuncture? Brandon Equine Medical Center practices a balance of Eastern and Western Medicine. At your first appointment, your horse will undergo a conventional physical examination as well as a medical examination using Chinese methods. If acupuncture does not seem to be the most appropriate and effective treatment, then traditional Western medicine will be recommended. Some cases respond best to a combination of both Eastern and Western medicine.

There are many conditions that can be treated with acupuncture. Two major conditions and the results after treatment are:
1. Relieving musculoskeletal pain = enhanced performance
2. Decrease inflammation = increases energy

Other conditions that benefit from acupuncture are:
• Unexplained lameness
• Back pain
• Behavioral issues
• Hormone and metabolic imbalance
• Reproductive disorders

• Heaves (RAO, COPD)
• Anhidrosis (non-sweater)
• Neurological disorders
• Laminitis
• GI conditions
• And, acupuncture is good preventative medicine

What to expect for your first acupuncture treatment... First, a history will be taken and a complete physical exam will take place. This is to ensure that a serious condition, such as a major musculoskeletal lesion that would respond better to western medicine, is not overlooked. A traditional Chinese veterinary examination and diagnosis follows the conventional one. The Chinese exam includes a tongue and pulse inspection followed by a “scan” which is a physical palpation over the meridians. This helps determine which acupuncture points need treatment. The needles range in size from 0.5 inches long to 4 inches long. The traditional acupuncture needle is very thin and does not have a hollow core. Called dry needle technique, the needle is inserted into the skin or muscle and left alone for a period of time. An electrical currency can be applied, which is not painful. This is called electroacupuncture. Other techniques include inserting a hollow hypodermic needle to inject either saline, B12 or the horse’s own blood. Moxa is a warming technique that we use less frequently.

Most horses respond well to the needle placement and even appear relaxed or sedated. Of course, there are a small percentage of horses that object to the placement of needles. These patients take more time to treat and chemical sedation could be recommended to perform a thorough treatment.

The number of needles and the length of time each remains inserted will vary depending on the ailment and physical state of the horse. Well-conditioned, performance horses may tolerate more needles for a longer period of time than a critical horse being treated for colic or laminitis.

How many treatments will your horse need? Most patients require at least three treatments. Of course, every horse has varied responses. If you are not getting the results you expect after three treatments, then acupuncture is probably not the right treatment modality for that specific condition or horse. Positive responses have been observed after just one treatment in many cases. An acute condition such as laminitis can benefit from being treated frequently. Some horses seem to stay “well balanced” if treated on a maintenance schedule of three to four times a year. Chronic conditions may need multiple treatments before seeing an improvement. Keep in mind that some conditions will improve quicker when coupled with western medicine modalities. Dr. Twilla will advise you of recommended treatment as well as an appropriate schedule for your horse and condition after the first exam.

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12635 County Road 130
Carthage, MO
64836

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Videos

Julie

We are so incredibly proud of Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy for a top finish at the Stableview 4* short. She was in great company with a field loaded with previous Olympians. We are so honored to be part of Julie and Jaego’s team! For those not familiar with three day eventing this is the same level athletes compete at the Olympic Games.

Lameness part 2

Part 2 of the lameness saga! The horse in the initial video was lame. The primary lameness is of the RF. Typically, for forelimb lamenesses we say “down on sound”. In the first video, you can see when she is tracking to the R, she nods her head down when the LF hits the ground in an effort to unload the RF. This video was taken about 15 minutes after the initial video. A palmar digital nerve block of the RF was performed - this block will often times desensitize the back half of the foot and most of the pastern joint. You can see there is a significant improvement in the lameness following the block. It is important to remember with blocks we are looking for significant improvement not necessarily perfection. This mare is 14 years old and is a broodmare that had her foal weaned about 10 days ago. While her RF is the primary lameness, there are mild inconsistencies behind as well. However, when evaluating lameness you often work up a case in layers and tackle the primary lamenesses first. Stay tuned for more diagnostics and what we did next….

Let’s play a game. Is this horse lame? If so, which leg is the horse lame on? What is causing the lameness? Stay tuned for more videos and info on this case. Answer: The horse in the initial video was lame. The primary lameness is of the RF. Typically, for forelimb lamenesses we say “down on sound”. In the first video, you can see when she is tracking to the R, she nods her head down when the LF hits the ground in an effort to unload the RF.

Huge congrats to Kayla Dill and Penny Whize for a bang up showing at the 100x Reining Classic! We are so proud of you and your special girl!

Just a PSA to check your fences, especially in walk through areas. This fatal trauma was caused by a rounded bolt on pipe fence. Multiple fractured ribs and exposed lung. Listen with sound for explanation. Shared with owner permission.

Can you believe the difference between a 10 day embryo and a 16 day embryo?! Did you know you can first see embryos at 10 days post ovulation, and they are about 3 mm in diameter. Then they continue to grow by 3 mm per day. After day 17 they begin to implant in the uterus. This is why if a horse has twins; it is best reduced between day 14-17.

Did you know recovery body work following an event is just as important as prepping your horse for show?! 4* ponies need lovin too! 💕 please enjoy-he sure did! 🤣

How To: administer intramuscular injections

Happy Wednesday! Here is a video we made explaining how to administer intramuscular injections. Examples include vaccines, Adequan, and Excede.

Welcome to ask the vet - COLIC edition

Being able to quickly and safely load your horse, may save their life one day. It’s never too early to start. Enjoy yearling Penelope’s second day on the trailer. She’s way more interested in the snacks. 🤣

When you get done with appointments a bit early and take the Colorado native to Lambert's Cafe Ozark, home of the throwed rolls for the first time 😂.

Feel free to share-Foal boxes and foaling info! We will be selling the foaling boxes for $65

ASK THE VET - emergency box Like, watch, and tag 3 friends for you chance to win this box! If you would like to purchase a box please text the clinic at 417-448-0131.

What I do with my horse to help her be 💯 during heavy times of training and showing.

Got milk 🥛?! Poor Penelope can’t keep up with mamas supply!

What’s your diagnosis? Why in the world am I doing a walking rectal exam?

We had some extra friends at the clinic today. 🤢 We offer fecal egg counts for $20- this will include a specific schedule tailored to your horse. We are also running a special on Quest dewormer. $8 for Quest and $11 for Quest plus. Keep in mind we highly recommend using quest for atleast one deworming during the year as it is the only dewormer that has not developed resistance amongst the parasite population.