Triple Oaks is a mobile Equine Veterinary practice.
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Triple Oaks Equine LLC
Large Animal Veterinary Service for Horses
5870 409th Avenue NW, Dalbo MN 55017
(763) 219-4984 Phone & 24-Hour Emergency Answering Service
[email protected]
www.tripleoaksequine.com
Dr. Matt Schoessler is Licensed in MN, OR, WA & WI
This is a good reminder to make sure you vaccinate for West Nile, EEE and WEE. The mosquitoes are thick this year.
News Release: Todd County horse tests positive for West Nile virus (WNV) https://www.bah.state.mn.us/Todd-County-horse-tests-positive-for-West-Nile-virus
This is a high-risk time of year for WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about keeping your horses up to date on vaccinations that protect against diseases like WNV.
Hitting the road with your horse, either for pleasure or for business/competition?
Most horse owners know that a negative Coggins test is a must-have for crossing state lines or entering competitions (or even boarding at someone's barn). But let’s not forget that even homebodies need it!
A "Coggins" is a blood test that checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a serious blood-borne disease. EIA is transmitted by biting flies, particularly horseflies, so your horse is at risk even it never leaves the property or lives in a closed herd.
The clinical signs of the disease can vary dramatically, from an acute infection to an inapparent form that presents mild to no symptoms. No treatment or vaccine exist for EIA at the moment, and infected horses become lifelong carriers. Therefore, to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t take place, horses that test positive for EIA must be quarantined and isolated for the rest of their life or humanely euthanized.
Get your horse tested annually, regardless of travel plans. To learn more about EIA, consult your veterinarian or visit our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-infectious-anemia
Our website will be down for a few days while we revamp it. Thank you for your patience.
As a storm threat of freezing rain and snow marches across the U.S. and Canada ❄️🌨🫧🌬, below are some tips for keeping your horses safe during extreme winter weather events:
1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source—just more frequently.
2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being locked up in a stall now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure your animals have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.
3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.
4. Well fitting blankets are great but be sure horses do not get sweaty under them or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold, and covered is worse that dry, cold, and naked.
5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.
6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!) to double check.
7. “Trick” your horses into consuming extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water. If you’ve never fed beet pulp before, be sure to add LOTS of warm water. Dry beet pulp is a common source of choke.
8. Tips of ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting a jumper-style ear bonnet or other ear cover can protect them from wind chills.
Stay safe, friends!
Water remains as important for your horse in cold weather as it is in the summer. As a matter of fact, decreased water consumption in the winter is thought to be the primary inducing factor for impaction colic — although there are other predisposing factors such as poor hay quality, lack of exercise, internal parasites and dental problems.
Impaction colic is essentially constipation and most often includes the accumulation of hard, dry f***l material in the colon. The usual signs of impending impaction colic are depression, a decreased appetite, and decreased production and dryness of manure.
Studies demonstrate that you can increase your horse's winter water consumption if you provide access to heated water, but ONLY if that is the only source of water available. As always, if you have any questions about preventing colic in your horse, your local veterinarian remains your best source of information!
Baby it’s cold outside! ❄️⛄️
Many people think of donkeys as hardy, low-maintenance “small horses.” However, while they have similarities, donkeys are a completely different species and as such have a different physical, mental, and emotional make-up.
As the weather gets colder, it’s important to remember that donkeys are more sensitive to changes in temperature than their equine friends. They don’t grow a winter coat like horses and their hair is less waterproof, so they require shelter from the elements (like a run-in shed or a waterproof blanket). Being stoic animals, they also won’t show signs of discomfort and hypothermia until they are very sick.
Remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed, and other health conditions, so be sure with your primary veterinarian to address any concerns or questions!
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.
Public service announcement: Your horse should eat the same, if not better, after they have their teeth floated. Anything outside of that is abnormal and warrants a recheck.
Additionally, if your lay tooth floater or “equine dentist” is not on this list, they are doing it illegally in the state of Minnesota and THEY ARE DANGEROUS. https://mn.gov/boards/veterinary-medicine/license/equine-teeth-floating.jsp
Edited to add: Veterinarians are not on this list, they don’t need a special license to float teeth. Anyone outside of a veterinarian needs to be on this list to be doing it legally. This list is up to date, I confirmed with the board before posting this.
I’m frustrated. I can’t put tooth back on your horse when too much is taken away. I’m sad. I made an old man cry today when I told him his 24 year old horses teeth were destroyed to the point that he will likely never be able to eat hay in his life again. The person who destroyed the teeth? Not on this list and not a vet. I’m just so done with this being acceptable behavior. Do better by your horse.
Find an actual professional following the rules who likes to do teeth. All the equine vets I know in this area (including myself) float teeth and do them well. Don’t put your horse in someone’s hands that can do irreparable damage.
THANK YOU VETERANS
Two unvaccinated calves from Lac Qui Parle County tested positive for the rabies virus in October (Oct. 18 and 25). While the exact origin of the virus is unknown, both animals possibly were bitten by a rabid animal. Three cattle have tested positive for rabies in Minnesota this year.
Talk with your veterinarian about a rabies vaccination for your pets and livestock. If you have questions about suspected or confirmed rabies exposure to domestic animals, call 651-201-6808.
For more information on rabies and rabies prevention, please visit our rabies webpage: https://www.bah.state.mn.us/rabies/
Are your horses ready for winter?
While this warmer weather is persisting, it is time to get your floats and pre winter work done before the temperatures go below freezing.
We have several appointments available over the next couple of weeks. Call to get on the schedule 763-219-4984.
We definitely understand! 😅
Summer and fall are prime time for arbovirus infection as these diseases (which include Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE], West Nile Virus [WNV], Western Equine Encephalitis [WEE] and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis [VEE]) are transmitted by many different species of mosquitoes and biting insects.
With more states reporting cases of West Nile Virus (70 cases were reported in August alone), here is your reminder that keeping all horses up to date on vaccinations with the guidance of your veterinarian is the best protection you can offer your equine friends.
Read more and download the arbovirus factsheet on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://tinyurl.com/ukaa3zwv
Music to their ears I’d say! 😁
It’s difficult for us horse doctors to admit we aren’t superhuman. We’re hardwired to be there for you and your horse whenever you need us. But we’re finally in the midst of an overdue reality check as a profession and admitting that our desire to be available 24/7 isn’t compatible with our own personal health and happiness.
The most significant pain point for many of us is caring for our clients during regular business hours and then being on call for emergencies after hours. If we are a single-doctor or small practice, this traditionally has been the case most nights of the week.
The good news is that the AAEP along with private veterinary practices and veterinary schools are focused on developing new models for emergency care which ease the strain on individual practitioners. This includes the growth of emergency cooperatives where two or more practices in a geographic area work together to share after-hours care, as well as more emergency-only practices and the use of tele-triage services to address client concerns after normal business hours.
As equine veterinarians reevaluate what after-hours care looks like for their practices, we know that the support of our clients is critical to creating a balance that works for both of us. If your horse doctor talks with you about changes in how after-hours care is delivered, we hope you’ll welcome the adjustments, knowing that this evolution of emergency care must take place in order for equine veterinarians to avoid burnout and continue to be available to treat all of our patients. We appreciate our partnership with you, and your horse does too!
Horses travel every day for a number of reasons—to be bought and sold, for competition, for breeding purposes, etc. Whatever the reason, horse owners should be aware of the complications that may occur due to transportation, including traumatic injuries, diarrhea, muscular problems, respiratory problems, overheating, colic, and even laminitis (in the case of overweight horses).
Following are a few tips to help your equine friend maintain good health and welfare during transport. This list is by no means complete and we encourage you to reach out to your veterinarian for additional advice when it comes to traveling with your horse!
• Be aware that inadequate management of feed and water intake during travel could cause colic, gastric ulceration and heat stress. Food and water should be provided prior to transport, during regular rest breaks and upon arrival at destination.
• Ensure your horse’s immunizations are up to date against respiratory pathogens to protect your animal from these diseases.
• The horse should be rested before the journey, given rest stops during travel, and have time to recover on arrival at the destination.
• The vehicle should be well-ventilated to help prevent respiratory problems or overheating.
• Drive slowly and carefully (NO TEXTING, avoid driving when fatigued or eating while driving, etc.) to provide a comfortable journey for the animal and reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.
Happy trails!
Some great advice.
Happy 4th of July everyone. Have a safe and fun day.
Here’s some information about wildfire air quality we’d like to share with you all.
Check out our latest infographic on keeping your horse healthy during periods of poor air quality. This infographic was designed by Hannah Lochner, University of Minnesota Extension.
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HAPPY TO ALL THE EQUINE VETERINARIANS OUT THERE! Thank you for your dedication to make not only animal lives better, but human ones too.
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to show your favorite some love? Download this coloring page and share the finished masterpiece with us. Don't forget to tag your veterinarian and veterinary staff!
Spring is FINALLY here!!!
☀️ 🌸 🐴 🌱🌷
NOW is the time to call & book your appointments!
-Renewing VCPR exams 👨⚕️
-Vaccines 💉
-Coggins 📄
-Sheath cleaning 🧼
-Teeth checks & motorized dentistry 🦷
-Joint injections 🦴
-Reproductive services 💕
-X-rays 🩻
& more.
Give us a call to schedule your appointment at 763-219-4984.
*Pictured below is Dr Matt with assistant Nicole. Working on Branson a 4yo quarter horse currently at training. Keeping his mouth comfortable so he can be his best for the trainer and his owner this riding season.
Here is some very timely and important information courtesy of the horse doctors at Pine Ridge Equine Hospital :
As we are in the midst of foaling season, let’s talk about what is normal and abnormal. The placenta is made up of two major parts: the red bag (chorioallantois) and the white bag (amnion). The red bag attaches to the uterine wall, which allows the exchange of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. In a normal delivery the amnion is visible and characterized by a white appearance. A red bag delivery is characterized by a red velvety appearance.
A red bag delivery is considered an EMERGENCY as it signifies premature separation of the placenta leading to a lack of oxygen to the fetus so **you need to intervene immediately.** The red placental membrane should be opened carefully to release fluid, the foal should be delivered/pulled with your assistance and then stimulated to breathe. Foals may develop problems associated with lack of oxygen even though they appear normal at birth.
If your mare is having or had a red bag delivery, you need to call your horse doctor ASAP!
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌
With spring only a few weeks away (🙌), it’s not too early to start thinking about a deworming plan for your horses.
If deworming is something you’ve been doing the same way for as long as you can remember, this year we encourage you to break tradition and work with your veterinarian instead. Thanks to tools like the f***l egg count, your horse doctor can help you devise a treatment tailored to the needs of your equine friend plus monitor the efficacy of the dewormer used last. And before you dismiss this notion because you’ve been “doing it for years,” you should know that the old-school approach to deworming is quickly becoming outdated—not only a waste of money but it also builds drug resistance in the parasitic fauna of equines, which means we are running out of drugs that can effectively help us control parasite infections.
For more information, the AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines can be found on our website at https://aaep.org/document/internal-parasite-control-guidelines
As always, consult your equine veterinarian to learn more and for questions specific to your horses!
This👇
DID YOU KNOW?
Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.
If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.
If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.
Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158671374427691&id=128570532690&mibextid=qC1gEa
If your horse has a cough that persists into exercise or is heard while your equine friend is at rest in the barn, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about evaluating your horse for respiratory disease. It could be a problem with the upper airway (the nasal passages and throat) or the lower airway (the lungs).
While waiting for your appointment, try decreasing your horse’s exposure to dust, as that is a primary trigger for lower respiratory disease such as asthma or heaves. Some simple things you can do include avoiding straw bedding; feeding hay on the ground and/or soaking it; not using a leaf blower on barn aisles; not storing hay or bedding above your horse’s stall. Last but not least : While us humans may be more comfortable with all the barn doors closed up on a cold winter day, your horses’ lungs will appreciate open doors/windows and good ventilation!
As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about preserving your horse’s respiratory health, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information!
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. Stay Warm and give your animals and family extra hugs from us. 🎄❄️
Be sure to stay warm and check on your animals often in this cold snap. Check waters are open and make sure adequate feed is available.
Here’s some great advice from the UMN:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=9367517369940824&id=130645510294769&mibextid=qC1gEa
❄️ Keep these helpful tips in mind when managing horses during this week's cold snap. ❄️
⏰ Maintain your normal schedule if possible. Research from Virginia found that an increase in colic episodes following adverse weather was a result of sudden changes in management and not the weather itself.
⚡️ Energy needs for a horse at maintenance increase about 1% for each degree below 18°F. For example, if the temperature is -18°F, a 1,000 pound idle, adult horse would need approximately 4 additional pounds of forage (e.g., hay) daily. It is best to provide the extra energy as forage since heat is produced from the microbial fermentation of forage.
🏡 Horses must have access to shelter from wind and moisture. A horse’s hair coat acts as insulation by trapping air, but when wet, the insulating value is loss.
💧 Water should be kept between 45 to 65°F to maximize consumption. Most adult horses require a minimum of 10 to 12 gallons of water each day. Horses should always have access to fresh, clean water. Check water sources often to ensure they have not froze.
🧤 Take care of yourself! Protect yourself from the cold by wearing multiple layers of coats and pants. Ensure the outer layer is wind and waterproof. Additionally, wear insulated, waterproof boots; warm gloves; a winter hat; and a scarf or neck gaiter to cover your face.
For more information on winter care, visit https://extension.umn.edu/horse-care-and-management/caring-your-horse-winter
5870 409th Avenue NW
Dalbo, MN
55017
| Monday | 10am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 6pm |
| Friday | 10am - 6pm |
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Triple Oaks Equine LLC Large Animal Veterinary Service for Horses & Alpacas 5870 409th Avenue NW, Dalbo MN 55017 (763) 219-4984 Phone & 24-Hour Emergency Answering Service [email protected] www.tripleoaksequine.com Dr. Matt Schoessler is Licensed in MN, OR, WA & WI
