Des Moines Equine Veterinary Services

11/23/2022

Clients,

I hope all of you are enjoying a relaxing start to Thanksgiving week and the holiday season. I also hope you are able to spend time with family and friends. This seems an opportune time for me to reach out and share some news. As most of you know, all four of our children are living or going to school on the east coast. Because of this, we have decided to move to Connecticut to be closer to all of them. This has not been an easy decision as Iowa has become home to us over the past eighteen years.

It also has not been an easy decision because of how much I like and appreciate all of you and your horses. I like to think that having a small, boutique practice means my patients get more personal attention from me. The inverse has proven true as well. I have so enjoyed knowing all of you, and feeling as if we are a team. Thank you all for being such wonderful horse owners and partners in your horses' healthcare. It has been an honor for me to be your horses' veterinarian.

Currently there is a shortage of equine veterinarians in the US and in the greater Des Moines area. I am so pleased to tell you that I have sold my practice to Dr. Carly Ross (Ames-Des Moines Equine, [email protected]) to ensure seamless care. Many of you have met Dr. Ross over the years as she and I have worked together on radiographs and ultrasound. She is a smart, accomplished, compassionate veterinarian. I am leaving all of you in excellent hands. Dr. Ross will have all medical records and images from the practice. She also will have easy access to me if she ever has any questions.

For the time being at least, the Des Moines Equine phone number (515-418-9413) will continue to work. The transition to Dr. Ross will occur in early December. All ongoing cases will be discussed thoroughly to facilitate transfer.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Fondly,

Rachelle LaPrade, DVM

07/16/2021

06/14/2021

"HOT" TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER RIDING

As you prepare for fun in the sun with your favorite equine, make sure you understand how the combination of heat and humidity can take the fun part out the equation — and potentially even turn into a dangerous situation for your horse.

When riding in hot weather, remember to take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and for signs of heat exhaustion, as the situation can quickly escalate into heat stroke. If your horse looks hot and tired, it's time for a drink, a cold bath and a break in the shade.

Consult your veterinarian for more information, or learn more about the signs of heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/heat-stroke

05/02/2021

In honor of Medina Spirit’s wire-to-wire Kentucky Derby win yesterday, here is a piece on famous American horses.

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-1-2021?r=chl45&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2_WmkCWHvBwg0tyObT2XPgD6pO_hbQ1EBgUOjph85pnPgLWzFm_0_bJvU

In honor of this year's Kentucky Derby (won today by Medina Spirit), I'm posting a piece my friend Michael S. Green and I wrote together a number of years ago on Ten Famous American Horses. It has no deep meaning... it's just fun. It remains one of my favorite things I had a hand in writing, and I'm...