Elite Equine Sports Medicine - Dr. Nancy Carr

08/28/2024

While we don't often draw attention to political issues, there are two possible ballot initiatives in Colorado that have the potential to negatively impact the care your animals receive, and so we feel obligated to speak out.

Both Initiatives 145 and 144 are in the signature gathering phase so if you are approached and asked to sign either petition, we ask that you decline to sign. Initiative 145 would create a new professional that would be minimally and inadequately trained through a mostly online program and yet allowed to perform surgeries after only a one-semester internship.

Both initiatives are backed by big corporations seeking to further corner the veterinary market. If you have questions or would like to discuss these issues more in depth we would be happy to chat any time. Dr. French has worked intensively on these issues over the past few years and is happy to have a conversation with you about these initiatives and the risk they pose to animal health. You can reach Dr. French by calling our hospital or emailing [email protected]. You can also visit www.keepourpetssafe.com Please decline to sign!

08/20/2024

I highly recommend these products and the colic care that goes with the G.I. support

Platinum Performance® Equine

08/16/2024

Just because I like new baby creatures

08/16/2024

When your farrier asks for annual radiographs, it’s not because we want you to spend money, or because we aren’t very good… we ask you to do so because sometimes there’s problems lurking that we couldn’t ever be aware of, and rather than be reactive. We are trying to be proactive for you and your animal.
This horse is a prime example… horse is and has been sound for several years, when these radiographs were taken, the amount of ossification of the collateral cartilages as mind boggling!
It also gave us a shoeing prescription that should keep this horse going than it would have without the radiographs…
We all work as a team and preventative maintenance is wayyy cheaper than chasing a problem after it’s occurred!
Signed- your farrier

08/15/2024

08/13/2024

08/09/2024

Dogs truly are the spirits that protect us.

❤️❤️❤️

07/27/2024

07/26/2024

Dressage ride times are set for July 27th at Paris 2024. 💃

Tune in on Peacock TV

Full order ➡️ https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/results/equestrian/eventing/drss000100--?fbclid=IwY2xjawEQhypleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbNmk5eQLDHEyiaKts3_y7hIvq3qLfDGjvXD_vIR4Ot2zPaHhTsQSByD0A_aem_6rIV2Su_MG8MYGYMmKtIoQ

07/26/2024

A little client love this Friday

07/26/2024

07/25/2024

🤝 Château de Versailles

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07/25/2024

🐴✈️🏅 Welcome aboard, hope you are standing comfortably.
For the horses — including that belonging to Chester County's Boyd Martin — on the Team USA eventing team, the journey to France for the was — quite literally — a four-legged journey.
Like humans, horses have passport controls to check that they are the right horse. Paperwork, such as vaccines and blood tests, is also checked for each horse.
Get the full story: http://on.nbc10.com/xLLhLOw

07/25/2024

Don't be misled! Initiative 144 isn't about increasing access to vet care using telemedicine; Colorado vets already use telemedicine when appropriate. Initiative 144 is about increasing profits and letting big companies sell more drugs online.

07/23/2024

07/23/2024

07/20/2024

The Olympics provides a competitive opportunity unlike any other in the eventing space, due to some differences both in format as well as how medals are determined at the end of competition. We did the legwork

07/19/2024

I love sharing these ❤️ So grateful for my clients and friends, and HORSES!

07/17/2024

What if your horse could run up to you and say, “I’m cold, may I have my blanket?”

That’s exactly what a group of researchers at Norwegian University of Life Sciences and their team of 23 steeds have accomplished in two separate stables in Norway. Anyone who has ever had a relationship with a horse knows how intelligent they are, and that they often understand what the human wants – but now we may have an entry into better understanding what it is a horse may desire.

The team trained the horses for 10 to 15 minutes a day to learn the meaning of three symbols. After just 11 days, all 23 horses were able to recognise the meanings: Blanket on, blanket off, or no change. What’s beautiful is that not only were they so easily able to learn the symbols and then they put that knowledge to work, but the whole thought process involved. “I’m hot, I want this blanket off, I’ll nudge the “blanket off” symbol to have my blanket removed" – which is what participating horse Poltergeist is indicating in the photo.

Results show that choices made, i.e. the symbol touched, was not random but dependent on weather. Horses chose to stay without a blanket in nice weather, and they chose to have a blanket on when the weather was wet, windy and cold. This indicates that horses both had an understanding of the consequence of their choice on own thermal comfort, and that they successfully had learned to communicate their preference by using the symbols.

What may be the most heartening aspect of all, however, is that once the horses understood they could express themselves, they seem to have loved it! "When horses realised that they were able to communicate with the trainers, i.e. to signal their wishes regarding blanketing, many became very eager in the training or testing situation," the researchers write. "Some even tried to attract the attention of the trainers prior to the test situation, by vocalising and running towards the trainers, and follow their movements."

Read more about it here...
https://www.treehugger.com/animals/these-horses-just-learned-communicate-humans.html

For more, you can read the study in the journal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159116302192

07/17/2024

🐴👣 Keep an eye out for signs of thrush in your horse's hooves this summer! 👀🌞 As your trusted equine veterinary practice, we want to ensure you're equipped with the knowledge to spot this common hoof ailment and take prompt action. 💪💼

1. Foul odor: One of the telltale signs of thrush is a foul-smelling odor emanating from the horse's hooves. If you notice a strong, unpleasant smell, it could indicate the presence of thrush bacteria.

2. Black or gray discharge: Thrush often presents as black or grayish discharge in the clefts and crevices of the hoof, particularly around the frog. This discharge may be accompanied by a soft, mushy texture in affected areas.

3. Lameness or sensitivity: In advanced cases, thrush can cause discomfort and lameness, especially when pressure is applied to the affected areas. Watch for signs of sensitivity or reluctance to bear weight on the affected hoof.

4. Changes in hoof appearance: Thrush can lead to changes in the appearance of the hoof, including a darkening or crumbling of the frog, and the development of ragged, uneven edges.

If you notice any of these signs of thrush in your horse's hooves, don't delay in seeking veterinary care. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the spread of infection and promote hoof health. 🩺💙

Have more questions about hoof care or equine health? Our team is here to help! Reach out to us for expert guidance and support. Let's keep those hooves healthy and happy all summer long! 🌟👣

07/15/2024

🌱🐴 Is your pony packing on the pounds from lush summer grass?🐎💚

1. Limit grazing time: Consider using a grazing muzzle or restricting turnout to control your pony's access to rich pasture grass, especially during peak growth periods when sugar content is highest.

2. Provide low-sugar alternatives: Supplement pasture grazing with low-sugar hay or haylage to help satisfy your pony's appetite while keeping their calorie intake in check.

3. Monitor body condition: Keep a close eye on your pony's weight and body condition score, and adjust their diet and exercise regimen accordingly to prevent obesity and associated health issues.

4. Incorporate regular exercise: Keep your pony moving with regular exercise and turnout, whether it's riding, lunging, or engaging in other activities that promote physical fitness and mental stimulation.

5. Consider nutritional supplements: Talk to us about adding supplements or medications to your pony's diet to help support metabolism and weight management.

With these tips in mind, you can help your chubby pony shed those extra pounds and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. 🌿💪 Have more questions about managing your pony's weight or equine health? Give us a call and let’s discuss:

📞303-435-0333