Eagle Fern Equine Hospital

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween! 🎃

10/29/2024

Pumpkin carving contest! Please vote for your favorite pumpkin !!!

10/29/2024

Join us tonight for our educational seminar!!!
Herd Health Management for your sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas and cows!
Today at 6:30 pm at Eagle Fern Equine Hospital you can also check and vote for your favorite pumpkin!!

10/23/2024

** Reminder**
Herd Health Seminar!!
Tuesday, October 29, at 6:30 pm at Eagle Fern Equine Hospital …. Next week! We will be providing coffee and sweet treats!!! Please RSVP 503-630-4558

10/18/2024

We have the best team!!! Thank you ladies!

Veterinary technicians, assistants and support staff are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices, and they play vital roles in ensuring compassionate, high-quality care for all animals. As we celebrate , please join us and our friends at AAEVT-American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants in showing appreciation for our veterinarians’ right-hand men and women!

10/14/2024

Happy Veterinary technician week!!! We have the best team ever! Thank you ladies!!!

10/09/2024

10/07/2024

10/02/2024

AAEP The Foundation for the Horse
Thank you!

We are devastated to see the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene that have impacted thousands of people and equines far and wide. Please join The Foundation for the Horse, the AAEP's charitable arm, in aiding the victims of the hurricane with a donation to help those affected.

The Foundation for the Horse works directly with equine veterinarians on the ground to make sure supplies, hay, feed and veterinary care are provided to animals in need.

Pictured is an example of the devasting effects the residents of Hendersonville, NC have suffered during Hurricane Helene.

If you would like to join us in aiding those affected, donate at: https://membership.aaep.org/FFTH/Shared_Content/Donation-Pages/Give-Now.aspx?ItemId=DISASTER_RELIEF&SourceCode=GiveNow&fbclid=IwY2xjawFnmcNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaHxoC1eLyh3A4yhmAjxmWHPmr_MlVVwcEAQlS7eG9dEchYSrXaPsyTwdQ_aem_XLRekJJPklcJ9rVpFvH-Tg

10/02/2024

Here is your reminder to check your alfalfa for the presence of blister beetles prior to feeding it to your horses—especially if you feed alfalfa hay from a new or unknown harvesting source.

"The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses," says AAEP member Dr. Benjamin Espy. "As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to a 1100-pound horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse, and whole insects need not be present to be dangerous. Although cantharidin can exist in the alfalfa used to make pellets and cubes, cantharidin toxicity is very rare by this route. Some people believe that it has to do with the processing, others believe that it’s because the feed companies are using alfalfa from reputable sources that have good insect control."

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. While there is no antidote for the toxin found in blister beetles, your veterinarian may still be able to save your horse by providing supportive care to combat dehydration, help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and delay potential absorption. Since there are many representatives of the species Epicauta, contact your local agricultural agent so they can help you identify any beetle that looks suspicious.

09/16/2024

Dr. David Asmar way to go!!!

Congratulations to our August Good Works for Horses honorees! 🎉

We are excited to spotlight Dr. Mindy Smith, owner of Iron Horse Equine Medical and Surgical Services in Elizabeth, CO. Among her practice's clientele are three nonprofits, for whom the practice traditionally discounted its services by 15–20%. Although helpful, with the goal of producing a much greater impact, Dr. Smith created “Iron Unicorn Days” in 2022.

Iron Unicorn Days are held once every six months on a rotating basis among the practice’s nonprofit clients and in place of discounted services. On each occurrence, the practice donates between $15,000–$30,000 worth of work, including diagnostic imaging, lameness evaluations and treatment, joint injections, dentistry, bloodwork and shockwave therapy.

We would also like to congratulate runners-up Dr. David Asmar, owner of Eagle Fern Equine Hospital in Estacada, OR, and Dr. Mike Tomlinson, owner of Tomlinson Equine in Thousand Oaks, CA.

The Good Works for Horses campaign, graciously sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Zoetis Equine, honors AAEP-member practitioners whose volunteer efforts have a positive impact on the equine community.

Read more here: https://aaep.org/post/dr-mindy-smith-honored-as-aaep-good-works-recipient-for-august/

Photo Credit (Dr. Tomlinson's photo): Tamara Torti

09/11/2024

Forever in our hearts

For more information about this 2011 Budweiser Super Bowl commercial, visit: https://causemarketing.com/commercial-gallery/budweiser-clydesdales-9-11-tribute...

09/11/2024

Cushings disease vs Metabolic syndrome

With each passing year, horses are living longer lives and many survive easily to 25 years of age or older. While this is good news, it also means that we need to be aware of changes that can occur with age in order to preserve the health and quality of life of our equine friends.

For example, Equine Cushing’s disease is one of the most common diseases of horses 15 years of age or older. This syndrome is better defined as Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) because it reflects the location within the brain that is abnormal. Clinical signs are associated with abnormally elevated hormone concentrations in the blood.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is another endocrine disorder that can affect mature horses and shares some of the same clinical signs as PPID. Although the two disorders feature some striking clinical similarities — most notably a predisposition to development of chronic laminitis — the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case. Successful management relies on proper diagnosis by your equine veterinarian first.

Our understanding of both conditions, especially EMS, is incomplete and evolving, but sufficient information is currently available to highlight some important similarities and differences for the interested horse owner. Consult your veterinarian for more information and work with them to develop the best wellness practices to ensure a healthy life for your mature horse.

08/12/2024

Thank you! We are back and in full swing! More pictures to come soon!

07/30/2024

Annual Equine Fern Equine Team Recharge time!

Eagle Fern Equine Hospital will be closing on Thursday, August 8th 2024 and we will back in the office on Monday, August 12th, 2024 at 8:00 AM and back to regular business hours.

During this time we have a great community that will help out with the emergency services.

If you have an equine/horse emergency we will be referring the calls to:
Columbia Equine Hospital 503.663.1515
Pacific Crest Equine Veterinary Services 503.632.6336
Oregon State University 541.737.2858

If you have an large animal emergency (cow, sheep, goats, llama, alpaca or pigs) please call:
Northwest Mobile Vet 503.765.6702
Oregon State University 541.737.2858

If you do not have an emergency but would like to contact us, please feel free to email us [email protected] or leave us a message in our answering machine and we will get back to you as soon as we get back in.

Once again thank you for your support and we hope you have a great weekend with your loved ones.

Best regards,
David Asmar, DVM & the Eagle Fern Equine Team

07/18/2024

Be ready and prepared

07/15/2024

Oh my gosh! Show us your lovely horse!!!

Happy National I Love Horses Day! 🐎

Whether you're an equine veterinarian, horse owner, or both, it's the love for the horse that drives the passion for what we do.

Thank you to all of the dedicated horse doctors and veterinary professionals who care for the equine companions that hold a special place in our hearts.

07/08/2024

Thank you to all farriers!!!

This week is National Farriers Week! Thank you to all the farriers out there working with veterinarians to help keep horses healthy and providing quality hoof care across the country.

07/01/2024

Hello July!!!

Summer is in full swing and it's only going to get hotter! ☀️

Unfortunately, some of our equine friends struggle to sweat properly in the summer heat, which can put them at an increased risk of heat stress.

Though there is limited evidence in regard to effective treatments for horses diagnosed with anhidrosis (the inability to sweat properly), there are a few therapies that have been proposed to help, including offering horses dark beer!

Overall, watch closely for signs of heat stress if your horse is diagnosed with anhidrosis. During the summer months, monitor your horse's response to the heat and ensure they are sweating an appropriate amount. If you have concerns about your horse's ability to sweat, please contact your veterinarian.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

06/03/2024

Happy Monday!!!