Midwest Equine at Illinois

12/05/2024

Comparative anatomy! Equine and human anatomy is similar, just not in the way you may think. A few highlights:

What many horse owners call the knee, is really comparable to our wrist.

Horses walk around on their middle fingers, and their splint bones (2nd and 4th metacarpal/metatarsal) are vestigial structures from when equids had more toes.

A horse's hock is a very complex joint, similar to our ankle. That means the point of the hock is our heel bone!

Image credit goes to Ascot Equine Veterinarians.

12/02/2024

With snow on the ground, and the temperature dropping, it's time to pull out the water heaters and heated buckets! ❄️🥶❄️Water consumption is just as important in the winter, as it is during the summer.

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 equine veterinarian remains your best source of information!

11/28/2024

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving full of warm food and good company to all!

11/26/2024

Just a reminder that our office will be closed November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving! We will reopen as usual on December 2nd at 9am.

We will still have emergency services available throughout the holiday weekend.

11/19/2024

Are you prepared for the cold weather? Keep your horses warm by allowing access to plenty of hay. Read below to find out what kind of hay is best for your horse!

One equine nutritionist weighs in on which type of hay best helps horses stay warm during cold nights.

11/15/2024

Thank you to Purina and Prairieland Feeds for a great Tuesday night. It was great to see everyone!

Keep an eye out for our next Client Education Meeting 😊

11/12/2024

Today's the day! Come join us at 6pm for a fun and information filled night!

One week until Purina and Prairieland Feeds!

Join us November 12th at 6pm here at our clinic in Farmer City for a fun night! Light dinner and free samples will be provided 😊 RSVP by Friday November 8th to reserve your spot

11/07/2024

What might you and your horse expect during a lameness exam?

11/06/2024

We are incredibly lucky to have the University of Illinois Farrier Service here every Tuesday and Thursday. Farriers and veterinarians under the same roof can help make your horses as comfortable as can be 😊

11/05/2024

One week until Purina and Prairieland Feeds!

Join us November 12th at 6pm here at our clinic in Farmer City for a fun night! Light dinner and free samples will be provided 😊 RSVP by Friday November 8th to reserve your spot

10/31/2024

A great depiction of the changes inside a laminitic hoof

Fall laminitis refers to cases of laminitis or founder that occur in the autumnal months. Although laminitis can happen in any season, anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in the number of cases in the fall.

Why could this be?

• As the days get shorter and colder, grasses have been shown to respond to this stress with higher sugar concentrations. Diets with higher simple sugar concentrations may increase the risk of laminitis.

• Decreases in exercise may cause increases in body condition. Fat or obese horses are at risk of developing laminitis.

• Horses naturally have increased levels of certain hormones in the fall. If you have a horse with PPID (previously referred to as equine Cushing’s), the increase in their cortisol levels could put them at risk for laminitis.

If you have questions concerning fall laminitis or are concerned that your horse may be at an increased risk, contact your equine veterinarian so that they can properly evaluate your horse's unique situation.

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

10/28/2024

Thank you to all who joined us for our Client Meeting last weekend!

Next up: Purina!

Join us November 12th at 6pm here at our Farmer City clinic to hear from Dr. Masa Williams, a PhD nutritionist that works for Purina. Dr. Williams will speak about feeding senior horses through the winter and Purina's latest innovation.

Light dinner will be served, so call or email the clinic to reserve your spot by Friday November 8th.

10/19/2024

Come join us this lovely Saturday morning to hear from Dr. Taylor on dental care! Starting around 11 am 😊

10/15/2024

Join us this Saturday to hear from Dr. Taylor!

We are excited to announce our next Client Education Meeting. Please join us for a lovely Saturday morning on October 19th to hear from our very own, Dr. Taylor!

🦷 We will discuss dental work, how routine exams can help your horse maintain a healthy weight, promote overall health, and longevity.

RSVP by calling our clinic at (309) 928-2127, or emailing us at [email protected] by October 14th, so that we have enough food and drinks to go around 🤠

10/14/2024

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week!

Thank you to all to all the techs we work with for all they do! A special shoutout to Mallory, Midwest Equine's own technician whose dedication and care are appreciated every day.

10/11/2024

Just a reminder that our Client Education Night is next Saturday, October 19th at 11am. Join us at our Farmer City clinic to hear from Dr. Taylor, who will discuss dental work, how routine exams help your horse maintain a healthy weight, promote overall health, and longevity. If you are planning on attending, please give us a call, or email us so that we have enough snacks to go around!

Please take a few minutes to complete our client survey to let us know how we've been doing! Click on the following link, and make sure you select the Midwest Equine location.

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

10/08/2024

Myths and facts about Cushing's Disease (PPID)

10/03/2024

A great overview of how to handle a puncture wound. Call your veterinarian immediately if you find a nail or other sharp object embedded in your horse's hoof. DO NOT remove the object on your own so that the path of entry can be visualized on radiographs, which allows your veterinarian to assess which structures may be damaged.

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the number 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!