Animal Haven Clinic

11/22/2025

For everyone looking for more information on the EHV-1 situation. This is a good source.

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

11/22/2025

Here’s the latest. This means all travel and health certificates will now change.

Now EHM (EHV-1) is in southern New Mexico! Expect events to be canceled and postponed as this progresses.

Latest info from New Mexico Livestock board- any health certificates for interstate travel: Horses must be examined by vet within 5 days of travel.

It's even more critical to:

1. Keep your horses where they are if possible- minimize transport.
2. Avoid contact with strange horses. You can act as a source of infection for your horses . Wear gloves, wash your hands frequently.
3. Remember that equipment and tack, shoes and clothing can all harbor the virus and potentially infect another horse.
3. Ensure your horses are up to date with flu/rhino vaccine (although not protective against EHM).

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

--Nasal discharge
--Fever (102°F or higher is common) - often appears BEFORE neurologic signs
--Lack of coordination or hindquarter weakness
--Leaning against walls or fences for balance
--Lethargy and poor appetite.
-- Urine dribbling.

TESTING HORSES FOR DISEASE

Thal Equine now offers in-house PCR testing for EHV-1 from properly sampled naso-pharyngeal swabs, providing rapid results when every hour counts. Early detection is critical for isolating affected horses and preventing spread. Otherwise samples must be sent to a lab for this test. We are willing to take samples from other vets.

The Equine disease communication center is a good site for keeping up with the situation. https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Equine-Herpesvirus-Myeloencephalopathy-(EHM)-Outbreak

07/15/2025

This is Honey. She went to Silverton for her first fireworks show. She was not a fan. In fact she got out of the car and ran away. Her family posted pictures and put out info on face book but what really saved her was her AirTag. Several people saw her on Kendall mountain at 13,500ft!!! She was following hikers. Her owners were able to locate her and bring her home. Just a reminder to have a microchip- which only helps with who the dogs are and/or some sort of GPS tag so you can locate them. This story had a happy ending but not all do. Stay safe when traveling.

03/21/2025

This is Toby. He was hit by a car and found by some Good Samaritans who have gone out of their way to get him better. He had a diaphragmatic hernia ( his abdominal contents could go into his chest cavity) and road rash on the inside of both legs to the bone. He was also very skinny. His legs were cleaned and have been healing under bandages as you can see in the photos. The hernia required a somewhat dangerous surgery to repair. He’s made it through all that. He’s been living with cats, kids and another dog and has been great with everything. Unfortunately, the dog doesn’t like him. While these wonderful people love and want to keep Toby, they don’t want the dogs to hurt each other. Toby’s already been through enough. So they are looking for a caring home for Toby.

Toby is about 5-6 months old. Probably an Aussie cross. He’ll get his last shots next week. He will need bandages a little while longer so he’s wearing a plastic cone. The current owners said they will pay to have him neutered as well. We expect him to be over 50 pounds when he’s fully grown. If you have a home that would be good for this boy, please contact Debbie with inquiries. 505-860-3884.

02/12/2025

Look who we met yesterday! Her name is Viola and she is a 55 year old Asian elephant. She was very sweet. She kept looking for treats. They were in good health, we were just checking them over and seeing to some paperwork.
It was a unique chance to say hello to a magnificent animal.

01/28/2025

The first kitty is our resident kitty and hero, Smitty. The rest were visiting today. It took a moment to realize Smitty now has a gang or a bunch of minions today. Not often all the pets look so similar. 😀

12/04/2024

This year Animal Haven and our staff will be giving back by donating some money to Four Corners Home For Children. We invite our clients to give a little back this year as well. Anyone interested can give money to us to go along with all our donations or of course donate directly.

Merry Christmas to all our clients and their Four legged Friends and family members!!

11/01/2024

Halloween at Animal Haven!! We enjoyed seeing our patients all dressed up.

10/11/2024

For anyone who is in Colorado or knows of anyone in Colorado, have them read the link below. They are having the public vote on creating a new veterinary position that will lack the education of the physician assistant that they compare it too. Most vets feel this won’t help the vet shortage and it will funnel students ( with more debt) into a dead end position that most vets won’t support and the degree will mean nothing out side of Colorado. Decide for yourself. Please vote. 😄

Veterinarians in Colorado are opposed to Proposition 129 and they are speaking out about it. Hear a local vet explain why adding a mid-level position will endanger animals and not result in better clinical outcomes for animals. Gain a new perspective on this critical issue and understand what is at....

06/19/2024

It’s getting hot! Dogs can’t sweat like humans do, so they overheat fast. Avoid being out in the heat of the day. All pets need shade. Careful walking your dogs on hot streets, sidewalks and sand- they can burn their feet!

If your pet starts showing signs of heat stroke DON’T saturate them in cold water. Use cool or tepid water and put it on their necks and chest. A drenched thick coat can actually insulate them more. Fans on damp skin can help cool faster. Don’t cool beyond 102-103 degrees or you start running the risk of hypothermia. IV fluids are often needed to help if they are more severely affected. The sicker they are the more danger they are in of dying! Heat stroke can be fatal. Take carry of your furry friends (and yourself) this summer. 😀

06/16/2024

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/heroic-new-mexico-dog-receives-global-praise-after-saving-family/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2dRS9Iliz1BjwVXOUF7gthLOup4-2TVcYBiI0SCKt1sOIIOgR8StW0UXs_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

A dog who lives in northern New Mexico is capturing hearts around the world. His story is going viral after he risked his life to protect his family.

06/14/2024

We have light again! Hopefully it lasts.