White Oak Veterinary Service, P.C.

07/10/2025

A visitor to the White Oak Office this AM. He was released safely outside by Dr. Amy where he can grow up to be a reeeely beeeeg toad!

07/10/2025

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07/02/2025

Worth a repeat! Have a happy and safe🇺🇸 fourth of July holiday! ❤🤍💙🇺🇸https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Rt4aCLQV/

Fourth of July Fireworks... bringing beauty and celebration AND yearly stress to horse owners EVERYWHERE. Some of our beloved equine partners don't seem to mind fireworks at all, whilst others can suffer different degrees of stress and/or panic. Horses can react to either the light flashes, the sounds or the resulting concussion, especially of the big boomers. A few helpful suggestions for horse owners.... 🐴1) Figure out where large events of fireworks are going to be legally set off in your area and the scheduled times. Neighbors are not so predictable but generally those local displays are around dusk. 🐴2) Make sure wherever your horses are kept the fences and stable areas are in good repair and remove or repair anything that a horse could run into and injure themself on. 🐴3) Horses generally do best with friends so if you are keeping your horses inside they may have less stress of they are all brought in with their buddies or turned out with their calmer friends. 🐴4) Some people find that ear plugs can help cut down the sound of the fireworks, but practice putting them in your horses' ears to see if they will tolerate them. A radio on in the barn might also distract them from the booms. 🐴5) Keeping lights on in your barn or outside lights "on" can distract horses from the flashes of the fireworks 🐴6) The resulting concussion from the big boomers also can scare sensitive horses. Having a generous supply of tasty hay and having calmer buddies all around them munching loudly can help. 🐴7) Ask your veterinarian about calming supplements and perhaps some tranquilizing medications for your really super sensitive equine pals. 🐴8) Make sure someone is home or can check on your horses until your local firework displays are over. Whoever is watching them needs to stay safe and avoid injury.... very sensitive horses may panic and react in ways you do not expect. 🐴9) Try to stay as calm as possible around your horses during the firework displays. Being sensitive creatures they can pick up on your feelings. 🐴10) Never ride during fireworks displays. 🐴11) Check out your pastures the days following the fireworks and clear away any resulting debris. 💜 🦄We hope that all our clients and their beloved pets and equine partners have a safe fourth!💜🦄 be safe... be kind...be considerate... celebrate with friends and family ....Happy Fourth!🦄🦄 ( the picture depicts "imaginary"fireworks... the safest kind of fireworks!)🦄🦄

06/30/2025

Fourth of July celebrations are this week! Fireworks! Animal lovers recoil at their mention! Some great tips on the chart from AAEP...Dr. Steve and Dr. Amy are also happy to help make suggestions for the comfort of the equine portion of your family. There are medications that may help them cope with the sights, sounds and vibrations fireworks cause. 💜Be considerate of your neighbors and stay safe!💜

06/30/2025

Poisonous plants= bad for all equines/equids

06/27/2025

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As a large portion of the country continues to experience extreme heat, it's imperative that horse owners do their due diligence to keep their horses safe and healthy during heat waves.

One of the side effects of the heat for some horses is the inability to sweat properly. This condition, called anhidrosis, is potentially dangerous for horses because it compromises their ability to thermoregulate even in weather that doesn’t seem that hot, and therefore puts them at higher risk of heat stress.

Anhidrosis is not fully understood yet; it is widespread in the hot and humid regions of the southeastern United States and the Gulf states, but it is also widely reported elsewhere during the summer and particularly during heat waves. If your horse has a high respiratory rate and does not seem to tolerate turnout on hot days, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian.

Remember that administering unnecessary medications without consulting your horse doctor first could do more harm than good, as it puts your equine friend at risk of developing harmful side effects!

06/24/2025

A good healthy weight is a huge positive stepping stone to good health for your equine partners. Body score charts vary but this is a good baseline chart that's easy to understand. Dr. Steve and Dr. Amy are happy to help you find a good body score and weight for your equine partners and equine family members and their activity levels and individual health needs or issues💜 Call us with any questions💜

06/24/2025

Some horses find their own way to keep cool during a heatwave( multi purposing a cross country water jump complex) 💜 Elysian Hills Training Center, Marshall, VA

06/23/2025

Helpful numbers to help wildlife that need help!🦊🦝🐭🐀🐰🐿🦔🦇🐻🦦🦨🦃🦆🐢🐦

06/22/2025

How can I keep my barn cooler? If you are planning the new construction of your barn you can utilize the natural winds, trees for shade and topography to help keep it cool/ you can also install windows and doors to take advantage of such... but if you have an existing barn here are some "suggestions"... (do your own research on safety and efficacy of anything you install). These may help in barn construction also.... 🌞IN THE HEAT 🌞 1) Barn insulation can help keep in heat in the winter and help keep heat out in summer. 🏠2) Light colored exterior barn roof and siding can reflect sunlight and cut down on heat. 🐎3)💨 maximize VENTILATION by opening exterior windows and doors. 🐎4)Well placed fans may reduce the build up of heat in stalls and help circulate air(more ventilation and increase air quality). Fans can help cool your horse by aiding in evaporation of sweat or water. 🐎5)Installing exhaust fans in walls may also help with ventilation and air quality 🐎6)💦 misting systems may help but arent practical in smaller barns because the moisture can build up and cause mold ( mold can cause allergies and respiratory issues). But indoor arenas and exterior paddocks may be able to tolerate the extra moisture of a mister. 🐎7) Removing manure will help lessen heat buildup (due to decomposition) and will help increase air quality inside your barn. 🐎8) Adding exterior awnings (non horse areas)and safe building over hangs (making sure they are installed at safe and proper heights) may help block the sunlight and help to cool down certain areas .... 🦄🦄Remember that anything that you install especially if it requires electricity is installed PROPERLY(manufacturers instructions), SECURELY and SAFELY electrically and in placement / keeping any electric cords or awnings away from playful teeth and inability to pull down entire unit into stall or onto themselves.🦄🦄 The fan you choose in important! 🐴BARN(agricultural) SAFE, 🐴wall mounted(for stability), 🐴tiltable is also a nice quality in a fan(so you can direct fan for more effective cooling), 🐴 2000 CFM is helpful(high end if variable speed) and 🐴3 speed 🐴thermally protected(closed motor). 🐴Your typical inexpensive box fan does not have a covered motor and allows dust and dirt to accumulate there. Many insurance companies may not cover your losses due to fire if the cause is sourced back to box fan.(talk to your insurance provider)🦄 Try to stay safely COOOOOL out there!❤❤❤❤❤

06/22/2025

Helpful heat index chart from NOAA. Ride and exercise early in the morning. When in doubt... (if you think its too hot) sit it out!

06/21/2025

A simple guide for exercising in the heat.... Exercise and Ride early in the morning! Be careful and have fun out there! Any questions? Dr. Steve and Dr. Amy are happy to help! (540) 675-1138