C. Kent Thames, DVM

01/27/2025

Saturday and Sunday Emergencies
Lame horse not bearing weight
New foal
Eye pierced by wood chip
Horse with fractured skull and laceration
Pony with diarrhea
Goat with Lysteriosis
Cow with pr*****ed cervix
Horse with colic
***to see the foal check the comments***

01/24/2025

A thousandth of a second can separate the winning run from the runner-up and take away the nights paycheck....that's Barrel Racing!! Bursts of speed, acceleration, and deceleration, sharp turns and agility are all involved and each as important as the other. What are some common injuries of these athlete horses?
Forelimb problems (usually right front)
Osteoarthritis of the hock
Suspensory Ligament
A good Farrier is necessary in maintaining your barrel horse, proper balance and proper shoeing is key. A baseline x-ray can see inside the foot to aid the farrier in balancing and shoeing for each individual foot.
Our Lameness Locator can see what the eye can't and find early signs of lameness---treatment can begin reducing any off-time and getting you back turning barrels. Joint injections, non-invasive treatments like Shockwave Therapy can be beneficial.
Good joint supplements, support boots and wraps, keeping your horse fit and ready, varying your exercise program to keep their mind focused and preventing boredom.
We are hosting a two day
Barrel Racing Clinic to help you get the most out of your horse, there will be an on site saddle fitter.
Any questions on the clinic or to get a good exam text 803-323-7789

01/24/2025

01/23/2025

When approaching an injured horse the first thing to do is STOP! Take a moment to assess the horse's mental state. A frightened or traumatized horse may not respond in the expected manner. Be calm and deliberate in your movements and actions. Panic on your part may make the situation worse. Above all else don't put yourself in a position to create a human emergency on top of the equine emergency. When working around the injured horse always have an escape route. Do not tranquilze an injured horse unless directed by your veterinarian. "Ace" should not be given to an animal with severe trauma, bleeding or signs of shock. "Ace" will lower blood pressure, worsen shock and may result in the collapse of the animal.

01/23/2025

Pickadilly has a message to the cattle owners:
“Dr Thames has been seeing way too many poor body condition cattle patients this year. This has been a cold winter and the cattle are using up their energy trying to stay warm. You can’t feed them like you did in past Winters. They need more hay and some will need supplemental feed to stay in good body condition. If not you risk loosing the cow, the calf they may be carrying or delay in getting them bred back. Go check on your cattle with a discerning eye, if you need advice or herd consultation let Dr Thames know now. Thank you on behalf of cattle everywhere.” Pickadilly

01/23/2025

Cattleman’s Association Dinner is scheduled

The Lancaster Co. Cattlemen’s Association Annual Steak Dinner Tickets are here! March 1st @ Rich Hill Fire Dept. Tickets are $25 for a nice Ribeye, salad, potato and dessert. You can get tickets from your local member or pick up at Elgin Feed and Garden.

01/22/2025

Even in the snow the rehab walk gets done

01/22/2025

COLIC KITS AVAILABLE
If you are a current client and would like a Colic Kit for your barn comment below and I'll message you cost, directions and arrange pick up. Contains prescription meds so we can only dispense to current clients.

01/22/2025

Jessie Lynn is coming in May…sign up now for your spot

TikTok | Make Your Day

01/21/2025

TIP: Make it a point to sniff your horses breath. Many dental diseases cause a foul odor in your horses breath.
Note: Your horses diet will also influence their breath, if you have wild onions in your pasture it could smell oniony and that's o.k. The breath should have a sweetish smell from the forage. If it smells rotten or foul call Dr Thames and have their mouth examined. Abscesses, bad teeth, foreign bodies or infected wounds could be present.

01/20/2025

If you notice your horse is NOT squaring off behind while urinating......this could be a sign of back pain. Having a Back Assessment Exam may be needed to get on a plan to prevent more serious issues.

01/19/2025

I enjoyed making TikToks, bye bye TikTok

01/19/2025

Why your horses urine may have a red or orange color in the snow….

01/18/2025

01/18/2025

When your ewe or doe goes into labor.
#1 factor in loosing kids and lambs is prolonged labor. Once active pushing starts if a baby hasn't been presented after 30 minutes intervention is necessary.

01/18/2025

Some causes of Wintertime laminitis:
1.) Lack of an exercise routine —often exercise is sporadic during the Winter when weather is more of a factor.
2.) Frost on grasses increase the “sugar” content.
3.) Sudden temperature drop
4.) Cold temp can increase the “sugar” production in grasses.

01/17/2025

Registration open

01/16/2025

NOW IS THE TIME
If you are planning on breeding your mare this 2025 season it’s time to get on the schedule for a Prebreeding Exam.

Included in the exam:
1.)Complete physical
2.)Palpation
3.)Ultrasound
4.)Speculum exam
5.)Uterine Culture
6.)Uterine Cytology

Benefits:
1.)Identify issues that could hinder a successful breeding
2.)Check for infection or cysts
3.)Body Condition evaluation
4.)Allows time to correct any issues
5.)Discuss procedures and timing
6.)Discuss protocols for live cover, cooled fresh semen or frozen semen.
7.)Discuss stallion compatibility
8.)Formulate pregnancy plan, different nutritional stages and vaccination schedule.

Mares will need to be hauled in for exam.
Text 803-323-7789 for an appointment