Four Star Equine Veterinary Services

11/19/2024

Alfalfa Pellets for Severe Equine Asthma: Pros and Cons - Kentucky Equine Research

A recent study found that feeding alfalfa pellets helps horses with severe asthma more than feeding steamed hay.

11/17/2024

Gaited horses are becoming increasingly popular in the United States.

11/16/2024

Listen Now: Horse Warmup and Cooldown Techniques for Joint Health

Can a warmup or cooldown routine affect equine joint health? What is the best way to warm your horse up or cool him down?

11/10/2024

https://hamilton.tennessee.edu/southeast-tennessee-horse-workshop/

11/10/2024

Here’s an interesting case!

The history on this horse is that it was diagnosed with a fracture of the navicular bone in the right front foot, treated for such with rest and intra-articular medication. The lameness would not resolve and eventually the left fore foot was radiographed. Lo and behold, the navicular bone in that foot appeared fractured as well.

The horse was given a poor prognosis for soundness and a bilateral neurectomy was recommended. The owner reached out to us for another opinion on the recommendation of his Farrier.

The diagnosis of a navicular bone of this appearance on radiographs is bipartite. It’s not a fracture. Instead it’s a failure of the bone to completely ossify during its development. This doesn’t necessarily cause lameness, but perhaps does predispose the horse to lameness.

But as my mentor Dr. Ric Redden would say, the horse doesn’t read his radiographs.

This particular horse was out of foot and lame. We chose to approach this presentation bearing in mind the mechanics of the navicular apparatus and how best we could reduce the force of those mechanics.

Using fully rockered shoes we were able to gain depth, improve hoof quality and get the horse sound. The horse went back to light work before moving out of state. Needless to say the owner was quite happy to know the horse was rideable without the need for a neurectomy.

Success would not have been possible without the help of Farrier George Bercaw (Athens, TN)

If you have a lame horse and feel you need another opinion, give us a call. We pride ourself on helping horses whom others may have thrown in the towel on.

11/08/2024

Here’s a research opportunity

Did you know that up to 30% of aged horses may be diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID, also known as equine Cushing’s) in their lifetime? This disease brings many challenges with senior horse care to both horse owners and veterinarians. Researchers at the University of Minnesota and University of Florida are motivated to better understand this disease through investigating the genetics associated with PPID risk and pergolide response in horses.

If you have a horse being treated for PPID we could use your help! In order to properly answer the genetic questions surrounding disease risk and drug response, we are continuing to enroll horses with PPID (diagnosed by a veterinarian) that are being treated with pergolide. Please check out our website that has information regarding the goals of the study as well as enrollment information to see if your horse is eligible. We are excited about this project and its potential impact to improve quality of life in many senior horses!

https://z.umn.edu/pergolidestudy

11/07/2024

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOUR HORSE IS ACCIDENT-PRONE...🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to confront a medical emergency. There are several behavioral traits that make horses especially accident-prone: one is their instinctive flight-or-fight response; another is their need to establish the pecking order within a herd; and a third is their natural curiosity. Such behaviors account for many of the cuts, bruises, and abrasions that horses suffer. In fact, lacerations are probably the most common emergency that horse owners must contend with.

Do you know what to do if your horse is cut or bleeding? The initial steps you take to treat a wound can prevent further damage and speed healing, and maintaining your presence of mind could save your horse's life. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind in case of emergency; how you will ultimately proceed will depend on your horse's individual circumstances, and on the advice you receive from your veterinarian.

11/05/2024

Equestrian Documentary ‘Horses & the Science of Harmony’ Trailer Out Now

Join Bubby Upton's inspiring journey in the film, which unveils the horse-rider bond through advanced equine science and insights from top equestrians and researchers.

11/01/2024

Artificial Intelligence and Pain Recognition in Horses - Kentucky Equine Research

With the rapid expansion of AI in various sectors of our lives, it’s not surprising that experts are using it to help assess pain in horses.

10/30/2024

Multimodal Equine Gastric Ulcer Prevention

Taking a whole-horse approach to preventing gastric ulcers might be the best way to improve your horse’s health and well-being. Here’s why.

10/28/2024

Autumnal Horse Care: Six Considerations - Kentucky Equine Research

As temperatures cool and competition season winds down for many, autumn is a good time to plan for potential changes to a horse’s routine.

10/15/2024

Have you been searching for an opportunity to connect with local equine enthusiasts no matter the discipline or level of experience? Don't miss the Southeast Tennessee Horse Workshop on November 15th in Soddy Daisy! Hosted by UT & TSU Extension, join us for research-based information from University experts as well as an opportunity to network with local equine vendors and enthusiasts! Also, there will be the giveaways!! Register as soon as possible to secure your spot and receive early bird pricing: tiny.utk.edu/horseworkshop

University of Tennessee Equine Program | UT Department of Animal Science | UT TSU Extension Marion County | UT- TSU Extension Bledsoe County

10/14/2024

Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored, as many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic, so management practices can play a key role in prevention. And although not every case is avoidable, the guidelines listed in the graphic can help you maximize your horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic.

As always, remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed and other health conditions, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation!

10/08/2024

This is a fantastic illustration comparing our anatomy with that of the horse. I bet more than a few of you will be surprised by this.

Ever wondered how our anatomy compares to a horse’s? 🧐 Check out this colorful schematic of a human foot and a horse’s hind limb! Did you know that our heel is actually the equivalent of the point of the hock in a horse? 🦶➡️🐴

10/04/2024

Special Feature: How Much Does It Cost to Own a Horse?

Like many things, expenses around horse ownership continue to increase. Take a look at what it costs to own a horse in 2024 and beyond.

10/02/2024

Four Autumn Feeding Facts for Horses - Kentucky Equine Research

As summer transitions into autumn, new horse-keeping challenges arise. Be on the lookout for these four potential problems.

10/02/2024

Thank you all for your generous donations. $2,000 worth of feed and bedding are soon to be headed to animal victims of Helene in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina via the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Department of Agriculture 💪🏻🐎🐕🐈‍⬛🐂🐐
A huge thanks to Michael Bailey for working out all the purchases and logistics! Also a big thanks to our local Maryville Ag Central Co-op and Tractor supply for the bulk discounts.