Keswick Equine Clinic

08/23/2024

Ealier this summer the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) issued revised Internal Parasite Control Guidelines to help minimize the risk of parasitic disease and maintain the effectiveness of current drugs for as long as possible by delaying further development of anthelmintic resistance. Take a look!

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has issued revised Internal Parasite Control Guidelines to help minimize the risk of parasitic disease and maintain the effectiveness of current drugs for as long as possible by delaying further development of anthelmintic resistance. The guide...

08/20/2024

Beat the rush and call our office to schedule your Fall Wellness Exam today! (540) 832-3030

08/15/2024

Have you ever been told to not allow a hot, sweaty horse to drink cold water because it could lead to colic, founder or tie up?

This notion is actually a myth, and a dangerous one too, because it could lead to dehydration and very serious (and real) consequences. A sweaty, hardworking horse needs to be rehydrated without delay (i.e. don’t wait for the horse to cool down first).

The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time — because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. A horse’s daily water requirements are influenced by many factors, but the average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day. That amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at all times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/.../offering-a-horse-water...

08/12/2024

Weigh in!!

08/07/2024

Who can relate? 😂

08/01/2024

The summer sun is out in full force. You take steps to protect your skin when riding outside, but what about your horse?

07/29/2024

From the show ring to the trails and everywhere in between, we’ve got your horse’s summer wellness needs covered! Head to our online store to stock up on essential medications, supplements, barn supplies, and more.

https://keswickequineclinic.covetruspharmacy.com/

07/26/2024

Happy Friday! We hope you all have a great weekend!

07/25/2024

HOW AND WHY DO HORSES GET ULCERS?

Equine gastric ulcers can affect any horse of any age. Up to 90% of racehorses and 60% of show horses, as well as non-performance horses and even foals are affected by equine gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers result from the erosion of the stomach lining due to a prolonged exposure to the normal acid present in the stomach.

Unlike ulcers in humans, bacteria do not appear to cause equine gastric ulcers. Instead, this condition is often a man-made disease. Stall confinement alone can lead to the development of ulcers. A horse’s feeding schedule and high-grain diets can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

Stress, both environmental and physical, can increase the likelihood of ulcers, as can hauling, training, and mixing groups of horses. Strenuous exercise can decrease the emptying of the stomach as well as the blood flow, thus further contributing to the problem.

The treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers is directed at removing these predisposing factors, therefore decreasing acid production within the horse’s stomach. Prevention of ulcers is the key in helping your horse, as neutralizing the production of stomach acid is nature’s best antacid.

Please note that the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through a gastroscopy. An equine veterinarian should always be consulted in any case of suspected gastric ulcers to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse.

07/18/2024

07/15/2024

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk for dehydration, heat stress, skin damage and more!

Is your horse is susceptible to sunburn, struggling with dehydration or heat stress? Contact us for more information about keeping your horse protected this summer.

07/12/2024

Should you be concerned if your donkey stops eating?

While any animal not eating is a worry, donkeys can face serious health risks if they go off their feed for too long. Here's why: donkeys efficiently convert food to energy, making them prone to obesity and increased fat stores. If they stop eating for a while, their bodies break down stored fat quickly which creates high levels of triglycerides in the blood. When triglyceride concentrations within the blood get too high, they are deposited into the liver causing damage and in severe cases, even life-threatening liver failure. This condition is called hyperlipemia.

How you can help: Hyperlipemia can result secondary to primary illness (ex. colic), stressful situations, or an increase in the body's nutritional requirements. Maintaining donkeys at a healthy weight, performing appropriate metabolic testing and care, and ensuring immediate veterinary care when they stop eating can help prevent this condition from starting.

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

07/10/2024

Summertime Colic Risks
Two types of colic can strike as a result of warm weather conditions, and knowing how they occur will help you to prevent them. Check out this article from Equus Magazine for more info on the topic. Prevention is key!

Two types of colic can strike as a result of warm weather conditions, and knowing how they occur will help you to prevent them.

07/09/2024

It's National Farriers Week! Let's celebrate the hard work that our farriers put in daily to partner with equine veterinarians and ensure the health and well-being of our horses. Proper hoof care is essential for a sound and happy horse, so it goes without saying that a skilled farrier is both a necessity and a tremendous asset.

Don't forget to give a shoutout to your farriers this week and show them your appreciation for their dedication to their craft!

07/05/2024

Keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss sitewide savings on top wellness picks for your horse – exclusively at our online store! https://keswickequineclinic.covetruspharmacy.com/

07/04/2024

07/03/2024

Our office will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. If you have an equine emergecy our amazing doctors will still be on call and happy to help! KEC will resume our normal business hours on Friday, July 5th. Have a very safe and Happy Independence Day everyone!

07/01/2024

July is Equine Gastric Health Awareness Month
Did you know that Gastric Ulcers affect 60-90% of performance horses particularly when travel, high-intensity exercise and long periods without feeding occur. It also occurs at high rates in pleasure horses and young foals. Check out this informative article from Mad Barn to learn more!

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) occurs when sores develop in the horse’s stomach lining. Learn about ulcer causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment & remedies.

06/28/2024

The Fourth of July is almost here, and many horse owners are concerned about how their horses might react to loud fireworks. 🎆

In the graphic below are some tips to keep your pets and equine companions safe during the festivities.

If your horses are staying out overnight, now is a good time to check fencing and look for any hazards like rocks, branches, or holes that could lead to injury if an animal starts running. If you have a high level of concern about your horse's response, consult your veterinarian about the appropriateness of calming agents and sedatives in advance.

No matter what your plans are, please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so everyone may enjoy the celebration.

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

06/26/2024

“Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more horses than any other type of disaster…” Check out these ten tips for barn fire prevention from the AAEP!

What measures have you taken to reduce fire risks in your barn? 🧯

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2024 there have been 16,940 reported wildfires in the U.S. to date. As we head into the hottest time of the year, make sure your farm has a fire prevention plan and an evacuation strategy in place to keep both horses and people safe.

Check out the graphic for ten fire prevention measures to get you started on the right track to a safer facility. This list is not meant to be exhaustive and we invite you to contact your local fire department and your veterinarian for guidance on designing a prevention and response plan tailored to your specific situation.

Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more horses than any other type of disaster, so being prepared is only in your best interest!

06/19/2024

Follow these great tips for summer pest protection from Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health!

06/12/2024

Another great mythbuster from American Association of Equine Practitioners!

"Cool" hot weather tips! ☀️

The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to walk until they are completely cooled off is a myth. A 2020 study found that out of the five methods tested, the quickest way to return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application. This doesn't mean that you should abruptly stop exercise—finish your ride or training session with a slow walk to allow your horse's heart rate and breathing to gradually return to normal, but after that your sweaty, hardworking horse should be offered a cool shower and drinking water (small but frequent amounts) without delay.

Overall, enjoy your summer rides but be aware of signs of heat stress in your horse. When heat and humidity soar, even moderate exercise can push your equine friend's body temperature beyond safe limits! Be sure to contact your veterinarian for more information about heat stroke and for recommendations tailored to your horse's individual situation.
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Information brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

06/07/2024

Support your equine companion this season with savings on top wellness essentials! Keep an eye on your inbox for limited-time deals on supplements, medications, and more – only at our online store.

05/25/2024

Just a reminder that our office will be closed on Monday, May 27th. As always our emergency services will still be available if needed, just call the office and our answering service will get in touch with our wonderful on-call doctor.

We wish you all a very safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

04/30/2024

Are you and your horse show ready? Here are some helpful tips from Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health to get you there!

04/11/2024

A humorous poll from Equus Magazine 😃 Inquiring minds want to know! Post your answers in the comments below.

04/05/2024

Remember when your parents used to tell you to wait 30 minutes after eating before going for a swim? Unlike us, horses can actually benefit from eating forage before they exercise, as it may help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

While a variety of things can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers (medications, diet, stress, etc.), one train of thought is that these areas of irritation result as a consequence of the acid of the stomach splashing against unprotected parts of the stomach lining. When a horse eats forage, the hay can help absorb some of that acid and thus reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

It is important to note that a forage meal (one comprised of hay or grass) provides the most benefit, while eating large volumes of concentrate feeds (such as oats, corn, or other cereal grains) can actually increase the amount of acid within the stomach.

As always, please be sure to consult with your vet regarding further diagnostics and treatments if you have concerns that your horse may have gastric ulcers.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

04/03/2024

The doctors and staff at KEC are devoted to improving and preserving our patients’ health and longevity. We form relationships with each one and they all tug at our heart strings in their own special ways, but the ones we lose always hit the hardest. However as we remember fondly the animals we've lost, we are also reminded of the many we’ve helped save. One way that we do this is through our Pearl's Pink Bucket Fund.

For each one lost KEC makes a memorial donation to Pearl’s Pink Bucket Fund to help save as many more as we can. Pearl's Pink Bucket Fund was founded by Keswick Equine Clinic as a financial resource for equines in need within our community. This year's recipient was a sweet little chestnut Thoroughbred Cross named Ruby (pictured below with her lovely owner). Ruby was in pretty bad shape and needed a great deal of care and rehabilitation which as horse owners, we all know, can get rather expensive. Her owner was wonderful to work with and so very appreciative writing, "The financial support provided was more than generous and I am very grateful." Ruby is doing much better now and is well on her way to recovery! To learn more about Pearl’s Pink Bucket Fund see below…

“Pearl” was rescued along with forty of her equine friends from a hoarding/neglect case here in Central Virginia. Pearl had been tied to a cinderblock to prevent her “escape”. As a result of her injuries she was not rideable. When Pearl was adopted, she came with a Pink Bucket that was given to her by one of her caretakers during her recovery. From that day until she passed away several years later, Pearl would only drink from that Pink Bucket. Pearl became an ambassador for horses in need, and the pink bucket story reached school groups, and many others in the community. In memory of Pearl, and the countless other needy equines in our community, Keswick Equine Clinic is happy and grateful to be able to provide this resource.