Backstretch Veterinary Inc.

08/08/2024

The mosquitoes are at it again! There has been two confirmed Equine cases of Eastern Encephalitis in Plymouth and southeast NH and mosquitoes are testing positive for West Nile in many locations.

**We are recommending boosters of these vaccines for all horses that were vaccinated before May 1st 2024 or who have never been vaccinated ASAP**

**And we are also recommending vaccinating against Potomac Horse Fever again this fall.

Please call Paula in the office at (978)891-5780 with any questions and to set up appointments.

07/10/2024

We wanted to say thank you to all of the amazing Farriers that we work with every day. You definitely have one of the most difficult jobs in the industry and we appreciate all of your skill and expertise in helping keep our horses happy and sound! Here’s to you!! 👏🏻

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!

07/03/2024

Groveland, fireworks can be scary to our pets. Let's show them some extra love and care this 4th of July. These few simple steps can help:

Fireworks, picnics and other 4th of July traditions can be great fun for people, but frightening and dangerous for animals. Know how to keep your animals safe.

06/20/2024

Dia and friends have the right idea! Hope everyone has been taking it easy on these super hot days! 🥵

05/27/2024

This Memorial Day, we salute the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and values. Let’s express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have selflessly served our Nation.

05/06/2024

Goodie bags for the Bear Spot Farm Spring Dressage Show are all packed and ready to go! Best of luck to all of the competitors! 🍀

04/03/2024

That hair… 😍😂

03/24/2024

Our own Dr. Sarah Graboys participated in the first Truck Day for veterinary students. Thank you NEVDS for hosting and we look forward to doing it again soon!

03/22/2024

Spring is a great time of year to check for metabolic issues. Let us know if you have any questions!

'Tis the season to be hairy (horse owners)!

If, however, you notice that your horse is clinging to their winter coat longer than they should, it might be time to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your horse is 15+.

A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric horses.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping horses with PPID live long, happy lives. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and many horses are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.

01/15/2024

We would like to introduce to everyone our new office manager! Paula Nicholas has been a client and friend of Backstretch Veterinary for 25+ years. Paula, a lifelong horsewoman, has ridden and worked in the hunter/jumper world and has also spent time working in small animal clinics. She recently retired from the Town of Weston where she was a 911/dispatcher for past 38 years. She has managed various farms and has been an integral part of the New England Equitation Championshps as well as the Hero’s Cup Hockey Tournament. Paula has been working in the background for Backstretch for a number of years but is now ready to take the reins. Welcome Paula!!! 🎉

01/13/2024

We have some bittersweet news to share with all of our clients and friends. After 33 years at Backstretch Veterinary our dedicated office manager, Jean, has finally decided to retire. Not only has she been the voice you hear on the phone who is always super knowledgeable and ready to help, behind the scenes she has always been there for our veterinarians and staff. She’s not only our manager but has also been our sounding board helping us keep our sanity when things get crazy. She’s been the glue that keeps it all together. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we will miss you - Backstretch will never be the same! Enjoy retirement! 🥳

01/01/2024

Happy New Year from your friends at Backstretch Veterinary Assoc Inc!

11/23/2023

Some great advice from a colleague! Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃

As we enter Thanksgiving week in the US, many of your vets will be out of town or spending much needed time with their families.
It’s times like these that horse owners need to practice 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠.

During this holiday time, as an emergency only vet, I recommend the following:

- 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 deworm your horse right now.
- 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 start a new feed right now.
- 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 get a new round bale of coastal hay right now if you’ve let the last one go to dust (give small amounts at a time or mix with a stemmy hay until they’ve had their fill, then give the round bale).
- 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 change schedules.
- 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 vaccinate your horse right now, especially if you have a known reactor.
- 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 be in a rush and fail to soak your feed for long enough (choke risk) - especially if you’re late to feed due to holiday errands/get togethers.
- If you have visitors, limit treats. Ensure gates are closed. Make sure feed doors and bins locked. 𝐁𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥!

There is already a shortage of equine vets - and the few we do have will likely be out of town or trying to enjoy the holiday.

Let’s all have a very 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠. And let’s let our vets stay home with family!

Remember: 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒔! 😂🥴

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our clients, friends and family! Our office will be closed through the weekend and as always we are available for emergencies 24/7. Enjoy!! 🦃

11/08/2023

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in: the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your horse doctor will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.

Read more on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lymphangitis-frustrating-condition

11/02/2023

It’s that time of the year again! Remember to keep your horses drinking and moving as the temperature goes up and down. Blanket on, blanket off! 💪🏻

10/25/2023

From respiratory issues like allergies and heaves to gastrointestinal disorders such as colic, there are several health conditions that commonly affect horses. If something doesn't seem right, we always recommend a further evaluation with our veterinary team. Contact us to set up a consultation. backstretchveterinary.com

10/23/2023

Whether you've owned a horse for years or it's your first one, there's a lot to know. From the proper nutrition to the right grooming and hoof care, this article gives a great overview. It provides good information whether you need a refresher or are new to horse ownership.

ASPCA veterinarians and behaviorists offer these guidelines regarding your horse's health and daily activities.

10/20/2023

In recognition of Veterinary Technician week we at Backstretch would like to honor two of the most fabulous and hard working techs we’ve ever had! Kristina (L) and Kati (R) keep our days running smoothly by keeping all the behind the scenes stuff under control. From lugging heavy equipment, jogging and lunging silly horses, prepping for procedures, ALL the paperwork and just generally tolerating Drs. Loheac, Graboys and Adreani they make our days easier and certainly entertaining! ❤️THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! ❤️

10/18/2023

We’ve got some very exciting news!! We would like to welcome and introduce our new Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Christine Adreani, Ph.D, VMD, DACVS to our team! Dr. Adreani is a 2001 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board certified in Large Animal Surgery in 2006. Following several years as a practitioner at an equine practice in the Hudson Valley of New York, Christine accepted a position in the biopharmaceutical industry supporting R&D while continuing to maintain her equine veterinary skills through volunteer work with nonprofit organizations providing veterinary care in underserved communities. She is thrilled to have finally returned to her passion for veterinary medicine by leaving the corporate world and resuming work in equine practice. A lifelong horse lover, she loves spoiling her horse, Sienna, with treats when she’s not watching her 3 sons play soccer and basketball.
🎉WELCOME Dr. Christine!!! 🎉

10/16/2023

As the cooler autumn weather comes, it's a great idea to be prepared for the safety and well-being of your horse. From acquiring the right amount of hay to fending off mosquitoes, read more about how to enjoy the second half of the year without disruption.

8 important tasks to check off your list before the colder weather arrives.

10/14/2023

A benign tumor on the pituitary gland causes Cushing's disease, which is an imbalance of hormones. Laminitis, a long hair coat, drowsiness, and an overall thin appearance are some symptoms of Cushing's disease in horses. Metabolic panels can be used to diagnose your horse. Call today if you suspect a problem. backstretchveterinary.com

10/11/2023

10/09/2023

Degenerative joint disease is a common condition in horses. It's quite common in older horses who've had a history of athletic careers or repeated jumping. Any horse owner should know how to keep horses comfortable by managing symptoms. Find out all you need to know from PetMD in the article below.

Dr. Courtnee Morton explains arthritis in horses, including signs to look for and treatment options.

10/07/2023

Equine emergencies can happen anytime, so it's crucial to be prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit for your beloved horses. Gauze, Epsom salt, bandages, and a cold pack are a few examples of what to include. As always, an emergency needs a call to a vet. Get in touch if you need us. backstretchveterinary.com

10/03/2023

Horse owners should be aware of founder, the common name for laminitis. There can be acute or chronic symptoms, ranging from lameness to rings on the hoof wall. It's important to know preventative measures along with proper treatment, as outlined effectively by the experts from PetMD.

Dr. Kaela Schraer discusses founder in horses, including potential causes and treatment.

09/28/2023

Definitely a skill that all horse owners should be familiar with. We look for an increased digital pulse with many issues within the hoof such as bruises, abscesses and laminitis (founder). If you have any questions on where to find a digital pulse on your horse ask us to help next time we’re at your farm.

09/26/2023

Horses are amazing creatures that like to graze all day. It's important to make sure a horse has plenty of time to rest their back, and that too much weight is never put on them. If you're noticing your horse showing signs of back pains, The Horse has some tips on how you can help your horse manage it.

Two veterinarians share how they diagnose, treat, and rehab back-sore horses.