Great Lakes Equine, LLC

11/23/2025

11/21/2025

It's Feline Friday!

To answer the question everyone is dying to know, yes, we do have a quality control manager. Our employees feel he gets too much special treatment...he's allowed to sleep on the job, takes breaks when ever he wants, takes baths out in public, gets special meals, gets treats all the time, the list goes on and on.

11/20/2025

Here’s a good summary on Bio Security measures. It is a good refresher for everyone.

As we continue to monitor the current outbreak of the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHM) infection, let's take this opportunity to discuss once more the importance of biosecurity measures to stop disease spread. We recommend the following biosecurity precautions for horse owners, particularly if their horses have recently traveled to horse shows or were exposed to horses that have traveled:

1) Monitor horses for clinical signs (including fever, discharge from the nostrils, toe-dragging or a lack of balance) and take the temperature twice daily. Temperature greater than 101.5 F is considered a fever.

2) Immediately isolate any horse(s) showing clinical signs. Equine herpesvirus is an aerosolized virus and is spread through shared airspace, direct contact, and contaminated caretakers or equipment. A good isolation area is a separate barn or shelter that does not share airspace with healthy horses.

3) Implement movement restrictions until the situation is evaluated.

4) Contact your veterinarian to evaluate your horse and to propose a comprehensive biosecurity protocol.

5) Increase biosecurity measures that include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses: wash or sanitize your hands between interacting with horses; take time while filling water buckets and feed tubs, do not cross contaminate; minimize the use of shared equipment and tack.

6) Make sure your horse is up to date on vaccinations.

7) Establish communication with all parties involved (owners, boarders, trainers, etc.).

More resources and information regarding biosecurity are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity

To learn more Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), visit: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus

11/20/2025

Thank you to our friends at Wisconsin Equine for explaining the current EHV situation.

11/17/2025

How much do you know about Navicular Syndrome?

Navicular Syndrome: What Horse Owners Should Know

What is it?
Navicular syndrome is a common cause of long-term (usually front) foot pain in horses. It affects the structures in the back half of the hoof, including the navicular bone, deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bursa, collateral sesamoidean ligament, and collateral sesamoidean impar ligament).

Who gets it?
It's most often seen in adult horses, especially those used for heavy work or certain breeds like Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods. Horses with very steep or very low hoof angles are also more at risk.

What are the signs?
• Lameness, usually in the front feet
• Horse may land toe-first instead of heel-first
• Lameness often gets worse when turning in circles
• Both front feet may be affected

What causes it?
• Repeated stress and strain on the navicular area
• Wear and tear on the bone and soft tissues
• Sometimes, poor hoof shape or conformation

How is it diagnosed?
Veterinarians use nerve blocks, radiographs, ultrasounds, and MRIs to pinpoint the source of pain.

How can it be managed?
Management options include special shoeing, rest, and medications. The right approach depends on the individual horse and the specific problem. Remember, what might help one horse might not help another. Overall, early diagnosis and tailored care can help many horses stay comfortable and active.

If you have questions or concerns about navicular syndrome in regard to your own equine, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Photo credit: Dr. Lori Madsen & University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

11/14/2025

It’s Feline Friday!

BG received a birthday present this week, he was so excited to open it.

11/12/2025

Dr. Abby was treated to a little Karting the other day after an appointment. You can see she enjoyed it, she’s smiling from ear to ear!

11/11/2025

Everyone at Great Lakes Equine would like to say "thank you" to all of the Veterans for their Service. We appreciate you more than you know.

11/09/2025

Anyone agree?

11/07/2025

It's Feline Friday!!

What does everyone think of BG's birthday present? At first he wasn't sure of it, but I think it is safe to say he is getting use to it!

11/06/2025

Another reason why horses are amazing creatures, they adapt to the cold easily.