Carmen Franck Flippin, DVM

07/04/2024

Land of the free because of the brave, happy 4th everyone!

04/13/2024

Although many of us love "the chase" of figuring out a younger horse, as our medicine progresses, the average age of our equine partners does too! How do we keep our golden oldies comfortable and usable later in life? PREVENTION! In addition to wellness care on your own and during veterinary visits, care of your horse's physical body is also of the utmost importance. There are 3 things I feel are mainstays to keeping your horse sound for decades:

#1 - be smart about exercise! This sounds so easy but it often gets overlooked. Regular riding (30 minutes 2-3 times weekly) keeps your horse fit without pounding and prepares their muscles to prevent fatigue-related injuries. Don't be a weekend warrior! You would also be surprised how much you can take care of their axial skeleton and work on flexibility just power-walking. Walking in a loose but lifted frame strengthens their core and back and increases the range of motion of joints without concussion. Also, just as important as regular exercise, is REST. Remember that every athlete has an off-season, be sure to take a few weeks or even a few months once a year to allow your horses to be turned out, possibly barefoot, to reset their bodies and just be a horse!
#2 - Joint preventative care! I think many people have heard me say I would cover the world with Adequan and Legend if I could. No, they aren't cheap but this is the only downside. These are 2 of my favorite FDA-approved joint therapies that can work on their own or synergistically to treat and prevent the dreaded arthritis. Adequan is like glucosamine on steroids, it improves the joint surfaces so that joint fluid can be made more readily and effectively. Legend is a synthetic joint fluid that allows the joint to function more normally when the horse's natural joint fluid can't keep up with shock absorption. When I was showing my show horses got both of these drugs monthly and my girl's horses still do. I always jokingly said I don't have time to work on my own horses and this is not untrue! My equitation horse won 6 reserve world titles after age 15 and all of my kids' horses were late teens when entering our lives and if anything are more sound than when they came to us! Just like inflammation is a negative cycle, joint health is a positive one! Also, remember the importance of annual baseline soundness exams to treat the more advanced joints more intensively.

#3 - Care of the spine! Horses were NOT designed to carry us! Saddle fit is imperative to helping your horse remain comfortable and use their legs functionally. In addition to saddle fit, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, shockwave and other palliative treatments such as Bemer or Magnawave can help with compensation from performance or heaven forbid, primary back pain from saddle fit or spinal issues should it arise. The foundation is important but so is the roof! Most of you have seen me palpate the range of motion of the spine or do an acupuncture scan, make sure we set up an exam for this to keep your horse's roof strong!

A final note is don't wait until the wheels start falling off to call me to pick up the pieces, prevention starts BEFORE the problem starts! Call me to help you set up a plan tailored to your individual horses's needs today so you can enjoy them for many years to come. Below is a picture of Rains Dude, or Moose, my big guy who showed successfully at an international level even into his 20s thanks to all of these tips above!

04/13/2024

Although many of us love "the chase" of figuring out a younger horse, as our medicine progresses, the average age of our equine partners does too! How do we keep our golden oldies comfortable and usable later in life? PREVENTION! In addition to wellness care on your own and during veterinary visits, care of your horse's physical body is also of the utmost importance. There are 3 things I feel are mainstays to keeping your horse sound for decades:

#1 - be smart about exercise! This sounds so easy but it often gets overlooked. Regular riding (30 minutes 2-3 times weekly) keeps your horse fit without pounding and prepares their muscles to prevent fatigue-related injuries. Don't be a weekend warrior! You would also be surprised how much you can take care of their axial skeleton and work on flexibility just power-walking. Walking in a loose but lifted frame strengthens their core and back and increases the range of motion of joints without concussion. Also, just as important as regular exercise, is REST. Remember that every athlete has an off-season, be sure to take a few weeks or even a few months once a year to allow your horses to be turned out, possibly barefoot, to reset their bodies and just be a horse!

#2 - Joint preventative care! I think many people have heard me say I would cover the world with Adequan and Legend if I could. No, they aren't cheap but this is the only downside. These are 2 of my favorite FDA-approved joint therapies that can work on their own or synergistically to treat and prevent the dreaded arthritis. Adequan is like glucosamine on steroids, it improves the joint surfaces so that joint fluid can be made more readily and effectively. Legend is a synthetic joint fluid that allows the joint to function more normally when the horse's natural joint fluid can't keep up with shock absorption. When I was showing my show horses, they all received both of these drugs monthly and my girls' horses still do. I always jokingly said I don't have time to work on my own horses and this is not untrue! My equitation horse won 6 reserve work titles after age 15 and all of my kids' horses were late teens when entering our lives and if anything are more sound than when they came to us! Just like inflammation is a negative cycle, joint health is a positive one! Also, remember the importance of annual baseline soundness exams to treat the more advanced joints more intensively #3 - Care of the spine! Horses were NOT designed to carry us! Saddle fit is imperative to helping your horse remain comfortable and use their legs functionally. In addition to saddle fit, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage shockwave and other palliative treatments such as Bemer or Magnawave can help with compensation from performance or heaven forbid, primary back pain from saddle fit or spinal issues should it arise. The foundation is important but so is the roof! Most of you have seen me palpate the range of motion of the spine or do an acupuncture scan, make sure we set up an exam for this to keep your horse's roof strong!

A final note is don't wait until the wheels start falling off to call me to pick up the pieces, prevention starts BEFORE the problem starts! Call me to help you set up a plan tailored to your individual horses's needs today so you can enjoy them for many years to come. Below is a picture of Rains Dude, or Moose, my big guy who showed successfully at an international level even into his 20s thanks to all of these tips above!

04/06/2024

Let's talk FEET!

Did you know 90% of lameness is in the foot? That means taking care of your horses foundation is key to keeping your horse comfortable. If you think about it, they are holding their entire weight on 4 fingernails! We walk on our "hock" down, huge difference!

Controlling your horses environment is key! We can't control mother nature but we can give your horse bug free (ish) and dry areas to rest their tootsies at times during the day. During wet times of year make sure your horse gets a chance to dry out their feet regularly even if it's just in a run in. Gravel dust for drainage covered with mats goes a very long way and fixing your run in or management of a stall is often cheaper than even a single in depth vet visit!
Fly control during bug season with sprays, boots or stalling with fans during the day is key. Every time your horse stomps they jar their clenches in the hoof wall, which if done enough will lead to loss of wall integrity and therefore shoes! And once a shoe is lost I normally say it takes a full cycle of growth before the hoof strength is restored... sometimes more.

Hoof care from the inside out also includes good nutrition. As long as you are picking a major brand intended for your horses age, use and nutritional needs and a good quality forage this is half the battle. I also encourage access to a salt, trace mineral AND complete mineral source so your horse can also take in any extra nutrients they may be lacking. Finally, although I'm not a big fan of supplements, the addition of 15 to 20 mg of biotin may also help support healthy growth but remember, it will take a whole year to see the response! That's how long it takes to grow the entire hoof wall from coronet to ground! Not every biotin supplement has this much, be sure to read the label. Farriers formula double strength and smart hoof ultra are 2 examples that do.
Last but not least, take care of your farrier and listen to them! Keep your horse on a regular schedule and make it easy for them to do their job well. Have your horse clean and dry, have a level place for their shoeing box to roll and teach your horse to stand still or have them tired from a hard workout so they do! Also talk to them about any topical treatments because it varies horse to horse, farm to farm and season to season. I have have been shoeing my own personal horses for over 20 years and can attest to the fact that this job is hard enough without a wiggley patient or tough conditions!

I hope these suggestions help you keep your horse happy and comfortable this year!

04/06/2024

Let's talk FEET!

Did you know 90% of lameness is in the foot? That means taking care of your horse's foundation is key to keeping your horse comfortable. If you think about it, they are holding their entire weight on 4 fingernails! We walk on our "hock" down, huge difference!

Controlling your horse's environment is key! We can't control Mother Nature but we can give your horse bug-free (ish) and dry areas to rest their tootsies at times during the day. During wet times of year make sure your horse gets a chance to dry out their feet regularly even if it's just in a run-in. Gravel dust for drainage covered with mats goes a very long way and fixing your run-in or management of a stall is often cheaper than even a single in-depth vet visit! Fly control during bug season with sprays, boots, or stalling with fans during the day is key. Every time your horse stomps they jar their clenches in the hoof wall, which if done enough will lead to loss of wall integrity and therefore shoes! And once a shoe is lost I normally say it takes a full cycle of growth before the hoof strength is restored... sometimes more.

Hoof care from the inside out also includes good nutrition. As long as you are picking a major brand intended for your horse's age, use, and nutritional needs and a good quality forage this is half the battle. I also encourage access to a salt, trace mineral, AND complete mineral source so your horse can also take in any extra nutrients they may be lacking. Finally, although I'm not a big fan of supplements, the addition of 15 to 20 mg of biotin may also help support healthy growth but remember, it will take a whole year to see the response! That's how long it takes to grow the entire hoof wall from coronet to ground! Not every biotin supplement has this much, be sure to read the label. Farriers Formula Double Strength and smart hoof ultra are 2 examples that do.

Last but not least, take care of your farrier and listen to them! Keep your horse on a regular schedule and make it easy for them to do their job well. Have your horse clean and dry, have a level place for their shoeing box to roll, and teach your horse to stand still or have them tired from a hard workout so they do! Also talk to them about any topical treatments, especially those to seal the foot after trimming or nailing to control bacteria. Topical treatments vary from horse to horse, farm to farm, and season to season. Take care of your farrier! I have been shoeing my own personal horses for over 20 years and can attest to the fact that this job is hard enough without a wiggly patient or tough conditions!

I hope these suggestions help you keep your horse happy and comfortable this year!
Dr. Carmen

03/30/2024

What are your goals for this year???

Pictures of my two beauties from last year if you need any inspiration ❤️
I wish all of you the best this show season, when you win, I do too!
All the best,

Dr. Carmen

03/25/2024

Many thanks to Dr. Katie Huffman for breeding this mare with frozen semen for us! We have the fun job of just following her along. Look at its little 31 day heartbeat!

03/23/2024

Dr. Carmen has been utilizing this regenerative medicine for several years with great effects! Platelet rich plasma is a processed form of your horse's own blood that concentrates growth factors to aid in stimulating healing. Not only can it be used in notoriously slow-healing soft tissue injuries but also in the treatment of arthritis and even in slow-healing wounds. Dr. Carmen may use this as an adjunct to standard joint injections or may use it exclusively in metabolic cases that may not be able to safely process steroids.

If you're interested in how PRP may help your horse make sure to ask her about it at your next appointment!

03/17/2024

Attention barrel racers! Got a bleeder? Talk to Dr. Carmen about shockwave to heal damage from and prevent future EIPH!

Flashback to last month at when Dr. Beau Whitaker gave a fantastic lecture on how PulseVet shock wave can benefit horses with EIPH! Want to watch this fantastic discussion for yourself? Watch a recording here: https://bit.ly/3v9TWNW

03/16/2024

ARTHRAMID!

Dr. Carmen began using this great product 2 years ago and has had some great successes!

Arthramid is one of two gel injections we use in joint injections. We know that synovitis, inflammation of the lining of the joint, is the most important component of arthritis that causes lameness. This lining, or synovium, is what makes joint fluid. When the cells of the synovium are damaged, the joint fluid being produced is of lower quality leading to further inflammation. Arthramid actually coats and becomes incorporated into the synovial membrane, like a bandaid, allowing the lining the protection to heal.

Not only can this product be used on its own in cases that are not conducive to steroid injections like metabolic cases, but can also be used synergistically following standard joint injections. The steroids of standard joint injections are powerful anti-inflammatories and then the arthramid "locks" that healthier state in place. Be sure to mention you may be interested in this therapy as the rest time post injection and time to full response is longer than standard joint injections because the mechanism of action is so different.

Below is the before and after of a case you can actually SEE the difference. Sweet Patty had a long history of soft tissue injuries and I didn't have the blessing of meeting her until she was in her golden years but her mom still wanted nothing but the best for her and her tendon sheath had become HUGE and painful from the repeated trauma. We used PRP and standard joint injections with improvement but when we added Arthramid, WOW! The capsule is now soft rather than warm and turgid and there is minimal distention on the back of the leg and virtually none side to side. Patty is back to feeling like the queen she is!

Make sure to ask Dr. Carmen about Arthramid during your spring performance exams!

03/02/2024

What is an SAA test and how can it help Dr. Carmen diagnose my horse?

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is a type of protein the liver produces in response to infection. Levels of SAA in a normal horse are 0 and remain 0 or low with inflammation alone but quickly rocket into the 100's or 1000's with infection. Levels also decrease quickly with appropriate treatment or the body's own defenses, approximately 50% per 24 hour interval and has been clinically proven to be 30 times more sensitive than simply following a fever.

How can this help her treat my horse?

#1 - You come home to your horse in excruciating pain, non-weightbearing on a very swollen limb. Do we start radiographing the whole limb? Or could it be cellulitis? A simple, 10 minute, inexpensive blood test can answer that!

#2 - Your horse has an infection that keeps lingering on or returning. SAA testing can show infection is being controlled less expensively and days faster than a culture and can help determine when treatment can actually stop.

Many of you have already seen her put this great test to use but hopefully this helps you understand why if, heaven forbid, it's ever needed!

02/28/2024

Dr. Carmen and Sammy want to remind you that March, April and May are their busiest months! We work nights AND weekends to get it all done and this time of year are often booked weeks out.

#1 - Don't wait until the last minute to schedule appointments! And please let Dr. Carmen know if there are "extras" in your wellness visit, she relies on your communication to be able to navigate her day!
#2 - If you are crunched for time please consider hauling in to the clinic, it really helps Dr. Carmen service more patients in a timely fashion!
#3 - We appreciate your patience in advance. are not a 9 to 5 business, and we do that FOR YOU!

Happy spring everyone!

02/24/2024

This is such a simple concept but I don't know that I had ever thought of it so clearly. At my recent conference, Dr. Deniox kept referring to the fact that so many structures are stressed when the horse is not traveling with its spine in flexion. If it's so much better/more comfortable for them, why do so many horses travel hollowed out? IT'S HARD! Look at the disparity in the size of the muscles to extend the back vs. those for flexion! The smaller flexion muscles have to work so much harder! Remember this when you are riding!
He also emphasized that the WALK is the best gait for rehabbing back pain. Handwalking, long lining or walking on a walker are better than rest! Watch your horses back at the walk and trot and you will quickly see why. There is an undulating movement at the walk that is not seen in other gaits! Remember this when you are returning your horses to work over the next few weeks. Happy rehabbing!

02/20/2024

Well Pulsevet let the cat out of the bag! The other surprise from the ISELP conference is the addition of shockwave therapy! Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment for back and neck pain, soft tissue injuries and bone pain such as arthritis and navicular! Furthermore, new uses are being discovered every day, such as the treatment and prevention of EIPH or post-race bleeders! We are so grateful and excited to put this new therapy to use!

02/18/2024

Dr. Carmen is excited to announce that she has now completed the second of eight on-site modules for the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). In addition to adding the ability to complete SI and hip injections last year, she is excited to now have completed the neck and back module to be able to perform cervical and intervertebral injections to her toolbox. She can't wait to get home to put these new techniques to work.
Be on the lookout for more exciting news from this trip in the near future...

02/16/2024

That darn groundhog might have been right! It's starting to look more like spring. Don't let spring grass sneak up on those metabolic horses! Starting these guys on regular exercise, at least FIND your grazing muzzles and talk to Dr. Carmen about baseline metabolic testing at your upcoming spring appointments!

01/24/2024

It was my honor to be chosen for the Chi Institute's January edition of the Horses in the Morning radio program with my amazing friend, pseudosister and colleague Dr. Allison Faber. In this episode we discuss acupuncture's use in neurologic cases including the one and only Ditch Pony. This is a pretty cool podcast I'm excited to start following! Click below to listen and search their library.

And because it's been over 6 years and not everyone knows the tale... the link to his original story: https://youtu.be/MKNBXCXwCRo?si=DzEngPN3oPV-ca-1

Chi University: Neurology & The Ditch Pony, for January 23, 2024Jan 23, 2024 Dr. Allison Marshall and Dr. John Langlois have Dr. Carmen Franck Flippin on the show today, and we discuss two really interesting cases involving neurology and the many clinical presentations of it. Dr. Flippin recounts he...

01/21/2024

Great brisk day with great owners and farriers! This big boy is a kill pen ex-amish horse who enjoyed his chemically induced snooze in the stocks almost as much as his podiatry team enjoyed not holding up his big feet! And who doesn't love a horse that makes you look like a 12 year old kid 🤣

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas from our barn to yours ❤️🎄❤️

11/02/2023

Good morning sunshines!!!
It's here! The first hard frost!

- Remember to wait about 2 weeks before you take off those grazing muzzles or increase those winter diets in founder prone horses! The sugars in the grasses actually increase when stressed and the most common time I have founders is RIGHT NOW!

- It's time for fall deworming! A broad spectrum dewormer (with ivermectin for bots) per your f***l results is perfect for this time of year but do me a favor, this year wait 1 more week since mother nature skipped from summer to winter in 72 hours 🥴

- Finally, don't forget to ask me about specific blanketing needs for your horse's in the next few weeks. In Virginia most horses do just fine with a high neck waterproof sheet or a good run in but some horses still in work or with increased dietary needs will do better with layers. Right now my farm includes everything from blanket-less to bundled up like the Michelin man!

And most importantly, stay warm today and have a great Thursday 💙🥶💙

08/17/2023

We are getting a lot of questions about recent changes in the local veterinary industry. Due to a local colleague retiring, the strain on our profession is becoming stronger by the day. In order to absorb these increased numbers, all new or inactive clients will need to haul in emergencies to the clinic. We understand there are some emergencies (like a down horse) that will require an on site visit. By helping us with stable emergency care, you are ensuring we are available and ready to service these severe emergencies in a more timely fashion and service more patients overall. We have to work smarter, harder is no longer possible.
We appreciate Hoofbeats for compiling this list of local haulers if you do have an emergency and need a ride to your local veterinarian.

07/29/2023

Fighting to fix the veterinary crisis for the next generation of vets too ❤️ 24-7 care is a lot more fun with good help

07/26/2023

So honored to be a part of our veterinary community!
The veterinary crisis is real. I love my job every day but every day I feel less control of my ability to get it all done, BECAUSE I CAN'T. No matter how little I sleep or how much personal time I give up, the demand is becoming greater every day.
A representative from nearly every single vet practice in central Virginia banded together last night to collaborate on a way to make sure that every last horse still receives care in a way that sustains a way of living that allows us to sleep, be humans and have families.
The equine veterinary profession is changing, but it's for the better, so we can KEEP caring for your horses. Thank you to all of my colleagues who are becoming a closer knit family by the minute, and to my clients for helping the veterinary community survive.

06/24/2023

Every. Horse. In. Virginia!

This warm moist rain is setting off skin allergies like wildfire! Getting your horse dry and under a fan and talking with Dr. Carmen about possible treatment with Dexamethasone are your 2 best courses of action. I think this is text #8 in 24 hours much less this week, your horse isn't alone!

06/10/2023

Having emergencies haul in allows me to continue with family life while I can still be available for emergencies no matter what hour! This morning my husband said I don't know what you were doing last night but it sounded like a donkey braying... oh. Charlotte didn't feel well and came in late last night after most everyone had gone to bed. Thanks to her owner coming in she got tubed twice overnight rather than once and is passing her impaction as we speak, her owner got to save some money on travel and I got to enjoy an uninterrupted dinner and movie with my family. Thank you all for helping our local vet network tread water in our increasingly busy world!

06/02/2023

Don't you hate it when your kids lay in your food? Happy Thursday everyone!

05/27/2023

Chloe was embarrassingly forced to demonstrate our diagnosis of the week: CLOVER SLOBBERS! Also known as slaframine toxicity.

I hear all the time that people don't have clover in their fields but they are wrong! Clover is super sweet and many times horses will seek it out over other forages so even if you don't have a lot in your field it can create some pretty potent effects! Slaframine is a very mild toxin and it's effects will wear off after only a few hours in the stall away from clover. I encourage those with horses like this to keep a salt block handy and make sure there is plenty of water to replenish what is lost, but overall it is a nuisance and not a major concern. If you have a lot percentage of clover a grazing safe 2,4-D such as Graze-on, Pasture Pro or Crossbow can help knock it down but it is actually pretty hard to truly kill.
The biggest concern, SOAKING YOUR VET, FARRIER OR EVEN YOURSELF! 🤣 Hope everyone enjoys the sun today while it lasts!

05/15/2023

Dr. Carmen is excited to announce completion of the Pelvis ISELP module! Dr. Denoix is internationally renowned and the ultrasound and injection wetlabs allowed her to put the techniques to use right away! Despite driving all night with so much to do at home, she also squeezed in a visit to the international museum of the horse since the Kentucky Horse Park was just a few miles down the road. She is now back home, rested and waiting for the first pelvis case to come her way!

05/09/2023

Sometimes you have to brag on the pure heart of your own kid and pretend it's a business post ❤️ happy Monday everyone!

05/04/2023

We are so proud of our young rider Lauren Williams! Lauren earned the NCAA presidential scholarship to Delaware State where she will compete on the riding team and major in business. In addition to being a beautiful rider and soul, she is also graduating with a 4.1 GPA! All of you local horse businesses, keep a spot warm for her in 4 years, I guarantee you won't regret it! Congratulations Lauren!!