Big South Fork Veterinary Services

03/03/2025

After careful consideration, I have decided to close Big South Fork Veterinary Services effective immediatly- 3/2/25. I would like to thank all my clients who have both supported me and entrusted their animal's care to me. This was not an easy decision, but the best for my family. Please feel free to text/email for any records, requests, etc. Please include email address of where to send. As always your pet's best interest is the upmost priority and we hope to make this transition as smooth as possible. We wish you the best in the future!
-Dr. Meghan Kartley

01/24/2025

❄️🩸Reddish Brown Urine in the Snow – Is my horse ok!?

I remember the first winter I began working with horses - I walked out into the snowy pasture to catch my horse but was taken aback when I saw blood in the snow! I immediately began following these pools of blood around the pasture in an attempt to find which horse was injured. It wasn’t until I noticed a pattern, or really a lack thereof, that I realized it wasn’t blood and everybody was fine (I was also young and clearly didn't know what blood should look like 😂). But I was confused, what caused these red, orange, or brown stains in the snow. After watching for awhile, I realized it was their urine that came out as a normal color, but it would change colors in the snow. And as an inquisitive soul, I was bound and determined to get to the bottom of why this happened and I am certain I was not the only one!

Well, it turns out the color change observed in the urine is caused by a plant metabolite known as pyrocatechines. When this metabolite is oxidized (exposed to air), it loses electrons which can lead to a change in the chemical structure and consequently, the color. This is a similar process to what we see when iron rusts. Iron is exposed to air and moisture and is oxidized to form iron oxide, commonly known as rust. Copper can also go through a similar process in which the shiny and metallic copper can become a green patina (think the Statue of Liberty).

While this process happens year-round for horse urine, it tends to be more noticeable in contrast to the white snow. These colors in oxidized urine are acceptable, however, if urine is red or brown when it is passed, that is reason for concern. Red and brown urine may indicate concerns with the urinary tract, liver, or muscles, and often necessitate veterinary attention. However, if the urine is a colorless to tan or yellow color when it leaves the body, colored urine in the snow is not a concern.

What did you think the first time you saw red or brown stained snow? Did anyone get as freaked out as me?

Cheers!
Dr. DeBoer

01/23/2025

01/10/2025

Do you have a plan for your horse’s unexpected medical expenses? (Read, for example: can you afford colic surgery if it comes to it?)

Whether a horse is purchased for personal or business reasons, horse ownership represents a significant investment of time, money and resources. While nothing may easy the emotional burden, wise planning can at least help reduce the economic impacts should something happen to your precious companion.

There are many types of coverage available to the horse owner and the conditions can vary widely between companies. Common types of coverage available for horses are listed (but not limited to what you see) in the graphic. Some equine insurers may require an insurance examination certificate signed by a veterinarian before a policy will be issued for a horse, however that does not mean your veterinarian can attest for the insurability of the animal — your veterinarian can only respond to questions of which he or she has direct knowledge, reporting the medical facts to the best of his or her ability.

Regardless of the circumstances, never ask or expect your veterinarian to report a claim to the insurance company or to be an expert with regards to your insurance policy. This is your responsibility as the owner and if you have questions regarding your policy be sure to ask your insurance agent!

11/28/2024

Grateful for our patients and clients! 🦃🍁

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.

10/31/2024

As silly as it sounds, the "carrot test" can be used to help diagnose tooth aches in our equine companions.

Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EORTH) is a dental condition that affects the incisors of middle-aged horses and older. As the name suggests, it acts by both resorbing the teeth and then producing large amounts of cementum (a hard substance that anchors the teeth into place).

Clinical signs such as difficulty chewing, teeth discoloration and painful gums are highly suspicious for this disease, but you can also offer your horse a carrot to assess how comfortable they are biting down. If it seems painful for them while biting the carrot, they could have EORTH!

Your veterinarian can do an oral examination and take dental radiographs to confirm the diagnosis. This is a progressive disease so there is no cure, but there are management strategies that can improve their comfort.

If you are concerned that your horse may have EORTH or is experiencing oral pain, contact your veterinarian so that they may further evaluate and suggest treatment options.

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

10/23/2024