Hoofbeats Equine Service, LLC

12/23/2024

Holidays are better with horses! Whether it’s decorating the barn, festive rides, or extra carrots, please share your favorite equine holiday traditions with us!

12/20/2024

Studies have shown that up to 94% of performance horses have back pain. However, most athletic horses are able to compensate with no decrease in performance….until they can’t.
Micro damage begins to accumulate until all compensation is lost and structural failure begins. Eventually, spinal pain and related peripheral joint pain and misuse will cause inhibition of motor neurons. There is a change in muscle recruitment. This is when we begin to see hind end weakness followed by atrophy of associated muscles.

Is your horse ever so subtly going into a jump sideways?
Is your horse bucking on the back side of a jump?
Is your horse tripping over jumps or knocking rails?
Is your horse swishing its tail or pinning the ears under saddle?
Is your horse jumping flat behind?
Is your horse’s top line changing in a bad way?
Does your horse have an unblockable hind end lameness?

These are just a FEW warning signs that your horse may be experiencing back pain. There are many more signs and symptoms.

We can learn so much from understanding anatomy and biomechanics. The ultrasound is an excellent tool to help us diagnose and treat the elusive equine back. Pay attention to the small things. These things are all important and they paint a picture of your horse’s health.

For more information, listen to Dr. Audrey DeClue’s podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-horse-first-a-veterinary-sport-horse-podcast/id1435735981?i=1000429800361

12/20/2024

🎶 Happy birthday to you, happy birthday day to you, happy birthday Dr. Smith, happy birthday to you! 🎶

Have a great day! 🎉

12/19/2024

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your horse or pet? From cozy blankets to tasty treats, there’s always a way to brighten their season. What’s on your list? 🎁🐾

12/13/2024

It's National Horse Day! Horses have played a vital role in history and our hearts. Today, we honor their beauty, strength, and loyalty. Celebrate your equine companions! 🐎❤️

12/10/2024

All animals deserve respect, compassion, and care. On International Day of Animal Rights, let’s celebrate and advocate for the well-being of every creature.

12/09/2024

A heartfelt thank-you to veterinarians for their tireless dedication to keeping our horses and pets healthy and happy. We couldn’t do it without you! Happy International Day of Veterinary Medicine!

12/06/2024

ECVM is real folks. Period.

There has been so much going on around the topic of ECVM, this congenital malformation is one we are diagnosing, managing and studying at Denali Equine in partnership with Rexos Inc, under the guidance of the legendary Dr. Sharon May-Davis. We wanted to give you the top ten points on ECVM facts. (Sorry this is long- Well worth the full read!)

1. ECVM is a congenital condition, meaning they are born with it. We suspect it is a recessive genetic disorder because two unaffected adults can produce offspring with it. There are several groups racing to find the genetics behind this condition. More information on the horizon.

2. ECVM is not a fatal diagnosis. However, it can be. It depends on the severity of the malformation and how well the horse can functionally compensate.

3. Radiographs of the lower neck are necessary to diagnose the condition. These radiographs must be clear lateral and obliques of C6, C7 and ideally T1. These can be done in the field for most horses. However larger generators do get better images.

4. Variability: Horses can be either a bilateral or unilateral malformation of C6, which in 52% of C6 cases can transpose either bilaterally or unilaterally. To C7; T1 and the first ribs are variably affected.

5. Studies show horses with transposition of the ventral lamina to C7 are more likely to suffer from clinical neck pain than horses with normal anatomy. In our experience horses with rib malformations have more severe clinical signs than those with normal ribs (no clear studies yet).

6. The bones absolutely do not tell the whole story. However, bones do not lie. They often indicate the level of soft tissue malformations present. The more severe the boney changes- the more severe the soft tissue is altered around them.

7. Clinical picture: all horses are not lame, but they do all have subtle clinical signs. Most often the clinical signs are not limb related lameness (but can be). These horses can show signs of the pain ethogram, rearing, sporadic behavior, abnormal front limb flight patterns (especially with equipment), girthiness, resistance to go forward, doesn’t like physical touch (brushing, blanketing ex). The signs are so variable for every horse!

8. The common things heard from owners/trainers:
* The horse was always bad from the start (this is concerning for the more severe cases)
* The horse was fine until it wasn’t. We find this is from something changed in the program. i.e., was imported, switched barns, changed jobs.
* They don’t understand why the horse is failing quicker than usual as it gets older. As the horse ages the clinical signs become more apparent. The body can only manage for so long. Think of it this way- the foundation was built wrong from the beginning. Therefore, it takes time for the cracks in your walls or floors to show, it then takes those cracks a while before they become a structural problem in your house.
* A minor incident happened and now they’re not ok. Suspect an injury can cause the horse to spiral out of stabilization or have the ability to compensate. An example could be getting cast or trailering event then the horse was never the same. Example, you do not know your house wasn’t built well until the storm blows it over.

9. These horses have significant soft tissue pathology on necropsies. Therefore, no matter what the data is showing us: If the horse has ECVM, is clinical, and other differentials have been ruled out these horses are clinically affected by the ECVM.

10. On necropsies we have found:
* Missing, malformed and fractured ribs
* Abnormal nerve patterns, these nerves can be totally entrapped and compressed by abnormal muscle patterns. The dorsal scalene can trap the large nerves of the brachial plexus within its abnormal paths. The phrenic nerve can get pulled inappropriately and leave impressions within the ventral scalene.
* Abnormal muscles: dorsal scalene, ventral scalene, iliocostalis, longus coli, re**us abdominal, intercostal muscles, serratus ventails cervicis. All these muscles have critical roles in stability, proprioception, and biomechanics.
* Abnormal vascular patterns
* Trachea abnormalities
* Fascial changes

ECVM is currently a controversial and sensitive topic so we thought we would share a few known quick facts to help you understand this issue better. Please go to our website (www.DenaliEquine.com) to find more information and links to the current studies on this disease. We are researching and studying these horses! We are working on several angles of research right now throughout Non-Profit Rexos Inc. If you would like more information on how you can help, please reach out!

DeClue Equine saddlefitting.us

12/05/2024

Winter weather can be tough on horses. Keep them warm, hydrated, and safe with proper blankets, shelter, and ice-free footing. Safety first this season!

12/04/2024

Today on World Wildlife Conservation Day, we stand for the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Every effort counts in preserving the natural beauty of our planet. Let’s do our part!

12/01/2024

Hello, December! ❄️ It’s the season of cozy rides, frosty mornings, and holiday cheer. Let’s make this month magical for you and your equine friends!

11/30/2024

Holidays can be busy but don’t forget to check in on your horse’s well-being. Keep their routine stress-free.

11/28/2024

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for our amazing horses and all the joy they bring to our lives!

11/25/2024

Winter grooming is essential to keep your horse’s coat healthy and their skin protected! Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils, prevents matting, and keeps their coat ready to insulate. Don’t forget to check under blankets to ensure their skin stays clean and irritation-free.

11/22/2024

Healthy hooves are the foundation of a healthy horse! Regular farrier visits, proper cleaning, and checking for signs of issues like cracks or thrush can help keep your horse's feet in top shape.

11/18/2024

Did you know regular dental care is crucial for your horse's health? Schedule a check-up today!

11/14/2024

Prevention is the best cure. Regular vet visits can keep your horse in top shape year-round.

11/11/2024

Proper nutrition is key to your horse's overall well-being. Ensure balanced diets for peak performance.