Southern Equine Veterinary Services + Pets

12/03/2024

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease, and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

11/27/2024

11/27/2024

Cold weather will be here this weekend!

As the weather cools down, allowing yourself an ample amount of time to cool out your horse after a cold ride is essential to ensure that you don’t jeopardize your horses' health by allowing them to catch a chill.

Our friends at Equus Magazine have some useful tips to share for cooling out your horses this winter. You can read the full article on their website at https://equusmagazine.com/riding/coolingout-10486/

11/19/2024

Hallie shows in Class 009!

11/19/2024

Love our StableLab!!

We sat down with Dr. Laura Javsicas while she shared how she uses Stablelab in her day-to-day practice.Stablelab allows for quick stall-side results that can...

10/18/2024

This product is very helpful to many of our Insulin dysregulated patients.
You can purchase it through our online pharmacy.
https://kyhorsevet.covetruspharmacy.com/search/insulinwise

Fall is a precarious time for sugar-sensitive horses. Here’s why we see an increase in laminitis cases in the fall.

10/17/2024

We have digital radiography equipment well suited for hoof radiographs. Give us a call for your horse's appointment.

Learn why hoof radiographs are important, how to use them, and what role they play in helping your horse feel and move better.

10/16/2024

Are you interested in breeding your horse, but want to know more?
Even if you have been involved in this process and want to learn more, sign up for the free webinar by clicking the link below.

This webinar is directed toward horse owners/managers either new to breeding horses or those with limited experience. It will cover the basics of reproductive biology of the horse, logistics of breeding season and what to expect when breeding your mare. Our presenter for this session is Dr. Dale Kel...

09/28/2024

Vaccinating your horse protects your investment and gives you some piece of mind that they are protected from life threatening diseases. When Dr Hughes vaccinates your horse, you have the backing of the pharmaceutical companies for support should a need arise.

FALL IS OFFICIALLY HERE! HAS YOUR HORSE RECEIVED THIER FALL SHOTS YET? 🍂🍁

As a horse owner, the good thing about the colder season is knowing you won't have to deal with as many insect-related issues compared to the spring and summer months. The cold weather, however, brings different challenges to your horse’s health such as respiratory viruses — which is why fall vaccines/boosters usually include inoculations against influenza and the respiratory form of herpesvirus (rhinopneumonitis).

If your horse has yet to receive their fall vaccinations this year, contact your veterinarian today and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your animal. Based on their situation, your horse may need additional specific risk-based vaccinations. Your horse doctor will be able to provide accurate information on what products to use and why.

If you are interested in learning more about horse immunization, the AAEP's Vaccination Guidelines are available on our website at: https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines

08/26/2024

Summer and fall are the peak time for arbovirus infection as these diseases (which include Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE], West Nile Virus [WNV], Western Equine Encephalitis [WEE] and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis [VEE]) are transmitted by several different species of mosquitoes and biting insects.

With more states reporting cases of West Nile Virus (28 cases have been reported in August as of today), this is your reminder to keep your horses up to date on vaccinations with the guidance of your veterinarian to best protect your equine friends from infection.

Learn more about West Nile Virus and find downloadable resources on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/west-nile-virus

07/28/2024

Our On-line Pharmacy makes it convenient for you to receive your RX and non-RX needs to your doorstep. When you place and order it will send Dr. Hughes a notification if your RX order needs her authorization. https://kyhorsevet.covetruspharmacy.com/
Auto-ship is a great feature for those preventative products that many of our horses and pets need regularly.

07/20/2024

Oh the f***l fairy in me is excited!!

07/19/2024

I can’t agree with this enough! We have haul in appointment days on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays.

07/19/2024

This program is really a stress reliever for veterinarians & traveling horsemen!

Colorado has joined the EECVI program effective June 2024! 🐴 Learn more about the EECVI program here: https://hubs.la/Q02GlZD_0

07/19/2024

07/15/2024

07/12/2024

The summer heat and sun won't be letting up any time soon, so make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays. ☀️

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your horse protected this summer.