Laurel Oak Equine Veterinary Services

05/27/2024

Today we remember those who gave that last full measure of devotion in service of our nation and its ideals. We are humbled by the sacrifices of so many, known and unknown, in defense of liberty 🇺🇸

05/21/2024

05/16/2024

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing. Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

05/12/2024

Today, we celebrate the incredible power of motherhood in all its forms! Wishing all moms a beautiful and heartwarming Mother's Day, and a special shout-out to the AAEP members who juggle the demands of motherhood with their dedication to equine health. You truly are an inspiration!

04/16/2024

The women of Laurel Oak Equine 🎠🩺

03/31/2024

Happy Easter from your friendly neigh-borhood horse doctors! May your basket be overflowing with treats (both for two- and four-legged) and your day be filled with egg-citement!

While many of us are enjoying family time, let’s not forget about the equine veterinarians, technicians and support staff who will be spending their day assisting horses in need of medical care. Thank you for your tireless dedication to horse health and well-being!

03/20/2024

In honor of the first day of spring ! 🌸🐎💉 We hope everyone has been out enjoying this beautiful spring weather with their four-legged family members! Now is the perfect time to get caught up on their spring vaccines!

Spring has sprung! Which means…vaccination season is upon us as well!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your horse should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your horse and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine friend should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible horse ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling your horse's vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

03/14/2024

UNDERSTANDING HOOF ABSCESSES
Sooner or later (and especially at this time of year), nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean? The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

02/13/2024

Dr. Bakun and Danielle had a donkey and camel of a day! Hard day’s work of cuddling complete 🐪🫏

02/13/2024

We get a lot of questions regarding equine insurance! With the rising costs of medical expenses, we strongly encourage every horse owner to look into the different types of insurance policies.

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!

02/06/2024

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.

01/30/2024

Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe but it should never be ignored, as many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic, so management practices can play a key role in prevention. And although not every case is avoidable, the guidelines listed in the graphic can help you maximize your horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic.

As always, remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed and other health conditions, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation!

01/05/2024

During these cold winter days you may be thinking about offering bran mashes to your horse as a warm, comforting treat and also as a way to help prevent colic due to the higher fiber content of bran. This, however, is an outdated concept and nutritionists point out several potential problems associated with feeding bran mash too often—namely, an imbalance of the dietary calcium-phosphorus ratio that could lead to bone disorders, and a disruption of the healthy fermentation patterns in the horse’s intestinal tract.

The best way to help your horse stay warm this winter is by increasing forage 🌾 and providing shelter 🏠 during a cold snap. And as far as the risk of colic, your first line of defense is to provide plenty of water to keep your horse hydrated. 💦

As always, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information; contact them to learn more about feeding mashes (they are typically not an issue if fed as the occasional treat) and colic prevention this winter.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

01/01/2024

Wishing everyone another year of love, specifically the unconditional type that comes from our four-legged family members 🐴🐐

Happy New Year from Dr. Bakun and the Laurel Oak Equine Family!🥂

12/25/2023

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 🎄🎠 From the Laurel Oak Equine family to yours 🎁

11/27/2023

Now that Polk county is finally enjoying some cooler weather, we want to make sure everyone is well hydrated (including our four-legged family members of the equine variety 🐎). With cooler weather or fluctuations in temperature, horses are more likely to become dehydrated and experience a colic episode. Trust us… as much as we love spending time with all of you (usually after hours or on weekends)… we enjoy keeping our meetings to the “non-emergency” type appointment! Tricks that you can do at home to increase daily water intake are :
❄️ Keep fresh and clean water available at all times.
❄️ Soaking hay or adding water to grain/pellets to make a soupy mash.
❄️ Adding electrolytes or a small amount of lite salt to their daily routine.
❄️ Adding a handful of grain or a small amount of something sweet to a bucket of water (this option is for those friends who do not struggle with metabolic issues), making sure to always have a fresh and clean water available at all times.

We would be happy to schedule an appointment to discuss these options further!

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours ! 🦃

We are incredibly thankful for the equine veterinarians and support staff who take care of our horses on a daily basis, but today in particular let’s express our gratitude for those who are giving up their family time to care for animals in need of medical attention. Our heartfelt thanks goes to them for everything they do and for their dedication to the horses that give us so much joy.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May this holiday bring us new blessings and a renewed appreciation for the ones we already have.

11/11/2023

Today we honor veterans, their service and the immense sacrifices they have made. Thank you for your service !

11/08/2023

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in: the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your horse doctor will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.

Read more on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lymphangitis-frustrating-condition

10/19/2023

Fall is officially in full swing! Now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

The graphic below lists some essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do checklist, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse rugs repaired and waterproofed; securing and storing hay properly; assessing your shelters for safety and soundness; etc.)

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

10/18/2023

This week is Vet Tech Appreciation Week! We would like to formally introduce you to our two lovely vet assistants, who are a monumental asset to Laurel Oak Equine ♥️

Danielle Manning🐴 has been immersed in the horse world since she could walk. She owns an equine riding and rehab facility and teaches lessons to little cowgirls and cowboys 🤠. She is an active member in the western performance/barrel racing community and even teaches local 4H groups! 🍀 In her spare time you can find her at local shows or barrel races and spending time with her family!

Anna Mosley🐮is the newest member of the Laurel Oak Equine family but has quickly become an essential part of the team! In her free time you can find her working cattle 🐂, riding her horse Slick, and touring with her husband who is a country music singer! 🎶

On behalf of Laurel Oak Equine and Dr. Bakun, we would like to extend a huge thank you to these two ladies! We could not do our job (and wouldn’t want to) without them.💕

09/21/2023

Laurel Oak Equine Veterinary Services has an exciting announcement!

We are proud to be able to start offering regenerative medicine therapies with Pro-Stride APS!

What is Pro-Stride?
Pro-Stride is an Autologous Protein Solution (APS) containing a high concentration of cells, platelets, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory proteins to treat inflammatory processes in joints. This all-natural, drug-free option takes 20 minutes to process with no incubation time and treatment can be provided in a single visit.

How does Pro-Stride work?
In degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis, inflammatory cells bind to the cell receptors on the joint surface and starts breaking down the cartilage. Cartilage breakdown leads to joint damage and pain. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) are two major pro-inflammatory proteins, also known as cytokines, which lead to the degeneration of the joints.

Pro-Stride works by blocking these pro-inflammatory cytokines from binding to the cartilage surface. APS is concentrated plasma with white blood cell proteins and enriched platelet growth factors derived from the horse’s own blood. Specifically, Pro-Stride APS is a high concentration of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IRAP) that is 5.8 times more concentrated than blood. These receptor antagonists promote natural joint healing processes.

Pro-Stride has proven efficacy in treating conditions such as:
- Lameness
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendon injuries
- Improved athletic performance.. and more!

Schedule an appointment today to find out how Pro-Stride® APS can make a difference in your horse's life!

For a limited time only, receive a 50$ rebate for a Pro-Stride injection!

08/16/2023

Rabies alert 🚨

08/11/2023

The correct answer is b., sodium and chloride. They are two components of table salt but neither mineral is naturally abundant in your horse’s usual food sources.

Why should you care? Having a basic understanding of equine nutrition and being able to identify sources of essential vitamins and minerals in a horse’s diet is in the best interest of every horse owner. Dietary deficiencies and excesses can both cause health issues and affect performance, and this becomes even more important for the care and management of horses with disorders such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).

Want to put your knowledge of vitamins and minerals further to the test? Take the rest of the quiz developed by our friendsEquus Magazine —>https://images.saymedia-content.com/.image/cs_srgb/MTcxODUxMTk3MDA5ODk2Nzcw/equus-extra-nutrition-.pdf

08/02/2023

Horses drink a lot of water! Thanks to the American Association of Equine Practitioners for these important reminders about equine hydration needs.

08/02/2023

This month is Laurel Oak Equine’s one year anniversary! We love serving our wonderful Polk County clients and appreciate all of you! As a way to show our gratitude we are running a special for the month of August!

🥂Here is to another great year 🐴🐐🐑

Laurel Oak Equine is an ambulatory equine veterinary practice serving Lakeland, Florida

07/13/2023

COOL SCIENCE (pun intended)!

An old myth wants us to believe that horses should be walked until they cool completely after exercise, even in the summer. However, a study from 2020 looked at five different ways to cool a horse after exercise: walking, walking with fans, walking with intermittent cold water application, walking with intermittent cold water application and scraping, and stationary with continuous tap water application. As it turns out, the method that resulted in the quickest return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application (2 minutes), while walking alone took the longest time for recovery (25 minutes).

Bottom line: enjoy your rides in the sun this summer but remain vigilant for signs of heat stress in your horse. If they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cool bath, and a break in the shade.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

07/07/2023

"HOT" TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER RIDING

As you enjoy some fun in the sun with your favorite equine, make sure you understand how the combination of heat and humidity can take the fun part out the equation — and potentially even turn into a dangerous situation for your horse.

When riding in hot weather, remember to take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and for signs of heat exhaustion, as the situation can quickly escalate into heat stroke. If your horse looks hot and tired, it's time for a drink, a cold bath and a break in the shade.

Consult your veterinarian for more information, or learn more about the signs of heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/heat-stroke
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