Lodi Veterinary Care - Equine

07/10/2025

Throwback Thursday!

Dr. Laura Wagner's class photo at the University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine.

07/09/2025

Welcome Wednesday!

"My name is Meghan, I have worked in the equine division at Lodi vet for almost a year. My love for horses started when I was about five years old. When I am not at work, I love to spend time outside and work with my horse Ranger. My job as a Veterinarian Technician Assistant means that I am out on calls every day with doctors helping them with their day. My favorite part of my job is learning new and fascinating things and being able to be hands-on with horses all day long."

Please welcome Meghan!

07/07/2025

Motivation Monday!

07/05/2025

This week, we saw an interesting case we just have to share.

Multiple young horses were affected in a herd that had been on the same dry lot for a few years. They developed fevers, laminitis, and lethargy. Recently, a new bale of hay was put out, but no other changes. The hay was inspected and found to have some toxic w**ds in the bale. See photos below. The w**d was identified as hoary alyssum. Read more at the link below about this toxic w**d, so you can identify it in your pasture, fields, and hay to avoid the same issues.

https://extension.umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/hoary-alyssum -1322761

07/04/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful 4th of July! In observance of Independence Day, our office will be closed Friday, July 4th. If an emergency should arise with your horse, please call (608) 592-7755 and one of our on call veterinarians will assist you.

07/03/2025

07/02/2025

Please welcome Dr. Taylor Statz to the equine team!

07/01/2025

We've seen a couple of these recently where the nail was removed and the route the nail took was unable to be determined.

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

06/28/2025

Happy first day of summer! ☀️

As the temperatures heat up, unfortunately some of our equine friends struggle to sweat properly in the summer heat, which can put them at an increased risk of heat stress.

Though there is limited evidence in regard to effective treatments for horses diagnosed with anhidrosis (the inability to sweat properly), there are a few therapies that have been proposed to help, including offering horses dark beer!

Overall, watch closely for signs of heat stress if your horse is diagnosed with anhidrosis. During the summer months, monitor your horse's response to the heat and ensure they are sweating an appropriate amount. If you have concerns about your horse's ability to sweat, please contact your veterinarian.

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

06/27/2025

Dr. Laura Wagner attended her 10 year class reunion at the University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine this past weekend. It's always fun to catch up with old friends and colleagues.

06/26/2025

For on farm calls, a call on the way helps coordinate our appointment times. In addition to arriving at the barn, please have your horses caught with a halter & lead rope and tied or confined in their stall. This helps us be on time for the next appointment and the next, etc.. Like a domino effect, one hard to catch horse or unprepared appointment can set back our day and impact all the rest of our appointments.