Large Animal Practice

11/19/2025

Great information regarding the herpes outbreak in Texas. An additional note released from the California state veterinarian is that there are no confirmed cases in California at this point. Due diligence to reduce possibility of spread is highly recommended! 

Here are the questions discussed in the conversation on the live A and A: continue asking questions and we will answer throughout the day.

1. Should producers cancel this weekend?
- Answer: Yes, they should cancel.

2. How would you advise neighboring states to proceed with horse events?
- Answer: Less movement of horses will help resolve the outbreak faster.

3. Is BVH aware of cases outside of the Waco horses?
- Answer: Currently, only aware of cases in Waco, but expect potential spread.

4. Is this contagious to humans?
- Answer: No, it is not contagious to people.

5. Can someone who attended these races get a test at the clinic?
- Answer: Yes, they can screen horses and we will do trailer-side examinations.

6. How do you advise other disciplines to respond?
- Answer: Be discipline-specific, vaccinate, take temperatures, and practice good biosecurity.

7. Is there any risk that farriers could transmit this from barn to barn?
- Answer: Unlikely, as farriers are typically careful about infectious disease transmission.

8. How do people get vaccines without bringing their horse to the clinic?
- Answer: Vaccines require a veterinary exam, either at the clinic or on the farm, call and we can schedule this for you.

9. When do you suggest getting boosters?
- Answer: If the last vaccines were given more than 90 days ago, then as soon as possible to increase antibodies and slow virus spread.

10. What is your choice for disinfecting tech buckets, the barn, etc.?
- Answer: Avoid bleach, use accelerated hydrogen peroxide, phenols, or quaternary ammonia products. (rescue or companion)

11. How long will the virus last on surfaces if not disinfected?
- Answer: 2 days on dry surfaces, up to 2 weeks on wet surfaces.

12. Can horses have the virus without fever or nasal discharge?
- Answer: Yes, they can still be potentially contagious.

13. Can lysine or other products help prevent or build immunity?
- Answer: No, lysine and zinc have not been effective. Vaccines are the best prevention.

14. What is a normal horse temperature?
- Answer: 99 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on environmental conditions.

15. Is it okay to ride your horse at home if they were exposed but have no symptoms?
- Answer: Yes, but be smart about separating horses and avoid sharing tack.

16. If a horse had recent exposure in the last two days and is not vaccinated, should they be vaccinated now?
- Answer: Yes, vaccination can help reduce virus shedding and spread.

11/12/2025

They tried…

11/03/2025

Also, homicide may occur if you use this or any other goopy substance in a wound for vets to suture.

🧴 It is Medicine Monday! And it is all yellow. That is right we are talking about Furacin or Fura-zone Ointment (Nitrofurazone). Not all wound products are created equally and may be a detriment to wound healing.

💛 Nitrofurazone is a topical water-soluble ointment with antibacterial properties for superficial wounds. And it is commonly used in combination with DMSO gel as a “sweat” for horses with cellulitis. Nitrofurazone should never be used on open wounds. Research has shown that nitrofurazone inhibits wound healing by as much as 24%.

☣️Nitrofurazone is associated with carcinogenicity, defined as the potential of a biomaterial to promote tumor formation. This has led to many horse owners throwing out their supply due to this risk.

🩺 We always recommend seeking veterinary advise and an exam when it comes to wounds. Wounds may involve important structures including bone, tendon sheaths and/or joints. It is important that wounds be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian so they can recommend appropriate diagnostics, treatment options and possible referral to an equine hospital.

❌ Now, Fura-Zone is no longer available; other nitrofurazone products are still available.

10/31/2025

Picture from a few years ago!
Happy Halloween from Large Animal Practice!

10/30/2025

Time for this years pumpkin. Send me some ideas! This was last years.

10/29/2025

Good morning and happy almost Halloween! Just a friendly reminder that for meat/milk quality and safety, not to mention legality we need to be hyper aware of withdrawal times. In our food animals it is illegal to give medicines that are not labeled for them without a prescription and in some products or species it is blatantly illegal to use them at all. Some examples: baytril should never, ever be used in species other than cattle and pigs. In other words, NEVER in sheep and goats. A new one to me was bravecto! Used off label in pigs the recommendation for withdrawal was between 180 and 300 days!!!!

09/16/2025

Let’s play, what’s wrong with this picture. 😂

09/06/2025

09/02/2025

A positive west Nile case was found in Santa Barbara county last week. This is why it’s important to vaccinate!!!

West Nile virus information for California horse owners.

08/24/2025

Thought this might be an interesting read for those that want to put “anything” in a wound. Think twice!
My rules for initial wound management (prior to veterinary care).
1. Nothing goopy or powdery. Your veterinarian will have to get every last painful (to us) drop of goop and spray out of the wound. These include, but aren’t limited to: nitrofurozone ointment, triple antibiotic ointment, furozone spray, alushield etc
2. No concentrated antiseptics and honestly not sure if I want any at all! Ie betadine, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhex etc.
3. Ask your vet! Like the 811 (call before you dig), call before you spray!
For a detailed explanation of hydrogen peroxide, see below.

Hydrogen peroxide can clean wounds by fizzing to remove debris and kill some germs, but experts now recommend against its use on wounds because it also damages healthy skin cells and slows healing. For wound cleaning, it's safer to gently wash the area with soap and water or rinse it with clean water or saline.
The fizzing action that removes dirt and bacteria also destroys essential healthy skin and immune cells needed for healing.
By damaging these cells, Hydrogen peroxide can impede the natural healing process.
The bubbling and burning sensation can be uncomfortable and may even deter people from cleaning the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
Gently washing the wound with soap and water effectively removes dirt and bacteria.
Rinsing the wound with plain or a saline solution is a safe way to clean it without causing harm to healthy cells.

08/03/2025

Hi All,
Please reach out to Varian Equestrian Center in AG if your horse needs to be taken care of if you have to evacuate. We also have dry camping.
805-664-1401
*feel free to repost

07/15/2025

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