Virginia Equine PLLC

11/01/2024

10/30/2024

10/30/2024

It is our great pleasure to let friends and clients know that Dr. Lindsay Neist is back in the saddle, working a full time appointment schedule. Give the office a call at 804-784-5419 to reserve your horse’s veterinary visit.

10/25/2024

More good work in Williamsburg! Thanks Dr Shawn Devaney!

10/25/2024

Williamsburg area friends: We have clients near you! Because of the distance, we don’t take emergency calls and we recommend you use local veterinary services for routine care, but Dr Laura Patteson Wornom is available for lameness consultations on a regularly pre-scheduled basis.

10/22/2024

A timely reminder about how to best support an animal that has just been rescued!

After an emergency, animals may not have access to food for days at a time. Their bodies respond to this starvation by mobilizing energy stores to meet their needs, but this can cause major fluid and electrolyte abnormalities.

Upon rescuing an animal after a disaster, it may be your immediate instinct to offer them food as soon as possible. However, if these animals are offered free choice feed after being rescued, these imbalances can drastically worsen and result in respiratory, cardiac, and neurologic complications. This group of clinical signs in response to introducing feed after starvation is termed “refeeding syndrome”.

To prevent refeeding syndrome, follow the guidelines outlined in the graphic and be sure to work with a veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation.

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

10/15/2024

We love all our equids. Even so, an important part of being there for our clients is providing either emergency or planned end-of-life euthanasia. A text from one of Dr Laura Patteson Wornoms clients after a colic episode shows both her beautiful gratitude for her veterinarian’s all out effort to save her horse, and the affirmation and comfort our veterinarians offer to our clients when euthanasia becomes the only viable option. Because in addition to the equids — we love our human clients just as much. Photo credit Rashida

10/12/2024

Don’t forget to reapply your horse’s tick protection this fall! They are out in abundance.

To learn more about adult blacklegged ticks and the risk they pose to you and your family, open this link (https://bit.ly/aboutBLTs), then click your region on the map and scroll down to see when these ticks are active in your area.

10/08/2024

Just sharing a little bit of the joy of horses today to lift our hearts and remember why we all do what we do.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/ZJyTc5t6nRE6u66e/?mibextid=jpBbYv

10/07/2024

A hay season must: check your alfalfa, each flake, as you feed it for the presence of blister beetles.

Here is your reminder to check your alfalfa for the presence of blister beetles prior to feeding it to your horses—especially if you feed alfalfa hay from a new or unknown harvesting source.

"The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses," says AAEP member Dr. Benjamin Espy. "As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to a 1100-pound horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident. Even small parts of these beetles are toxic to a horse, and whole insects need not be present to be dangerous. Although cantharidin can exist in the alfalfa used to make pellets and cubes, cantharidin toxicity is very rare by this route. Some people believe that it has to do with the processing, others believe that it’s because the feed companies are using alfalfa from reputable sources that have good insect control."

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. While there is no antidote for the toxin found in blister beetles, your veterinarian may still be able to save your horse by providing supportive care to combat dehydration, help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and delay potential absorption. Since there are many representatives of the species Epicauta, contact your local agricultural agent so they can help you identify any beetle that looks suspicious.

10/03/2024

Virginia Equine Cares! Let’s make a difference! Thanks to our very own Jessie Blackstone Schule and family, personal delivery of needed items to storm survivors is possible but they must come TO THE OFFICE TODAY OR TOMORROW! You can Instacart deliver or Wegmans deliver as well to the practice address at 1994 Shallow Well Road, Manakin-Sabot VA 23103. Water bottles, toilet paper, feminine care
Products, Benadryl, diapers, wipes, snacks and food that does not need to be cooked.

10/01/2024

We are devastated to see the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene that have impacted thousands of people and equines far and wide. Please join The Foundation for the Horse, the AAEP's charitable arm, in aiding the victims of the hurricane with a donation to help those affected.

The Foundation for the Horse works directly with equine veterinarians on the ground to make sure supplies, hay, feed and veterinary care are provided to animals in need.

Pictured is an example of the devasting effects the residents of Hendersonville, NC have suffered during Hurricane Helene.

If you would like to join us in aiding those affected, donate at: https://membership.aaep.org/FFTH/Shared_Content/Donation-Pages/Give-Now.aspx?ItemId=DISASTER_RELIEF&SourceCode=GiveNow&fbclid=IwY2xjawFnmcNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaHxoC1eLyh3A4yhmAjxmWHPmr_MlVVwcEAQlS7eG9dEchYSrXaPsyTwdQ_aem_XLRekJJPklcJ9rVpFvH-Tg

10/01/2024

In a world full of hurricanes, politics, accidents and stress, we present to you: Marley Cummings’ horse.

09/29/2024

A word from Doug: It would seem perfectly understandable for people affected by spinal fractures and paralysis to be angry or depressed because of their medical condition. I am so fortunate to have an army of friends, colleagues, clients and family that have surrounded me with love and support. I’m not sure where I’d be mentally, emotionally and physically without them. It has enabled me to stay positive and work hard toward my recovery. Thank you

09/26/2024

When moms have to work…

09/26/2024

A perfect checklist for your horses fall health. Thanks, AAEP!

"F" IS FOR FALL-CHECKLIST! 🍂🍁

As the cooler weather moves in, now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

Check out this list of essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do list, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse's blankets repaired and waterproofed, securing and storing hay properly, assessing your shelters for safety and soundness, etc.

Note that your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season, so be sure to consult them and discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation. This is also a great opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise programs as well!

09/24/2024

What do you do when you pull up at a farm to do fall shots and see a warning sign about the mini, who is already giving you major side eye??? Dr. Devaney knows! He had some anxious small patients today who typically need sedation before hand. He was able, with some patient kindness, treats and going slow, to get it done! All little pony people got their routine shots done stress-free without sedation for the first time! So happy to help the little anxious ones feel better!

09/23/2024

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the number 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!

09/13/2024

As part of our fall health series, we want to be sure you know about the manufacturers rebates on certain equine health products that are ripe for the picking! See the images above to see if the fall rebates cover products you use. Please note these do not involve Virginia Equine but come straight from the manufacturer, so grab that QR code to obtain.