Skillman Veterinary Services

11/17/2025

Have you ever noticed tiny yellow or white specs on your horse?

Those are Bot fly eggs! 🪰

Bot flies are most common in late summer and early fall, laying eggs on a horse’s legs, chest, manes and muzzle. When horses lick or groom these areas, the eggs are ingested and the larvae attach to the stomach lining.

During gastroscopic exams for ulcers, veterinarians often find bots present in the stomach, highlighting their impact on digestive health.

Tips for prevention:
• Groom horses daily to remove eggs
• Use fly control measures like sprays and masks
• Administer dewormers like ivermectin or moxidectin after bot season
• Schedule regular veterinary checkups

Early attention keeps your horse comfortable, reduces gastric irritation and helps prevent complications from bots. Read more about bot flies here: https://skillmanvet.com/2025/11/understanding-bot-flies/

11/17/2025

Don’t forget about our medication sale! 💸

Now until the end of November.

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 💊 Save 15% off all medications throughout the entire month of November!

It’s the perfect time to stock up on essentials for your horse’s medicine cabinet. Valid through November 30th and open to Skillman Veterinary Services clients only.

Submit your prescription refill request here:
https://skillmanvet.com/prescription-refill-request/ or call our office at (317) 829-6530

11/13/2025

Equine veterinarians see a lot of eye issues in horses and even small problems can become serious quickly!

Common equine eye diseases include
• Corneal ulcers: painful scratches or trauma to the eye surface
• Conjunctivitis: irritation or infection of the eyelid lining (“pink eye”)
• Uveitis: recurrent inner eye inflammation, a leading cause of blindness
• Cataracts: cloudiness of the lens that impairs vision
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: the most common eye-related cancer in horses

Any squinting, tearing, redness, swelling, cloudiness, or unusual discharge should be treated as urgent. Equine eye problems can deteriorate in hours, not days - Call your vet!

Read more about equine eye conditions here: https://skillmanvet.com/2025/11/eye-diseases/

11/12/2025

Struggling with an overweight or insulin-resistant horse?

Metabolic challenges can increase the risk of laminitis, reduce performance and make weight loss a battle.

Platinum Metabolic Advanced Care helps to support healthy insulin response, balanced blood glucose and overall metabolic function. Natural ingredients like white mulberry leaf extract with prebiotics and postbiotics can be a valuable for horses needing additional metabolic support, alongside a proper diet and exercise program.

For free shipping, call our clinic to order directly or call Platinum Performance with code NKM!

https://www.platinumperformance.com/platinum-metabolic-advanced-care/EMACP.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqyp3UT8RhUYCzkRfIfGLFqtfeO5gFk_KruUaL9T-lNhM8PM4Pr

11/11/2025

With respect, honor, and gratitude, THANK YOU veterans and active-duty military members for your service and sacrifice!

11/10/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞 💊 Save 15% off all medications throughout the entire month of November!

It’s the perfect time to stock up on essentials for your horse’s medicine cabinet. Valid through November 30th and open to Skillman Veterinary Services clients only.

Submit your prescription refill request here:
https://skillmanvet.com/prescription-refill-request/ or call our office at (317) 829-6530

11/07/2025

⭐ Had a great visit with Skillman Veterinary Services?
Leave us a glowing review and get 5% off your next visit!

https://share.google/1wjpT6pP8enjo437i

11/06/2025

11/04/2025

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 🛫🐘🧊
Even the most dedicated veterinarians need time to rest and recharge. Recently, our two doctors took some much-needed time away from the clinic to do just that.

Dr. Skillman traveled to Iceland, where she explored the country’s landscapes and had the unique experience of riding Icelandic ponies. Dr. Harris journeyed to Africa, where she went on safari and witnessed some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife.

Welcome back, Dr. Skillman and Dr. Harris! We’re glad to have you home!

11/01/2025

𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 + 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 ✨🦃

We offer after-hours emergency care for our established clients, including weekend coverage through our trusted local veterinary partners, so your horse always has access to quality care.

Emergency services are available to horses that are current SVS clients and have had a non-emergency visit within the last 12 months.

https://skillmanvet.com/

10/31/2025

𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

This month’s newsletter is packed with valuable updates and insights from your veterinarians. You’ll find guidance on equine feeding instructions, details on our upcoming November Medication 15% Off Sale, information about the new USEF microchip requirements and more!

Read the October issue here: ⬇️
https://mailchi.mp/694be901f31e/newsletter_skillman_vet-18251836

10/30/2025

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF THE MARE'S REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE:

Did you know mares have a unique breeding season? They are “seasonally polyestrous,” meaning they have multiple cycles but are able to get pregnant only during certain months—usually spring and summer, when days are longer. Their reproductive cycle is about 21 days long, with a few days of “heat” (estrus) when they are receptive to a stallion. Signs of heat include tail raising, urinating, and “winking” of the v***a.

During this time, an egg is released from the o***y and can be fertilized by a stallion’s s***m, leading to pregnancy. Good planning, working with your veterinarian, and understanding your mare’s cycle are key to a successful breeding season!

For more details about your mare’s reproductive system and health, always consult your veterinarian.