Skillman Veterinary Services

01/30/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: 𝗔 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿

As temperatures drop, the risk of barn fires rises dramatically. Winter brings unique challenges for horse owners and barn managers, making fire safety a critical focus during this time of year. However, barn fire prevention should be a year-round commitment.

01/28/2025

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝟐𝟎% 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐥-𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜! 🦷 NOW through February 28th, 2025

Dental health plays a crucial role in your horse’s overall well-being and performance. Common signs of dental issues include dropping feed, weight loss, behavioral challenges and bit discomfort. Annual dental exams and corrective floating are essential to maintaining your horse's comfort and health.

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
• Comprehensive Oral Exam
• Routine and Corrective Floating

This promotion applies only to haul-in clinic services and excludes mobile on-farm appointments. Don’t miss this opportunity to save 20% while giving your horse the care they deserve. Call us today at (317) 829-6530 to schedule your appointment!

01/28/2025

01/24/2025

Though we wish our horse doctors could be there for our equine friends in any emergency, the reality is that our horses' primary veterinarian cannot be available 24/7 and still juggle the needs of their own personal lives, health and happiness.

The most significant pain point for many veterinarians is caring for their clients during regular business hours and then also being on call for emergencies after hours. For single-doctor or small practices, this traditionally has been the case most nights of the week.

However, private veterinary practices and veterinary schools have more recently focused on developing new models for emergency care which ease the strain on individual practitioners. This includes the growth of emergency cooperatives where two or more practices in a geographic area work together to share after-hours care, as well as more emergency-only practices and the use of tele-triage services to address client concerns after normal business hours.

As equine veterinarians reevaluate what after-hours care looks like for their practices, the support of their clients is critical to creating a balance that works for both parties. If your horse doctor talks with you about changes in how after-hours care is delivered, we hope you’ll welcome the adjustments. This evolution of emergency care must take place in order for equine veterinarians to avoid burnout and continue to be at their best to treat all of your equine friends.

01/22/2025

A few pointers to help keep your senior horses in tip-top shape! 🐴👍🏻

It’s not uncommon to find horses and ponies living well into their 20s and 30s, thanks to continuous advances in nutrition and health care.

Horse owners have a big impact as well and can help their horses thrive in their golden years through proper management practices like those illustrated in the graphic. But remember, although there is much you can do on your own to keep your older horse happy and spry, some conditions associated with aging require medical intervention.

Scheduling regular visits and keeping a good line of communication with your veterinarian will allow you to respond quickly to any ailments or injuries that could cause your horse a serious or prolonged set back. That means less worry for you, and a better quality of life for your old friend!

01/21/2025

The grind never stops at Skillman Veterinary Services…

Our wonderful team is out on farm calls today, braving the 2-degree weather and providing top notch care to our patients. 💙☃️ We appreciate the staff and veterinarians who are willing to lay on the layers!

01/21/2025

To blanket or not to blanket?

Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether your horse needs a blanket during the winter months depends on many factors such as their coat, the weather and their living situation.​

01/15/2025

Your veterinarian’s job is to keep your horse healthy, but you can make the process smoother by being prepared!

• Have an adequate facility: Ensure your horse is in a safe, well-lit, and accessible area for evaluation and treatment. Clear, level footing and shelter from weather are ideal.

• Communicate clearly: Provide accurate details about your horse’s condition, history, and behavior. Clear, concise communication helps your vet diagnose and treat effectively.

• Stay involved: Follow instructions and ask questions when needed to ensure your horse’s care stays on track.

🐴🩺Check out these helpful AAEP infographics for more tips. Working together ensures the best care for your horse!

01/13/2025

We’re here to help! Consult with Skillman Veterinary Services to prepare for the birth and post-delivery care of your mare and foal. ✨🐴

01/08/2025

🐴❄️In the cold weather, it's essential to adjust your horse’s diet to meet their increased energy needs. Here are some key tips:

• Increase Forage: Ensure your horse has access to high-quality hay, and increase intake to support energy needs. Horses need hay in front of them a minimum of 18 hours each day.

• Hay Testing: Not all hay is equal! Have your hay tested to ensure it’s providing the right nutrients. Contact us to arrange a hay analysis.

• Adjust Grain: Some horses may need additional grain for extra calories, especially those in heavy work or underweight.

• Feeding Directions: Provide vitamins and minerals, particularly if your horse’s diet is hay-based. Make sure you are following the feeding directions on the bag. If you aren’t sure, check with us.

• Water: Ensure access to clean, unfrozen water at all times to prevent dehydration.

For more details on winterizing your horse’s diet, visit: https://skillmanvet.com/2025/01/equine-winter-nutrition-adjusting-diets-for-cold-weather/

If you need help with hay testing or diet adjustments, reach out to us today!

01/06/2025

A 30-year-old horse in Eaton County, Michigan, recently tested positive for strangles, and 15 horses are exposed.

01/06/2025

The first snow of 2025 has turned Skillman Veterinary Services into a winter wonderland. ❄️✨🐴

We’re open until 3:00 PM today for medication/supply pick-ups and available for emergencies!

⬇️ 📸 Drop a photo in the comments of your animals enjoying the winter weather.

01/03/2025

As blanket season is in full force upon us, here is a very important reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:

"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture."

01/02/2025

✨🐴We're excited to share our latest newsletter! In this issue, you'll find:

• Highlights from 2024
• Winter horse care tips
• Helpful breeding information
• And much more!

Stay informed and connected—read our December newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/341baa34ccec/fall-svs-18244560

01/01/2025

Hello, 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣! We've had a great year of growth, milestones and continued dedication to our equine community. We're grateful for your support and look forward to another year of outstanding care!

12/30/2024

❄️ ❄️ ❄️ Winter weather is coming and it can make equine emergencies even more challenging... While severe winter storms are rare in Indiana, it’s important to stay prepared!

• Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and assess the situation carefully.
• Contact Us: Call your vet immediately for guidance.
• Prepare Ahead: Keep a stocked first-aid kit and clear access to barns and driveways in case of an emergency.

Reach out to SVS if you have any concerns or need an equine first aid kit! Your horse’s safety is our priority, no matter the season. 🌨️