Professional Equine

06/13/2024

One of our favorite things! Inspiring the next generation of veterinarians!

03/22/2024

I have two friends that need a small rental near Woodinville. Both are employed and would be excellent tenants. Let me know if you know of something please!!

01/24/2024

If you haven’t heard of Kataluna Horse Rescue please check out the great things they are doing for horses!

01/11/2024

Rolling right along! If you need an appointment, call the office at 360-794-5409…Dr. Dana is looking forward to getting back to light work and can’t wait see you!

12/05/2023

Nuggets of wisdom from the AAEP conference …
Do NOT put anything caustic on the bottom of your horse’s feet! That means no koppertox, no iodine, no turpentine, no formaldehyde…among many other things. A good rule of thumb is if you would not put it in your own shoe, don’t put it on the hoof!!
Thank you Dr. Scott Morrison!

10/31/2023

Happy halloweefrom the magnificent miracle workers at Professional Equine! Work hard, play hard is our motto !
Please consider donating left over candy for our appearance in the Snohomish Lighted Christmas parade! We will need all we can get to toss off our entry wagon! Our goal is more epic than last year!!!!

10/13/2023

In South Arlington …need a horse hauled to Ellensburg for colic surgery asap…anyone available?

Got it handled and she is in surgery! Pray for Zoe!

09/06/2023

US Equestrian has announced a new microchipping rule that will take effect beginning December 1, 2025. All horses competing in USEF-licensed or -endorsed competitions must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO compliant 11784/11785 chip.

Microchips are radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices that have unique identification numbers that can be read by a hand-held radio frequency scanner. They are small (about the size of a grain of rice), safe, inexpensive forms of permanent identification. A microchip is an asset for reuniting animals with owners after theft, natural disasters, and accidents, as well as for monitoring animal movement, tracing animals during disease outbreaks, and preventing fraud at competitions.

In horses, microchips are usually implanted with a needle and syringe in a ligament on the left side of the neck. The process should be performed, or at least supervised, by a licensed veterinarian.

Learn more in our equine microchips health topic (https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-microchips) and the US Equestrian website press release (https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-introduces-microchip-rule-for).

09/05/2023

This was my Labor Day emergency! This poor donkey got both front seat stuck in a steel sprinkler! You can’t make this crap up! With some good sedation and mad MacGyver skills, The sprinkler was successfully removed and he is back to being his old wonky donkey self! 

09/01/2023

UPDATE: Dakota, the horse that had the bridge accident is doing great! She continues to slough dead skin but is healing and new hair is growing in! She still requires daily nursing care but looks like she will make a full recovery! Thank you for all of the concern and prayers from the fabulous horse community! This rescue definitely took a village!

08/04/2023

If you see something, say something! We can help!

07/20/2023

This was our first c section foal graft! A little more challenging with a foal that has never nursed, but successful!!

05/31/2023

It is the season for laminitis and otherwise sore feet, and Professional Equine can help, so please reach out at 360-794-5409 if your horse is struggling!
We carry every size of soft ride boot and can get your horse comfortable sooner than later. Why wait for shipping when your horse could get help today?

Soft-Ride's patented and interchangeable Gel Orthotic Inserts are the heart of the Soft-Ride gel boots system. Their Gel Orthotics conform to and support the sole of the hoof and the hoof wall on shod and unshod feet, providing unparalleled comfort for your horse!

https://www.softrideboot

Soft-Ride’s patented gel orthotics enable our equine comfort boots to provide superb comfort for your horse.

05/14/2023

Thank goodness for riding season!!!

Attention trail riders!!!
Are you looking for a new and improved boot to protect your horse’s hooves on the rough terrain of the pacific northwest???
Check out the new Trekking Shoe by Equine Fusion. They are easy to put on and handle the tough terrain.
Professional Equine is a proud dealer of these fine boots from Norway.
For questions or to order your own pair of boots contact Professional Equine at 360-794-5409 or email [email protected]
Https://www.eqfusion.com

05/11/2023

This horse had a painful eye! No wonder! We pulled this grass seed head out that was literally stuck on his cornea!!! He is going to heal up and feel so much better in a few days! Please call right away if your horse has a painful eye… You never know what could be brewing in there!

03/09/2023

Oh mylanta! Why do I love this so much!

02/23/2023

Enjoy the windy day!
Love, Chief Fun Officer Milo

02/16/2023

Platinum has some really great information on Gastric and Hindgut health! Follow the link for more information, and results from real Platinum clients!

Platinum Gastric Support includes probiotics for horses to help maintain stomach and hindgut health. Click to learn more about our equine probiotics.

12/31/2022

Full speed into the New Year from the Professional Equine dream team!!!
Bring on a healthy, happy 2023!

12/16/2022

We love to do dentistry! Give us a ring if your horse is in need!

CHEW ON THIS! Another valuable reminder about the importance of having a veterinarian check your horse’s teeth at least once a year, courtesy of AAEP horse doctor .christinestaten:

“Did you know that horses don’t really need their incisors to eat? Yep, even pasture. But if their incisors are a mess, it affects their ability to appropriately grind their food with their molars and pre-molars.

Dental work in horses is not just about floating teeth to get off points. It’s about balancing the mouth so that they can get the most nutrition out of their food without pain.

Shearing hay in the mouth is necessary to get the nutrition out. The guy in the picture was skinny because he could not move his jaw laterally enough to shear his food, but his health and body condition score improved significantly once the incisors were balanced.”

12/12/2022

INFECTIOUS DISEASE ALERT

Dr. Nathan Slovis our infectious disease chairman has been consulting with several of his colleagues in Texas and Louisiana about a PRESUMPTIVE botulism outbreak associated with Hay Cubes manufactured in Colorado.

Both Farms used the same source for the hay cubes.

We have heard that other states that MAY have farms affected as well.

The hay cubes appear to have been contaminated with dead animal carcasses (Images Attached from one of the farms affected that used the hay cubes)

Botulism

Definition/Overview

Botulism is a neuromuscular disease characterized by flaccid paralysis that is caused by neurotoxins produced by strains of Clostridium botulinum. Horses are one of the most susceptible species, with both individual and group outbreaks reported.

Etiology

Clostridium botulinum is a Gram positive, spore forming anaerobic bacterium. Spores are found in the soil throughout most of the world with the distribution of strains dependent on temperature and soil pH. Eight serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin exist and are labeled A, B, C1, C 2 , D, E, F and G, all of which have similar toxicity. There is geographic variation in the predominant serotypes. In North America, botulism in horses is most often caused by type B toxin and less often by toxin types A and C1.

Pathophysiology

There are two main forms of botulism. Toxicoinfectious botulism, also known as ‘shaker-foal syndrome’ occurs almost exclusively foals as a result of overgrowth of C. botulinum in the intestinal tract, followed by production of neurotoxins. The disease most often affects fast growing foals from 1-2 months of age, although cases outside this age range have been seen. The mature, protective gastrointestinal microflora of adult horses typically prevents overgrowth of C. botulinum following ingestion.

In adult horses, botulism occurs following ingestion of pre-formed toxins in feed. Spoiled hay or silage are most commonly implicated in botulism caused by types A and B. Silage with a pH greater than 4.5 is favorable for sporulation and toxin production. This is known as “forage poisoning”. It has also been suggested that birds may be able to carry preformed toxin from carrion to the feed of horses. Type C botulism is associated with ingestion of feed or water contaminated by the carcass of a rodent or other small animal. Less commonly, botulism can occur when neurotoxins are produced in wounds infected with C. botulinum. Proliferation of C. botulinum type B organisms in gastric ulcers, foci of hepatic necrosis, abscesses in the navel or lungs and wounds in skin and muscle have been associated with toxicoinfectious botulism.

The third less common form of botulism is associated with the infection of wounds with C. botulinum

Botulinum neurotoxins bind to presynaptic membranes at neuromuscular junctions, irreversibly blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine resulting in flaccid paralysis. Botulinum neurotoxin has also been linked to equine grass sickness.

Clinical presentation

The clinical picture of symmetrical flaccid paralysis is consistent, with the onset and rate of progression dependent on the amount of toxin that is absorbed. The initial clinical signs include dysphagia with apparent excess salivation, weak eyelid tone, weak tail tone and exercise intolerance. Affected animals also spend increased amounts of time resting due to generalized muscle weakness, which is also associated with tremors, carpal buckling and ataxia. Pharyngeal and lingual paralysis causes marked dysphagia and predisposes to aspiration pneumonia. The affected animals tend to quid their food. Paralysis of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles results in an increased respiratory rate and decreased chest wall expansion. Severely affected animals die from respiratory paralysis and cardiac failure.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses for botulism include viral causes of encephalitis, protozoal causes of encephalomyelitis, and toxic causes of sudden death or neurologic dysfunction.

Diagnosis

Botulism should be suspected in animals with flaccid paralysis displaying the above clinical signs. Botulinum toxin does not affect the central nervous system but does affect the cranial nerves; thus symmetrical cranial nerve deficits in an animal with normal mentation can help differentiate botulism from other disorders. Botulism is often a clinical diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by the mouse inoculation test using serum or gastrointestinal contents. However, horses are extremely sensitive to the toxin and this test is often negative. The traditional mouse bioassay identifies Clostridium botulinum in only about 30% of f***s collected from adult horses with clinical disease. If the toxin is demonstrated with mouse inoculation, the serotype can be determined through inoculation of mice passively protected with different serotypes of antitoxin. Detection of antibody titers in a recovering unvaccinated horse is also evidence for the diagnosis of botulism. Demonstration of spores in the intestine is not diagnostic, as they can be ingested and observed as contaminants.

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) test for the detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins in equine diagnostic samples (F***s or Food Samples) are available. . This assay tends to be more economical, time efficient and sensitive than the traditional mouse bioassay

Management

Immediate treatment with a polyvalent antitoxin prevents binding of the toxin to presynaptic membranes. However, antitoxin cannot reactivate neuromuscular junctions that have already been affected. Thus, antitoxin administration may have little effect in animals that are severely affected. Generally, only one dose (200ml of antiserum to foals (30,000 IU) or 500ml (70,000 IU) to adults of antitoxin is needed and provides passive protection for up to two months.

Antibiotics should be administered if toxicoinfectious botulism is suspected or if here is secondary lesions such as aspiration pneumonia or decubital ulcers. Antibiotics that can cause neuromuscular blockade and possibly exacerbate clinical signs such as aminoglycosides should be avoided and neurostimulants such as neostigmine should not be used. Good nursing care including the provision of a deep bed and a quiet environment are essential. Frequent turning of recumbent animals, nasogastric feeding and fluid support for animals with pharyngeal and lingual paralysis, frequent catheterization of the urinary bladder, application of ophthalmic ointments and ventilatory support may all be required.

If botulism is suspected to have been caused by ingestion of preformed toxin in feed, an alternate feed source should be provided while the origin is investigated. Potentially contaminated feeds.

Prognosis

A survival rate of 88% has been reported in foals with toxicoinfectious botulism that were provided with intensive nursing care (including mechanical ventilation and botulism antitoxin). However, this type of treatment is not available in all areas and is quite expensive. Without aggressive supportive care, the mortality rate is high, with death usually occurring 1-3 days after the onset of clinical signs.

The prognosis is variable in adult horses that have ingested pre-formed toxin, depending on the amount of toxin absorbed and the severity of clinical signs. Mildly affected animals may recover with minimal treatment while severely affected animals that become recumbent have a poor prognosis. The mortality rate has been reported to be as high as 90% in recumbent adult horses, with death occurring within hours of the appearance of signs. In animals that survive, complete recovery is most common. Development of full muscular strength takes weeks to months. Persistent tongue weakness not affecting the ability to eat has been reported.

Prevention

Type B toxoid is available and should be used in areas in which type B botulism is Vaccination is particularly important in areas where neonatal botulism occurs. Widespread vaccination of mares in certain high-risk areas has dramatically decreased the incidence of neonatal botulism. An initial series of three vaccinations a month apart followed by annual boosters has been recommended. Pregnant mares should receive a booster four weeks prior to foaling to ensure adequate antibody levels in colostrum. Type B vaccine only provides protection against type B toxin. There is no cross protection against type C toxin and type C toxoid is not licensed for use in North America.

Silage, haylage and other fermented feeds should not be fed to horses because of the risk of botulism.

REFERENCES

1) Wilkins PA, Palmer JE. Botulism in foals less than 6 months of age: 30 cases (1989‑2002).J Vet Intern Med;(2003);17;5:702‑707



2) Wilkins PA, Palmer JE. Mechanical ventilation in foals with botulism: 9 cases (1989‑2002). J Vet Intern Med;(2003);17;5:708‑712



3) Junaine M. Hunter, DVM, Barton W. Rohrback, VMD, MPH et at. Round Bale Grass Hay: A Risk Factor for Botulism in Horses Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet;(2002);24;2:166‑166



4) Schoenbaum MA, Hall SM, G***k RD, Grant K, Jenny AL, Schiefer TJ, Sciglibaglio P, Whitlock RH. An outbreak of type C botulism in 12 horses and a mule. J Am Vet Med Assoc;(2000);217;3:365‑8



5) S. H. GUDMUNDSSON. Type B botulinum intoxication in horses: case report and literature review. Equine Vet Educ;(1997);9;3:156‑159





6) H. Kinde et al. Clostridium botulinum type‑C intoxication associated with consumption of processed alfalfa hay cubes in horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc;(Sept 15, 1991);199;6:742‑746

10/26/2022

We all know nutrition is the key to good health and longevity!

The extra gorgeous, extra hot and dry summer, coupled with the fires and smoke, then plumetting temps, have left many of our horses needing extra support.

Platinum Performance is a great stepping stone to internal health everyday, it is also great support when their systems are trying to adjust to rapid environmental changes!

Platinum makes it easy to order online, or we can do it for you, and with Direct Dispense, you don't need to worry about running out! Plus you receive free shipping on your first order!

If you have questions, or want assistance ordering, please call the office (360) 794-5409.

10/19/2022

If you are planning to use alfalfa this winter, here is your reminder to check it for the presence of blister beetle 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.

You can read Dr. Espy's article on blister beetle poisoning in full on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/blister-beetle-poisoning

08/18/2022

This is a foot abscess that opened up and drained above the hairline. We put contrast in to determine where the draining tracts were located. Then we flushed it with dilute betadine solution. She is already feeling so much better!

07/28/2022

HOOF ABSCESSES EXPLAINED

Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.
(The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.)

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

Read more about hoof abscesses on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/hoof-abscesses

06/30/2022

Have you been waiting longer than usual for an open appointment with your veterinarian or been unable to access after-hours services for your horse? The shortage of equine veterinarians in the U.S. is likely the cause. Many veterinary practices have too few horse doctors to service all their clients.

Why? Only about 6% of new veterinary graduates annually enter equine practice. After five years, 50% of these young veterinarians leave for small animal practice or quit veterinary medicine altogether. The primary reasons are the personal demands of the profession and equine practice’s lower starting salaries. Many new veterinarians begin their career with more than $200,000 in student loan debt, making an equine position with lower compensation often unthinkable. When financial concerns are combined with the always present demands of emergency coverage, many equine veterinarians choose to leave for a healthier way of life.

The good news is that the AAEP along with private veterinary practices and veterinary schools are addressing the pain points which have led to the current crisis. But the solution is complex and will require the support and collaboration of every person in the equine industry — including horse owners. As we work to improve the profession for current and future veterinarians, you have a huge role to play in the much-needed transformation of equine practice. Horse doctors look forward to working together with you for the good of the horse and the sustainability of veterinary care!

06/23/2022

The days are getting hotter and making sure your horse stays cool is critical. Our friends at The American Association of Equine Practitioners wrote this article to help horse owners handle the heat. Here are a few tips!

🚰 Hydration: On average, horses need at least 5 gallons of water per day for body maintenance.

🥵 Heat Exhaustion: Body temperatures can quickly rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit when exercising in heat and humidity, particularly if sweat isn't evaporating.

☀️ Sun Protection: Long-term ultraviolet (UV) rays exposure can predispose horses with pink skin around their eyes to cancer, so get UV-blocking fly masks for these animals.

🛻 Trailering Safety: The energy they expend is almost equal to walking, so an eight-hour trailer ride is an as much work as an eight-hour trail ride.

🤒 Infectious Disease: Many events involve large numbers of stressed horses in small areas and/or the use of common water sources. These are ideal conditions for disease spread.

🩹 First Aid: Maintain a well-stocked first-aid kit in your barn and trailer and a smaller kit to put in your saddle bag for trail rides.

For more tips on keeping your horse comfortable this summer, follow the link to The American Association of Equine Practitioners website: https://aaep.org/horsehealth/summer-horse-health-tips

06/21/2022

Welcome Summer!

Happy first day of Summer! ’Tis the season for longer days at the barn, fun in the sun with your horse (remember to keep both of you hydrated!) and also, unfortunately, for a plethora of insects that become more active and numerous with the warmer temperatures.

Besides being very irritating, some of these bugs can spread infection and disease to your horse (and, in some cases, to you as well). Therefore, a very smart strategy is to control the problem before it gets out of hand, and minimize populations from the beginning.

The attached infographic contains some suggestions to get you started. Please keep in mind that there are many variations of these suggested programs that will still meet the same goals and follow the same principles.

If you’re interested in reading more about external parasites and vector control, comprehensive guidelines are available on our website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/external-parasite-and-vector-control-guidelines. As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and recommendations suitable for your horse’s specific situation!

06/19/2022

Once again we were honored to be a part of the miracle…

06/18/2022

We sure appreciate our clients and love assisting you with your Equine and other family members ❤️

Today is Veterinary Appreciation Day! Join us in celebrating all the veterinary professionals that help our animals (especially our horses) live long, happy and healthy lives.

If you are looking for ways to say “thank you” to your veterinary team, there are plenty of options — like delivering fresh coffee and treats, leaving a paws-itive online review, or writing a thank you note. You could even Google a fun craft project to make a personalized gift! However, it’s very possible that the best way to thank your horse doctors and equine vet techs is to make their job easier. Some small things can make the biggest difference, like being understanding if the vet is running late; making sure your horse is caught and groomed before the arrival of the veterinarian; training your horse to be well-behaved during the visit; following the veterinarian’s advice and keeping an open line of communication so problems can be addressed quickly, etc.

No matter how you choose to say thank you today, there is no doubt you will brighten your vet team’s day!