Country Care Equine Veterinary Services, P.A.

10/24/2025

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious neurologic disease in horses caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system. Most cases are due to Sarcocystis neurona, but Neospora hughesi can also be responsible.

EPM is tricky to diagnose because its signs can mimic other health problems and range from mild to severe. Some of the common signs include incoordination, muscle atrophy (especially along the topline or hindquarters), abnormal gait, and weakness. It can also cause cranial nerve damage (facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing), behavioral changes, and even seizures.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of recovery.

If you'd like addition information about EPM, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/EPM

10/21/2025

10/18/2025

10/16/2025

Happy Thursday! We loved seeing all of the participation and responses on Tuesday's post! Here's the answer to the TRUE or FALSE question:

You may have heard the blanket statement that first-cutting grass hay is poor quality, and second cutting is the best.

The truth is that quality depends on several factors, and any cutting of grass hay can be high or low quality regardless of if it was a first or second cutting.

Quality depends on:

Stage of maturity: The more mature the plant, the lower its energy content and the more stemmy and indigestible it becomes.

Type of grass: Different grasses (warm vs. cool season types) vary in nutrient content.

Presence of w**ds or mold: Both reduce hay quality.

Geographic location: Determines how many cuttings are possible and the length of the growing season. Typically, two cuttings, sometimes three, for grass hay.

First Cutting:
First-cuttings happens early in spring, when frequent rain can delay harvest. This delay allows plants to mature, resulting in more fiber, fewer nutrients, and a higher chance of w**ds or mold. Early-season w**ds are more common since they haven’t yet been outcompeted by grasses.

Second Cutting:
Second cutting usually occurs 6–8 weeks later. Fields typically have fewer w**ds, and mixed fields often contain more legumes at this time of year, increasing nutrient content.

Quality Varies:
Any cutting can produce high or low-quality grass hay. Weather, timing, and management determine quality, not just which cutting it is. Perfectly timed, w**d and mold-free first-cuttings can be excellent, while poorly handled second-cutting can be low quality.

Matching Hay to Horses:
Lower-nutrient first-cuttings can be ideal for easy keepers or horses prone to obesity. Nutrient-dense second cuttings can suit performance horses with higher energy needs. Your equine veterinarian is a great resource to advise which types of hay will be best for your particular horse's needs.

Ultimately, you can't accurately make a blanket statement saying first-cutting grass hay is poor quality and second cutting is best. The only way to know quality for sure is through a hay analysis.

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

10/15/2025

I think by far Titan’s head is the largest I have ever used my speculum on. 🫣
We love working with these gentle giants trying to provide them the medical care they need to get the second chance they deserve. ♥️

Its tongue out Tuesday for Titan 🧡
Dental - ✔️
Feet - ✔️
Dewormed -✔️
10000% GOOD BOY

10/08/2025

How can you help? Wellll we REALLY need your help!

$80 gives someone a pedicure (hoof trim)
$65 buys a dose of Prestige -5 way vaccine
$12 buys dewormer
$50 buys amazing hay for 1 month for 1 horse
$500 buys badly needed dental care (teeth floating procedure with sedation) this is for 4-5 horses that are due
Doc is having eye surgery on the 14th. We dont know what thats going to cost yet.

We have a big vet visit on the 14th and REALLY need your support. We took in these beauties who need the prep care for winter to set them up for success to find homes! We ask if you are unable to financially contribute that you like, comment and share. This helps generate new eyes and new followers!

We also have an Amazon wishlist. Huckleberry would like as many treats as he can get before the 14th, hes not here for a long time... but he's here for a good time 💕

Ways YOU can help!!!
Like, comment and share!
Monetary donations

Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/Secondchancedrafts

Paypal: - new account coming soon pending our 501c3.

cash or check. Made payable to Second Chance Drafts. 5093 Hummingbird Road Braham, MN 55006

Amazon wishlist
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1V3UAMEU1JTZR?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ggr-subnav-share_RWD2WMX08XHT8WD5R35T_1&language=en-USWays

09/09/2025

Equine endocrine disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) feature some striking clinical similarities, most notably a predisposition to the development of chronic laminitis. However, the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case.

This graphic describes some key differences to be aware of between the two diseases.

If you have questions or concerns about your horse in regard to EMS or PPID, contact your veterinarian so that they may further evaluate them.

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

09/09/2025

As we approach the start of fall and the temperatures start to drop, here is some important information to know regarding fall laminitis.

Fall laminitis refers to cases of laminitis or founder that occur in the autumnal months. Although laminitis can happen in any season, anecdotally there seems to be an uptick in the number of cases in the fall.

Why could this be?

• As the days get shorter and colder, grasses have been shown to respond to this stress with higher sugar concentrations. Diets with higher simple sugar concentrations may increase the risk of laminitis.

• Decreases in exercise may cause increases in body condition. Fat or obese horses are at risk of developing laminitis.

• Horses naturally have increased levels of certain hormones in the fall. If you have a horse with PPID (previously referred to as equine Cushing’s), the increase in their cortisol levels could put them at risk for laminitis.

If you have questions concerning fall laminitis or are concerned that your equine companion may be at an increased risk, contact your equine veterinarian so that they can properly evaluate your unique situation.

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

09/03/2025

Here's an interesting comparison between human and equine anatomy from our friends at Barrow Veterinary Service:

"Did you know that horses are actually walking on the tips of their fingers and toes? 🐎👣

This diagram shows how the horse’s leg bones compare to ours. What looks like a single strong hoof is really the distal phalanx (or coffin bone) – the same bone that makes up the tip of your finger! The long and short pastern bones above it help absorb concussion, while the cannon bone provides strength and support.

Over time, horses evolved to lose most of their “extra toes” (shown in gray on the left). What remains is a highly efficient structure designed for speed, weight-bearing, and shock absorption.

Understanding this anatomy is one reason hoof care and regular farrier/veterinary visits are so important. Any imbalance or injury in these bones can affect the entire limb and your horse’s comfort.

So next time you watch your horse gallop, remember – they’re essentially running on a single finger, protected by a hoof! 💨🐴"

07/27/2025

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in. The swelling will be extreme, hot, very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your equine practitioner will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.