Northern Lights Veterinary Service

09/04/2024

We will be in the Eastern UP on Monday September 9th if you need advanced lameness or dentistry care for your horse. Contact the office to get on the schedule!

09/03/2024

Heading into fall is a great time to schedule your annual herd/flock exam. We require a yearly wellness exam for your herd/flock to prescribe medications and to guarantee emergency service. Have us out to see your goats/sheep/llamas/alpacas/pigs/cattle and we can help with parasite control and vaccine planning.

08/30/2024

We are closed Monday for routine appointments. Phone calls and emails will be returned Tuesday. If you have an emergency, please call and leave a message and we will call you back. If you don’t hear back from us, try texting or emailing as cell service can be spotty up here!

08/28/2024

Office hours are limited this week. We have the office phone with us but you may need to leave a message if we are in the middle of a farm call.

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day! Eleanor likes to help on the farm and in the office. Share your favorite dogs in the comments with us!

08/22/2024

08/22/2024

Reminder that until September 6th, there is a $20 discount for dental floats to get everyone ready for fall!

08/19/2024

There have been confirmed cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Strangles (Strep equi equi) downstate in Michigan in the last few weeks. There have been confirmed cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the population of birds in Delta County. This is the time of year that mosquito-borne diseases pop up most.

We are recommending boosting your EWT/WNV vaccines this fall if they received them more than 6 months ago. So if you had your spring visit before late April, you may want to booster your EWT/WNV, especially if we have a late start to winter. This is also a reminder to practice good biosecurity and disinfection after coming into contact with other horses or at shows.

08/16/2024

Even as summer winds down, ticks are still out in droves. We have seen a huge increase in Lyme cases recently.

Clinical signs to be on the lookout for are lameness, fever, lethargy, swollen or sore joints, increased skin sensitivity, changes in behavior and general malaise.

As in most cases, prevention is cheaper and easier than treatment! Things you can do as an owner include applying tick and flying insect repellent and prevention with the Lyme vaccine.

The Lyme vaccine is a dog vaccine used off label in horses that can help lessen the severity of clinical signs of Lyme in horses. Though it may not completely prevent Lyme disease, the vaccine may mean the difference between profound lameness and slight aloofness.

Lyme testing can be done through a simple blood test!

Should you observe any of these clinical signs, please let us know and we can work together to get your horse back to their usual self.

08/14/2024

The office will be closed from 11:30-2 today for a staff meeting. Please leave a voicemail or email with any questions. We have someone available for emergencies so please leave a voicemail as they will be monitored and someone will return your call.

08/12/2024

Pardon the mess! They are working on the floors for the next couple weeks. Please come to the right side of the building entrance for appointments and medication pick ups!

08/09/2024

Did you know we offer laser therapy? Laser can speed healing, decrease inflammation, and increase the metabolism of the cell’s functions.

08/08/2024

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting Michigan’s first case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a domestic animal for 2024.

The disease was detected in a Standardbred filly from Van Buren County; the horse was unvaccinated against EEE. This case highlights the importance for all Michiganders to take precautions to protect their animals and themselves from mosquito bites.

“While this is the first case of EEE detected this season, other mosquito-borne diseases have been discovered throughout Michigan, including one human case of West Nile virus,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “These detections clearly indicate disease is circulating in the state’s mosquito population, making it crucial to protect animals and people against these insects. Preventing mosquito bites will prevent mosquito-borne diseases.”

EEE is a zoonotic, viral disease transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes to both animals and people. Cases of the disease are typically seen in late summer to early fall each year in Michigan. Mosquito-borne diseases, like EEE, are not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact.

This year in Michigan, while there are no additional detections of EEE in animals or humans, West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in 48 mosquito pools, 12 wild birds, and one human.

To prevent the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases in horses and other animals, owners can:
💉Talk to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE, WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases. We are monitoring the need to booster this fall if you are currently up to date.
💦Eliminate standing water—i.e., fill in puddles, repair eaves, and change the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
🦟Place livestock in a barn under fans (as mosquitoes are not strong flyers) and pets inside the home during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
🦟Use an insect repellant on animals that is approved for the species.
👩‍⚕️Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.

08/03/2024

Dental discount - Save $20 per horse on dental work that occurs during August! Call to schedule during business hours!

08/02/2024

This should be an amazing webinar about disaster preparedness!

On Aug. 8, join AAEP member veterinarians Dr. Elizabeth Gorrell and Dr. Chelsea Folmar for a one-hour webinar discussing the essentials of disaster preparation. Whether it's tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, or wildfires, learn to plan with confidence and ensure you and your animals are ready for any emergency.

Registration is FREE but required; AAEP members will receive an email with a Zoom registration link on 8/1, so be sure to check your inbox if you missed it.

Attendees are also encouraged to submit their questions in advance through the registration form. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

Register here: https://aaep-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OjyrhJK7RrOsV5LFljMxxg #/registration

07/30/2024

Is your performance horse struggling with slower times, roaring, or EIPH (bleeding into the lungs with heavy exertion)? We can evaluate their upper airway including pharynx, epiglottis, sinuses, and guttural pouches with upper airway endoscopy. Our high definition endoscope allows you to see in real time what is going on in the airway at rest.

07/29/2024

Dr. Hannah loves crafting anesthetic protocols- check out her recent safely snoozing patients!

We perform routine large animal castrations, enucleation (eye removal) and laceration repairs on the farm.

07/26/2024

Why do horses get stomach ulcers? It is a mixture of environment, diet, and stress!

https://www.facebook.com/AAEPHorseDocs/posts/pfbid0K96DBKwDmZZ5bnbwfdrHjheqAzrgCKJJE8R8m41XWKabhD5Go95jYfRbWLgbMGael?rdid=070xFRRna7TXQSX7

HOW AND WHY DO HORSES GET ULCERS?

Equine gastric ulcers can affect any horse of any age. Up to 90% of racehorses and 60% of show horses, as well as non-performance horses and even foals are affected by equine gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers result from the erosion of the stomach lining due to a prolonged exposure to the normal acid present in the stomach.

Unlike ulcers in humans, bacteria do not appear to cause equine gastric ulcers. Instead, this condition is often a man-made disease. Stall confinement alone can lead to the development of ulcers. A horse’s feeding schedule and high-grain diets can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

Stress, both environmental and physical, can increase the likelihood of ulcers, as can hauling, training, and mixing groups of horses. Strenuous exercise can decrease the emptying of the stomach as well as the blood flow, thus further contributing to the problem.

The treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers is directed at removing these predisposing factors, therefore decreasing acid production within the horse’s stomach. Prevention of ulcers is the key in helping your horse, as neutralizing the production of stomach acid is nature’s best antacid.

Please note that the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through a gastroscopy. An equine veterinarian should always be consulted in any case of suspected gastric ulcers to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse.

07/25/2024

Throwback to last month when Dr. Lara presented to a local Pony Club. We love educating the next generation of horse owners!

07/24/2024

Do you know your local veterinarians? Here at Northern Lights Veterinary Service, we have TWO that are ready to take care of you 365 days a year. We are accepting new large animal clients!

Your local veterinarians are best equipped to handle your regular veterinary needs like vaccines and health certificates as well as emergencies and advanced care including lameness exams, joint injections, and dentistry.

07/19/2024

FriYAY! Bute paste is back in stock!! Call the office if you need to pick some up.

07/16/2024

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible to allow others waiting for appointments to be seen.

Cancellation policy reminder: appointments canceled within 48 hours of scheduled appointments may incur a cancellation fee.

07/15/2024

Stomach ulcers! Check out these severe pyloric ulcers we identified on a gastroscopy! Stomach ulcers affect approximately 60% of performance horses, 90% of race horses, and 30% of adult horses in general. Foals and young horses may also be affected.

Causes: Increased stomach acidity associated with stress, illness, exercise, changes in housing, and interactions with other horses.

Signs in adults: Attitude/behavioral change, poor athletic performance, poor coat quality, poor appetite/body condition, or colic/abdominal pain

Signs in foals: poor nursing, grinding teeth, excessive salivation, diarrhea, lying down more

Detection: The only reliable method of diagnosis is endoscopy. We have the ONLY equine gastroscope in the Upper Peninsula - the next closest is in Hortonville, WI or Traverse City.

Treatment: The goal is to reduce the level of acidity. Left untreated, ulcers can lead to reflux, perforations in the stomach, and delayed gastric emptying.

If you suspect your horse has gastric ulcers, call us to schedule an endoscopy appointment today!

07/10/2024

Thankful for farriers this week! “No hoof, no horse” and we see it every day. Do something special for your farrier the next time you see them.

07/09/2024

We will be in the eastern UP on the 12th if you need any care. Please call the office today to schedule.

07/02/2024

Office hour updates! This week the office will be closed Wednesday except for medication pick up from noon-1:30pm and CLOSED Thursday for the holiday. We are available by phone and for emergencies through the office building closure. Normal office hours on Friday.

07/01/2024

Friendly reminder on how you can help keep your horse calm during 4th of July fireworks.

🐴 Keep your routine as consistent as possible. Sometimes moving the horses to a different location or separating them from the herd can cause just as much fear.

🏡 If you plan to move your horses to a different location (or inside the barn), give them about a week to acclimate to the new surroundings.

👀 Check your paddock or stalls for possible issues, including uneven ground, sharp edges, and broken boards to try and limit potential injuries.

🎶 If your horse is housed inside, try playing soothing music or turn on fans to help drown out the noise from fireworks.

🌾 Try using a slow-feeder to divert the horse’s attention.

🎧 Some horses will tolerate ear plugs that can help reduce noise.

❌ Do not try to comfort your horse during the fireworks. It will be safer for you and your horse if you are not inside the paddock or stall.

👏 Start desensitizing your horse to loud noises. It might not help for this year, but may help in the future.

👩‍⚕️ If necessary, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of a sedative. Keep in mind some of these products may be prohibited at some shows.

06/26/2024

The office will be closed for medication pick ups until noon today, June 26th. We will be available by phone in the meantime.

06/25/2024

Did you know we see different species of food animals in addition to horses?
What is a food animal?
Goats, sheep, bees, pigs, poultry, and cattle.

There are government regulations you have to follow with any animal being raised for meat or animal products. Make sure you are up to date on these regulations when raising your food animals. All antibiotics are prescription-only now since 2022.
Schedule your animal herd health exam with us via phone or email.

06/21/2024

Foals are sensitive creatures. Foals should have an exam within 24 hours of birth and an IgG test to identify any issues early!