Dunbarton Equine

07/30/2024

Dunbarton Equine joins Fairfield Equine Associates

Dear valued Dunbarton Equine clients,
I have been so grateful to care for our wonderful patients and clients since 2003. With your support over the last 21 years, our business has grown beyond my expectations.
Recently, I was presented with the opportunity to join the group at Fairfield Equine. While I recognize this is a major change for everyone involved with the practice, it also seems like the move will provide the ideal partnership between my desire to continue to fulfill our practice mission to provide quality, compassionate care day and night, and the need for greater balance to ensure our clientele receives the kind of care they have come to expect. Know my highest priority continues to be high quality care provided in a timely way. It is my belief this transition will not only carry these priorities forward but will enhance them.

It is without hesitation that I write to inform you of my decision to join forces with Fairfield Equine as of August 1, 2024.

I have always thrived in a collaborative, team environment and I am excited for the knowledge I will be able to share as well as gain with my new colleagues. This change will also allow for our mission to flourish, with the added benefit of access to more doctors with varying backgrounds, specialties and strengths.

Many of my current team members will be moving over to this new partnership, bringing familiar faces and voices. You can expect to continue to hear Michele Dion’s voice on the phone supporting you part time Tuesday through Saturday along with Clarisse Stradtman and Allison Hamilton on the road. As some of you may know, Dr. Wilford has decided to switch gears to the practice of companion animal medicine. Dr. Lauren Browne has a young family that she is devoted to and Dr. Krista Zahn has chosen to follow other pursuits. I wish them all the very best! Our team is so much like a family and although change is difficult, we will forever cherish the people that we have worked with and supported us along this journey.

Moving forward your invoices and contact will be with Fairfield Equine. If you have a balance prior to August 1st, 2024, you will continue to receive billing from Dunbarton Equine for that portion and any questions regarding that time frame should be directed to [email protected].
All of your medical records will be merged with the Fairfield Equine system allowing for seamless review of previous history as well as continued care for chronic conditions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Contact Fairfield Equine at (203) 270-3600 or email: [email protected] to make an appointment.
Please find us at fairfieldequine.com and follow us on Facebook at fairfielddvm/
We look forward to many more years caring for your equine veterinary needs.
Sincerely,

Ron Gaeta, DVM

07/27/2024

07/24/2024

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.

07/19/2024

07/12/2024

The summer heat and sun won't be letting up any time soon, so make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays. ☀️

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your horse protected this summer.

07/09/2024

It's National Farriers Week! Let's celebrate the hard work that our farriers put in daily to partner with equine veterinarians and ensure the health and well-being of our horses. Proper hoof care is essential for a sound and happy horse, so it goes without saying that a skilled farrier is both a necessity and a tremendous asset.

Don't forget to give a shoutout to your farriers this week and show them your appreciation for their dedication to their craft!

07/05/2024

Should you be concerned if your donkey stops eating?

While any animal not eating is a worry, donkeys can face serious health risks if they go off their feed for too long. Here's why: donkeys efficiently convert food to energy, making them prone to obesity and increased fat stores. If they stop eating for a while, their bodies break down stored fat quickly which creates high levels of triglycerides in the blood. When triglyceride concentrations within the blood get too high, they are deposited into the liver causing damage and in severe cases, even life-threatening liver failure. This condition is called hyperlipemia.

How you can help: Hyperlipemia can result secondary to primary illness (ex. colic), stressful situations, or an increase in the body's nutritional requirements. Maintaining donkeys at a healthy weight, performing appropriate metabolic testing and care, and ensuring immediate veterinary care when they stop eating can help prevent this condition from starting.

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

06/13/2024

06/12/2024

What measures have you taken to reduce fire risks in your barn? 🧯

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2024 there have been 16,940 reported wildfires in the U.S. to date. As we head into the hottest time of the year, make sure your farm has a fire prevention plan and an evacuation strategy in place to keep both horses and people safe.

Check out the graphic for ten fire prevention measures to get you started on the right track to a safer facility. This list is not meant to be exhaustive and we invite you to contact your local fire department and your veterinarian for guidance on designing a prevention and response plan tailored to your specific situation.

Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more horses than any other type of disaster, so being prepared is only in your best interest!

06/11/2024

"Cool" hot weather tips! ☀️

The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to walk until they are completely cooled off is a myth. A 2020 study found that out of the five methods tested, the quickest way to return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application. This doesn't mean that you should abruptly stop exercise—finish your ride or training session with a slow walk to allow your horse's heart rate and breathing to gradually return to normal, but after that your sweaty, hardworking horse should be offered a cool shower and drinking water (small but frequent amounts) without delay.

Overall, enjoy your summer rides but be aware of signs of heat stress in your horse. When heat and humidity soar, even moderate exercise can push your equine friend's body temperature beyond safe limits! Be sure to contact your veterinarian for more information about heat stroke and for recommendations tailored to your horse's individual situation.
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Information brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

06/10/2024

As many areas of the country face heightened allergy challenges, it's crucial to stay informed about effective treatments for equine asthma and similar respiratory issues. PulseVet is here to help with innovative solutions!

We're excited to share a groundbreaking study by Dr. Beau Whitaker, DVM, CERP, and the team at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Salado, TX. Their article, “The Use of Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage,” highlights how shock wave therapy can be a game-changer in managing and treating these conditions.

👉 Dive into the full article and discover how PulseVet can support your equine companions during allergy season: https://bit.ly/3RCnxYH

05/28/2024

05/24/2024

05/08/2024

Respiratory health is essential to horse performance, yet it's often under-appreciated or misunderstood. The equine respiratory system is much different than the human’s and it has some limitations, to the point where even a little bit of inflammation or obstruction anywhere in the respiratory tract has a big impact on your horse's performance.

Conditions on the equine asthma spectrum have different manifestations and degrees of severity, so much so you may not even recognize that your equine friend's poor performance issues are related to respiratory health. For example, "feeling heavy,” lack of energy, and slow recovery times are all symptoms that could indicate a condition in the milder end of the equine asthma spectrum.

Reducing dust in the horse’s environment (including bacteria, endotoxins, mites, mold, and fungal spores) is the priority when it comes to both prevention and treatment. Some sources of respirable dust are very predictable (e.g., hay), but things like chickens or chemical spray on nearby fields are also among the many possibilities that could trigger an allergic respiratory response in a horse.

Identifying asthma triggers requires veterinarians and owners to work together, so be sure to consult your veterinarian to learn more about improving your horse’s environment and respiratory health!

05/02/2024

BUG SEASON IS HERE!

Besides being very irritating, it's important to remember that some of these insects can spread infection and disease to your horse (and, in some cases, to you as well). Therefore, a 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.

As always, reach out to your veterinarian for recommendations suitable for your horse’s specific situation!

04/27/2024

Cosequin Cove Defender CCI4*

04/26/2024

The horses have all passed inspection for the Kentucky Invitational CSI4* at the Defender CCI 5*. Good luck to all!!!

04/25/2024

04/23/2024

This Day, join the call to celebrate our planet and the incredible horses we share it with! As scientists, veterinarians certainly understand the importance of sustainable practices that benefit the well-being of horses their people while minimizing environmental impact.

The infographic lists some easy ways you can be a eco-conscious horse owner. Do you have tips of your own? Share them in the comments!

04/20/2024

04/19/2024

✨𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗖✨⁣
This must be one of the groom’s worst nightmares. To know and care for a horse since he was born, see him turn into a super star showjumper, witness him proving that to the whole world at one of the biggest stages in the world, and then see him pass away in an instance and way too early.⁣
Devastating…⁣
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Our thoughts are with groom Pepe Rodriguez, rider Jill Humphrey, breeder and owner KC Branscomb, and everyone who loved and cared for Chromatic after his tragic passing at the Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Riyadh.⁣
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📷 FEI & KC Branscomb

04/14/2024

To ALL the amazing Horses we've had the privilege to be around - THANK YOU! Please Like and Share and feel free to post the name of your favorite Horse and...

04/13/2024

: Unlike humans, horses don’t have collarbones. Their shoulders are held to the rest of their skeleton via a sling of muscles and ligaments instead, often referred to as the “thoracic sling.”

Why is this important? We often ask our equine athletes to perform complex movements that require tremendous strength and coordination, and horses carry the majority of their weight in their front end. Therefore, it is imperative that the bulk of the muscles that support the front end are kept healthy and conditioned, and the horse is trained to use their “motor” — that is, engaging the large hind end muscles as much as possible to avoid excessive weight bearing on the front end.

If the front end of the horse is consistently overweighted or not at an appropriate level of fitness, repetitive biomechanical stresses get transferred down the leg to the smaller ligaments and tendons that were not designed to bear this weight, which can then lead to injury.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

04/11/2024

Say hello to the Paris 2024 U.S. Jumping Olympic Short List. 🥖🇺🇸

The following athletes have been selected for continued observation ahead of team selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games:

🔹Karl Cook (Rancho Sante Fe, Calif.)
🔹Natalie Dean (Palo Alto, Calif.)
🔹Katie Dinan (Wellington, Fla.)
🔹Kent Farrington (Wellington, Fla.)
🔹Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.)
🔹Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.)
🔹Callie Schott (Wellington, Fla.)
🔹Jessica Springsteen (Los Angeles, Calif.)
🔹Aaron Vale (Williston, Fla.)
🔹McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.)

04/05/2024

Hitting the road with your horse, either for pleasure or for business/competition?

Most horse owners know that a negative Coggins test is a must-have for crossing state lines or entering competitions (or even boarding at someone's barn). But let’s not forget that even homebodies need it!

A "Coggins" is a blood test that checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a serious blood-borne disease. EIA is transmitted by biting flies, particularly horseflies, so your horse is at risk even it never leaves the property or lives in a closed herd.

The clinical signs of the disease can vary dramatically, from an acute infection to an inapparent form that presents mild to no symptoms. No treatment or vaccine exist for EIA at the moment, and infected horses become lifelong carriers. Therefore, to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t take place, horses that test positive for EIA must be quarantined and isolated for the rest of their life or humanely euthanized.

Get your horse tested annually, regardless of travel plans. To learn more about EIA, consult your veterinarian or visit our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-infectious-anemia

04/03/2024

Did you know that thirty years ago, Show Jumping Hall of Famer Michael Matz (class of 2005) and Rhum IV won the 1994 American Invitational, which traditionally was held in the Tampa football stadium to close out the Florida Sunshine Circuit (later called the Winter Equestrian Festival)?

The Invitational had been one of the few major titles that had eluded Matz since its origins in 1973. Not only was Rhum IV a hero that day, but two years later, he and Matz were part of the US Team that won silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

brought to you by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

04/03/2024

Remember when your parents used to tell you to wait 30 minutes after eating before going for a swim? Unlike us, horses can actually benefit from eating forage before they exercise, as it may help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.

While a variety of things can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers (medications, diet, stress, etc.), one train of thought is that these areas of irritation result as a consequence of the acid of the stomach splashing against unprotected parts of the stomach lining. When a horse eats forage, the hay can help absorb some of that acid and thus reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

It is important to note that a forage meal (one comprised of hay or grass) provides the most benefit, while eating large volumes of concentrate feeds (such as oats, corn, or other cereal grains) can actually increase the amount of acid within the stomach.

As always, please be sure to consult with your vet regarding further diagnostics and treatments if you have concerns that your horse may have gastric ulcers.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee