Sunrise Equine Veterinary Services

06/13/2024

Please be patient with us going forward, we have a few doctors in and out with injuries as well as a very full schedule. We are booking out into July for non-urgent appointments and it would be greatly appreciated if you, as our wonderful clients, could help us in being open to further out bookings and rescheduling if we call you with that option! We very much appreciate your support and understanding🐴

05/17/2024

Ti's the season! That beautiful green grass can wreck havoc on your horses so just a reminder to be mindful of any horses that may be at risk 🐴

Laminitis is a common, but extremely painful disease affecting the horse's feet. The sooner treatment for laminitis begins, the better the horse's chance of recovery. Familiarize yourself with the causes, signs and symptoms so you can prevent your horse from experiencing irreparable damage and unnecessary pain.
https://aaep.org/horsehealth/laminitis-prevention-treatment?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=American%20Association%20of%20Equine%20Practitioners

05/14/2024

The ticks are out and ready to cause disease!! Anaplasmosis is the most common tick born disease we see in equine practice.

Anaplasmosis commonly causes fever, lethargy, decreased appetite and occasionally limb swelling in horses. Symptoms usually occur 7-10 days after the horse has been bit by a tick.

This condition is diagnosed by physical exam findings, bloodwork, and a blood smear where a white blood cell abnormality known as a morula may be seen.

Tick prevention such as topical application of products like Equi-Spot and daily removal of ticks can help prevent a tick from transmitting the disease to a horse through its bite.

Anaplasmosis is treatable condition. If your horse becomes lethargic or has a sudden fever (101.5 F +) please contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination!

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there of both the two-legged and four-legged variety❤️

05/11/2024

UPDATE: She is home safe and sound! Thank you all for your help in sharing the post!

One of our patients has unfortunately gotten out of her pasture this afternoon. Please keep an eye out for her and help us locate this beloved family member!
She is a 2 year old Chestnut mare with a star and white on all 4 legs! She has a wound on her left hind that may be wrapped as well.

She was last seen NorthEast of Redwing Ave near Shafer, MN.

Please contact 651-472-6800 with any sightings!

04/12/2024

: 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

04/04/2024

We still have Coggins Clinics coming up with availability!

This Saturday April 6th from 11am-1 pm NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED but if you know you are going for sure you can call the clinic to let us know and we can complete your paperwork for you in order to get you in and out quickly 😊

The next two are Monday April 8th and Thursday April 11th. Both from 4:30pm-6:00pm. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Where: Sunrise Equine Vet Clinic 39318 Poor Farm Road North Branch MN 55056

What: Coggins/Vaccines/Vitamin E Testing all at a discounted rate

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

03/28/2024

Consider adding a F***l Egg Count (FEC) to your spring appointment! 💩

Did you know?

The most common parasites of adult horses cause very little stress on the nutritional status of a horse. Just because a horse looks good from the outside, it does not mean it should not to be checked for internal parasites—as a matter of fact, it is not uncommon for the horse with the best coat and highest body condition score in the herd to also have the highest F***l Egg Count (FEC)!

If your horse has access to pasture, you should assume the animal is exposed to parasites. This spring, talk with your veterinarian to establish a dewormer plan tailored to your horse’s situation that includes at least 1-2 dewormer treatments per year and FEC examinations to monitor treatment efficacy and parasite egg shedding status of individual horses.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

03/25/2024

🔹We’re excited to add Zycosan to our list of FDA approved injectable joint supplements.

🔹Our horses do a lot for us, and overtime the wear and tear they place on their joints can lead to osteoarthritis.

🔹Feed through joint supplements tend to have poor oral absorption, which is why we recommend injectable products such as Adequan, Legend, and Zycosan.

🔹Each product works in a slightly different ways, yet they have similar desired effects including;
- reduction of inflammation
- joint lubrication
- support of cartilage

🔹Take a preventative approach to your horse’s joint health this year. Ask your vet about injectable joint supplements and how they may benefit your horse!

03/22/2024

Don’t let Mother Nature trick you… riding season is right around the corner 🐎

Our First Coggins Clinic (Northern Clinic) is being held tomorrow!!! If you know you are going for sure please call us today so we can complete your paperwork for you in order to get you in and out quickly 😊 It is not required to call ahead so you are welcome to attend regardless!

When: Saturday March 23rd 11:00-1:00

Where: Double F Arena 35736 Hinckley Road Hinckley, MN 55037

What: Coggins/Vaccines/Vitamin E Testing all at a discounted rate

03/14/2024

Here’s some great information about hoof abscesses!

UNDERSTANDING HOOF ABSCESSES
Sooner or later (and especially at this time of year), nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean? The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

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.

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.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

03/06/2024

Spring is here! 🌻🌸 at least in the office it is 📞

Things are starting to ramp up for all of us here as newsletters are starting to hit people's mailboxes. We're looking forward to caring for all of your horse's and seeing everyone again! That being said here are some tips to help us- help you.

● When calling to set up an appointment, if we do not answer please leave a message. We will return your call as soon as we are able too. We will not forget about you!
● Please try to have as much info as possible for us when calling to set up your appointment. We are always happy to answer questions however!
● If you have a question or concern for the doctor please allow us time to address those with the appropriate doctor. We try to always get those taken care of ASAP but the doctors are also busy with appointments and sometimes we hardly have time to talk to them.
● When you need meds refilled please give us adequate amount of time to fill those before you stop in. Always call ahead to make sure we have plenty in stock before heading over- we'd hate for you to waste a trip!
● When the time comes for us to visit your farm for your spring care we ask that you please have your horse's caught and ready when the doctor arrives. This helps us see as many horse's as we can in one day. 🐴

Thank you to all our wonderful clients for your patience and understanding 🙏 Happy Spring 🤩

02/29/2024

Sand colic is caused by the accumulation of sandy sediment in the gastrointestinal tract, usually found in the large intestine of the horse. Horses usually will ingest sand along with their normal feed (grass or hay) when fed on the ground. Sand colic can affect any age or breed of horse.

The accumulation of sand can cause irritation of the intestinal lining, which can present as a variety of signs ranging from f***l water syndrome to colic or abdominal pain. Some common colic signs include inappetence, rolling, or looking at sides. If a very large amount is accumulated, an impaction or obstruction of the large intestine can occur. If left untreated this can progress to a point where surgery is necessary to fully empty the large intestine.

Diagnosis involves floating f***l material to find if sand present. This is done by collecting f***s and adding water (usually done in a re**al sleeve) and manipulating to find any particles. See picture below!

Most cases, when diagnosed early are treated with oral fluids and a laxative. The most common product used is Psyllium, which works by stimulating motility and clumping the sand to allow easier passage.

Prognosis for sand colic that is diagnosed early and treated appropriately is very good.

Prevention is key! Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of sand accumulation:
- Never feed hay directly on sandy surface: a few ways to get around this include feeding in troughs/buckets or placing mats under any feeding structure
- Feed a good meal prior to placing horse on sandy environment or provide enrichment toys to discourage ingesting sand
- Give pastures good rest to ensure horses are not overgrazing and grabbing sandy roots

If your horse is in a sandy environment there would likely be a benefit from feeding psyllium. Our recommendation would be to feed a psyllium product (like SandClear) for one week every month! Although it may not seem necessary in cold months, we do not have as much snow coverage this year so sand is still readily available in pastures/dry lots!
Please call with any questions!

02/19/2024

Does your horse have sufficient vitamin E? 🌾

Vitamin E is a key component in neuromuscular health. The best source of vitamin E is in fresh forage, and we see a lot of low or deficient horses in Minnesota due to lack of pasture for multiple months of the year. This can be exacerbated in drought years where pasture quality is poor and fresh forage access is limited. Additionally, many horses are kept on dry lots due to obesity and metabolic concerns.

Symptoms can include muscle soreness, weakness, and in severe cases neurologic symptoms. Testing is the best way to determine if your horse has sufficient serum vitamin E levels and allows us to track their level overtime if treatment is indicated.

Often for acute neuromuscular concerns, we will reach for the natural form (d-alpha-tocopherol) of vitamin E which comes in liquid formulations. Emcelle, Nano-E, Elevate, are the three most commonly used products. For maintenance, synthetic vitamin E formulations can be used (powder/ pellet) keeping in mind that it takes much longer to increase serum levels with the synthetic vs. natural formulations.

To increase awareness of vitamin E deficiency, we are offering testing at a discounted rate during our haul in coggins clinics.

Coggins clinic dates are;
-Saturday, April 6th 11-1pm
-Monday, April 8th 4:30-6pm
-Thursday, April 11th 4:30-6pm

Please contact the office for more information!

02/14/2024

Happy Valentines Day! We 💕 caring for your horses and are excited to announce our Coggins Clinic dates for the spring.

This year, we are adding the option of vitamin E testing along with routine vaccinations, coggins testing, and f***l egg counts at a discounted rate. Stay tuned for more information on vitamin E and it’s importance to your horse’s health.

Coggins Clinic Dates (@ Sunrise Equine in North Branch):
1) Saturday, April 6th 2024 11am - 1pm
** No appointment needed, but calling ahead is preferred to speed up the process **

2) Monday, April 8th 2024 4:30pm - 6pm
** By appointment only**

3) Thursday, April 11th 2024 4:30pm - 6pm
** By appointment only**

Coggins Clinic Date (@ Double F Arena in Hinkley)
1) Saturday, March 23rd 2024 11am - 1pm
** No appointment needed, but calling ahead is preferred to speed up the process **

Please call the office for more information and scheduling. Don’t miss this opportunity to give your horse great care at a reduced price! 💕

02/01/2024

💉🩸The annual coggins test

It's a requirement to transport across state lines, participate in horse shows, and keep a horse at a boarding facility - but do you know what we are testing for?

A Coggins test is a blood test used to check for antibodies for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). EIA is a potentially fatal blood borne pathogen that causes life long infection. Clinical signs may include; fever, limb swelling, weight loss, progressive weakness, small hemorrhages on mucous membranes, and anemia.

Biting flies are the most common vector that spreads this disease. There is no vaccination or treatment of this condition, and therefore positive horses must either be euthanized or remain in lifelong quarantine.

We recommend a Coggins test for all horses, not just those that travel. Even if your horse doesn’t leave the property, they may be exposed to biting insects that can spread this disease from other horses and performing Coggins testing each year can help control disease outbreaks.

01/22/2024

As we prepare for Spring and our Routine Care Days, here is some information to consider regarding vaccinations for your horses!

Core vaccinations should be given annually to all horses. Core vaccines include;
- Tetanus
- West Nile Virus (WNV)
- Eastern/ Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
- Rabies

Risk based vaccinations should be administered based on the horse's anticipated risk. Risk based vaccinations include;
- Strangles
- Equine Influenza (Flu) + Equine Herpesvirus (Rhino)
- Potomac Horse Fever
- Leptospirosis

Foals, weanlings, or previously unvaccinated adult horses often require vaccination boosters.

The vaccinations we offer include;
- 4 way ( EEE/WEE/WNV/Tetanus)
- 5 way (EEE/WEE/Tetanus, Flu/Rhino)
- 6 way (EEE/WEE/WNV/Tetanus, Flu/Rhino)
- Rabies
- Rabies + Potomac Horse Fever
- Potomac Horse Fever
- Strangles (intranasal)
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme (canine vaccination)

Find the full list of vaccination recommendations from the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines

01/19/2024

Tired of the cold? 🥶 Let’s think spring 🌺 There’s nothing wrong with dreaming of those warm sunny days to come! While you’re all cooped up it’s a great time to get your springtime routine care scheduled! Take a look at the info and call to schedule your appointment for a 50% discount on the farm call!!!

01/17/2024

🦷 Does your horse show any of these signs? If so, a dental exam is recommended! Take advantage of our dental special until the end of February. Our dental special includes no haul in fee to our heated facility. 🔥

Call the office during business hours to make an appointment. Our dental special concludes February 29th! 🦷

DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUIDDITCH AND QUIDDING IN HORSES?

The first means your horse is a very athletically-inclined wizard or witch (SO many mare jokes here, but I digress); the latter means your horse is dropping slimy clumps of hay on the ground because they have a chewing malfunction, and it’s time to have your veterinarian check your equine friend's teeth!

Equine dentistry is much more than just floating teeth. Though most people think dentistry is primarily concerned with the teeth and mouth, it also includes the associated structures of the head – for instance the sinuses – and the effect of dental diseases on the health of the rest of the body.

All horses should have a veterinary oral and dental examination at least annually. For horses 2-5 years, over 20 years, and those with known dental pathology, more frequent visits may be necessary. Decisions regarding specific frequency of visits should be based on the individual needs of the horse.

Dental disease is a serious source of pain and infection — to the point where it can affect the systemic health of your horse, especially if undetected or left untreated. Contact your horse doctor to discuss a dental examination for your horse, and prevent more painful and costly problems later!
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01/09/2024

Our first big cold snap is coming this weekend. Here’s a few tips to keep your horses hydrated! 💦

Weather change can be a stressful event that affects your horse's water intake. Decreased water consumption can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of impaction colic.

💧 Studies show horses will consume more water when warmed. Please make sure your tanks are not frozen and your horse has free choice access to water.

🧂 Adding table salt to your horses feed can help maintain sodium levels and increase thirst. 2 tablespoons can be used for an average 1000lb horse.

🥣 Offering your horse a warm mash (feed mixed with warm water) can also help to add water to the diet. Bran mashes, although rich in fiber, don’t provide much nutritional benefit and when given too often can lead to mineral imbalances and gastrointestinal upset. Instead, you can add warm water to your horse’s normal pelleted feed to create a mash.

Another product we like is Purina RepleniMash which has electrolytes in it to promote hydration. Please keep in mind that this product should be used in moderation with horses that have metabolic concerns due to the higher starch/ sugar content.

Hydration is key! Stay warm this weekend, and keep your horses drinking! ❄️

01/05/2024

Are you prepared for an equine emergency?

There's no secret - horses are accident prone. Unfortunately we can’t wrap them in bubble wrap or keep them locked in a padded stall, but we can be prepared by having a well stocked first kit. Not all injuries can be managed by the horse owner alone, but having emergency supplies on hand can help you to stabilize an injury until your veterinarian can arrive.

First Aid Kit ($170) includes:
- Re**al thermometer
- Stethoscope
- Latex gloves
- Weight tape
- Antiseptic solution for washing/ disinfecting a wound
- Syringes
- Bandage scissors
- Antiseptic wound cream
- Non stick sterile wound pads
- Vet wrap
- Elastikon
- Duct tape
- Cotton roll
- Gamgee cotton roll
- Gauze rolls
- NeoPolyBac ophthalmic ointment

Call the office today to order a first aid kit!

01/03/2024

A great reminder to get your horse’s mouth checked annually or if any issues arise! This owner noted her mare chewing oddly for a few days and that she was very sensitive on the left side of her face when palpated. We opened up her mouth and found this… a slab fracture off a tooth was going into her cheek mucosa causing several large ulcerations.
We removed the fracture and floated the remainder of her mouth- she should be feeling much better now!
This is a great time to take part in our dental special where the office fee is waived when you bring your horse INTO the clinic for a float!

*Pictures posted with owner permission*

12/09/2023

Some good reminders coming into the winter weather for our donkey friends!

Baby it’s cold outside! ❄️⛄️

Many people think of donkeys as hardy, low-maintenance “small horses.” However, while they have similarities, donkeys are a completely different species and as such have a different physical, mental, and emotional make-up.

As the weather gets colder, it’s important to remember that donkeys are more sensitive to changes in temperature than their equine friends. They don’t grow a winter coat like horses and their hair is less waterproof, so they require shelter from the elements (like a run-in shed or a waterproof blanket). Being stoic animals, they also won’t show signs of discomfort and hypothermia until they are very sick.

Remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed, and other health conditions, so be sure with your primary veterinarian to address any concerns or questions!
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

11/21/2023

🦃 Thanksgiving Schedule 🦃
The clinic will be closed starting Thursday November 23rd and we will be back open Monday November 27th. We will as always be open and available 24/7 throughout the holiday for emergencies. Just call the main clinic number and press 1 to be transfered.

That being said, if you're needing medications before the long weekend please call today to get them picked up either today or Wednesday. We do have an after hours pickup option at the clinic if that works better for people's schedules.

11/15/2023

Seems we are having a bit of trouble with phone service on our emergency line- please be sure to CALL and TEXT the emergency line tonight to be sure we get your message!

10/13/2023

Edit: we're fully back up and running 🏃‍♀️🤗

Happy Friday the 13th! The clinic is currently without power 🫣 please hold off on calling unless urgent until we get this sorted out. Thank you for your patience and understanding! 🙌

10/12/2023

Seasonal pasture myopathy is a serious, often fatal, condition caused by ingestion of box elder seeds in the horse. Symptoms may include; stiffness, difficulty standing or walking, rapid breathing, and excreting dark urine. Check your pastures 🌿

10/04/2023

While it’s a common equine emergency, espophageal obstruction (“choke”) can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occur when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses