Nebraska Equine Veterinary Clinic

06/10/2024

Good information to have on hand!

Knowing your horse's normal vital signs is VITAL —pun intended!— to detecting distress and a possible emergency! 🩺

Practice taking your horse's vitals often (T.P.R.: temperature, pulse, respiration rate) so you can get to know what's normal for your equine friends and recognize what is abnormal. If your horse seems a little "off" and his values are outside the normal range, a call to your equine veterinarian is definitely warranted!

The typical ranges for adult horses are as follows:
🌡️Temperature: 99.0-101.5°F
❤️Heart rate: 28-40 beats/minute
🫁Respiration rate: 12-16 breaths/minute

Keep in mid that very hot and humid conditions may cause small variations, so be sure to have a conversation with your horse doctor about what is acceptable and about how to properly assess your horse's vital signs.

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

05/23/2024

In observance of Memorial Day Nebraska Equine will be closed Saturday May 25th and Monday May 27th. As always we are open for emergencies 24/7 at (402) 408-6777. We will reopen Tuesday May 28th at 8am!

05/21/2024

We are having a staff meeting from 10 to 11:30 today and the phones will be going to voicemail! Please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can! Thank you!

05/07/2024

Good ideas for bug season!

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

Good morning! With the tornado and storms that occurred yesterday the clinic is physically fine but currently without power! The phones will stay with the answering service this morning so please be patient with us and we will return your calls!

04/10/2024

Good info for coming into Spring! If your older horse is not shedding properly consider testing for PPID!

03/29/2024

'Tis the season to be hairy (horse owners)!

If, however, you notice that your horse is clinging to their winter coat longer than they should, it might be time to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your horse is 15+.

A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric horses.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping horses with PPID live long, happy lives. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and many horses are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.

03/06/2024

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)? You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease, and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

02/23/2024

02/14/2024

Spring is just around the corner!

02/07/2024

Stay tuned for some exciting new services coming to Nebraska Equine! Several of the doctors participated in a gastroscope clinic earlier this month and had a lot of fun learning to scope stomachs! We will have more information available soon!

01/30/2024

Here's a great example of one way to medicate your horses' eyes! Horses have very strong eyelid muscles so it can be tricky to get them properly medicated!

01/25/2024

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING (A FOAL) 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated — however, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor, to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!

01/16/2024

This is awesome advice from Wilhite & Frees Equine Hospital! Winter in Omaha can be rough but don't forget about your trailer when bad winter weather arises!

When preparing for winter weather with your horse you often consider water access, shelter, blankets, extra hay, or warm grain mashes. Those are all very necessary things but do you consider where you park your trailer? Such a small detail can become a big issue if your trailer is snowed in at the back of the farm and you have an emergency that you need to haul for. Typically, where we park our trailers is where we leave them for the year. It’s a safe spot, out of the way, out of sight, and out of mind. Those places are the most likely to be inaccessible if snow drifts. When inclement weather is likely consider these trailer tips:
❄️ Park your trailer in a spot that you know you will have the most access to safely back up to it and pull out of the driveway.
❄️ Be sure your tires are aired up and assess their quality.
❄️ If you have a stock-type trailer or one with removable plexiglass inserts for window slats, put them in BEFORE you need to use it.
❄️ If ice is covering door latches or your hitch, windshield de-icer in a spray bottle will thaw them safely so that you can open or unlatch.

01/13/2024

Our office will remain closed today due to weather. We are available for emergencies by calling 402-408-6777.

01/12/2024

As a storm threat of freezing rain and snow marches across the U.S. and Canada ❄️🌨🫧🌬, below are some tips for keeping your horses safe during extreme winter weather events:

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source—just more frequently.

2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being locked up in a stall now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure your animals have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well fitting blankets are great but be sure horses do not get sweaty under them or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold, and covered is worse that dry, cold, and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!) to double check.

7. “Trick” your horses into consuming extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water. If you’ve never fed beet pulp before, be sure to add LOTS of warm water. Dry beet pulp is a common source of choke.

8. Tips of ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting a jumper-style ear bonnet or other ear cover can protect them from wind chills.

Stay safe, friends!

01/12/2024

Our office is closed today, January 13th, due to weather. We are still available for emergencies by calling 402-408-6777 and having the answering service connect you with the doctor on call. Please keep in mind travel conditions may cause delays in service.

01/09/2024

Foaling season 2024 has arrived! If you have further questions please contact your veterinarian!

Ready or not, foaling season is upon us! Is your foaling kit stocked and ready to go?

If this is your first foaling or you don’t know where to start, the graphic below lists a few essentials for you to include. Having these items ready in advance will mean less stress and scrambling at the last minute trying to acquire what you need.

As always, your veterinarian is your best source of information. Consult your horse doctor for additional recommendations and for training on how to properly use these tools to assist your mare during and after delivery!

01/03/2024

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.

12/28/2023

A few weeks ago Nebraska Equine hosted our annual sweater weather party! Thank you for everyone who came to join the fun, games, and education! Thank you also to our wonderful sponsors who donated our amazing prizes! We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

12/27/2023

Time to get your party hats on! 2024 is right around the corner! Just a reminder that our office will be closed Monday, January 1st and will reopen Tuesday, January 2nd! As always we are available for emergencies at (402) 408-6777.

12/22/2023

Water remains as important for your horse in cold weather as it is in the summer. As a matter of fact, decreased water consumption in the winter is thought to be the primary inducing factor for impaction colic — although there are other predisposing factors such as poor hay quality, lack of exercise, internal parasites and dental problems.

Impaction colic is essentially constipation and most often includes the accumulation of hard, dry f***l material in the colon. The usual signs of impending impaction colic are depression, a decreased appetite, and decreased production and dryness of manure.

Studies demonstrate that you can increase your horse's winter water consumption if you provide access to heated water, but ONLY if that is the only source of water available. As always, if you have any questions about preventing colic in your horse, your local veterinarian remains your best source of information!

12/19/2023

Christmas is almost here🎄! We will be closed on Monday, December 25th for Christmas Day and we will reopen Tuesday, December 26th at 8am! As always we are available for emergencies 24/7 at (402) 408-6777!

12/12/2023

December is our last month for our float special - don't forget to call our office and make your appointment today!

12/12/2023

If you have a metabolic horse or one prone to founder here are some things to keep in mind!

Check out our latest infographic on deciding whether or not to graze after a fall frost. The infographic was developed by Hannah Lochner, MS, UMN.

For more information on frost concerns and grazing visit: https://extension.umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/horse-pasture-drought-and-frost-concerns

12/06/2023

Tomorrow is the big day! Come join us at Nebraska Equine for fun, games, and learning!

11/30/2023

We're one week away!!

11/29/2023

With Christmas just around the corner foaling season will be here before we know it! If you are planning on taking your mare to foal out at ISU, KSU or CSU this upcoming spring please keep in mind there have been some changes to mare vaccination protocols. Some of these vaccinations require special orders and take time to come in so please be aware of what your mare might need before the start of the year. If you have questions about any of these protocols we recommend reaching out to the individual universities for further directions, however, we are happy to answer any questions regarding ordering and administration of the vaccines!

11/21/2023

Did you know some plants can be toxic to horses?
Red Maple leaves are a huge danger! Wilted leaves, those on the ground, can cause severe illness and death if horses are allowed to eat them. Red Maple causes the red blood cells to be destroyed which leads to a condition called anemia. When there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the vital organs, horses can quickly deteriorate and become ill. One common clinical sign is the presence of red urine. These horses often need supportive care, including blood transfusions. Prognosis often depends on how severe the horse’s clinical signs are when diagnosed. If you have any questions about red maple in your area, please contact your veterinarian!

11/20/2023

Feeling so thankful for everyone who has supported Nebraska Equine this year and in years past! Our office will be closed starting on Thursday 11/23 and will reopen Monday 11/27. As always we are available for emergencies at (402) 408-6777. Enjoy the holidays!