Wilhite & Frees Equine Hospital

08/23/2024

🌟🏇 Horse Barn Air Quality: Why It Matters for Your Equine Friends 🌟🏇

Keeping your horse barn’s air quality in top shape is crucial for the health and well-being of your horses! 🌬️🐴 Good air quality helps prevent respiratory issues (acute and chronic), reduces dust and allergens, and creates a more comfortable environment for your equine pals.

Here are a few tips to ensure your barn’s air stays fresh and clean:

Dust Control: Using a leaf blower is an effecient way to clean a barn aisle but it can cause large amounts of dust and debris to blow through the air. Try to blow out the aisle when horses are turned out or be sure to shut them out of their stalls to eliminate breathing in dust. Consider using dust control products for your arena, especially indoor arenas near stalls.

Ventilation is Key: Ensure your barn is well-ventilated to promote airflow and reduce moisture buildup. Proper ventilation helps minimize dust and ammonia levels.

Regular Cleaning: Keep stalls and the entire barn area clean and dry. Regularly remove soiled bedding and manure to prevent the buildup of harmful particles.

High-Quality Bedding: Use absorbent bedding materials that control moisture and dust.

Monitor Humidity: Maintain a balance in humidity levels to prevent mold growth and other respiratory irritants.

Share your tips and tricks for maintaining excellent air quality in your barn below! 🌟🐎✨

08/16/2024

Have you ever been told to not allow a hot, sweaty horse to drink cold water because it could lead to colic, founder or tie up?

This notion is actually a myth, and a dangerous one too, because it could lead to dehydration and very serious (and real) consequences. A sweaty, hardworking horse needs to be rehydrated without delay (i.e. don’t wait for the horse to cool down first).

The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time — because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. A horse’s daily water requirements are influenced by many factors, but the average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day. That amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at all times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/.../offering-a-horse-water...

08/15/2024

10 whole years of Sydney at Wilhite and Frees

Today I was able to celebrate a decade of working at WFEH. Everyone made it so special with coffee, flowers, balloons, a Photo Booth (complete with Sydney-isms as props 😂), breakfast, and thoughtful gifts. 10 years is a long time to do anything. Statistically, 10 years is a very long time to be in one place in the veterinary medical industry. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to join this team. The landscape has changed some over the years but having supportive bosses and a team that believes in me and appreciates me is something that never has. I am so thankful for the friendships I have made and the incredible clients and their horses I have been able to help. So here is to (at least) 10 more! Thank you ALL for the last decade.
❤️-Sydney

08/01/2024

We have several Ragwort species in Missouri. As pastures are getting more dry and eaten down later in the summer, it is important to walk turnout areas and identify any weeds to eradicate toxic plants. Google lens is a great help in identifying plant species!

07/27/2024

There are so many cool stories this year for Team USA, but if this one doesn’t tug at your heart strings. ❤️🥹

07/26/2024

Heat stroke in horses, let’s talk about it. A general formula to assess if it is safe to ride is to add the temperature (F) to the humidity (%).
Below 130 = Most horses can thermoregulate
Over 150 = Hard for most horses to keep cool, may affect the horse’s ability to sweat
Over 180 = High risk – horses are unable to cool themselves properly, dangerous conditions

Special precautions need to be taken for horses with metabolic syndrome, anhidrosis, or other challenges that may affect their ability to thermoregulate.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion in horses if you are planning to ride. You can learn more here: https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/preventing-heat-stress-in-horses-8351

This week was a doozy, next week will be worse. What are your tricks for keeping your horse safe before, during, and after rides in the heat?

07/25/2024

We are grateful to work with all of the people and horses who make up the Kansas City Dressage Society! Thank you for the spotlight!!

07/22/2024

Monday morning vibes 😴🥱

07/19/2024

Making a plan prior to an emergency helps gets your horse the care they need quickly. If you don’t have a trailer or a friend with one, the KC area is lucky to have several reputable local haulers.

07/18/2024

Bethany is off to be a wildcat! Please congratulate our assistant Bethany on starting vet school at KSU this fall. She has moved to Manhattan and we already miss her so much but we are beyond proud of her for following her dreams. Her story is a special one and needs to be told, so we will share it with you.

Bethany reached out last year looking for a job. She had worked in small animal medicine but was looking for more experience before applying to vet school. With no equine medicine experience and little horse handling experience she put in the work to learn. Bethany worked on and off the clock to sharpen her skills and learn everything she could. She became an incredible asset to our team over the past year and ultimately got offers to vet school from KSU and MU! There is no doubt that Bethany will be a fantastic veterinarian and one that is what this world needs more of.

Too often in veterinary medicine, candidates are overlooked when filling positions due to “lack of experience”. But if we are going to be proactive about the staffing crisis in vet med, especially equine then we cannot gate keep when people are willing to pursue a career in this industry. Bethany exceeded all expectations and it is disheartening to think that anyone in a position like hers might be turned away. Our practice hasn’t felt the staffing crisis that other practices describe. By hiring kind, smart, hardworking people we have curated the best team. Don’t be afraid to train someone, everyone starts somewhere and if you water the garden it will grow. Go Bethany and go Cats! 💜

07/16/2024

Is it “Tractor Tuesday” if you wear your very cool tractor halter to your appointment today? ❤️

07/03/2024

Tips to remember this 4th of July with your horse! 💥👇🏼

• If possible, talk to your neighbors and local display shows to find out times and days they will be setting off fireworks near you.
• Stick to your horse’s normal routine as much as possible. If they are used to being stabled then staying in their stall is usually a safe option. Using a fan and/or a radio in the barn as a sort of white noise can help to keep them calm.
• If your horse will be turned out or isn’t used to being stalled ensure that their pasture is clear from any potentially harmful objects. Check all fences to be sure they are in proper working order.
• If leaving town be sure that you have arranged an experienced caretaker and that they aware of the amount of fireworks around your property and how your horse reacts.
• If you know that your horse will be stressed and could harm themselves or others plan ahead! Talk with your veterinarian to decide what medications or strategies could help your horse to cope with the event. It is better to have the tools you need and not use them, than to have a crisis and be unprepared. WFEH clients can call the clinic to discuss medication options.
• Avoid riding at times when fireworks are expected.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day from Wilhite and Frees Equine Hospital! We will be available for emergency only on July 4th and resume normal office hours on July 5th. 🇺🇸 🐴 ❤️

06/29/2024

Thank you doesn’t always have to be said out loud. We and our patients 🫶🏼 Dr. Trahan.

06/20/2024

If we could sum our week up in one photo! Allergies, insects, dermatitis, asthma OH MY! The heat and humidity finally made it here and the bugs have as well. We have seen a number of horses struggling with skin issues and respiratory issues due to this. Is your horse experiencing the same problems? We can help!

06/11/2024

🔥Be sure to provide access to plenty of fresh clean water, salt, and shade with maximum air flow.
🔥 Feeding grain mashes like Purina RepleniMash are great ways to increase hydration.
🔥If you intend on using fans and have not already this year, make sure they are cleaned off and working properly before leaving them on in the barn.
🔥Horses with PPID/Metabolic disorder and asthma are the ones that can struggle the most in hot, humid weather. Ensure your horse is body clipped if necessary to allow them to cool efficiently.

Kansas City’s first heat wave of the summer is about to roll in.

05/28/2024

Part of the crew was able to celebrate our technician Mia and her new husband, Dakota over the weekend. Thanks for giving us a reason to get out of khakis and polos, Mia!

05/27/2024

Remembering all of the fallen heroes this Memorial Day. Below is a portion of the poem “Dumb Heroes” by T.A. Girling:
They are shelling on Hell Fire Corner,
There’s shrapnel just burst in the Square,
And their bullets drum as the transports come
With the food for the soldiers there.
 
The halt till the shelling is over,
The rush through the line of fire,
The glowing light in the dead of night,
And the terrible sights in the mire.
 
It’s the daily work of the horses
And they answer the spur and rein,
With quickened breath, ‘mid the toll of death,
Through the mud, and the holes, and rain.
 
There’s a fresh treated wound in the chestnut, The black mare’s neck has a mark,
The brown mule’s new mate won’t keep the same gait
As the one killed last night in the dark.
 
And they walk with the spirit of heroes,
They care not for medals or cross,
But for duty alone, into perils unknown,
They go, never counting their loss.
 
There’s a swift painless death for the hopeless,
With a grave in a shell-hole or field,
There’s a hospital base for the casualty case,
And a Vet for those easily healed.

05/04/2024

It’s Derby Day! How are you celebrating the 150th Kentucky Derby and who is your pick to win?

05/03/2024

While we are equine only, we often get calls for small animal needs that are urgent when owners are just looking for someone who can help. AcuteVet is located in Overland Park, KS and is like a small animal urgent care. This is an incredible resource for anyone with pets so be sure to like their page.

AcuteVet is proud to be privately owned by Dr. Carrie Cowan and Dr. Chris Hansen. As a privately owned clinic, our doctors and staff will have the ability to customize the diagnostic and treatment plan to specifically meet your pets needs, all while providing top-notch customer service with a personal touch. We look forward to being ready and available to help you and your pets beginning in March 2024. Be sure to follow our page to learn more about AcuteVet and for updates on construction progress and anticipated opening date.

05/01/2024

Please help us wish Laura a happy 9 year anniversary with our hospital! We could go on all day about how important she is to our practice. She is the wrangler of ponies, the runner of errands, the behind the scenes queen. From the surgery suite, to in house duties, to appointments on the road she is an MVP. She keeps this hospital ticking and is always looking for efficient ways to do things. They don’t make them like her every day! Thank you Lb, for your years of service and care to our patients and their owners. You are an incredible teammate and we are so grateful to you. 🫶🏼

04/30/2024

We are grateful for everyday that we get to work with Ed! He’s so talented and an incredible resource for our hospital. All of us that have him on our team are lucky! 🍀

Today we have a Spotlight on one of our KCDS Bronze Sponsors!

Ed Reardon, Farrier, APF CJ

KCDS Communications Chair, Sara McConnell, recently spoke to Ed. Here is their conversation:

Farriers are so important to our horse industry. It is nice to know Ed doesn’t think of being a farrier as “just a job.”

⭐️ Why do you feel the need to sponsor KCDS?

I want to promote the Dressage horse. I want youth in the future to be able to learn this discipline.

⭐️ How long have you been a member of KCDS?

I’ve been a member since 2005. I have had great members as clients.

⭐️ Tell us how long you have been a farrier.

I have been a farrier for 54 years. My favorite horse to work on are the great sport horses. I have never felt being a farrier is a job. After many years I still learn something every day. We are very fortunate in the KC area to have so many talented farriers.

KCDS appreciates Ed being a new bronze sponsor in 2024! 🙌🏼 If you see him at your barn, please give him a big THANK YOU!

Be sure to thank your own farrier too! It takes a team to help our horses be their best!

04/27/2024

It’s World Veterinary Day! We can’t think of a better way to spend it than with the next generation of equine vets. In a world that has been living in fear for the future of equine medicine, you should know that the future is bright. These students took their own Saturday to travel from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma to get hands on experience at our wet lab, Doing Common Things Uncommonly Well: Dental Radiographs, Lameness, Ophthalmology, and Colic Ultrasounds. Organizations like VET - Veterinarians Encouraging and Teaching is doing crucial work to influence our industry in a positive way. We are so grateful for this experience. Thank you to each student that came, to V.E.T., to the event sponsors, our Dr Taylor Johnson for orchestrating this event, and to our own veterinarians and technicians for their time teaching today!

04/19/2024

“Harness your foals” is the new “hold your horses”. Happy Friday!

04/13/2024

When you are a 275 lb mini but somehow lost 1200 lbs of hair during your spring clip! 😂

With highs reaching the 80’s this weekend it is time to consider body clipping for health and safety reasons. Even when managed on Prascend, some horses with PPID or Cushings, can struggle to shed their coats properly and a hot day can cause them to overheat wearing a full winter coat. It’s always easier to add layers (a sheet or light blanket) in Spring weather when a day is cool than to body clip your entire horse (little miniature or not) when it’s already hot. Plus it’s always fun to find out what they look like under all that hair! 😍 Drop your horse’s impressive body clip photos in the comments below!

04/12/2024

The Prascend rebates are BACK!! We know how much everyone with horses on this drug appreciate the rebates. Available now through Nov 30, 2024 when you purchase from 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡.

04/06/2024

Featured today in How Do You Manage: Sydney and her horse Gunner! As horse owners, we are always interested in how others care for their herd and the products they like. We are starting by highlighting our staff members’ horses- because we are a diverse bunch! Have any questions about how they manage? Ask away in the comments!

Horse Name: Shoot N Sharp, AKA Gunner, AKA The Gun Dog, AKA Gunther, AKA Suns up Guns Up, AKA per Dr T:GunNar. Known by his pasture mates as Rojo Diablo, the Red Devil.
Breed: Quarter Horse
S*x: Gelding
Age: 14y
 
Discipline: Roping (switch ender- head and heel horse. He’s a bad cat 😎)

Housing/turnout: Pasture access everyday no matter of weather (we are like the postal service at our house, but more reliable). At night depending on weather, he is in dry lot or stall.
 
Grain/concentrate diet: Purina Enrich (and too many Purina Outlast treats)
 
Hay (type and amount): 1 flake brome and 1 flake alfalfa at night
 
Supplement (brand and item): Platinum Performance Equine Wellness formula
 
Level of work/exercise program: We took the winter off! It was great for everybody we should normalize this😊 He is getting legged back up, so we jog a lot of fence lines and rope the Smarty sled right now. We will compete most weekends this summer.
 
Annual Vet Work (Dentistry, vaccines, chiro?): Oral exam/Float annually. Core vaccines (Rhino/flu, EEE, WEE, Tetanus, West Nile and Rabies), Strangles annually. F***l egg count annually and follow deworming program based on that. Annual Coggins.
 
Any preventatives? (i.e. Adequan, Legend?) Adequan regimen once a year and monthly Adequan injections during spring/summer/fall. Legend before a big roping or long weekend for him.
 
Medications: None!
 
Joint maintenance program? Gait evaluation in spring prior to increased work load. Joint injections with Pro-Stride based on flexions.

Favorite barn product: like we have just 1 favorite 😂: sheet and quick wraps, Lariat Hybrid Halter from the Horse Education Company, saddle pads, Durasole, Allied Precision water buckets- they have thermostats in them to regulate water temps, Pyranha fly spray, and Cowboy Magic Detangler.

04/04/2024

Registration is open and there are only 8 spots left! Students register here: https://vets4students.org/?fbclid=IwAR0ED85Oif73nah6yxn9K2vEvKoTIn-UjF3VaGzJhNNFnhs8AIxnc4qYOq8_aem_ATZqCZMR_vrJEGtrIVUfqonaRwGmRgV-C-EFv9o27FOWidigEANyCuLuMf4vcA5W9-4

04/02/2024

📣 Beginning December 1, 2025 all competing USEF horses must be microchipped with a 15 digit compliant microchip!
🩺 Spring vaccines or dentals are a great time to have your horse microchipped and will save a trip out later!
💉Be sure to let your doctor know if your horse has a microchip, so we can add that information to your horse’s coggins test results!
🔍Not sure if your horse already has a chip? That’s easy, we can scan them for free! Just let us know you would like to check when you schedule your appointment so we can bring a reader.
✅ Some breed registries require microchipping when registering young horses. It is important to still scan these chips prior to showing to confirm they are compliant.
🌪️ Your horse doesn’t show? Microchipping is still important! When natural disasters occur there is often little time to plan. A microchip can reunite you with your horse should they become lost, or even stolen. For this reason it is important to ensure that your horse’s chip is registered in the database with your most updated info.

Feel free to contact our office with any questions or to add on a microchip to your appointment. For more info on the USEF rule: https://www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/competition-management/competition-safety-biosecurity/microchipping

04/01/2024

We are happy to say that breeding season is in full swing and Dr. Johnson has successfully bred her first gelding of the year. It is not an easy feat, as you can imagine. This is a culmination of her years of experience, training with experts, and hard work. We are excited to be able to offer this service to our clients that have exceptional geldings and would like to carry on their genetics! Call our office to schedule today.

Also…Happy April Fools! We wish we could breed some geldings! 🤪

03/30/2024

Featured today in How Do You Manage: Kristin and her horse Ben! As horse owners, we are always interested in how others care for their herd and the products they like. We are starting by highlighting our staff members’ horses- because we are a diverse bunch! Have any questions about how they manage? Ask away in the comments!

Horse Name:  Ben, Benamin, Bennyboo, don’t bite me
Breed: Warmblood
S*x: Gelding - ball less & flawless 🏀✂️
Age: 16
 
Discipline: Hunters
 
Housing/turnout: Ben is currently rehabbing an injury. He has full turnout with access to his stall. I opt for as much turnout as possible. Keeping him moving and eating is so important for his mental and physical health.  
 
Grain/concentrate diet (type and amount): 2 lb Triple Crown Senior & Triple Crown Stress Hay - a few handfuls. 
 
Hay (type and amount):  Brome mix - 2 flakes am & pm
 
Supplement (brand and item):  Platinum Performance; hoof, joint and Osteon
 
Level of work/exercise program: when in work 4 days a week.  We try to compete a few times a year. 
 
Annual Vet Work (Dentistry, vaccines, chiro?):  Chiro every few months, yearly float, core vaccines including strep (strangles), and recently added Potomac Horse Fever.
 
Any preventatives? (i.e. Adequan, Legend?). Before becoming my horse Ben had a long & successful career and has maintenance needs. We use Adequan - series of 7 in the spring. Legend prior to competitive season. 
 
Medications: none 
 
Joint maintenance program?  Prostride as recommended following a gait evaluation. 
 
Favorite barn product:  my super soft lambs wool Haas “Diva” brush.  And German Horse Muffins by the boatload.