Stafford Equine Veterinary Services

11/07/2025

11/04/2025

Did you know your equine can catch the flu, too?

While there isn’t a specific time of the year for “flu season” in the equine world, any time is good to learn more about this highly contagious respiratory condition—particularly because it’s one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses, and recent years have been unusually active for Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) on a global scale.

EIV spreads rapidly through groups of horses in aerosolized droplets dispersed by coughing, and the severity of clinical signs depends on the degree of existing immunity within the affected individual, among other factors (i.e., correctly vaccinated horses are less affected than unvaccinated horses).

Any horse showing signs of respiratory disease (cough, nasal discharge, persistent fever) should be isolated immediately until your veterinarian can determine the exact cause.

To learn more about Equine Influenza Virus (EIV), visit these resources:
https://aaep.org/resource/aaep-infectious-disease-guidelines-equine-influenza-eiv/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN1uklleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwaDY1NFRwbzVaTmdCTFE0AR6TSxMTSrZaaihGWeOQRU8FxN1nMjxT8a4pensUL-VTbU3gGDNXzK7K0GpGNg_aem_SvQrsEksul6n_6EyWcWgnA
&
https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-influenza?fbclid=IwY2xjawN1uk5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwaDY1NFRwbzVaTmdCTFE0AR4prpxH7lNYI-Q9Y7cq5u2eG2iFlJDWbeElbxtZ0UZeZeQC6SwybCYYN-OD5g_aem_BIZyarOLwfLRAmRREAm8Xg

As always, your horse doctor remains your best source of information. Contact them to learn more about how to prevent this disease through an appropriate vaccination protocol and biosecurity practices.

10/31/2025

Most people know that a long, curly haircoat that doesn’t shed properly is a classic sign of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing's disease) in horses. But did you know there are other, less obvious symptoms to watch for?

Other signs to watch for (note this is not an exhaustive list):

• Muscle Loss: Horses may lose muscle, especially along their topline (the back and rump), even if they seem to be eating well.

• Fat Pockets: You might notice unusual fat deposits, like above the eyes or along the crest of the neck.

• Frequent Infections: Horses with Cushing’s can get skin infections, hoof abscesses, or other illnesses more often than healthy horses.

• Slow Healing: Wounds or sores may take longer to heal.

• Lethargy: Your horse might seem more tired, less energetic, or just “not themselves.”

• Drinking and Urinating More: Increased thirst and urination can be a subtle sign.

• Abnormal Sweating: Some horses sweat more than usual, even when it’s not hot or they haven’t exercised.

If you notice any of these changes, especially in an older horse, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Early detection and management can help your horse stay healthy and comfortable!

In addition, it's important to note that all horses are different, if you have questions specific to your animal, please contact your vet.

10/30/2025

Less than a month away!

🐴 Greenville Foothills Pony Club will be having a tack sale and yard sale in November. As a non-profit, we rely on fundraisers to support our educational programs and activities throughout the year. We are also collecting donations of tack, horse equipment, and riding apparel as well as household items for our sale. Please share the sale announcement and contact Greenville Foothills Pony Club (SC/NC) if you have anything you'd like to donate to our club. Thank you! 🐴

10/30/2025

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF THE MARE'S REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE:

Did you know mares have a unique breeding season? They are “seasonally polyestrous,” meaning they have multiple cycles but are able to get pregnant only during certain months—usually spring and summer, when days are longer. Their reproductive cycle is about 21 days long, with a few days of “heat” (estrus) when they are receptive to a stallion. Signs of heat include tail raising, urinating, and “winking” of the v***a.

During this time, an egg is released from the o***y and can be fertilized by a stallion’s s***m, leading to pregnancy. Good planning, working with your veterinarian, and understanding your mare’s cycle are key to a successful breeding season!

For more details about your mare’s reproductive system and health, always consult your veterinarian.

10/28/2025

DON'T MISS OUR LAST HORSE OWNER EDUCATION WEBINAR OF 2025! 📢

Join us next Wednesday, Nov. 5, for "Care and Management of the Elderly Equine".

Just like people, the needs of horses change as they continue to age. Members of the AAEP Horse Owner Education committee will present on a wide range of topics to help you properly care for the elderly equine in your life. Discussion points will include diet, dentistry, common diseases and illnesses, preventative care, and more. Do not miss this informative session on how to help your older horse live its best life!

Registration is FREE but required. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ah5yOsCebSifxMhDsKU4IL28l58V2uXLCCZy2BJfr1cVGkPrhte-~AkTrbyktZL-X6LN0LpntEqMChUPte_sAlD_Vc22m-q6fZUf_K_Bby90XhQ

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

10/27/2025

IS RAIN ROT A FUNGAL OR A BACTERIAL DISEASE?

Rain rot (or rain scald) is the common name for a contagious BACTERIAL skin disease called dermatophilosis. It's caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis," which thrives during wet seasons and in geographical locations with high precipitation and humidity. It can also develop after horses have sweat under blankets or tack, and equines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is very important!

How does rain rot happen?
The bacteria infects the hair follicles and damages the hair follicle and shaft; the hair will then pull out in small clumps leaving pink skin or purulent scabs behind (pro tip: your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!) If you do not address the factors that promote the right bacterial environment (for example, you always leave your horse to stand outside in the rain without shelter or the protection of a waterproof rug), rain rot can keep recurring. If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan based on the severity of your horse's case. While there are a million products that can be found in your local tack store, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action.

10/24/2025

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious neurologic disease in horses caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system. Most cases are due to Sarcocystis neurona, but Neospora hughesi can also be responsible.

EPM is tricky to diagnose because its signs can mimic other health problems and range from mild to severe. Some of the common signs include incoordination, muscle atrophy (especially along the topline or hindquarters), abnormal gait, and weakness. It can also cause cranial nerve damage (facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing), behavioral changes, and even seizures.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of recovery.

If you'd like addition information about EPM, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/EPM

10/20/2025

Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored, as many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic, so management practices can play a key role in prevention. And although not every case is avoidable, the guidelines listed in the graphic can help you maximize your horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic.

As always, remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed and other health conditions, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation!