Stafford Equine Veterinary Services

04/04/2025

04/04/2025

Equine dental health is not only crucial for keeping your equine companion's pearly whites healthy but also for the overall health of the animal in general.

Common dental issues such as the ones mentioned in the graphic can negatively affect the health of the teeth themselves as well as gum, gastrointestinal, and overall mouth health. Dental issues can also impact chewing and food grinding, further exacerbating digestive tract issues.

Has your horse struggled with any of these dental issues before? Let us know below ⬇️

As always, if you have questions or concerns about your horse's dental health, contact your equine veterinarian.

04/03/2025

Registration is open for our Equine Management Workshop!! We have a great line up of topics for springtime! Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1292726422529?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/02/2025

04/02/2025

VECTOR CONTROL AROUND HORSES: WHY IT MATTERS

Bug season is right around the corner! 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!

04/02/2025

Join us for the Clemson University Equine Center Open House on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 815 W Queen St., Pendleton, SC!

Come meet the students and horses of the program while exploring interactive and informative exhibits hosted by Clemson student organizations and research teams. Enjoy farm tours, riding demonstrations, and pony rides (just $5). Don’t miss out on CU Equine merch, raffle items, and a chance to view available sale horses!

Free parking and admission—fun for all ages. Hosted by the Clemson Collegiate Horsemen’s Association. We can’t wait to see you there!

04/02/2025

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us as a volunteer at the FENCE Horse Trials! No prior experience with horses is required. All volunteers will be treated to a delicious meal and receive a heartfelt gift as a token of our gratitude. Connect with Tracie to learn more about how you can get involved. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 828-859-9021.

04/02/2025

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES GRASS FOUNDER?

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, but it may be the beginning of some serious problems for horses vulnerable to grass founder — like horses that are over the age of 10, easy keepers, overweight or cresty-necked.

Laminitis or founder, as it is commonly called, is inflammation of the laminae of the horse’s foot. Laminae are the delicate, accordion-like tissues that attach the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone (the bone in the foot). A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain. In severe cases, the coffin bone will actually rotate through the sole of the horse’s hoof where it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to the horse having to be euthanized.

Laminitis can be triggered by different causes, like repeated concussion on hard ground (road founder), grain overload, retained placenta, hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s syndrome), obesity, and lush grass.

In cases of grass founder, the sugar fructans produced by rapidly growing grass stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria in the horse’s large intestine. The bacteria produce and release toxins (endotoxins) that are carried by the bloodstream to the foot where they cause damage to the laminae and small blood vessels.

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing and managing the causes under your control. Consult your equine practitioner for further information and to formulate a plan tailored to your horse's individual situation. If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.

04/01/2025

Have you heard of the New World Screwworm?

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest of wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/bro-new-world-screwworm.pdf

04/01/2025

03/26/2025

Pasture Safety Check
This image is a stark reminder of why regular pasture checks are crucial! A bolt like this can cause serious injuries to your horses.
When inspecting your fencing, keep an eye out for:
• Loose or protruding nails, screws, or bolts
• Broken or splintered wood
• Sharp edges or exposed metal hardware
• Gaps where a hoof or leg could get caught
Horses are curious, and accidents happen fast—take a few minutes to walk your pastures and ensure they’re safe!

03/25/2025

Foaling season is in full swing and here are some useful tips to keep in mind as you work to raise your four-legged youngsters.

A healthy foal will grow rapidly, gaining in height, weight and strength almost before your very eyes. From birth to age 2, a young horse can achieve 90% or more of its full adult size, sometimes putting on as many as 3 pounds per day. The nutritional start a foal gets can have a profound effect on its health and soundness for the rest of its life. Research suggests that a balanced dietary approach, which supports no more than a moderate growth rate, is less likely to cause developmental problems like contracted tendons, epiphysitis, angular limb deformities and osteochondrosis.

Work with your equine practitioner to develop a total health care plan based on your foal's, weanling's and yearling's specific needs. The reward for providing excellent nutrition, conscientious care and a safe environment will be a healthy foal that grows into a sound and useful horse!

To read more about foal care and nutrition, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/client-education-presentation-foal-growth/