Cave Creek Equine Hospital/Sports Medicine & Surgery

07/04/2025

Wishing you and your herd a safe and joyful Fourth of July! 🇺🇸 As we celebrate the freedom and resilience that define our nation, we’re also grateful for the trust you place in us to care for your equine athletes. We hope your day is filled with health, happiness, and time with those who matter most. ❤️🤍💙
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🐴Sudden loud noises and bright flashes can be stressful for horses, so take a few extra steps to keep them calm and comfortable tonight! 🫶

06/30/2025

With the just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area. 🎆

The graphic below lists some tips to get you started. If your horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration. Happy 4th!

Thank you to our Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

06/18/2025

🐴💙 Today on , we’re celebrating the compassionate, skilled, and dedicated veterinarians who put their heart into every patient they treat.
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At Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery, our vets go beyond the exam room—combining advanced diagnostics, deep expertise, and true passion for equine athletes.
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Help us show them some love today! Drop a comment or ❤️ to thank the incredible team that keeps our horses healthy, happy, and performing at their best.
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06/17/2025

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

06/15/2025

06/12/2025

What measures have you taken to reduce fire risks in your barn? 🧯

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2024 there were 64,897 wildfires reported, consuming 8,924,884 acres in the U.S. As we head into the hottest time of the year, make sure your farm has a fire prevention plan and an evacuation strategy in place to keep both equines and people safe.

Check out the graphic for ten fire prevention measures to get you started on the right track to a safer facility. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and we invite you to contact your local fire department and your veterinarian for guidance on designing a prevention and response plan tailored to your specific situation.

Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more equines than any other type of disaster, so being prepared is only in your best interest!

06/06/2025

🐸 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭… 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑔 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐟?
Not the hopping kind—but the V-shaped, squishy one that acts like a shock absorber, helps with traction, and keeps blood flowing. Talk about multitasking! 🐴💪
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06/06/2025

Interested in playing polo? Cave Creek Equine Polo offers something for every level.

06/04/2025

🐴 Bringing Home a New Horse?
Whether it’s your first horse or your fifth, a smooth transition is key to building trust and keeping your new partner healthy. From prep work to herd introductions, this guide covers everything you need to know.
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👉 Read the full blog: https://cavecreekequine.com/blog/welcoming-a-new-horse/
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Bringing home a new horse? Learn how to ease the transition with expert tips on preparation, arrival, and herd integration to support your horse's health and well-being.

06/02/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another 5-star review! Thank you, Colleen. 🐴💙
We’re grateful for every client who trusts Cave Creek Equine with their horses’ care.

✨ See what others are saying (and check out our updated review page):
🔗 https://cavecreekequine.com/about/testimonials/

Discover why horse owners trust Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery. Read client testimonials about our expert care, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate service.

05/28/2025

𝐈𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥? 🐴
Sweet itch (also known as summer eczema) can turn your horse’s favorite season into a miserable one. From itchy manes and tails to restless behavior, this common allergic reaction is more than just a nuisance—it needs targeted care.
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👉 Learn what causes sweet itch, how to spot early signs, and what treatments are most effective in our updated blog:
🔗 https://cavecreekequine.com/blog/sweet-itch-in-equine-medicine/
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📍 If your horse is struggling with summer skin issues, our team at Cave Creek Equine is here to help.
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Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent sweet itch in horses. Discover effective solutions to relieve your horse’s itching and protect against midge bites.