Black Diamond Equine Veterinary Clinic

11/27/2025

🦃✨ Happy Thanksgiving to our valued clients!
We’re so thankful for your continued support.

A quick reminder: We will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday.
Have a joyful and delicious Thanksgiving!

11/26/2025

Sharing the latest AAEP and EDCC updates on the ongoing EHV-1 outbreak. Check out the recording from yesterday's webinar to stay informed and keep your horses safe.

If you weren't able to join the live EHV-1 Updates webinar last night, be sure to take advantage of our on-demand recording. Please remember that the situation is evolving rapidly and the best place to get up-to-date information is the Equine Disease Communication Center's website, or ask your local veterinarian!

You can find the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XzuuYmIEQY

Thank you to our speakers for joining us and providing all of this invaluable information.

11/24/2025

What’s going on:

An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) has been reported in parts of the U.S., particularly tied to a recent barrel-racing event. While this is concerning, no cases have been reported in Oregon at this time.

As of 11/24, cases have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington.

Why it matters:
* EHV-1 can present in different ways: respiratory illness, abortion in pregnant mares, or a neurologic form known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).
* Spread happens via direct contact (nose-to-nose), droplets, or contaminated equipment, tack, or even people’s clothing.
* Some horses may carry and shed the virus without showing obvious signs.

What we recommend (biosecurity & prevention):
* Monitor Temperatures: Take your horse’s temperature twice daily, especially if they’ve traveled recently. A fever can be the first and only sign.
* Isolate New or Returning Horses: If your horse returns from an event (or is newly arriving), consider a 14–21 day isolation and monitor closely.
* Hygiene & Disinfection: Use bleach solutions (1:10) or accelerated hydrogen peroxide disinfectants on stalls, buckets, and grooming tools.
* Avoid Sharing Equipment: Do not share water buckets, grooming gear, or tack without thorough cleaning.
* Vaccination: The ideal time to vaccinate is before an outbreak reaches our area. Although the vaccines cannot fully prevent the neurologic condition, vaccination can prevent nasal shedding and reduce viral spread. A booster is recommended every 6 months.

Bottom line:

There’s no known EHV-1 outbreak here in Oregon, but this situation is a reminder to practice strong biosecurity. By being proactive, we greatly reduce the risk. Our team is here to help. Reach out if you want to talk about prevention plans, vaccination, or biosecurity protocols.

11/24/2025

The Winter Dental Special is back next week!

Between December 1 and February 28, haul in to our temperature-controlled clinic for a complete oral examination with our dental scope and float and save $47.50 per horse!

Call now to book your spot!

11/24/2025

Black Diamond Equine will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the following day, Friday, so our team can enjoy the holiday with their loved ones.

If you anticipate any medication refills or needs, please reach out before Wednesday so we can assist you before the holiday weekend.

We hope you and your horses have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 🐴🍂

11/23/2025

Sharp points are present in every horse's mouth. These form from repetitive grinding while eating forage and are a normal finding on an oral exam.

The consequence of these sharp points is that the cheek of the horse develops cuts and ulcerations. One of the goals of the dental "float" is to remove the sharp points and allow the cheeks to heal.

These sharp points will return within 6-12 months, depending on the age of the horse, the diet of the horse, and what other dental issues might be going on.

Did you know that sharp points reappear most quickly in young horses? Horses in the age range of 2-8 years old are erupting new teeth at such a fast rate that dentals are required at least every 12 months, and in some cases every 6 months to keep cuts from re-forming.

11/20/2025

EHV/EHM Outbreak Update — Important Travel Restrictions for Horse Owners

Due to an ongoing multi-state outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV/EHM) linked to several recent equine events, state animal health officials have temporarily suspended the use of Extended Equine Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI), also known as a 6 Month Health Certificate for interstate travel. This step is being taken to help control the spread of the virus and protect equine health across state lines.

EHV, specifically EHM (Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy) is a serious, acute-onset, neurological syndrome that is spread easily between horses via nose-to-nose contact or respiratory droplets.

What This Means for Horse Owners

* EECVIs (6 Month Health Certificates) cannot be used for travel at this time. States are not accepting EECVI movement permits during the outbreak.

* Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or 30 Day Health Certificates) are still being accepted and can be issued as an alternative for horses needing to travel.

* Before traveling, horse owners should contact the destination state’s animal health officials to:
- Confirm current entry requirements
- Check for additional travel restrictions
- Determine if extra documentation or testing is required
- Ask about any quarantine or monitoring protocols

If you have questions about your health certificate or travel plans, don't hesitate to reach out, 541-316-7155.

11/18/2025

Veterinary Practice Manager Appreciation Week may have wrapped up last week, but we couldn't let it pass without recognizing someone who keeps Black Diamond Equine running strong every single day - our incredible Office Manager, Stephanie Hutto!

Behind the scenes, Stephanie is the steady hand and sharp mind that keeps the wheels turning smoothly. Her expertise, attention to detail, and unwavering care ensure that our clients are supported, our team is organized, and our practice can focus on what we do - bringing out the best in your horse.

Please join us in giving a huge thank you to Stephanie for everything she does. We appreciate you!

11/03/2025

Happy Monday Friends!

Exciting updates in the works!

If you are coming into the clinic this week, please note that we are paving the driveway.

You will enter/exit through the normal entrance. Trailer parking remains the same.

The office is open, it will be easiest to reach us via the West (facing the mountains) walkway of the clinic.

Please call the office if you have any questions, 541-316-7155.

10/30/2025

The most common dental disease that we find on oral examination is periodontal disease!

Small gaps between teeth trap hay and cause gingival inflammation and pain. As the disease progresses, it can lead to infection of the root of the tooth that necessitates extraction.

Treatment is tailored to the individual horse and can range anywhere from targeted odontopasty (floating), cleaning and packing the lesions, widening gaps to reduce feed trapping, or extraction.

A thorough oral examination with a dental camera or mirror to diagnose the extent of the lesions is the first step in determining the plan for treatment.

10/23/2025

Do you wonder where our pictures of horse's teeth come from?

Every dental exam is performed using oroscopic guidance - this is a small camera that allows us to look at all of the teeth and soft tissue structures in very close detail - even at the back of the mouth!

Swipe next to see a close up of this horse's exam findings!

10/21/2025

Esther's all-natural hair dye job was on point for spooky season!! Only she could make a laceration look so cute.