Dr. Jordan Grossman, Honest Equine Vet

Dr. Jordan Grossman, Honest Equine Vet Equine veterinarian servicing areas within 1 hour of Saratoga Springs, NY.
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SARCOIDS!!! The most common nodular disease of horses. Sarcoids are a type of locally invasive skin cancer that are noto...
04/10/2024

SARCOIDS!!! The most common nodular disease of horses. Sarcoids are a type of locally invasive skin cancer that are notorious for being difficult to manage. If you try to surgically excise one of these bad boys, you risk causing sarcoidosis, which is when the sarcoid comes back bigger and more numerous. This is why we don’t love surgically removing these tumors, because often times it makes things worse.
Lucky for us, there is a product called Immunocidin, which is injected into the tumor every few weeks for a few times and signals the body’s immune system to attack the sarcoid and eliminate it for good! During the “attack phase,” you will notice the tumor looking necrotic/infected. This is a good sign that the drug is working and the body is eating away at the cancerous tumor. Once the ugly phase is over, there is oftentimes no visual sign remaining of the tumor.
It’s best to catch these things as early as possible so that we have a better chance of full resolution. Don’t wait until the tumor has grown so big before calling the vet.
Sarcoids can vary in appearance from just an area of roughened skin with some hair loss to large tumors.
This client noticed there was an area above her horse’s eye that appeared roughened and hairless. She knew she better act fast in order to prevent damage to her horse’s eyesight/eyelid. We treated her sarcoid for a total of 5 times and the results speak for themselves!

If you see Hannah this week, please wish her luck running her second marathon this weekend. She will be taking the day o...
04/08/2024

If you see Hannah this week, please wish her luck running her second marathon this weekend. She will be taking the day off Friday to travel to Rhode Island for the event. I like to think that all the horse jogging has really helped her prep for the race. 🏃🏽‍♀️💨🐎

Did you know horses can get lice? Randy presented for bilateral nasal discharge, fever, pruritis (itchiness), and alopec...
04/07/2024

Did you know horses can get lice? Randy presented for bilateral nasal discharge, fever, pruritis (itchiness), and alopecia (hair loss). We quickly resolved his respiratory infection with antibiotics and now his owner is going to focus on getting rid of these unwanted guests. In the comment section, you will find close up videos of the lice!

Lice infestation is called pediculosis and is more common in sick, debilitated, possibly under conditioned, immunosuppressed animals. Pediculosis in horses is characterized by pruritus (scratching, rubbing, biting, etc), skin irritation, unthrifty appearance, a rough ‘unkept’ hair coat, and possibly a loss of body condition. In severe infestations, hair loss and skin scarification are often seen, and in the case of sucking lice, anemia may be present. Although both types of lice can be found anywhere on the horse, the chewing lice are more common on the head, mane, tail base, and shoulders; whereas the sucking lice are more commonly found in shorter haired regions of the horse (eg. head, neck, back, and inner thigh). Lice infestations and subsequent clinical signs are more common in late winter and early spring.

Equine lice are not contagious to humans and can be treated with ivermectin/moxidectin and/or topical insecticides.

Read this article to learn more about equine lice:https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/Lice.pdf

*Read until the end to learn about huge giveaway opportunity*Nobody wants to start Spring off with an upset tummy. Let's...
04/06/2024

*Read until the end to learn about huge giveaway opportunity*

Nobody wants to start Spring off with an upset tummy. Let's get your horse's stomach feeling as good as gold before riding season kicks back into gear for most of us.

I offer on-farm gastroscopy, an endoscopic exam that involves passing a flexible camera through the nose and into the stomach. All you need to do is fast your pony friend overnight by pulling hay the night before and we will see you in the morning! Our exam takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Cost of initial gastroscopy is $300 and discounts can be obtained by scheduling multiple horses at a time.

How does gastroscopy work? The scope is attached to an air pump and suction. Once inside of the stomach, we inflate with air so we can visualize the entire surface area of the stomach. We then navigate around the stomach with handheld controls. Air is removed after exam is completed. Four weeks after initiation of therapy, a second gastroscopy is performed to confirm resolution of gastric ulcers.

Possible findings on gastroscopy include: painful gastric ulcers, polyps obstructing outflow of stomach, cancerous tumors inside of the stomach, botfly larva infestation, gastric impactions, irregularities of the esophagus causing/resulting from esophageal obstruction (choke), and even some upper airway abnormalities can be seen on our way in and out of the stomach.
Other advantages of gastroscopy include preventing colic, improved performance/behavior/comfort, weight gain, ability to obtain medical insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment as well as product guarantee from the pharmaceutical company. If your horse is due for a dental and already planning on being sedated for dental exam/float, we can easily scope right after the dental procedure. Save $$ on multiple trip fees and sedation by grouping dentals, sheath cleanings, and gastroscopies!

In partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Equine Health, Honest Equine Veterinary Services has been able to donate $5,000 worth of Ulcergard to horses in need. We've been especially thankful to be able to help one of our dearest non-profit organizations, A Dapple A Day Equine Center, which provides therapeutic horseback riding to people with emotional, social, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Even better news is that we have the ability to help several more horses while supplies last. Shoot me an email at [email protected] to find out how you can save hundreds of dollars on gastric ulcer treatment for your equine companion and discuss ways to keep ulcers away for good.

Current Prascend, Equioxx, and Gastrogard rebates!
04/02/2024

Current Prascend, Equioxx, and Gastrogard rebates!

$20 Rebate per box of Adequan purchased between March 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025! Up to $120 rebate per person! If you'r...
04/02/2024

$20 Rebate per box of Adequan purchased between March 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025! Up to $120 rebate per person! If you're looking for a good joint supplement, Adequan is a great product to try.

When something doesn't feel right with your horse, you know it. If you think there's an issue with your horse's mobility, ask your veterinarian if Adequan i.m. is right for your horse. Plus, learn more about this rebate on a 7-dose series of Adequan i.m. See below for Indications and Important Safet...

03/30/2024

So glad Peaches is starting to feel better 💕

03/30/2024

For all of my clients who have/are planning to have their spring shots and dewormers purchased through me, you can earn $3 per Core EQ vaccine and $2 per Quest Plus Dewormer purchased through me. That’s a savings of $6 per horse, which adds up if you have a large herd. Rebates on Prascend and Equioxx start April 1st. Also, stay tuned for an announcement regarding LARGE Ulcergard donations I am offering for month of April.

Very sad case today of a 3 year old sweetheart with severe debilitating stifle arthritis . We hope to get this girl some...
03/25/2024

Very sad case today of a 3 year old sweetheart with severe debilitating stifle arthritis . We hope to get this girl some comfort with adequan and joint injections. Our goal is for her to be pasture sound with good quality of life. Follow her story on The Horse Sanctuary at Germantown Farms page.

Panda wants to know when we are upgrading to a larger SUV.
02/05/2024

Panda wants to know when we are upgrading to a larger SUV.

Everyone is matching today, even Panda!
01/11/2024

Everyone is matching today, even Panda!

The Equinosis Q Lameness Locator is 10x more sensitive than the human eye. We use this to detect low level lameness befo...
12/01/2023

The Equinosis Q Lameness Locator is 10x more sensitive than the human eye. We use this to detect low level lameness before it becomes performance limiting. It’s also great for complex and/or multi-limb lameness. Email or call to book your appointment. [email protected] 518-450-9047

Here are a few different patients I've scoped this year who have had varying degrees of Equine Glandular Gastric Disease...
11/03/2023

Here are a few different patients I've scoped this year who have had varying degrees of Equine Glandular Gastric Disease. Pictured here is the pylorus of several horses. The pylorus is the exit of the stomach. This tissue can get irritated, inflamed, and ulcerated causing a variety of clinic signs such as mild colic signs, weight loss, decreased appetite, behavior changes, poor performance, and reluctance to train. I'm very happy to be able to offer gastroscopy at your farm for an affordable price. Now is a great time to have your horse scoped before the winter. Contact me if you are interested in seeing what's inside your horse's stomach.

Did you know that your horse's hooves are full of blood vessels?  Blood supply is vital for growing new sole and maintai...
11/03/2023

Did you know that your horse's hooves are full of blood vessels? Blood supply is vital for growing new sole and maintaining a healthy hoof. This is a venogram that I performed on one of my patients who has thin soles and subclinical chronic laminitis. A venogram is a study to assess the blood supply to the bottom of the foot. We achieve this by injecting a contrast dye into a blood vessel in the foot and taking a series of weight bearing and non weight bearing radiographs. We decided the best treatment option for this patient was to apply Nanric Ultimates to this horse's feet. Nanric Ultimates have been proven to accelerate hoof growth, greatly reduce or prevent displacement (rotation and/or sinking) of the coffin bone, and provide pain relief.

10/06/2023

While it’s a common equine emergency, espophageal obstruction (“choke”) can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occur when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses

We are here at the National Alliance of Equine Practitioners learning from the best in the world about horse hoof health...
09/27/2023

We are here at the National Alliance of Equine Practitioners learning from the best in the world about horse hoof health. Veterinarians and farriers working together for the good of the horse!

Many of you have met my assistant, Hannah. I would like to formally introduce Hannah to all.Hannah recently graduated fr...
09/09/2023

Many of you have met my assistant, Hannah. I would like to formally introduce Hannah to all.
Hannah recently graduated from Maryville college in Tennessee with a bachelors in biology. She returned home this past May and is planning on pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. She has ridden horses most of her life and enjoys barrel racing with her mare, Mouse. They won rookie of the year in 2018 in the American Professional Rodeo Association. She has always been interested in the veterinary field especially in equine medicine. When she’s not with her horses, she’s spending time with her corgi, Baylee. She’s grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Grossman and learn from her in this field and we are so happy to have her!

01/28/2023

I’m very honored to announce I will now be offering at home euthanasia for your small animal companions. A gift to peacefully pass away in the comfort of their own home is one of the sweetest gifts you can offer your beloved companion. Email me at [email protected] for more information.

01/25/2023

Have you ever wondered what an equine sinus lavage would look like? Well, here ya go! Sinus infections usually present as unilateral nasal discharge and require veterinary intervention to resolve.

Winter has been so mild here, I am still diagnosing Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease in January! These are tick borne disea...
01/12/2023

Winter has been so mild here, I am still diagnosing Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease in January! These are tick borne diseases. I’ve added a seresto collar on my horse cause these ticks ain’t no joke!

12/19/2022

FDA, in cooperation with state departments of agriculture in CO, LA, NM, and TX, is investigating cases of illness and death in horses.

When you see your vet pull up in a Subaru with this cutie patootie hanging out the window 😎 Panda knows how to make an e...
12/14/2022

When you see your vet pull up in a Subaru with this cutie patootie hanging out the window 😎 Panda knows how to make an entrance

12/11/2022

INFECTIOUS DISEASE ALERT

Dr. Nathan Slovis our infectious disease chairman has been consulting with several of his colleagues in Texas and Louisiana about a PRESUMPTIVE botulism outbreak associated with Hay Cubes manufactured in Colorado.

Both Farms used the same source for the hay cubes.

We have heard that other states that MAY have farms affected as well.

The hay cubes appear to have been contaminated with dead animal carcasses (Images Attached from one of the farms affected that used the hay cubes)

Botulism

Definition/Overview

Botulism is a neuromuscular disease characterized by flaccid paralysis that is caused by neurotoxins produced by strains of Clostridium botulinum. Horses are one of the most susceptible species, with both individual and group outbreaks reported.

Etiology

Clostridium botulinum is a Gram positive, spore forming anaerobic bacterium. Spores are found in the soil throughout most of the world with the distribution of strains dependent on temperature and soil pH. Eight serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin exist and are labeled A, B, C1, C 2 , D, E, F and G, all of which have similar toxicity. There is geographic variation in the predominant serotypes. In North America, botulism in horses is most often caused by type B toxin and less often by toxin types A and C1.

Pathophysiology

There are two main forms of botulism. Toxicoinfectious botulism, also known as ‘shaker-foal syndrome’ occurs almost exclusively foals as a result of overgrowth of C. botulinum in the intestinal tract, followed by production of neurotoxins. The disease most often affects fast growing foals from 1-2 months of age, although cases outside this age range have been seen. The mature, protective gastrointestinal microflora of adult horses typically prevents overgrowth of C. botulinum following ingestion.

In adult horses, botulism occurs following ingestion of pre-formed toxins in feed. Spoiled hay or silage are most commonly implicated in botulism caused by types A and B. Silage with a pH greater than 4.5 is favorable for sporulation and toxin production. This is known as “forage poisoning”. It has also been suggested that birds may be able to carry preformed toxin from carrion to the feed of horses. Type C botulism is associated with ingestion of feed or water contaminated by the carcass of a rodent or other small animal. Less commonly, botulism can occur when neurotoxins are produced in wounds infected with C. botulinum. Proliferation of C. botulinum type B organisms in gastric ulcers, foci of hepatic necrosis, abscesses in the navel or lungs and wounds in skin and muscle have been associated with toxicoinfectious botulism.

The third less common form of botulism is associated with the infection of wounds with C. botulinum

Botulinum neurotoxins bind to presynaptic membranes at neuromuscular junctions, irreversibly blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine resulting in flaccid paralysis. Botulinum neurotoxin has also been linked to equine grass sickness.

Clinical presentation

The clinical picture of symmetrical flaccid paralysis is consistent, with the onset and rate of progression dependent on the amount of toxin that is absorbed. The initial clinical signs include dysphagia with apparent excess salivation, weak eyelid tone, weak tail tone and exercise intolerance. Affected animals also spend increased amounts of time resting due to generalized muscle weakness, which is also associated with tremors, carpal buckling and ataxia. Pharyngeal and lingual paralysis causes marked dysphagia and predisposes to aspiration pneumonia. The affected animals tend to quid their food. Paralysis of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles results in an increased respiratory rate and decreased chest wall expansion. Severely affected animals die from respiratory paralysis and cardiac failure.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses for botulism include viral causes of encephalitis, protozoal causes of encephalomyelitis, and toxic causes of sudden death or neurologic dysfunction.

Diagnosis

Botulism should be suspected in animals with flaccid paralysis displaying the above clinical signs. Botulinum toxin does not affect the central nervous system but does affect the cranial nerves; thus symmetrical cranial nerve deficits in an animal with normal mentation can help differentiate botulism from other disorders. Botulism is often a clinical diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by the mouse inoculation test using serum or gastrointestinal contents. However, horses are extremely sensitive to the toxin and this test is often negative. The traditional mouse bioassay identifies Clostridium botulinum in only about 30% of f***s collected from adult horses with clinical disease. If the toxin is demonstrated with mouse inoculation, the serotype can be determined through inoculation of mice passively protected with different serotypes of antitoxin. Detection of antibody titers in a recovering unvaccinated horse is also evidence for the diagnosis of botulism. Demonstration of spores in the intestine is not diagnostic, as they can be ingested and observed as contaminants.

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) test for the detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins in equine diagnostic samples (F***s or Food Samples) are available. . This assay tends to be more economical, time efficient and sensitive than the traditional mouse bioassay

Management

Immediate treatment with a polyvalent antitoxin prevents binding of the toxin to presynaptic membranes. However, antitoxin cannot reactivate neuromuscular junctions that have already been affected. Thus, antitoxin administration may have little effect in animals that are severely affected. Generally, only one dose (200ml of antiserum to foals (30,000 IU) or 500ml (70,000 IU) to adults of antitoxin is needed and provides passive protection for up to two months.

Antibiotics should be administered if toxicoinfectious botulism is suspected or if here is secondary lesions such as aspiration pneumonia or decubital ulcers. Antibiotics that can cause neuromuscular blockade and possibly exacerbate clinical signs such as aminoglycosides should be avoided and neurostimulants such as neostigmine should not be used. Good nursing care including the provision of a deep bed and a quiet environment are essential. Frequent turning of recumbent animals, nasogastric feeding and fluid support for animals with pharyngeal and lingual paralysis, frequent catheterization of the urinary bladder, application of ophthalmic ointments and ventilatory support may all be required.

If botulism is suspected to have been caused by ingestion of preformed toxin in feed, an alternate feed source should be provided while the origin is investigated. Potentially contaminated feeds.

Prognosis

A survival rate of 88% has been reported in foals with toxicoinfectious botulism that were provided with intensive nursing care (including mechanical ventilation and botulism antitoxin). However, this type of treatment is not available in all areas and is quite expensive. Without aggressive supportive care, the mortality rate is high, with death usually occurring 1-3 days after the onset of clinical signs.

The prognosis is variable in adult horses that have ingested pre-formed toxin, depending on the amount of toxin absorbed and the severity of clinical signs. Mildly affected animals may recover with minimal treatment while severely affected animals that become recumbent have a poor prognosis. The mortality rate has been reported to be as high as 90% in recumbent adult horses, with death occurring within hours of the appearance of signs. In animals that survive, complete recovery is most common. Development of full muscular strength takes weeks to months. Persistent tongue weakness not affecting the ability to eat has been reported.

Prevention

Type B toxoid is available and should be used in areas in which type B botulism is Vaccination is particularly important in areas where neonatal botulism occurs. Widespread vaccination of mares in certain high-risk areas has dramatically decreased the incidence of neonatal botulism. An initial series of three vaccinations a month apart followed by annual boosters has been recommended. Pregnant mares should receive a booster four weeks prior to foaling to ensure adequate antibody levels in colostrum. Type B vaccine only provides protection against type B toxin. There is no cross protection against type C toxin and type C toxoid is not licensed for use in North America.

Silage, haylage and other fermented feeds should not be fed to horses because of the risk of botulism.

REFERENCES

1) Wilkins PA, Palmer JE. Botulism in foals less than 6 months of age: 30 cases (1989‑2002).J Vet Intern Med;(2003);17;5:702‑707



2) Wilkins PA, Palmer JE. Mechanical ventilation in foals with botulism: 9 cases (1989‑2002). J Vet Intern Med;(2003);17;5:708‑712



3) Junaine M. Hunter, DVM, Barton W. Rohrback, VMD, MPH et at. Round Bale Grass Hay: A Risk Factor for Botulism in Horses Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet;(2002);24;2:166‑166



4) Schoenbaum MA, Hall SM, G***k RD, Grant K, Jenny AL, Schiefer TJ, Sciglibaglio P, Whitlock RH. An outbreak of type C botulism in 12 horses and a mule. J Am Vet Med Assoc;(2000);217;3:365‑8



5) S. H. GUDMUNDSSON. Type B botulinum intoxication in horses: case report and literature review. Equine Vet Educ;(1997);9;3:156‑159





6) H. Kinde et al. Clostridium botulinum type‑C intoxication associated with consumption of processed alfalfa hay cubes in horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc;(Sept 15, 1991);199;6:742‑746

Suddenly find your horse limping? Subsolar abscess is a common culprit. This one is particularly juicy. Our friend is fe...
12/04/2022

Suddenly find your horse limping? Subsolar abscess is a common culprit. This one is particularly juicy. Our friend is feeling much better now.

My two assistants today matching in pink. We were very grateful to have a nice warm barn to get out of the wind and snow...
12/02/2022

My two assistants today matching in pink. We were very grateful to have a nice warm barn to get out of the wind and snow. ❄️💗💨

Happy Thanksgiving! I want to thank all of my amazing clients for supporting me and my new practice. I am so thankful fo...
11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving! I want to thank all of my amazing clients for supporting me and my new practice. I am so thankful for the trust you have given me to keep your horses, who I know mean so much to you, healthy. I hope you know how much your kind words fuel me everyday and how incredibly blessed I feel to have you all in my life. I was 7 years old when I colored this masterpiece. I am so grateful that I am able to follow my childhood dreams. Now eat some turkey and enjoy this beautiful sunny day with your horses!

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Louden Road
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866

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