The Equine Clinic of Saratoga

01/23/2025

Just a reminder that Friday, January 24th is the last day to sign up for our 2025 Wellness Plan!

This plan combines routine health care with an individual approach to performance and longevity. Comprehensive care while saving 30% for your horse’s routine annual care. Worry-free: We schedule your wellness appointments.

What is included in the plan?

Spring (split into two visits)
Full Physical exam
CBC/Lyme Multiplex
Coggins (My VetLink)
Rabies Vaccine
EWT/WNV Vaccine
Flu/Rhino Vaccine
Potomac Horse Fever Vaccine
F***l Egg Count with Dewormer
Strangles Vaccine (as deemed necessary)

Fall
Oral Exam including Dentistry
F***l Egg Count with Dewormer
Flu/Rhino Vaccine
Sheath Cleaning
Potomac Horse Fever Vaccine

The cost of the Equine Wellness Plan is $838. Add an endocrine panel (ACTH, insulin, adiponectin, glucose) for $185 (normally $245).

Payment must be received by January 24th. Email: [email protected] or call today at 518-584-1633

01/12/2025

We like to take this opportunity to wish you a great and happy New Year 2025.

We are thrilled to have you and your horse(s) as part of our practice and proud to provide your horse(s) with health care in the new year. We also strive to keep you updated on the latest health news and developments as well as alerts and recommendations pertaining directly to your horse's health and performance.

This past year our practice has seen significant growth in our medical and surgical services from laparoscopic procedures to advanced life-saving gastro-intestinal diagnostics to orthopedic repairs and complex infectious joint management. We want you to know that Dr. Sondhof and Dr. Nutt are happy to answer any questions regarding procedures, costs, prognosis, outcomes, and options for any conditions. Just call or visit us!

LOOK BACK
The past year deserves a look back as we can always learn from it moving forward. An important reminder of the value of vaccines was the occurrence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 2024. As we had not seen any of the three strains of the Equine Encephalitis family (EEE, WEE, VEE) in the past years in horses (and the first human case in NYS since 2015) we are fortunate to have a vaccine available for horses (but not for humans). It realistically made the difference to have had our horses current and vaccinated for EEE as far as mortality is concerned, as only unvaccinated horses succumbed to the infection (see the case of an unvaccinated horse in Ballston Spa, NY). Take advantage of our Health Care Program, sign up to get covered, and receive a significant discount.

FIRE SAFETY
Another reminder of just how important fire safety remains was the barn/fair fire in Springfield, MA, this past September with over 160 horses walking away from it without any injuries. Because of diligent fire regulations and safety measures, no horse was harmed. We have since consulted (we offer this service at no cost to our clients) with several barns and horse owners evaluating fire safety for their horses in their barns to ensure in the worst-case scenario a fire escape plan is in place and the horses have an escape route. Please feel free to inquire more about how you can make sure your horse is safe in case of a barn fire.

PODIATRY SERVICE UPDATES
Exciting developments are happening in our Podiatry department. Many lameness issues originate from feet issues and as our horse population is aging (gracefully) assuring healthy hoof quality and good shoeing remains a crucial aspect of well-being and performance. We have invested in a modern farrier shop with the latest specialty options for horses with minor issues requiring more support or need to be re-balanced; and for horses with more serious issues, including mild or severe laminitis (glue-ons, Sigafoos, Nanrics, Clogs, Ultimates to name a few options) as well as advanced diagnostic options such as venograms to evaluate the vascular health of the horse's foot. We are currently exploring the addition of a CT Scanner to our diagnostic repertoire which will advance our understanding of a horse's foot problem, as well as head and neck conditions.

Lameness and Performance problems have always been our focus, particularly regarding joint and tendon health, and remain an integral part of looking at your horse's well-being. Advances in regenerative medicine, (orthobiologics), have allowed us to treat and manage joint and tendon injuries and address maintenance needs with more than just corticosteroids. The power of autologous (from the horse's blood-derived) enzymes and proteins (PRP, IRAP, proStride, Alpha2M, BMACs, etc.) is an expanding area of research from which we learn every day. The clinical challenge is which of these “products” may work best for YOUR horse. Interestingly, to this date, the only research consent we can soundly build our treatment approach on is promising evidence supporting the use of a Platelet Rich Plasma derived, and/or a Stem Cell-derived treatment plan (Nedergaad, Carlsson, et al., Equine Vet Educ., 2024). Stay tuned, there is plenty more to come.

As always, you are welcome to “pop in” and quiz us with any horse questions or problems. We are here for you!

Happy New Year,

Your Team at the
The Equine Clinic of Saratoga

09/24/2024

To our clients and followers,

We want to keep you updated on the current Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) situation.

A positive case (middle-aged Belgian female with no known history of vaccinations and previously acquired from the Amish) of EEE has just been confirmed in the Ballston Spa area.

The mare had rapidly deteriorated with acute recumbency and being unresponsive to stimuli. The mare was humanly euthanatized, and blood samples were submitted to Cornell University confirming the suspect.

Here are some aspects of the disease to consider (Source: UC Davis):
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. It is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with EEE virus (EEEV). EEEV can also infect a wide range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Cases are most commonly seen in the southeastern United States, with the mosquito Culiseta melanura as the primary vector (although other species of mosquito can also transmit the virus). Infected horses and humans do not have enough virus in their blood to be contagious to other animals or people. As such, infected individuals do not need to be quarantined.

The disease has a high mortality rate in horses and humans, and, as such, is considered one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

What are the clinical signs of Eastern equine encephalitis?
The clinical signs of EEE often come on abruptly. These can include depression, anorexia, fever, and lethargy. Neurological signs may include tremors, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, seizures, decreased awareness of surroundings, and recumbency.

How is Eastern equine encephalitis diagnosed?
Eastern equine encephalitis is diagnosed through bloodwork. Testing can include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to identify the EEE virus.

How is Eastern equine encephalitis treated?
There is no cure for EEE. Treatment largely consists of supportive care for horses with clinical signs, including intravenous (IV) fluids and anti-inflammatory medications.

What is the prognosis for Eastern equine encephalitis?
The prognosis for horses diagnosed with EEE is poor. The disease has a high mortality rate, with up to 90% of infected horses dying from the disease. Horses with neurologic signs that become unable to stand on their own have the poorest prognosis for survival. Horses that do survive can have permanent brain damage.

How can Eastern equine encephalitis be prevented?
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends the EEE vaccine as a core vaccine. Horses should be kept up to date on vaccinations, which are usually administered yearly (boosters may be recommended more frequently in warm climates with year-round mosquito activity). Boosters may be advised when outbreaks occur.

In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good vector control to protect your horse from EEE. Use insect repellents and keep horses in at night when mosquitoes are most active and shut off barn lights attracting insects. Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds such as standing water, brush piles, and old tires. Stock tanks and water troughs with mosquito-feeding fish.

At this time, we are recommending the following fall vaccine protocol:
1. For horses who have not received the core vaccines incl. the EEE this year to vaccinate them ASAP.
2. For horses who DO NOT travel to booster them with the EEE/WEE, and WNV vaccine (and PHF as needed).
3. For horses who DO travel to booster them with the EEE/WEE, and WNV vaccine as well as Influenza and Rhino (EHV-1+4). The PHF vaccine may be given as needed.

Please call the office with any questions you may have. We are here for you to help keep your horses healthy!

Sincerely,
The Team at the Equine Clinic of Saratoga

09/23/2024

A fire broke out in barn C at The Big E on Friday night. Fortunately, all horses were evacuated quickly, and all horses and humans survived. Some horses were loose for a time but all have been found. Horses and people have been treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

We are so thankful that everyone is okay.

A fire was put out on The Big E Fairgrounds Friday night.

09/17/2024

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry is confirming new cases of EEEV in horses around the state recently.

EEE Case 7 – Vernon, NY (Oneida Co) 1y QH c**t
• According to owner, vaccinated by owner with a 5 way in August 2023. Has not been vaccinated by veterinarian. No travel history.
• 8/7 – owner noticed c**t was lethargic and stiff
• 8/8AM – c**t was found seizing in pasture, quivering, going laterally recumbent and making galloping like motions
• 8/8 vet exam: T= 101.7 , normal menace, normal CN exam, no evidence of trauma. Vet took samples for arboviruses and started treatment. Seizures seemed to stop. C**t stayed down and seemed obtunded for a while but was eventually able to return to barn.
• 8/8 later on: seizures resume, circling rapidly in stall, seemingly blind as c**ts bumped into walls and was creating trauma from this. Owner elected euthanasia.
• Blood samples were sent to Cornell. The PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.

Please take this seriously. If your horse hasn't been vaccinated for EEE within the last 6 months - give us a call.

09/12/2024

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry is confirming new cases of EEEV in horses around the state recently.

EEE Case 6 – Newburgh, NY (Orange Co) 18m TB c**t
• Not vaccinated, no recent travel history
• 8/7 – owner noticed c**t was acting off – eating sluggishly, T = 103, called for vet to examine
• 8/8 – vet exam: standing despite displaying neuro signs (head pressing, preferring to lean against walls, exaggerated pawing at walls). Vet thought c**t may have vision issues beginning due to behavior in stall. Vet took samples for arboviruses and commenced treatment, discussed ddx with owner.
• 8/9 – 8/10 – continued decline with c**t buckling and going recumbent, having paddling activity (a slow gallop like motion), stupor like mentation.
• 8/11 – owner called to say c**t died.
• Blood samples were sent to Cornell. The PCR for EEEV were positive and negative for WNV.

It is extremely critical for you to take the necessary precautions for you, your patients and your own animals at this time. Arboviruses are no joke! We have a long way to go before we have killing frosts, freezes to end the arboviral season here in New York.

09/09/2024

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry is confirming new cases of EEEV in horses around the state recently.

EEE Case 5 – Heuvelton, NY (St. Lawrence Co) 2y Belgian filly
• Not vaccinated, no recent travel history
• 8/7 – normal per owner
• 8/8 – owner found horse dog-sitting out on pasture, called for vet to examine
• 8/8 – vet came to examine few hours later and noted: horse could not try to get up, would just fall back over. Vet discussed poor prognosis and ddx with owner. Vet took samples for arboviruses and gave supportive tx.
• 8/8 later – owner called to say that horse was declining and horse was euthanized.
• Blood samples were sent to Cornell. The PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.

If your horse has not been vaccinated for EEE within the past 6 months - please give us a call to schedule an appointment.

09/04/2024

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry is confirming new cases of EEEV in horses around the state recently.

EEEV Case 4 - Kirkville, NY (Madison County) - Aged Standardbred

Unknown vaccination history (rescue horse within the last 6-9 months), none administered by veterinarian, no travel since acquiring

8/5 – normal per owner

8/6 – owner noted horse with base wide stance and then eventually went down, T = 102s, shallow breathing, owner started some treatments, called vet

8/6 – vet exam few hours later: concern for rabies due to lack of vaccine history and symptoms. Horse was unresponsive to pain in rear limbs, was in lateral recumbency at that point. Vet discussed prognosis and ddx. Rec removal from other horses, euthanasia and test for rabies, arboviruses. Owner consented.

Brain was submitted to the Wadsworth Center and Griffin Laboratory. Rabies Virus testing was negative. The brain PCR for EEEV was positive and negative for WNV.

Please make sure your horse is up to date on this vaccine, and if it's been more than 6 months - get vaccine or booster immediately.

09/03/2024

As cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are on the rise, it remains critically important that horse owners take steps to protect their equine friends (and their families) from mosquito bites. If you live in a region where mosquito populations persist well into the fall months, your veterinarian may recommend additional fall booster vaccinations against EEE/WEE and WNV (West Nile Virus).

If you don't know your horse's vaccination history or you are unsure whether they have received a certain vaccine, it's not too late to start from scratch with an initial series of inoculations followed by the appropriate boosters, as recommended by your horse doctor.

So, what is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

EEE is a severe, viral disease affecting the central nervous system, and is transmitted to equids (and humans) by infected mosquitoes. There is no cure for EEE, and the mortality rate is 75-95% (in horses). Prevention through vaccination is key.

Contact your veterinarian for more information, or learn more about EEE with the following resources:

USDA Equine Arbovirus Dashboard: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/equine/arbovirus-dashboard

Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC): https://www.equinediseasecc.org/eastern-equine-encephalitis

AAEP EEE Guidelines: https://aaep.org/resource/eastern-equine-encephalitis-eee/

08/30/2024

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry is confirming 5 new cases of EEEV in horses around the state just in the last few days.

Horse owners must take necessary precautions and make sure horses are vaccinated.

What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Clinical signs and symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis include the following:
• Depression and anorexia; initially without a fever when initially infected
• Moderate to high fever
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy/drowsiness
• Neurologic signs- onset of neurologic disease is frequently sudden and progressive
• Periods of hyperexcitability, apprehension and/or drowsiness
• Fine tremors and fasciculations of the face and neck muscles
• Convulsions
• Cranial nerve paralysis-facial paralysis and weakness of the tongue are very common
• Head tilt, droopy lip, muzzle deviation
• Weakness, ataxia, and incoordination
• Complete paralysis of one or more limbs
• Colic
• Recumbency
• Death

A veterinarian diagnoses EEE by measuring titers in serum (a component of whole blood) using an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or, less commonly, PCR or CSF (cerebrospinal fluid).

There is no cure for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Supportive care is administered to horses with clinical signs.

Vaccination for EEE is highly effective and is recommended as a core vaccination.

If you are a current client - and your horse has not been vaccinated within 6 months - please call to schedule a time to bring your horse to our Vaccination Clinic tomorrow between 7 am - Noon. 518 584 1633

08/27/2024

The Equine Clinic of Saratoga will host a Vaccination Clinic for existing clients on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 7 am - 12 pm. The clinic will offer vaccination for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) for horses vaccinated more than 6 months ago, or not at all. Please call the clinic to schedule your time: 518-584-1633. If you’re not a current client, please call for exception. Clinic located at 163 Daniels Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

08/27/2024

A horse in Washington County has died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the New York State Agriculture Department is urging horse owners to vaccinate. “Unfortunately, the mortality is extremely high, up to 90%. So, you want to make sure they don’t get infected. Once they are infected, unfortunately, their prognosis remains very guarded to poor,” said Axel Sondhof, Veterinarian with Equine Clinic of Saratoga.

There have been cases where the virus has been detected in nine other New York counties.

“If your horse hasn’t been vaccinated prior to June it should probably receive a booster. So it’s extremely important to keep up with these core vaccines which are very highly protective against this particular virus,” added Sondhof.

View the full interview with News 10 ABC.

A horse in Washington County has died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the New York State Agriculture Department is urging horse owners to vaccinate. “Unfortunately, the mortality is extr…

08/06/2024

Recently we have seen an increased number of Anaplasma-like and PHF-like infections in our horse population with low-grade temperatures, dullish demeanor and not acting right.

As always please monitor your horse's temperature regularly and call us if you have concerns (with a normal temperature being up to 101.0, but in some horses just an increase from the normal temperature may be a red flag). Keep your horse off wet, standing water areas and shut lights off in your barn at night to prevent Dragonflies from accumulating in the horse's environment increasing exposure).

We do recommend a booster this summer to keep your horse's immunity alert and prevent severe disease in case of infection.

Potomac Horse Fever is caused by Neorickettsia risticii (formerly Ehrlichia risticii). Originally described in 1979 as a sporadic disease affecting horses residing in the eastern United States near the Potomac River, the disease has since been identified in various other geographic locations in the United States and Canada. The disease is seasonal, occurring between late spring and early fall in temperate areas.

Clinical signs are variable but may include fever, mild to severe diarrhea, laminitis, mild colic, and decreased abdominal sounds. Pregnant mares may abort infected fetuses. Mortality rates have been reported between 5% and 30%.

If Potomac Horse Fever has been confirmed on a farm or in a particular geographic area, additional cases will likely occur in future years. Foals appear to have a low-risk of contracting the disease. Vaccination may not be fully protective against infection. Proposed explanations for this include lack of seroconversion and multiple field strains whereas only one strain is present in available vaccines.

Vaccine:

The currently available commercial vaccine is a killed, adjuvanted product, which is also available combined with rabies vaccine. The current vaccine is labeled as an aid in the prevention of Potomac Horse Fever and is not labeled for the prevention of abortion.

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day!

06/08/2024

Equine Clinic of Saratoga welcomes the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga. We wish good luck to all the competitors!

05/29/2024

As we move into the warmth of summer, many horse owners become focused on insects. How to keep them away from our horses, and how to keep them from biting. One common problem in summer is Sweet Itch.

Sweet Itch is a common skin condition in horses that is caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites. It is also known as summer dermatitis, insect-bite hypersensitivity, summer eczema, recurrent seasonal pruritus, and equine Culicoides sensitivity.

Insect bite hypersensitivity can be difficult for horse owners to manage and can have a major impact on horse health.

This debilitating and chronic seasonal condition tends to cause severe itching, inflammation, hair loss, and skin lesions in horses. It can be very frustrating for horse owners and result in a lot of discomfort for the horse.

Not all horses develop an allergic reaction after being bitten by flies or midges, but horses with Sweet Itch are hypersensitive to the saliva of biting insects. They may engage in intense rubbing or scratching behaviour to relieve itchiness, resulting in damage to the skin.

Sweet Itch lesions may bleed, swell, or appear scaly or crusty. Horses often attempt to rub lesions on trees, fence posts, stall walls, or the ground, leading to further hair loss and inflammation.

Other signs that your horse may be experiencing Sweet Itch include:
• Vigorous tail swishing (in attempt to keep insects away)
• Excessive mutual grooming with pasture mates
• Excessive rolling
• Scratching at mane with hind hooves
• Changes in behavior including lethargy, agitation, and restlessness
• Head shaking when insects are nearby
• Skin folds that develop as the condition progresses, leading to sparse hair coat with flaky dandruff

Signs of Sweet Itch are most commonly seen from May to October, though the time of onset can vary depending on location. Some horses show signs in late spring while others may not show signs until late summer.

So What to do?

Use effective repellent that will prevent insects from landing on your horse, not just an insecticide that kills a fly when sprayed. For the belly, one of the best repellents is concentrated permethrin. There are roll-on products that have high amounts of concentrated permethrin or permethrin derivatives. These concentrated roll-ons are recommended for problem areas like the belly and typically last one week.

The rest of the body needs to be sprayed with products also containing repellent ingredients such as cypermethrin. In my experience, in a hot humid climate with lots of insects, these products need to be reapplied frequently. Severely allergic horses might need it every day, particularly if they are out all the time, sweating, and being rained on. If your horse is sensitive to these chemicals, you can try neem oil products, either as a concentrate or as a spray. This botanical option can also repel insects and might be tolerated better than other products by certain horses.

There are a number of strategies that horse owners can use to help manage Sweet Itch symptoms in their horse. Most aim to prevent midges from coming in contact with horses. These strategies include:
• Stable horses from dusk until dawn – especially in hot, humid conditions when Culicoides are most active;
• Avoid turnout in marshy areas, overly wet fields or near water sources such as ponds
• Use mesh blankets to keep insects from biting
• Use fly masks and mesh leg coverings to protect the entire body
• Apply insect repellents
• Keep manure regularly cleaned from grazing areas and stables to reduce the number of midges, which thrive in warm and moist conditions on or around droppings
• Clean water troughs regularly
• Use industrial fans in barns
• Apply a fly screen to the stable door

As with any potential issue - a holistic approach works best. Taking into account everything from your horse’s nutrition to the environment of stable and pasture. If you need help finding the best way to keep your horse comfortable, reach out for a consultation.

05/27/2024

04/05/2024

It's time to book Spring Wellness Check and Vaccination appointment now!

If you haven't scheduled your spring shots, now is the time. Before you know it you'll be back in the swing of daily rides, showing, travel and general horsey fun! Best to be sure your equine companion is feeling his or her best for this busy time of year.

Things to consider for your horse are:
• Full Physical Exam
• CBC/Lyme Multiplex
• Coggins (if necessary)
• Rabies Vaccine
• EWT/WNV Vaccine
• Flu/Rhino Vaccine
• Potomac Horse Fever Vaccine
• F***l Egg Count with Dewormer
• Dental check / float

Start your year off right. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.