Dr. Axel F.
(16)
Sondhof, DVM, MS, PC, Jacoba Barboza, Office Manager
Our entire healthcare team is committed to providing personal attention to the unique concerns of each individual equine owner. Our goal is to practice the highest quality medicine and surgery with compassion, while providing personal attention to the unique concerns of each individual equine owner.
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.
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…
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.
Happy Independence Day!
Equine Clinic of Saratoga welcomes the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga. We wish good luck to all the competitors!
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.
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.
Call us to schedule your Spring Wellness Check and Vaccination appointment now!
It's that time - the days are getting longer and spring is coming fast. 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.
There are a variety of reasons horse owners may want to have their mares’ ovaries removed.
• To prevent pregnancy, create a teaser mare
• To get rid of tumors, ovarian cysts
• Cycle-related colic
• To resolve cycle-related behavioral issues
While surgeons still consider traditional ovariectomy methods effective, newer laparoscopic procedures are easier on the horse and the owner’s pocketbook.
Laparoscopy involves inserting an endoscope and surgical instruments through one or more small incisions, and veterinarians can use it to perform a standing ovariectomy, without general anesthesia.
The advantages of laparoscopic techniques include the reduction of complications through full observation of the operative field, minimal invasiveness, a shortened healing time with fewer postsurgical complications, as well as improved cosmetics after surgery.
Performing laparoscopy in standing horses adds the advantage of avoiding the risk and expense of general anesthesia while providing easier access to the ovaries because of the location of the reproductive anatomy.
Laparoscopic ovariectomy requires very specialized equipment, facilities, and training. The Equine Clinic of Saratoga is proud to be able to offer this procedure at our hospital facility.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Equine Clinic of Saratoga!
Our comprehensive Wellness Program is a client favorite. It includes all the basic care your horse will need for all of 2024. We take pride in being a healthcare partner for your horse's health and performance needs.
Please keep in mind that the deadline for signing up this year is approaching this Saturday, January 20th.
Call 518-584-1633 or email [email protected] to sign up or ask any questions you may have.
What is kissing spine?
Kissing spine is a term used to describe when two or more vertebrae in the backbone are touching each other. A horse’s spine is made up of a series of small, individual bones called the vertebrae. Intervertebral discs and ligaments connect these vertebrae. When a horse flexes its back (bends it) during kissing, the pressure placed on these bones can cause damage to them.
The underlying cause of kissing spines is still largely unknown. The condition can occur in any horse, but some breeds, such as Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods, seem to develop it more than others. Horses are most commonly diagnosed around 5 to 10 years of age, but younger and older horses can develop it, too. Kissing spines typically occur in the last few thoracic vertebrae—right where a saddle and rider would sit along the horse’s back.
Horses with kissing spines can demonstrate a variety of clinical signs. These can be subtle, such as poor performance or decreased range of motion when asked to flex or extend the back, all the way up to more noticeable behaviors, such as a painful reaction to back palpation, reluctance to be saddled or ridden, cross-cantering, and bucking under saddle.
The kissing spine in horses symptoms includes:
• An unusual gait.
• Splaying of the hooves when standing.
• Stiffness in the back legs and neck.
• Sensitivity or pain on palpation along either side of the spinous processes (the bony protrusions where spinal nerve roots emerge).
• Muscle atrophy in one or both hindquarters.
Once a veterinarian diagnoses a horse with kissing spines, he or she can proceed with several treatment options. In mild cases, horses might respond to conservative treatments such as muscle relaxants, chiropractic and acupuncture therapy, shock wave, or local corticosteroid injections. If a horse does not improve with conservative therapy or it’s a more advanced case, the veterinarian might recommend surgery.
Kissing spine was once a career-ending diagnosis for performance horses, but veterinary medicine has made great strides in developing ways to correct the condition. There are currently two surgeries available to correct kissing spine.
There is a bone shave procedure, which is designed to remove and shave down some of the bony spinous processes, as well as clip the ligaments, to allow more room and movement for the vertebrae.
The second procedure is called an interspinous ligament desmotomy, more commonly referred to as a “lig-snip.” This procedure involves cutting only the ligaments connected to the affected spinous processes, allowing the spine to relax.
Kissing spine exercises are a tried-and-true technique for rehabilitating horses with back pain. These gentle exercises can be performed solo or with the horse’s regular exercise regime to relieve soreness and reduce inflammation.
Kissing spine exercises aim to stimulate blood flow, promote nerve function, and improve coordination between muscles that support the spine. With consistent practice, these simple movements will help keep your affected horse healthy and happy!
How to Prevent A Kissing Spines in Horses
• Keep your horse’s back well-conditioned
• Use a saddle pad that is designed to avoid kissing spines.(Check our Best saddle pad for kissing spine article.)
• Feed your horse high-quality hay and grain.
• Keep the spine warm with a blanket, rug, or sheet.
• Provide plenty of water for horses.
• Keep your horse’s feet regularly trimmed and in good shape.
• Keep your horse out of wet, muddy conditions as much as possible.
• Give the horse time to dry off after being outside in damp weather or from sweating excessively.
• Provide plenty of exercises for the horse to build back and neck muscles to support itself better while being ridden.
• Ensure that there is sufficient space for the horse to lie down comfortably when it wants to rest.
The spine is a vital part of the equine body, and if it becomes injured or diseased, there could be severe consequences for the animal.
Understanding how to identify kissing spines in horses can help you understand what symptoms to look out for so that your horse does not have to suffer from this condition.
If you have questions about kissing spine or want an evaluation for your horse, contact us today. 🐴🐴
Fall Vaccines
Be proactive and protect your horse.
It's October and as most of us relish the cooler fall air and enjoy the Upstate New York foliage, we also must think about housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies for the cold weather to come for our horses.
And it's time to talk about fall vaccination! Factors such as age, geographic location, use, transportation frequency, and previous vaccinations, all play a role in the decision-making process. We not only look for protection for the coming winter months, but also for the early spring months.
PHF (Potomac Horse Fever), Flu/Rhino (Influenza / Rhinopneumonitis), and WNV (West Nile Virus) are the most concerning at this time.
We offer a basic Fall Vaccine Package (PHF, Flu/Rhino), and WNV as deemed necessary in certain areas for an additional fee.
Please call today to schedule your appointment or consult.
518-584-1633
Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, which affects horses, donkeys, and ponies worldwide. After initial infection, persistence can result in horses becoming long-term carriers. Rapid identification of infected/carrier horses allows suitable quarantine and treatment measures to be implemented.
The Equine Clinic of Saratoga now offers Rapid PCR Testing for Equine Herpesvirus-1 and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (also known as Strangles). We can collect samples in the field, at your stable, and have the results available within hours.
Did you know that ECS serves people traveling with their horses who may need veterinary care along the way? If you are traveling with your horse in the Upstate NY region - and run into health issues or other need for veterinary care - give us a call. Our knowledgeable veterinarians and hospital facilities allow us to care for your horse in-house from diagnostics through treatment, and even surgery if needed.
Does your horse suffer from Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA), which used to be known as degenerative joint disease, can affect any joint where two cartilage-covered bones meet. In sport/athletic horses we often see OA affecting the joints in the limbs, such as hocks, knees, stifles, and fetlocks. Classic signs include heat, swelling due to excess joint fluid, lameness/pain, stiffness, deformation caused by bony changes, and crepitus—that popping, grinding, and crackling sound and sensation in an affected joint.
The knees, (fetlocks), hocks, and stifles are in fact some of the most common joints diagnosed with OA in horses, but any articular joint can be impacted, including the multitude of individual joints along the length of the spine, hips, and even the jaw or temporomandibular joint.
The most common method of assessing lameness is a veterinary lameness exam. OA is one of those conditions that people tend to assume a horse has simply because it’s so common. However, deciding a horse has any medical condition and treating it without consulting a veterinarian can have serious consequences, delay appropriate treatment, and drain valuable owner resources.
There are many forms of treatment for OA from joint supplements to bute, but one you may not be aware of is injectable PAAG.
Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) is a nontoxic material used in everything from diapers to contact lenses to cosmetic fillers. Today, veterinarians are even using it as a synthetic joint lubricant in horses with osteoarthritis. When used properly, this injectable can be an effective substitute for traditional joint therapies for managing horses with osteoarthritis.
The 2.5% hydrogel is absorbed into the synovium (connective tissue that lines the inside of the joint capsule) within 48 hours of administration and becomes fully integrated within four weeks. The 4% has been shown to lubricate the cartilage surface and adhere to areas where it is damaged. It coats the cartilage with a protective layer and reduces friction within the joint.
The most commonly treated areas include:
• Pastern joints
• Fetlocks
• Stifles
• Lower hock joints
• Navicular bursae
• Tendon sheaths post-arthroscopy
The front and hind fetlocks in both sport and racehorses may be the most frequently treated joints, likely because of the incidence of pathology,
Before injecting PAAG into a joint veterinarians need to get the inflammation under control; then administer it as early as possible, before the osteoarthritis progresses further. Radiographic guidance for pastern and lower hock joint injections may be helpful.
Polyacrylamide is not a quick fix for lameness. Horses require some rest following therapy, and there may be a slow improvement over two to three months. The materials take time to work; it’s not instant gratification but long-term benefits.
Dr. Axel Sondhof is available for consultations if your horse is experiencing any kind of lameness, and can make an evaluation about osteoarthritis and best treatment options.
ECS is looking for a daytime Vet Tech / Assistant with at least 2 years experience. We are also looking for someone part-time for overnights and some weekends as needed.
View these jobs on our website to apply.
https://www.equineclinicofsaratoga.com/jobs
Please send your resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected]. Any questions may be directed to Jacoba Barboza at the office at 518-584-1633.
Horses with endocrine disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), Insulin Dysregulation (ID), and muscle disorders such as Polysaccharide Storage Myopathies (PSSM) and Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER), respond well to nutritional and dietary management.
In many cases horses diagnosed with EMS, PPID, or ID tend to be obese. In fact, obesity itself is a predisposing factor for EMS and insulin resistance. However, not all obese horses are insulin resistant, and not all insulin-resistant horses are obese. Sometimes if the horse is both obese and insulin resistant, reducing bodyweight is all that is necessary to bring the horse back to normal glucose / insulin homostasis.
A successful weight loss program involves reducing calories from both the concentrated and forage portion of the diet. A ration balancer will provide nutrients that may be missing. Pasture intake must be limited or eliminated through short grazing periods, dry lot turnout, grazing muzzle, or smaller enclosures.
Restricting hay, utilizing small-hole or slow feeders can prolong forage intake. Initiating 30 minutes of physical activity 6 times a week is recommended for obese horses. This will help with weight loss, and the exercise itself will help improve insulin sensitivity.
Some horses with these conditions may be at risk for laminitis. In this case, limiting non-structural carbohydrates is helpful. Commercial feed products should have the starch and sugar levels guaranteed on the tag. (“Low Starch” or “Low Carb” labels are not to be relied upon). Also soaking hay in cold water for 1 hour or in warm water for 30 minutes may reduce starch and sugar content by 20-30%.
Horses with PPID should not be assumed to also be insulin dysregulated. A study found that 43% of PPID-positive horses were also hyperinsulinemic (Hyperinsulinemia is a condition in which there are excess levels of insulin circulating in the blood relative to the level of glucose.) Evaluating insulin status in a PPID case is recommended before creating a nutrition plan.
For horses that are not hyperinsulinemic, any appropriate ration that meets their nutrient and caloric needs is acceptable. Horses with PPID are more likely to experience muscle loss and immune suppression. Feeds with high-quality amino acids, essential nutrients including trace minerals and antioxidants are important for supporting muscle maintenance and immune function.
Strategies for RER and PSSM are similar and include reducing the soluble carbohydrate content or the ration, and supplying additional energy with fat when necessary, as well as ensuring adequate Vitamin E intake. There are differences between PSSM2 and PSSM1 diagnosis and treament so it is important to work with your veterinarian to pinpoint the right nutritional plan. Exercise on a regular basis is also important in the management of horses with RER or PSSM.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new dietary or exercise management with your horse.
A gastric ulcer is a sore in the stomach lining that occurs when the lining has been damaged by stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Ulcers can also be seen in the lower esophagus and at the entrance of the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). The condition, also known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome, is associated with performance horses, changes in housing or interactions with other horses, stress, and illnesses. Mild stomach ulcers are seen commonly in newborn foals. In most cases, these ulcers cause no signs and heal without treatment. Ulcers can be found in approximately 30% of adult horses, but the percentage is much higher (up to 90%) in race horses. They are least common among horses turned out onto pasture and most common among Thoroughbred racehorses at racetracks. Ulcers are found in more than 60% of show horses, event horses, western performance horses, and endurance horses.
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is the term commonly used to describe ulcers or erosive lesions in the stomach of the horse, but it is now differentiated into two diseases specific to where the lesions occur.
Equine Squamous Gastric disease (ESGD) occurs when the unprotected squamous mucosa has an increased duration of contact with acid. In this case, suppression of acid production remains the key to treatment for ESGD. Antacids may act rapidly to neutralize acid, but do not have a long duration of the activity, ranging from 15-90 minutes in the horse - requiring frequent administration and do not allow enough time for ulcer healing. It seems that monotherapy with omeprazole (28 days) can effectively heal or reduce the severity of squamous ulcers in 92% of cases. The patented paste formulation of Gastrogard® provides protection, which unprotected powders and compounds do not have.
The other disease associated with equine ulcers is Equine Glandular Gastric disease (EGGD). EGGD occurs due to a combination of acid injury and failure of the normal protective mechanisms. For this variation, the monotherapy does not provide a satisfactory response, therefore the use of mucosal protectants as a component of treatment is recommended. In this case, the acid suppression with omeprazole is often combined with sucralfate for treatment of EGGD.
Duration of treatment for EGGD is more difficult to predict, but generally longer. An endoscopic exam may be indicated around 30 days to gauge response and further course of action.
Management Strategies:
• Decrease stress
• Adjust nutritional management
• Allowing more turnout time
• Walking and other forms of exercise
• Regular forage consumption
• Possibly limiting grain but increasing free-choice hay
• Feeding horses at ground level
Pinpointing which type of disease you are dealing with will inform treatment protocols and long-term management. The Equine Clinic of Saratoga offers evaluation and endoscopy services to diagnose, treat and manage EGUS in all its forms. Give us a call today for an appointment.
ECS is looking for a daytime Vet Tech / Assistant with at least 2 years experience.
View the particulars on our website to apply.
https://www.equineclinicofsaratoga.com/jobs
We are looking for a person who can work flexible hours during the week, 6 hour shifts (between 8am - 8pm) and on weekends. Work includes helping monitor patients, fluid management, feeding and cleaning stalls, and keeping horses groomed. Horse experience is necessary.
See the link to the job posting in the Comments section - and submit your resume today!
Have you ever purchased a horse who looked and acted like a healthy animal, only to find out they had a pre-existing health condition, or an old injury or issue that might flare up and need more investment of time or money?
Knowing about the health and condition of a horse before completing a purchase is one of the most important factors in deciding whether that animal is going to be a wise investment. No matter what your intended reason for purchasing the horse, you stand the best chance of getting one that meets your needs by investing in a pre-purchase examination.
Many horse professionals may be able to help you evaluate factors such as ability, behavior or pedigree, and you should seek their advice as necessary. However, only an accomplished equine veterinarian can help determine the prospect's overall health and condition.
Deciding what should be included in a pre-purchase exam should be a conversation with your veterinarian. Choosing a vet who is familiar with the breed, sport or intended use is a plus.
• Explain to your veterinarian your expectations and primary uses for the horse, including short- and long-term goals (for example, showing, then breeding).
• Ask your veterinarian to outline the procedures that he/she feels should be included in the examination and why.
• Establish the costs for these procedures.
• Be present during the purchase exam. The seller or agent should also be present.
• Discuss with your veterinarian his/her findings in private.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions or request further information about your veterinarian’s findings.
Your veterinarian can only advise you about the horse's current physical condition, which may include evaluating its conformation, eyes and vital organs and most especially, its limbs for signs of disease or injury. Your veterinarian can discuss how these things might affect performance from a health standpoint, but he or she cannot predict the future.
There is no standard set of tests - however here is a list of somethings you may want to evaluate:
• The horse's medical history
• Pulse, respiration and body temperature.
• The heart and lungs.
• The nostrils, ears, and eyes.
• Limb and body conformation.
• The body and limbs for signs of previous injuries or disease.
• Blood samples for diseases or for overall health.
• The teeth and mouth.
• The horse’s feet, both visually and with hoof testers.
• The horse in motion, traveling in a straight line, in small circles and often under tack. These evaluations might performed be at the walk, trot and canter, and preferably before as well as after the horse has been warmed up.
• Joint flexibility and response of the limbs to flexion testing.
• The horse's behavior.
In some cases further tests may be warranted, including:
• X-rays
• nerve blocks
• urine and blood analysis
• endoscopic and ultrasonic examinations
• Reproductive exams
Remember that no horse is perfect in every respect. Some medical conditions or conformation faults are manageable or may never seriously affect the horse's performance. If things such as specialized shoeing, exercise or nutrition are necessary, decide whether or not they are practical for your needs and your budget.
If in doubt about the findings, get a second opinion.
Finally, make your own determination as to whether a horse is a good investment. In the end, it is your decision and has to be based on your assessment of the results and comfort level with any possible known risks.
The decision to buy is yours alone to make, but your equine veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process by providing you with objective, health-related information. Even if you should decide not to buy, consider the exam money well-spent. The investment in a purchase exam can save you headaches, heartaches and dollars, and provide a perfect opportunity to find the right horse — one that is healthy and can meet your needs and expectations.
Contact us today to schedule your pre-purchase exam!
163 Daniels Road
Saratoga Springs, NY
12866
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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Send a message to The Equine Clinic of Saratoga:
We understand the special role your horse plays in your family and are dedicated to becoming your partner in your horse's health care. We treat your horse as we would our own. Our goal is to practice the highest quality medicine and surgery with compassion, while providing personal attention to the unique concerns of each individual equine owner.
The Equine Clinic of Saratoga, Axel F. Sondhof, DVM, MS, PC in Saratoga Springs, NY is a full service equine medical and surgical hospital. It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your horse. Our services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy horses; early detection and treatment of disease as your horse ages; and complete medical and surgical care as necessary during his or her lifetime.
Our entire healthcare team is committed to providing personal attention to the unique concerns of each individual equine owner. Thank you for taking the time to read about our veterinary practice and the services we offer. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact us at (518) 584-1633 for all your equine health care needs.
Dr. Jordan Grossman, Honest Equine Vet
Louden Road
Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital
Route 29
