Alta Equine Sports Medicine

Alta Equine Sports Medicine Equine Veterinary Practice

Being able to effectively bandage your horse in times of need is a skill many horse owners will likely need to employ at...
01/14/2025

Being able to effectively bandage your horse in times of need is a skill many horse owners will likely need to employ at some point or another.

Having a good working knowledge of wrapping legs and bandage management will serve you well; being able to assess the efficacy of your bandaging or wrapping capabilities and how they are currently supporting your horse’s wellness is crucial to providing proper care. It is important to remember that leg wraps misapplied can cause damage. When in doubt, call your veterinarian for guidance.

Check out the article link for more information: bit.ly/equine-bandaging

The term "colic" describes abdominal pain, which could result from a number of issues in the gastrointestinal tract. Sym...
01/13/2025

The term "colic" describes abdominal pain, which could result from a number of issues in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can range significantly from mild to severe. Timely treatment is vital when it comes to colic cases. If you feel unsure if your horse needs to be seen, communicate that to your veterinarian. Helpful information to share includes your horse's vital signs and a thorough description of any signs of discomfort or abnormal behavior.

If you and your veterinarian decide on a wait-and-see approach, please note that colic cases can change quickly. Plan on checking your every 15-20 minutes or as instructed by your horse's doctor.


Wildfire smoke can impact air quality far from active fire zones, posing risks to horses even in areas that seem unaffec...
01/10/2025

Wildfire smoke can impact air quality far from active fire zones, posing risks to horses even in areas that seem unaffected. While the Air Quality Index (AQI) is designed for human health, it can also help guide decisions about your horse’s exercise.

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has provided some guidelines for managing horses to protect them from smoke and particulates:

- Avoid exercise when smoke is visible.
- Provide fresh water near feeding areas to encourage drinking, which helps clear inhaled particles.
- Allow horses ample recovery time after smoke clears.
- Contact your veterinarian if your horse shows signs of coughing or breathing difficulty.

Consider a veterinary exam if your horse has been exposed to wildfire smoke. Health effects may not be immediate—respiratory or digestive issues can develop days later, especially when stress from changes in environment, diet, or routine adds to the strain. The full list of UC Davis guidelines is available in the health topics section of their website - https://bit.ly/ucdguidelines-smokeexposure

Equine nebulization is an effective option for addressing airway issues caused by smoke inhalation, allergies, and other...
01/09/2025

Equine nebulization is an effective option for addressing airway issues caused by smoke inhalation, allergies, and other respiratory concerns. Nebulizers deliver a fine mist of veterinarian-prescribed solutions directly to the lungs, offering targeted relief.

Even with saline, nebulization treatments should only be used under veterinary direction. If your horse is experiencing respiratory challenges, contact your veterinarian for a personalized treatment plan. Common protocols may include:

- Antibiotics for airway infections
- Bronchodilators to improve breathing
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Natural therapies to soothe and condition airways

Proper cleaning is key to biosecurity. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and disinfecting guidelines after every use, especially if the device is shared among horses.

At Alta Equine, we highly recommend the Flexineb device.

As California battles devastating wildfires, we are resharing information on equine smoke inhalation and air quality con...
01/09/2025

As California battles devastating wildfires, we are resharing information on equine smoke inhalation and air quality concerns in the hopes it will be helpful to affected horse owners during these challenging times. Keep an eye on our stories as we share more resources to support equine health.

Keep in mind that smoke can travel vast distances, so even areas far from active fires may experience poor air quality. While the Air Quality Index (AQI) was designed for human health, it has also been used to guide decisions about horse exercise.

The full extent of wildfire-related health impacts on horses may not be immediately apparent. Horses that appear stable after a wildfire can still develop health issues days later. Stress from changes in environment, diet, routine, or exposure to unfamiliar animals can further compromise respiratory and digestive health.

A veterinary exam is important if your horse has been exposed to wildfire smoke or a fire event.

Ultrasound is an essential tool for evaluating soft tissue structures in horses, providing detailed imaging of tendons, ...
01/07/2025

Ultrasound is an essential tool for evaluating soft tissue structures in horses, providing detailed imaging of tendons, ligaments, and other critical areas. It is also commonly used to guide injections with precision.

For clear and accurate images, clipping the scan area is preferred to remove hair and debris that can cause artifacts. When clipping isn’t possible, you’ll see Dr. Natalie applying isopropyl alcohol to a cleaned area before scanning to improve probe contact and image quality.

Equipped with portable ultrasound machines, the Alta Equine team performs high-quality scans right in the field. Each exam is customized to your horse’s needs, enabling us to assess lameness, monitor healing, and create effective treatment plans to keep your equine athlete performing at their best.

The fetlock joint is one of the most commonly imaged areas in performance horses, whether for prepurchase exams or inves...
01/06/2025

The fetlock joint is one of the most commonly imaged areas in performance horses, whether for prepurchase exams or investigating lameness.

Radiography is often the first imaging modality used to assess the fetlock region for pathologies like trauma, osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, and subchondral bone lesions. While most effective for evaluating bone health, radiographs can also provide some valuable insights into surrounding soft tissues.

At Alta Equine, we bring portable digital radiography directly to your barn. Dr. Natalie optimizes high-resolution images and discusses findings with you in real-time.

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The Alta Equine team is equipped to effectively radiograph most major areas of the horse in the comfort of your barn. Ou...
01/04/2025

The Alta Equine team is equipped to effectively radiograph most major areas of the horse in the comfort of your barn. Our digital display enables Dr. Natalie to optimize detailed imagery and discuss preliminary radiographic findings with owners in real-time.

With a clear diagnosis, we can make the appropriate treatment protocols for your horse, and you can be back doing what you love in the most efficient amount of time.

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Start 2025 off right with a wellness exam for your equine athlete. These visits are a valuable opportunity to discuss co...
01/02/2025

Start 2025 off right with a wellness exam for your equine athlete. These visits are a valuable opportunity to discuss competition goals for the year and refine management practice recommendations like nutrition, shoeing, and exercise. Schedule your appointment today to set your horse up for a healthy and successful year ahead.

Acupuncture can be a useful treatment modality in keeping your performance horse in top shape. There is a large and expa...
12/31/2024

Acupuncture can be a useful treatment modality in keeping your performance horse in top shape. There is a large and expanding body of scientific evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in pain management.

It is most commonly utilized to treat musculoskeletal problems such as lameness, muscle soreness, back pain, and arthritis. This therapy is intended to complement, not replace, traditional veterinary care.

Check out our website for more information:
altaequine.com/horse-health/acupuncture


When temperatures dip, horses must work harder to maintain their core body temperature. Hay can help!Forage is digested ...
12/26/2024

When temperatures dip, horses must work harder to maintain their core body temperature. Hay can help!

Forage is digested in the large intestine by bacterial fermentation, a process that generates heat and raises the horse’s core body temperature. Grain, digested in the stomach and small intestine, creates much less heat.

Cold weather care in areas with mild winters can be confusing for horse owners, especially when your horse is clipped. Leave your questions in the comments, and the Alta Equine team will answer them in upcoming winter care posts.

We hope you have a merry Christmas! 🎄
12/24/2024

We hope you have a merry Christmas! 🎄

The Alta Equine Team wishes you a wonderful holiday season! Please note that our operating schedule has been adjusted to...
12/20/2024

The Alta Equine Team wishes you a wonderful holiday season! Please note that our operating schedule has been adjusted to ensure our staff can enjoy time with their families.

Who doesn’t love a comeback story? Recently, we celebrated Oliver and his rider, Cash Delia, who soared to victory in th...
12/19/2024

Who doesn’t love a comeback story? Recently, we celebrated Oliver and his rider, Cash Delia, who soared to victory in the $10,000 Interactive Mortgage 10 and Under 1.35m Futurity at Desert Horse Park.

What makes this win even more special is the journey leading up to it. During a routine dental exam, Dr. Natalie noticed a large cyst in Oliver’s left eye. Curious, she asked if he had ever exhibited behavioral issues. The answer? Yes—Oliver had always been quick to spook. Dr. Natalie referred Oliver to the ophthalmology team at UC Davis, where specialists discovered not only the large iridociliary cyst in his left eye but also an additional cyst in his right eye. The left cyst was so big it had left him nearly blind on that side. Both cysts were successfully treated with a laser ablation procedure under standing sedation.

Post-procedure, Cash noted a remarkable difference: “Oliver has never jumped so straight!” With his vision and confidence restored, this dynamic duo clinched a major win during their first return to competition. Congratulations, Cash and Oliver, on this incredible achievement. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both!

📸 1: Estancia Farms
📸 2: The second image is an educational example, not from Oliver’s case, sourced from the Fourth Edition of Equine Ophthalmology, edited by Brian C. Gilger.*

The Alta Equine team has put together the following tips for managing horses spending more time in their stall:-Boredom ...
12/19/2024

The Alta Equine team has put together the following tips for managing horses spending more time in their stall:

-Boredom busters can include views of the wash rack, official horse toys (as approved by your veterinarian), ice blocks containing treats like carrot or apple slices, salt licks.
-Assign stalls in low-traffic areas if the horse is easily excited by horses passing to go outside.
-For rehab cases, consult with your veterinarian on what stretching exercises would be appropriate for your individual horse to reduce muscle atrophy, maintain range of motion, and provide mental stimulation.
-Barn buddies (other horses, goats, minis, and even chickens) can help to provide companionship for the laid-up horse. Be sure to monitor the introduction closely as some horses may be overly stimulated.
-Cushion stall with extra bedding.
-Groom daily.
-Feed first to avoid mealtime pacing. If possible, smaller, more frequent meals could be beneficial for gut health and distraction.
-Adjust your horse’s diet with consideration to their decreased workload.
-Fly control.
-Use of stalls with windows allows for natural light and fresh air access when turnout is not an option.

Have some tried and true tricks of your own? Please share them in the comments below! Every horse is different. If you feel your equine partner is not tolerating prescribed stall rest well, communicate that to our office. We will work with you to tind management solutions and supply sedative assistance if necessary.



Understanding a mare's reproductive cycle can help horse owners better care for and manage their mare's reproductive hea...
12/16/2024

Understanding a mare's reproductive cycle can help horse owners better care for and manage their mare's reproductive health and behavior.

Most mares are seasonally polyestrous with a reproductive and non-reproductive season (influenced by daylight length). During winter (short, cold days), their reproductive system is dormant (anestrus). As spring (longer, warmer days) approaches, mares enter a phase of activity (vernal transition), leading to an active reproductive season.

The cycle involves a 21-day interval, including approximately seven days of estrus (heat) and a 14-day diestrus (non-heat phase). Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play crucial roles in regulating these phases.

Estrogen influences brain centers that can affect the mare's behavior during the seven-day estrus phase, leading to behaviors like squealing, frequent urination, and distraction by other horses.

During diestrus, high progesterone levels may trigger behaviors such as agitation, tail-swishing, ear-pinning, and other signs of discomfort or aggression.

However, some behaviors often attributed to estrus might
actually stem from submissive behavior, discomfort, or stallion-like behavior rather than solely from estrus itself.

At Alta Equine, Dr. Natalie can help you differentiate between estrous-related behaviors and signs of pain or distress and explore treatment approaches best suited to your individual horse's needs.

We hope this brief overview is helpful. If you have questions, please drop them in the comments!

📸: Elizabeth Hay

Mabel is back in the stable! 🦌
12/12/2024

Mabel is back in the stable! 🦌

Olympique Van Shimhoff flying with 🔥
12/10/2024

Olympique Van Shimhoff flying with 🔥

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579 1st Street West
Sonoma, CA
95476

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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Spreading cheer by bringing back the ZDEER 🎄 #AltaEquine #AltaEquineAthlete #HappyHolidays

Purpose of Insulin
Purpose of Insulin

ASMR for the equestrian 😉 In our last post, we reviewed how carbohydrates break down into glucose, a sugar that is the body’s primary energy source for humans and horses. Today, we are talking insulin. Upon absorption from the intestine, glucose enters the bloodstream. Insulin is an essential hormone produced by the pancreas in response to elevated glucose levels in the blood. Essentially, this hormone helps the body store or use glucose, restoring blood sugar to normal levels. Many metabolic disorders and health problems can occur when the balance between glucose and insulin is disrupted. 📸 @sharlene__eq #AltaEquine #EquineNutrition #HorseDoctor #AAEP #KER #EquineVeterinarian #PerformanceHorse #EMS #EquineMetabolicDisease

Alta Equine uses extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to treat various injuries, optimize movement, and manage areas of chronic concern. This high-energy sound wave treatment is commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. It helps the body relieve pain, speed healing, and improve healing quality. It has been proven effective for treating conditions such as: - Tendon and ligament injuries (Suspensory/Deep Digital Flexor Tendon) - Wounds - Bone Fractures (stress fractures/splints) - Muscle strains⁠ - Osteoarthritis/Joint inflammation and pain - Back/neck pain (including kissing spines) - Foot Injuries (Desmitis/Navicular syndrome/Ringbone/Chronic Heel Pain) Shock wave treatment can help your horse return to work more quickly, has more than a decade of clinical success behind it, and may be covered in part or full by your equine medical insurance. #AltaEquineAthlete #ESWT #HorseDoctor #AAEP #Sporthorse #BayAreaEquestrian #SonomaCounty #AltaEquine #HorseHealth #ShockWaveTherapy #PerformanceHorse #EquineAthlete

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At Alta Equine Sports Medicine we strive to bring experienced thoughtful care to solve intricate medical problems and ensure our patients have healthy and happy lives.