Three Peaks Veterinary Services

06/24/2024

To our clients:

Dr. Bloom is currently dealing with a medical emergency and will not be available until further notice. If you have an appointment scheduled currently we will be reaching out shortly to make a plan.
As soon as we have an update we will let everyone know but for now we ask for you to keep her in your thoughts!

If you have any questions or need medication refills please call 209-768-0364

Thank you

06/18/2024

If any of our clients/non clients in the Copperopolis area need guidance on animal evacuation centers or anything please give us a call 209-703-0654 and we help the best we can.

Livestock Evacuation Center: Calaveras County Fairgrounds
101 Frogtown Rd Angels Camp

06/08/2024

We are now accepting Care Credit!

Give us a call or visit carecredit.com for more info or to apply!

Gallop down to a vet near you for some excellent equine care. Have you ever used the CareCredit credit card for your equine vet care? Let us know in the comments. 🔽🔽

05/09/2024

We had a super great day speaking to this fun group of students! Thanks for having us!

04/02/2024

04/02/2024

'Tis the season to be hairy (horse owners)!

If, however, you notice that your horse is clinging to their winter coat longer than they should, it might be time to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your horse is 15+.

A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric horses.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping horses with PPID live long, happy lives. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and many horses are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.

02/22/2024

Calving, lambing, and kidding season is here which means DYSTOCIA SEASON IS HERE TOO!

Labor lasting longer than two to three hours or any abnormal presentation are reasons to intervene.
*** horses have a very different timeline ***

Give us a call if you have questions on how to be prepared! 209-703-0654

Watch for warning signs that something might be wrong during each of the three stages of labor to determine if a cow needs help giving birth.

02/22/2024

“Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).”

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)? You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease, and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

02/15/2024

#4 ‼️ Horses are strongly motivated to forage (eating hay and grazing pasture) based on their inherent nature. In free-ranging horses, 70-80% of their time is spent eating. Pastured horses show a similar pattern to free-ranging horses. They will eat 10 to 12 hours daily in 30 to 180-minute bouts. The amount eaten during a grazing bout is related to the type and availability of forage, level of nutrient demand, satiety cues, taste and textures of the feed, and external cues. Free-ranging horses never fast for more than 3 to 4 hours. (Iowa State University)

Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe but it should never be ignored, as many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time. Only by quickly and accurately recognizing colic – and seeking qualified veterinary help – can the chance for recovery be maximized.

Virtually any horse is susceptible to colic, so management practices can play a key role in prevention. And although not every case is avoidable, the guidelines listed in the graphic can help you maximize your horse’s health and reduce the risk of colic.

As always, remember that every animal is different depending on age, breed and other health conditions, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to address any concerns specific to your situation!

02/10/2024

02/09/2024

Foal season is here! For those lucky mares that are in foal, please keep the simple "1-2-3" rule in mind when the magical moment finally arrives!

1) During stage 2 of labor (i.e. when the foal is delivered), this should take no longer than 1 hour! Ideally, the foal should be delivered in 20-30 minutes once stage 2 of labor begins. Stage 2 of labor begins when the mare's water breaks.
2) The newborn foal should make multiple attempts to stand during the first 2 hours of life, and should be standing and nursing by 2 hours of age.
3) The mare's fetal membranes (the placenta) should pass within 3 hours of birth. Please save these for your veterinarian to inspect!

If ANY of these 3 phases are prolonged, please call as it is an emergency. For more information, please click the below link!

https://aaep.org/horsehealth/foaling-mare-newborn-preparing-safe-successful-foal-delivery

02/07/2024

For our amazing Groveland/ Coulterville clients!

Spring Vet Clinic Dates are set.

Three Peaks Vetinary Services will be here March 6, 2024, available for dogs and horses.

Pioneer Equine Vet will be here March 14, 2024, available for horses only.

Both of these days are available for the public, reservations are required.

01/17/2024

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING (A FOAL) 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated — however, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor, to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!