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Guardian Equine Veterinary Services

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Suffolk, VA
Guardian Equine Veterinary Services

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services provides veterinary care to horses in South East VA/North East NC
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06/16/2024

Selfie Sunday on Father's Day: Shout out to all of the "Horse Dad's" out in the world. Thank you for fueling that fire and raising the next generation of equestrians.

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services would like to pay tribute to a very special Father on this day. Mike Field was the "King of the Girl Dads" and even learned how to send a "selfie" with Cowboy Cody using a FLIP PHONE in a Midwestern winter storm.

Share your Horse Dad photos below! Bonus if they are in selfie format!

06/15/2024

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY: Featuring and the families of the USS New Jersey.

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services is proud to support local equine assisted programs with educational events. Dr. Gard discussed the different types of forage based diets horses can be provided with the families of the USS New Jersey. We were honored to be a part of this event with .

Hero Kids Foundation's aim is to provide a multidisciplinary approach to promote and support Military & First Responders’ children, together with the whole family, utilizing animal-assisted therapies along with nature-based activities. Check out their website for more upcoming events. www.hkfva.org

06/14/2024

Fun Fact Friday: TWO FOR ONE EDITION!

FIRST FUN FACT: June 14th is FLAG DAY! This day commemorates the adoption of the flag of The United States of America on June 14, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress.

SECOND FUN FACT: June 14th is also the Officially celebrated birthday of the United States Army! Congress adopted the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. Pictured below is Black Jack, the last of the Quartermaster–issue horses branded with the Army's U.S. brand. Black Jack served in the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

How many other fun facts do you know about June 14th? Share them below!

06/13/2024

Thursday Tips: Barn fires are the leading emergency facing agriculture facilities. Recently publicized events have illustrated the horrific damage that can occur and loss of life for the inhabitants of those facilities.

Prevention is key. Inspect your facility and install preventative measures to decrease your risk of barn fires.

06/12/2024

Wednesday Wisdom Warm Weather Edition:

Many equestrians are taught that recently exercised "hot" horses need to be walked until they are completely cool and dry. THIS IS A MYTH!

A 2020 study found that out of the five methods tested, the quickest way to return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application. This does not mean you should skip the "cool down" portion of your training session, it is important to "warm up" and "cool down" your horse during any exercise: end your session with a slow walk to allow your horse's heart rate and breathing to gradually return to normal. After that your sweaty, hardworking horse should be offered a cool shower and drinking water (small but frequent amounts) without delay.

Overall, enjoy your summer rides but be aware of signs of heat stress in your horse. When heat and humidity soar, even moderate exercise can push your equine friend's body temperature beyond safe limits!

Contact Guardian Equine Veterinary Services if you would like to schedule a performance examination/consultation for your equine companion.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]

06/11/2024

Tuesday Tip: Soundness Evaluations

When evaluating a horse's gait, equine veterinarians utilize a standardized scale to describe abnormalities. The AAEP Lameness Scale rates gait abnormalities from 0 (no abnormalities noted) to 5 (non-weight bearing on a limb and/or unable to move).

Equine veterinarians may perform flexions and/or diagnostic nerve blocks to aid in localizing the source of gait abnormalities, as well as radiographs, ultrasound, or other diagnostic modalities to visualize lesions.

Does your horse have a hitch in their step? Call Guardian Equine Veterinary Services to schedule your soundness evaluation.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]

06/10/2024

Motivational Monday: "When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." -Carol Burnett

Share your Motivation below!

06/03/2024

Motivational Monday: "No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap." -Carrie Snow

Share a photo of your furry friend napping below!

06/01/2024

Saturday Spotlight: Guardian Equine Veterinary Services hosted the first Equine Education Event this week at Bennett's Creek Recreation Center. Participants learned how to Guard their horse's health and many walked away with their own Equine First Aid Kits!

Thank you to Merck Animal Health and CareCredit for their support in our mission to Guard Horse Health through continuing education for equine enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more Equine Education Events coming throughout Hampton Roads and North East North Carolina!

05/31/2024

Fun Fact Friday: During a 5 furlong race a horse inhales 1,800 liters (475 gallons) or six bathtubs of air in and out of its lungs. While at a full gallop, horses breathe in and out matching their stride.

Share a photo of your horse galloping below!

05/30/2024

Thursday Tip: RESPIRATORY EDITION

The respiratory system in a horse is essential to overall health, and minor disturbances to the airways can result in large impacts to the horse's performance and comfort.

Minor inflammation or obstruction may lead to symptoms of equine asthma, which may manifest in a multitude of ways depending on the animal. Coughing and wheezing are severe respiratory signs, however asthma may also appear as lack of energy, slow recovery times, and poor work ethic.

Reducing dust in the horse’s environment and identifying asthma triggers are beneficial when treating equine asthma. Medications may be necessary to decrease inflammation if the horse is experiencing respiratory distress.

If your horse is suffering from poor performance, or if you have noticed difficulty breathing, slower recovery times, or other respiratory symptoms please schedule your equine friend for a visit from Guardian Equine Veterinary Services today.
[email protected]
(757)840-8030

05/29/2024

Tonight's THE NIGHT: Join Guardian Equine Veterinary Services for an Equine Educational Event at the Bennett's Creek Rec Center. Doors open at 6 and lecture starts at 6:30pm.

Learn how to GUARD your horse's health and possibly leave with your own Equine First Aid Kit.

05/27/2024

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services will be closed for business today to honor those who have fallen in service to our nation.

Emergency services will be provided to current clients only. Please call the office number to leave a message for the veterinarian on call.
(757)840-8030

All other inquiries will be returned during normal business hours (M/W/F 8am-5pm)

05/26/2024

Selfie Sunday: Featuring Licensed Veterinary Technician, Jordan!

Many of you know LVT Jordan as the bright voice on the phone and the compassionate horse handler in the field. Jordan is a native of Maryland and has been a Licensed Veterinary Technician in our area for many years. She has two geldings and enjoys competing in trail obstacle challenges with both boys.

Jordan obliged a "Selfie Sunday" while attending the AAEVT Spring Regional Event in Weatherford TX. Please share your weekend Selfies below!

05/25/2024

Saturday Spotlight: Featuring AAEVT Spring Regional Meeting and Licensed Veterinary Technician Jordan.

The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians hosted their Spring Regional Meeting in Weatherford TX which featured lecture topics such as Metabolic Disease, Biosecurity, Endoscopy, Respiratory Disease, Shockwave technology and reproductive health. During this continuing education event, LVT Jordan also participated in hands on wet labs including performing a Caslicks procedure in a mare, upper airway endoscopy and shockwave treatments.

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services values continuing education for all members of the veterinary team as well as owners and others involved in overall horse managment. Stay tuned for more Spotlights on Continuing Education!

05/24/2024

Fun Fact Friday: Did you know a horse hoof continues to grow in size (diameter) until they are 6 years old and continuously grow in length during their entire life?

Horses, Donkeys and Mules require routine hoof care, which should include daily "picking" to remove debris and farrier visits every 4-6 weeks for "trimming".

If you notice anything unusual when performing regular hoof care on your equine friend, reach out to Guardian Equine Veterinary Services to schedule an appointment.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]

05/22/2024

West Nile Wednesday: Have the mosquitos infiltrated your farm?

With the warmer weather and wet conditions, mosquitoes are out in full force. With their influx, comes the propensity to carry diseases to our equine friends.

Mosquitos transmit West Nile Virus as well as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Both diseases are preventable with vaccination performed every 6 months by your equine veterinarian. Both WNV and EEE are considered "CORE VACCINES" by the American Association of Equine Practioners.

Call/text or email Guardian Equine Veterinary Services today to schedule your spring vaccines.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]

05/21/2024

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services will be closed Memorial Day, Monday May 27th.

Emergency services will be provided for current clients. In case of Emergency, please call the office line and leave a message for the veterinarian on call.

Routine inquiries may be made via call/text/email and will be returned during normal business hours (Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8am to 5pm)

(757)840-8030
[email protected]

05/20/2024

Motivational Monday: "If you're having fun, that's when the best memories are built" -Simone Biles

Would you like to see your equine friend featured on "Motivational Monday"? Send your favorite photos and inspirational quotes to Guardian Equine Veterinary Services via email or text.
[email protected]
(757)840-8030

05/19/2024

Selfie Sunday: Featuring collaboration with Dr. Gard and Foundation Equine Clinic's Rig, "David".

Share your favorite "Selfie Sunday" featuring an equine business below!

05/18/2024

Saturday Spotlight: EQUINE EDUCATION EVENT

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services is sponsoring an Equine Education Event on May 29 from 6:30-7:30pm at Bennett's Creek Recreation Center.

All Equine Enthusiasts are encouraged to join for an evening of education and excitement. Topics covered will include "What to expect when you are expecting...your vet to visit", "Triage and Emergencies" and "Spectrum of Care".

Raffle prizes and other promotional prizes available, including Equine First Aid Kits and Merck Merchandise!

This event is free to the public, however seating is limited.
Please RSVP through the Facebook event, or you may send a message to Guardian Equine Veterinary Services directly via text/call (757-840-8030) or email ([email protected])

Can't make this event? Keep an eye out for more Equine Education Events with Guardian Equine Veterinary Services throughout Hampton Roads!

05/17/2024

Problem Solved!

Technical issues with email have been resolved, you may now continue to contact Guardian Equine Veterinary Services via email, phone or text!
[email protected]
(757)840-8030

05/17/2024

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services is experiencing technical difficulties with the email server. If you need to request information, set an appointment, or otherwise get in touch with us, please call/text (757)840-8030.

Thank you for your patience!

05/16/2024

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing. Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

05/14/2024

Tip Tuesday: Hoof Abscess Edition

Hoof abscesses are a common source of lameness, and can occur during any season. Typically, abscesses are formed when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae and the hoof wall/sole and create pus. The build up of material creates pressure on the hoof wall/sole and causes the sudden onset of acute, often severe, lameness.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, and it is important to contact your veterinarian to discuss treatment. Some uncomplicated abscesses may rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses. Others may require veterinary assistance to drain. Horses with recurrent abscesses may need to be evaluated with radiographs and/or bloodwork to determine underlying causes of continued abscessation.

Call/text or email Guardian Equine Veterinary Services if your horse suffers from reoccurring abscesses or other foot pain.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]

05/13/2024

Motivational Monday: "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud" -Maya Angelou

Share your motivational rainbow photos in the comments below!

05/12/2024

Selfie Sunday: MOTHERS DAY EDITION!

Here's to celebrating all of those Mothers who raise Horse Crazy Kids!

Share your Selfie Sunday featuring your mother, child, or furry companion below!

05/11/2024

Saturday Spotlight: Guardian Equine Veterinary Services took a field trip to visit our friends at Foundation Equine Clinic to tour their new haul in facilities in Southern Pines North Carolina. Foundation Equine is home to Dr. Lisa Kivett, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and adjunct professor at North Carolina State University.

Dr. Kivett has been a close colleague with Dr. Gard for many years, and is always ready for a consultation on complicated internal medicine cases. Both Dr. Kivett and Dr. Gard believe in a cooperative atmosphere for equine veterinarians as well as the sustainability of equine veterinary practice. Both Dr. Kivett and Dr. Gard are members of "Decade One" and facilitators for the student program "Starting Gate"

Guardian Equine Veterinary Services is appreciative of the hospitality of our counterparts in Southern Pines and cannot wait to host our friends in the future.

Like and Follow Guardian Equine Veterinary Services to keep track of all of our adventures highlighting the many facets of Equine Veterinary Medicine on the East Coast and beyond.

Address

Suffolk, VA
23434

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17578408030

Website

http://www.guardianequinevet.com/

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