Sparks Equine Veterinary Services. PLLC

07/18/2024

FOUNDER ALERT
Watch your horses closely for soreness if they are already prone to laminitis. The grass is severely stressed due to the dry conditions and may be richer than it normally would be this time of year once we get some rain and the grass starts to grow.

07/16/2024

If you need to reach Dr. Sparks the phone number is (304) 619-0076. Leave a voicemail
and your call will be returned if Dr. Sparks is unable to answer. This number no longer accepts text messages.

07/10/2024

There is currently a small suspected strangles outbreak in Gilmer County, WV. The horses known to be affected at this time are on 2 locations and are quarantined. They are trail horses that have been to group trail rides in Gilmer County, WV and to a ride at Camp Creek State Park in the last few weekends before showing any symptoms. If you think your horses have been in contact with any of the affected animals please monitor temperatures closely as well as for cough, nasal discharge and swelling under the
jaw. If you notice any symptoms please contact your veterinarian immediately and do not travel with your horses.

There is a vaccination for strangles but it is not in the core vaccines that most horses receive. If you would like your horse vaccinated please call (304) 619-0076 to schedule an appointment.

12/14/2023

It's this time of year....the time when horses tell you they aren't being fed correctly.

Horses SHOULD NOT lose weight over the winter.

I see several horses per week with well intentioned owners who just need to be educated about how to feed.

Please, if your horse is losing weight, schedule him for a physical and dental exam. Don't wait until your friend looks like this pony in the picture. (Currently owned by a rescue and just beginning her rehab).

Dr. Sparks. (304) 619-0076

03/03/2023

The rumor mill is at it again saying I am going out of business or limiting my practice. This is absolutely NOT TRUE. I am still covering all of the areas I have covered in the past and more. If you hear this rumor please squash it. Thanks! Hope everybody is having a good day!

01/13/2023

Winter is the perfect time to get your horse's dental exams done!

This older boy was presented for a routine dental exam. Check out the calculus buildup on his canine teeth! The tissue under that buildup surrounding the tooth was so irritated. Imagine how that would feel!

Call to set up your appointment with Dr. Sparks.
(304) 619-0076

05/21/2022

Testing is so so important. It’s the only way to stop this disease. There is no treatment or vaccine.

Animal health officials reported the confirmed cases and exposed horses were in Tulare County.

05/18/2022

This is why Coggins testing is still so important. Yes, this is in OH 5 days ago. One horse is positive and at least 33 exposed.

33 potentially exposed horses at the boarding facility are under quarantine.

02/22/2022

02/18/2022

VACCINES!
I’ve been getting more and more questions about vaccines that are available.

Here are my recommendations:

, Rhino, Eee, Wee, Tetanus, West Nile, and Rabies for all.

for horses in high traffic barns with a lot of horses in and out or show horses showing in more high risk activities (especially youngsters).

- all horses are susceptible but especially horses on round baled hay or fields fertilized with any type of manure.

Horse Fever - all horses are susceptible but the disease tends to be regional so it is not in my recommendation for all horses in my practice area, only in some areas.

- all horses are susceptible, especially any with Appaloosa characteristics.

Vaccines are done on horses at least yearly. Flu and rhino should be done every 6 months if the horse is being exposed to other horses year round (show or trail horses traveling all year).

My rule of thumb on all vaccines is if you would treat the horse for the disease you should spend the money for the vaccination.

See you guys soon!
Dr. Sparks

04/15/2021

Yesterday morning’s project. Good work Michael Acord!

03/13/2021

Huge thanks to the Pack family for hosting a Coggins/vaccine clinic today! If you are in the Beckley area and need a boarding facility, riding lessons or an indoor arena to ride in you should check them out at Royal Mountain Farm.

02/25/2021

COGGINS/VACCINE CLINIC TIME!!!!!
Sat. Mar. 13, 10am-12pm in BECKLEY, WV
RSVP (304) 619-0076