West Coast Equine Medicine

12/07/2024

https://thehorse.com/1131064/infographic-smart-topical-antibiotic-use-in-horses/

Learn about smart topical antibiotic use in horses with this easy-to-understand infographic. Sponsored by Silver Honey.

11/28/2024

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving !

11/09/2024

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 🧬🐴

Yesterday we shared news of recent findings that there are actually two genetic variants responsible for graying in horses. The VGL is now offering a new test that determines which gray variant a horse carries: G2 (associated with slow graying) or G3 (associated with fast graying and increased risk for melanoma).

If you only want to know whether your horse will gray but do not need to know which gray variant (or how many) the horse has, we also offer a Gray Presence/Absence test.

To read more about these two options, visit our website at https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/gray_copy_number and https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/gray_presence_absence

10/28/2024

Dr. Tara Doherty is now offering a 🍁 seasonal special ❄️ for acupuncture and spinal manipulation! When used together on your horse, both services will be bundled together at a 20% discount. Call (866) 923-6838 to inquire and schedule an appointment for your horse! 🐴

Featured in the first photo below is Dr. Kate Rigby’s Thoroughbred, Skipping Salute, enjoying an adjustment before their show at Galway Downs this upcoming weekend! 🏇 🏆

07/11/2024

Thank you to Graze Craze - Murrieta, CA for dropping this off for our office! It was a lovely and refreshing snack after a hot day!

07/11/2024

How hot is too hot to ride? Following this heat index chart (temp + humidity) can help determine if it is safe to ride. As always, make sure you and your horse are hydrated before heading out!

07/07/2024

What do you do if your horse horse displays vague, mild, or serious signs of what might be colic? Your answer could save your horse’s life.
Read more at https://thehorse.com/features/dealing-with-equine-colic/, brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products.

06/26/2024

This past weekend Dr. Tara Doherty completed her final exams and received her certification in Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM). Through this course exclusively offered to veterinarians she learned how to safely adjust horses similar to how chiropractors can adjust people. VMM can help restore joint function, relieve muscle tension, and complements other veterinary therapies including acupuncture!

06/07/2024

In short:
-Perform f***l egg count reduction tests annually to ensure that you are using effective dewormers in every herd or barn.
-Recognize that no anthelmintic will eliminate all parasitic stages from a horse.
-Continue using f***l egg counts once or twice per year to stratify horses into low, medium and high shedders to reduce pasture contamination.
-Deworm all horses at a baseline rate and target selected horses more often based on f***l egg counts. (In our area strongyles and tapeworms should be the focus)
-Not use f***l egg counts to diagnose disease in horses as there is no correlation between f***l egg counts and disease-causing parasite life stages.
-Discontinue deworming all horses with fixed intervals year-round and stop blindly rotating anthelmintic classes.

UPDATES GUIDELINES AVAILABLE 📢

The AAEP has issued revised Internal Parasite Control Guidelines to help minimize the risk of parasitic disease and maintain the effectiveness of current drugs for as long as possible by delaying further development of anthelmintic resistance.

The updated guidelines account for recent advances in knowledge concerning increased anthelmintic resistance and optimization of parasite control management practices. They also address common misconceptions and offer parasite control program recommendations for senior horses (over 15 years old), mature horses (between 5 and 15 years old), and young horses (under 5 years old).

Read more at: https://aaep.org/post/aaep-publishes-updated-internal-parasite-control-guidelines/

The guidelines were reviewed and updated by the AAEP Internal Parasite Control Guidelines Task Force, chaired by Dr. Nielsen and comprised of 10 AAEP members predominantly board certified in veterinary internal medicine, veterinary parasitology and/or veterinary microbiology. We thank them for their incredibly important work!

05/13/2024

Some of our doctors (Dr. Kate Rigby and Dr. Tara Doherty) taking some time off of their busy schedules to compete this weekend in the Starter and Beginner Novice eventing divisions at Galway Downs with Heart Bar Farms!

03/08/2024

Happy Foal Friday!

03/07/2024

Did you know gastric ulcers have been found to affect up to 60% of show horses? And can be found even in our non-performance horses. Signs of ulcers can often be overlooked as training or behavioral problems. Consider reaching out to your veterinarian if your horse displays the following signs and stay tuned for more information on our gastroscope day coming this Spring!

02/20/2024

While colic is unfortunately not always preventable, below are 10 tips that may help! Always ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your horse. 🐴

02/16/2024

All this rainy weather unfortunately brings along hoof abscesses for our equine friends. Review some tips below for management and don’t hesitate to call our office with any questions or concerns. ☔️

02/16/2024

Happy belated Valentine’s Day! Embryo flushing season is in full swing …and here is an example of a lovely Grade 1, seven day old embryo! Call us at 866-923-6838 to discuss options for embryo flushing and transfer!

02/13/2024

Do you have a plan for your horse’s unexpected medical expenses? (Read, for example: can you afford colic surgery if it comes to it?)

Whether a horse is purchased for personal or business reasons, horse ownership represents a significant investment of time, money, and resources. While nothing may easy the emotional burden, wise planning can at least help reduce the economic impacts should something happen to your precious companion.

There are many types of coverage available to the horse owner and the conditions can vary widely between companies. Common types of coverage available for horses are listed (but not limited to what you see) in the graphic. Some equine insurers may require an insurance examination certificate signed by a veterinarian before a policy will be issued for a horse, however that does not mean your veterinarian can attest for the insurability of the animal — your veterinarian can only respond to questions of which he or she has direct knowledge, reporting the medical facts to the best of his or her ability.

Regardless of the circumstances, never ask or expect your veterinarian to report a claim to the insurance company or to be an expert with regards to your insurance policy. This is your responsibility as the owner and if you have questions regarding your policy be sure to ask your insurance agent!