Conejo Valley Equine

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

“The thrill of being a great father is not seeing your children go on to become successful adults. The thrill of a great father is the journey, experiencing your child’s successes along the pathway to their greatness.” —Reed Markham

05/27/2024

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom. Today, let us reflect on their courage and honour their memory.

05/17/2024

Horses without routine access to fresh grass pasture, like many in Southern California, are at a high risk of vitamin E deficiency. Symptoms of this deficiency can include decreased coat condition, unexplained muscle soreness, muscle atrophy and weight loss, weakness, and even neurological issues. If your horse is experiencing any of these symptoms, they might not be getting enough vitamin E in their diet.

Testing for vitamin E deficiency is straightforward and can be done with a simple blood draw. If you suspect your horse may be lacking in vitamin E, please call us today to schedule a test and ensure your horse's health and well-being. Currently it is recommended that any horse not in pasture receive 500-1000 units of Vitamin E daily.

05/12/2024

A mother's love knows no boundaries, no limits, and no conditions. Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there! 💐

05/09/2024

Join us in celebrating a happy belated ! Here at Conejo Valley Equine, we love equines of all shapes and sizes, including our long-eared friends! Did you know that donkeys have memories as sharp as their ears? They can remember friends' faces, places they've been, and even who owes them a carrot or two!

Pictured is Dr. Hayley, hanging out with some of her favorite donkey patients at HBR Donkey Rescue!

04/27/2024

Join us as we celebrate and all the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to animal health, especially those who care for our equine companions!

From the racetrack to the show grounds, and all the way to your own backyard—equine veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff ensure the well-being of our beloved horses at every stage of life. THANK YOU, horse doctors, for your passion, expertise, and tireless work!

Do you have a favorite thing about your equine veterinarian? Please share in the comments!

04/25/2024

Have you heard about our amazing Conejo Valley Equine Rehab and Conditioning? Our new facility in Somis, CA has its very own custom built in-ground aqua tread available for both injury recovery and fitness maintenance. The benefits of water therapy are endless for equine athletes! Give us a call today to discuss your rehab and conditioning needs.

Our custom-designed in-ground aqua tread has unparalleled features to assist with optimal conditioning or return to fitness.

The water level can be raised or lowered to any designated water level depending on the client's individual goals. For example, deeper water may initially be used in rehabilitation causes to provide more buoyancy and decreased stress on tendon/ ligament injuries. A conditioning patient may benefit from a lower water level to promote a full range of motion of the joints and increased proprioceptive awareness.

Call us today to discuss how the aqua tread can benefit your equine athletes! (805) 496-0505

03/15/2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Larry Dresher. Dr. Dresher was a member of our Conejo Valley Vet family for 33 years. He was a true animal lover who was devoted to his chosen profession until his passing. A history buff with a memory like an elephant, Dr. Dresher had the uncanny ability to instantly recall every important date from weather events to milestones in the history of Conejo Valley and of Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital. He was a great storyteller with a warm sense of humor.

Dr. Dresher will be truly missed by all who knew him.

03/08/2024

It's , and we wouldn't be the practice we are today without the incredible women who help us serve our community. From our office staff to our technicians and veterinarians, today we celebrate you all! Without , we would not have grown into the remarkable practice we are today, and we are immensely thankful for their dedication to the veterinary field every day!

03/01/2024

It's today! This is a day to celebrate the enduring bond between humans and horses. You are your horse's chief advocate in life, and this new Effective Equine Care Guide from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Association of Equine Practitioners is a wonderful tool for both equine practitioners and owners alike.

Here at Conejo Valley Equine, we strive to maintain a strong, supportive presence with our clients and community. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that your horse receives the best treatment options, no matter what. Whether it's general maintenance, diagnostic care, or emergency services, we look forward to working with you and your equine friends — no matter the hour. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

02/23/2024

Wonderful news for all of the US, and especially us in California - We are now VS free per the USDA!

If you have any ongoing concerns regarding VS, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

02/14/2024

"A horse doesn’t care how much you know until he knows how much you care. Put your hand on your horse and your heart in your hand." - Pat Parelli

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our heart horses out there. Show us a picture of the horse who has your heart on this special day!

02/03/2024

Sharing for all of our clients in evacuation zones and others in surrounding areas. Please take time today to make sure you are ready to evacuate your large animals if given notice. Gas up your vehicles, check trailering accommodations and charge your cellular devices.

It is best practice to evacuate any animals when you are under an evacuation warning - do not wait for mandatory order.

If you are in need of assistance evacuating your large animals in VENTURA COUNTY, contact (805) 388-4341

If you are in need of assistance evacuating your large animals in SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, contact 805-681-4332

If you are in need of assistance evacuating your large animals in LOS ANGELES COUNTY, contact
South County Communication Center: (562) 940-6898
North County Communication Center: (661) 940-4191

02/02/2024

Despite Punxsutawney Phil declaring an early spring today, winter is still very much here in Southern California! Heavy rain is expected this weekend into early next week. Here are some great winter weather tips to help our equine friends get through the storm.

As a storm threat of freezing rain and snow marches across the U.S. and Canada ❄️🌨🫧🌬, below are some tips for keeping your horses safe during extreme winter weather events:

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source—just more frequently.

2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being locked up in a stall now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure your animals have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well fitting blankets are great but be sure horses do not get sweaty under them or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold, and covered is worse that dry, cold, and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!) to double check.

7. “Trick” your horses into consuming extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water. If you’ve never fed beet pulp before, be sure to add LOTS of warm water. Dry beet pulp is a common source of choke.

8. Tips of ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting a jumper-style ear bonnet or other ear cover can protect them from wind chills.

Stay safe, friends!

01/01/2024

Happy New Year to all of our amazing clients, friends and family. We hope 2024 brings wonderful things to all of you!

As a reminder, the office is closed today and regular office hours and appointments will resume tomorrow, 1/2/24. We are always available for on-call emergencies by calling (805) 496-0505

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful friends and family!

12/21/2023

Please be aware of our upcoming holiday closures! Our office will be closed and there will be no regularly scheduled appointments on the following dates:
December 24-26
December 31
January 1

As always, we are available 24/7 for equine emergencies by calling us at (805) 496-0505 to speak with our on-call veterinarian.

12/21/2023

UPDATE 11:25am: POWER IS BACK! Thank you for your patience.

We are currently experiencing a power outage at the main office, which may disrupt call service by temporarily extending your wait time. We are working diligently to rectify this issue. As always, we are still available for emergency services by calling or texting (805) 496-0505

11/23/2023

Wishing all of our wonderful clients and friends a Happy Thanksgiving! We are open for emergencies only today and tomorrow, and will resume regular business on Saturday 11/25.

11/07/2023

Horses are generally content and compliant animals—unlike humans, they don’t typically have “bad days” that negatively affect their personalities due to emotional duress. Furthermore, as a prey animal they are cognitively designed NOT to show stress or injury, or else they will be recognized as a target by a predator, or bumped down the herd hierarchy.

If a horse is acting differently, it is almost undoubtedly due to a medical issue. We can appreciate this as lameness, but typically the behavioral signs preclude an obvious gait abnormality. Sometimes these behaviors seem chronic (e.g., “He/she always pins their ears when we tighten the girth, or bites at my leg when I ask for more effort.”), but it is important to remember that many horses live with chronic pain. It is rare that a horse is angry or cranky as a result of its genetic nature. Admittedly, some horses “train” their people to back off if they demonstrate a particular behavior, but pain absolutely should be ruled out before coming to this conclusion.

Therefore, if your horse is acting differently, or comes out stiff or lame, it is necessary to consider medical reasons for this behavior, even if your equine friend “works out of it.” As pain is generated, the horse’s body releases pain modifying agents in order to perform its job—which once again goes back to being a prey animal.

As the guardians of these magnificent animals, it is imperative that we “listen” to what the horse is trying to tell us and at the very least get a medical expert’s non-biased opinion about what could be going on, in order to rule out injury or illness as a contributing factor. We owe it to the horse.

Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee
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Want to learn more? Watch the documentary based on Dr. Sue Dyson’s groundbreaking work on signs of pain in the ridden horse here: https://equimanagement.com/news/dr-sue-dyson-featured-in-new-equine-documentary-on-the-24-behaviors-of-the-ridden-horse-in-pain/

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween! We hope you all have a safe holiday. We are open our normal business hours today and as always available 24/7 for equine emergencies!

10/26/2023

Mules are known for their strength, endurance, and intelligence, making them vital partners in many industries worldwide. This day serves as a reminder of the historical and contemporary significance of these hardworking animals. Our very own founding veterinarian, Dr. Miller, is known for his significant contributions to the mule world, including understanding their behavior, handling techniques, and effective training methods, aiming to improve their overall well-being and performance. We strive to continue to provide high-quality care to all of our long-eared friends!
Pictured: Dr. Hayley and Ranger, resident mule of HBR Donkey Rescue

09/25/2023

After Tropical Storm Hilary hit Southern California, mosquitoes have been flourishing more than ever! Make sure you are emptying and scrubbing all water buckets at least once a week, and checking your property frequently for standing water - even a tiny amount can harbor mosquito eggs. Remember to boost your horses West Nile Virus vaccine yearly!

Summer and fall are prime time for arbovirus infection as these diseases (which include Eastern Equine Encephalitis [EEE], West Nile Virus [WNV], Western Equine Encephalitis [WEE] and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis [VEE]) are transmitted by many different species of mosquitoes and biting insects.

With more states reporting cases of West Nile Virus (70 cases were reported in August alone), here is your reminder that keeping all horses up to date on vaccinations with the guidance of your veterinarian is the best protection you can offer your equine friends.

Read more and download the arbovirus factsheet on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://tinyurl.com/ukaa3zwv

09/12/2023

We'd like to share the great news about one of our Founding Veterinarians, Dr. Miller! The University of Montana Western Foundation and the Miller Family have established the Dr. Robert M. Miller, DVM Academic Scholarship in honor of Dr. Miller's 96th birthday. This scholarship, awarded to a student in the Equine Studies Department, recognizes academic excellence and a commitment to Natural Horsemanship principles, which emphasize non-coercive methods based on understanding equine behavior.

For more information, check out the full article!

UMW Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Robert M. Miller at University of Montana Western. Welcome to the University of Montana Western, a remarkably different kind of university where you can get a world-class education surrounded by everything that makes Montana extraordinary. UMW o...

08/17/2023

A little for you: Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical **emergencies,** due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare.

As always, our favorite piece of advice is to consult your horse doctor directly for more information!

06/16/2023

There are suspected cases of vesicular stomatitis in Ventura County (awaiting official confirmation from the regulatory laboratory). Please continue to be extra diligent about travel and your horses’ home environment!

Our top recommendations are:
1. Fly control! Pyrethrin based fly sprays. Recommend application inside the ears (where black flies and gnats are attracted). Focus on eliminating any vector breeding grounds (standing water) and promote airflow through barns.

2. All horses traveling to and from the area should be thoroughly inspected for any sores on the mouth, tongue, coronary bands or teats/ sheaths.

This is a reportable disease. Please call our office if you have any concerns about your horse or questions! (805) 496-0505

We are your partners through this outbreak!

06/09/2023

If you haven’t heard already, unfortunately there is an outbreak of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) in our area, with now a confirmed positive case in Los Angeles County. It is important to continue to be diligent about biosecurity with your animals, and for this virus in particular to enforce as many insect control measures as possible to help limit spread.

05/29/2023

Have an excellent Memorial Day.

“No one was every honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge

Our office is closed today, but a doctor remains of call for all emergencies!

05/27/2023

Happy Memorial Day weekend.

Take a moment this weekend to honor the sacrifices of fallen service members who put their lives on the line for our nation.

Our office is closed until Tuesday, but a doctor remains on call 24/7 for all emergencies! (805)496-0505

05/25/2023

Snakes are out early this year! We are happy to report that our patient who was unfortunate enough to be bit on his muzzle is back home and recovering well. A good reminder to be extra careful on the trails and to know what to do if your horse does get bitten.