Becker Equine

19/10/2024

🐴✨ Understanding Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and the Importance of Coggins Testing 🐴✨

🔍 What is EIA?
EIA is caused by a retrovirus that attacks a horse’s immune system. It’s primarily transmitted through biting insects, contaminated equipment, or blood transfusions.

⚠️ Recent Outbreaks:
In 2024, we've seen a concerning rise in EIA cases :

Texas - (TAHC) has confirmed 14 cases of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Quarter Horses, including 12 cases in Harris County, one case in Webb County, and one case in Nacogdoches County. Some of the horses have already been euthanized, and all premises are quarantined. (Source EDCC Health Watch - BI)

California (6 positive cases in October), and additional cases in Canada. These outbreaks highlight the importance of vigilance in horse health management. Increased cases mean a higher risk for all equine populations, making awareness and prevention crucial.

⚠️ Signs to Watch For:

Fever: Elevated body temperature.
Weakness: Noticeable lethargy or fatigue.
Swelling: Particularly in the legs or underbelly.
Weight Loss: Gradual decline in body condition.

💉 The Importance of Coggins Testing:
Coggins testing is essential for detecting EIA. This test identifies the presence of the virus in a horse’s blood and is often required for travel, events, and sales. A negative Coggins certificate ensures that your horse is free from EIA and helps prevent the spread of the virus within the equine community.

📅 Regular Testing and Prevention:

Annual Coggins Testing: Essential for all horses, especially if they are transported or participate in competitions.
Effective Fly Control: Reducing insect populations can significantly lower the risk of transmission.
Quarantine New Arrivals: Always isolate new horses for at least 30 days and ensure they are tested before introducing them to your property.
If you have any questions about EIA or need to schedule a Coggins test for your horse, please reach out to us! Together, we can keep our equine friends healthy and safe. 🐎

14/10/2024

Proper suturing is crucial for optimal healing and to prevent complications.First we evaluated the depth and extent of the laceration. This ensures we choose the right approach for suturing.Then we carefully cleaned the wound to remove debris and bacteria, minimizing infection risk.Using a combination of absorbable sutures, we meticulously closed the skin edges. Precision is key to support healing and restore functionality.Post-Op Care and Aftercare is essential! We provided the owner with detailed instructions for monitoring and managing the site as it heals.

13/10/2024

Sixteen Quarter Horse racehorses located at facilities in California, New Mexico, and Texas recently tested positive for EIA.

04/10/2024

03/10/2024

We are thrilled to introduce our new venture, Rural Strategies—your go-to partner for farm and ranch design, development, and management. This lifestyle has brought us so much joy, and now we’re teaming up to help you create the rural dream life you’ve always wanted. Stay tuned for exciting updates, and feel free to DM us with any questions or for more information!

02/10/2024

We are devastated to see the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene that have impacted thousands of people and equines far and wide. Please join The Foundation for the Horse, the AAEP's charitable arm, in aiding the victims of the hurricane with a donation to help those affected.

The Foundation for the Horse works directly with equine veterinarians on the ground to make sure supplies, hay, feed and veterinary care are provided to animals in need.

Pictured is an example of the devasting effects the residents of Hendersonville, NC have suffered during Hurricane Helene.

If you would like to join us in aiding those affected, donate at: https://membership.aaep.org/FFTH/Shared_Content/Donation-Pages/Give-Now.aspx?ItemId=DISASTER_RELIEF&SourceCode=GiveNow&fbclid=IwY2xjawFnmcNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaHxoC1eLyh3A4yhmAjxmWHPmr_MlVVwcEAQlS7eG9dEchYSrXaPsyTwdQ_aem_XLRekJJPklcJ9rVpFvH-Tg

21/09/2024

Strangles is one of the most commonly contagious diseases of the horse (worldwide) and in 2017 it became a nationally monitored disease. This condition is caused by bacterial infection of "Streptococcus equi subspecies equi" (referred to as "S. equi”), which typically infects the upper airway and lymph nodes of the head and neck and is highly contagious in horse populations—particularly affecting young horses.

Transmission from horse to horse usually involves direct face-to-face contact, or exposure to contaminated feed, water, hands, veterinary instruments or grooming tools. A stall or van recently used to house or transport a horse that is shedding the organism may also be a source of infection.

WATCH OUT FOR ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIERS!
It is not uncommon for strangles infections to recur on a farm with previous outbreaks of the disease. The primary source of recurrent infections are most likely asymptomatic carrier horses—animals who display no clinical signs but may continue to shed the bacteria for months to even years, serving as a continual source of new infections.

If you suspect a strangles outbreak, be sure to involve your veterinarian right away to determine the diagnosis and the best control practices for your particular farm. Without control and biosecurity measures, a strangles outbreak will ultimately affect all susceptible horses, last longer, and have a greater chance of leading to complications.

**Please note that strangles is a reportable disease in some states.**

To learn more about strangles, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/strangles

And as always, contact your veterinarian for more information as they remain the best source of advice!

09/09/2024

🍂 Fall Vaccine and Wellness Reminder! 🍂

As the days get shorter and the weather cools down, it's the perfect time to think about your horse's wellness for the upcoming season. Now is the ideal moment to schedule their fall vaccinations, including crucial shots for West Nile Virus and testing for Equine Infectious Anemia.

West Nile Virus is a serious, mosquito-borne illness that can lead to neurological issues in horses. Protecting your horse with a timely vaccine is essential to keep them safe from this potentially fatal disease.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is another test commonly known as Coggins certificate to keep updated. This disease can have severe consequences and proof of negative test results is required for interstate travel and many events. Several semi local cases have been traced in the last year which highlights its importance to your horse, ranch and the entire equine community !

Our clinic is dedicated to ensuring your horse stays healthy and protected. Contact us today to schedule a vaccination appointment and ensure your equine companion is ready for a healthy and happy fall and winter.

📞 Call 936-931-4478 to book your appointment!

11/11/2023

24/08/2023

Back to another hot one here today in Texas!

Copied here is a reminder that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse and is necessary for your equine friend to maintain normal body functions. An idle, 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day; but depending on the temperature and on the conditions in which the horse is exercised, the total water intake can increase up to 30 gallons per day.

All horses need clean, good-quality water at all times and regardless of the season. Be sure to clean outdoor water troughs at least every couple of weeks to remove debris and algae, and stall water buckets should be emptied and rinsed daily. If you have an automatic water system, don't forget to check it daily as there could be a malfunction that would result in your horses not getting adequate amounts of water.

Info courtesy of AAEP! 🙏

05/07/2023

July 4: Loco Mosquito Come & Take It Jackpot :: Snook Rodeo Arena :: Snook, TX featuring Daisy Duke's BBQ September 8: The New D :: Brazos County Expo :: Bryan, TX (South Arena) September...

08/06/2023

As we roll into summer, it’s an excellent time to deworm your barn! Penacur Powerpac is an excellent choice for control of large strongyles, encysted early third stage, late third stage and fourth stage cyathostome larvae, small strongyles, pinworms, ascarids, and arteritis caused by fourth stage larvae of strongyles vulgaris in horses.
We always recommend deworming twice/year (spring/start of summer and fall/start of winter) in Texas is the best time to do so!

07/06/2023

30/05/2023

🎆🎆Entries are open for the Loco Mosquito Come and Take It Barrel Jackpot. 🎆🎆

🎆Pay $10 at time of entry; pay remaining fees on site (cash or card).
🎆 Enter online at www.enterthealley.com
🎆 All details posted at www.twistedsistersproductions.com

LoCo Mosquito
Becker Equine

29/05/2023

Happy Memorial Day! May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.