Bitterroot Integrative Veterinary Services, PLLC

02/09/2024

Happy Labor Day 🇺🇸

23/08/2024

16/08/2024

We are well into August, the “Sunday of summer” and a time when the season is ruled by the Earth element in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. 🌾🌞⛰
The Earth Element is associated with late summer, the digestive system, and muscles. In TCVM, the spleen and stomach are responsible for digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Proper digestion supports energy levels, immune function, and the horse's overall condition, making the Earth Element vital for horses in training, those recovering from illness, or those transitioning between seasons. A well-balanced Earth Element promotes strong, supple muscles, supporting your horse’s physical performance and resilience. Horses with a balanced Earth Element are typically calm, grounded, and easy to train, displaying a steady temperament and a strong bond with their handlers.
Symptoms such as poor appetite, loose stools, weight loss, weak muscles, prolapses, anxiety, or poor endurance may indicate an imbalance in the Earth Element. These horses may struggle with physical tasks that were once easy for them. Acupuncture and herbal medication can help re-balance the Earth element and address GI concerns, muscle soreness, and behavioral changes.
If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, please call or text to schedule an initial exam with Dr. Roth (406) 381-4839.

13/08/2024

It's a droopy lip kind of Tuesday 😴🥰

09/08/2024

There are a lot of products available that claim to be the "newest, greatest, most effective" therapy option for your horse. ⠀

If that is the case, then where is their newest, greatest, most effective, PUBLISHED RESEARCH to back up those claims?⠀

Our proof is in the pudding. ⠀
-90% success in treating sore backs⠀
-81% improvement in Navicular Syndrome⠀
-80% improvement when treating hock OA⠀

Browse our published research: http://tinyurl.com/49xf7t3y 🏇

26/07/2024

Reposting some important fire season reminders

Fire season is upon us, again. Here are a few tips to help keep your horses safe as the smoke rolls in:
- Check the air quality index (AQI) in your area. Horses should NOT exercise if the AQI is greater than 200. Sensitive horses may be affected at lower levels.
- Smoke contains large amounts of particulate matter which causes significant irritation and inflammation in the airways. Limit further particulate matter exposure around the farm by avoiding dusty arenas and avoiding sweeping the barn when your horse is inside. Soaking or spraying down hay prior to feeding can reduce dust. Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
- Antioxidant supplementation helps support the immune response. Consider adding an Omega-3 or Vitamin E supplement.
- Acupuncture supports respiratory function and can be used as an ongoing treatment plan for horses with asthma or heaves.
- Get to know your horse’s normal vital signs- they should fall between these ranges: Temperature (99-101.5*F), Heart Rate (28-44 beats per minute), Respiratory Rate (12-24 breaths per minute). Signs of respiratory distress include increased respiratory rate or effort, wheezing, repetitive cough, nostril flaring, and nasal discharge.

09/07/2024

🌟 Calling all clients! 🌟
Dr. Roth is updating photos on the website and would love to add pictures of you with your horses! If you would like to be featured on the website doing what you love, please email photos to [email protected].
Thank you! 🐎

02/07/2024

It's not wrong 🤷‍♀️🐎

27/06/2024

Please drive slowly when you pass tractors on the highway- it could be your vet! 🌞🚜

25/06/2024

Remember these important biosecurity tips to keep your horses safe!

21/06/2024

Happy Summer Solstice! 🌞 Let's continue to learn about the 5 Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).
Summer is associated with the Fire Element 🔥 This element also governs the heart, small intestines, mental health, digestive health, thermoregulation, and stamina. By understanding and nurturing this element, you can help your horse thrive during the vibrant summer months and beyond!

Here are some practical tips for maintaining Fire Element Balance:
❤️‍🔥 Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine veterinary check-ups to monitor your horse’s heart health and overall condition, especially during the summer months.
❤️‍🔥 Hydration: Ensure your horse stays well-hydrated, as adequate water intake is crucial for supporting the Fire Element and maintaining healthy circulation and digestion.
❤️‍🔥 Balanced Exercise: Provide balanced exercise routines that promote cardiovascular health without overexertion. Gradually increase activity levels to match your horse’s fitness and energy.
❤️‍🔥 Stress Management: Create a calm and stress-free environment for your horse. Minimize changes and disruptions in their routine and provide consistent care and attention.

18/06/2024

Call or text to schedule an appointment! 406-381-4839
https://www.bitterrootintegrativevet.com/

07/06/2024

Is there anything cuter than a dairy cow getting acupuncture? 🥰

04/06/2024

Many situations horses face lead to chronic stress, which can result in changes to health and behavior.

28/05/2024

Dr. Roth is taking a belated honeymoon trip this week and will be unavailable during this time. She will be back to seeing horses on June 3rd 🐎

24/05/2024

One expert explains why horses typically experience back pain and how veterinarians can treat and prevent it.

23/05/2024

Good morning from Darby 🌞🌷🌸

21/05/2024

What does a first appointment look like with Dr. Roth? What should you expect? 🐎

When you become a new client, you can expect undivided attention. Dr. Roth gathers a lot of information from the new patient history form, from speaking to your referring veterinarian (if applicable), and most importantly, from listening to you and your horse! The first appointment normally lasts between 60-90 minutes and begins with with discussing your primary concerns/goals. Dr. Roth then performs a detailed physical exam, a movement exam, and an acupuncture or chiropractic exam. Then, your horse receives treatment! You will also receive detailed medical records by the next morning which include recommendations and physiotherapy exercises to perform at home.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.bitterrootintegrativevet.com/ or call 406-381-4839

17/05/2024

Discover the causes, treatment, and prevention of this common muscular problem in horses.

12/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day! 🌸🌞🌷

07/05/2024

: Unlike humans, horses don’t have collarbones. Their shoulders are held to the rest of their skeleton via a sling of muscles and ligaments instead, often referred to as the “thoracic sling.”

Why is this important? We often ask our equine athletes to perform complex movements that require tremendous strength and coordination, and horses carry the majority of their weight in their front end. Therefore, it is imperative that the bulk of the muscles that support the front end are kept healthy and conditioned, and the horse is trained to use their “motor” — that is, engaging the large hind end muscles as much as possible to avoid excessive weight bearing on the front end.

If the front end of the horse is consistently overweighted or not at an appropriate level of fitness, repetitive biomechanical stresses get transferred down the leg to the smaller ligaments and tendons that were not designed to bear this weight, which can then lead to injury.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

03/05/2024

Nothing like motivational horse artwork at the gym to keep this equine vet focused and strong 💪

30/04/2024

Rutgers University hosts a fantastic virtual horse management seminar every winter. Here is a link to this year's videos- enjoy! 🤓🐎

March 28, 2024 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our virtual 2024 “Horse Management Seminar” webinar series. All of the webinars have now been uploaded to our Library, and are available for viewing. The “Pasture Management” session brought together Dr. Matt Elmore and Dr. Bob Co...

25/04/2024

A before (left) and and after (right) ultrasound image of a superficial digital flexor tear that was treated with PulseVet shock wave and PRP.⠀⠀
The horse made a complete recovery and returned to full work. 🏇

📸: Virginia Equine Imaging