Ascend Equine Mobile Sports Medicine PLLC

06/12/2024

Podotrochlosis, more widely known as navicular syndrome, is the inflammation and eventual degeneration of the structures that make up a horse’s heel. This can include the navicular bone, associated ligaments, bursa and associated ligaments. There is debate among researchers on what factors contribute to the development of the syndrome; breed, biomechanics, conformation, as well as foot size and shape, can all play a role in both the onset and progression of the disease.

Navicular syndrome cannot be cured, but it can be managed and does not necessarily mean the end of your horse’s career. Finding the disease and setting up a treatment plan early can extend their career and drastically improve their quality of life. If you notice any signs that your horse might be suffering from heel or foot pain, give us a call at Ascend today!

Navicular syndrome, once feared as a career-ending diagnosis, can now be managed more effectively, despite ongoing challenges.

30/11/2024

Important tips for cold weather riding!

As the weather cools down, allowing yourself an ample amount of time to cool out your horse after a cold ride is essential to ensure that you don’t jeopardize your horses' health by allowing them to catch a chill.

Our friends at Equus Magazine have some useful tips to share for cooling out your horses this winter. You can read the full article on their website at https://equusmagazine.com/riding/coolingout-10486/

28/11/2024

We are so very thankful for all of the horses and clients that make our work possible! Happy Thanksgiving from the Ascend team! 🦃

22/11/2024

Imaging like X-rays, ultrasound and/or CT is extremely useful for diagnosing neck and back disease. This article provides some great insights on how your vet might decide what imaging modalities will provide the best information to help your horse!

Learn how veterinarians diagnose pathology in these difficult-to-visualize regions of the horse’s body.

19/11/2024

Check out the Ascend Equine online pharmacy for your horse's prescription needs this holiday season! Follow the link and use code "ONLINE10" for 10% off of your first order with us!

https://ascendequinemobile.covetruspharmacy.com/

04/11/2024

This is why we typically recommend oil based treatments, but sometimes severe cases require antibiotics!

IS RAIN ROT A FUNGAL OR A BACTERIAL DISEASE?

Rain rot (or rain scald) is the common name for a contagious BACTERIAL skin disease called dermatophilosis. It's caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis," which thrives during wet seasons and in geographical locations with high precipitation and humidity. It can also develop after horses have sweat under blankets or tack, and equines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is very important!

How does rain rot happen?
The bacteria infects the hair follicles and damages the hair follicle and shaft; the hair will then pull out in small clumps leaving pink skin or purulent scabs behind (pro tip: your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!) If you do not address the factors that promote the right bacterial environment (for example, you always leave your horse to stand outside in the rain without shelter or the protection of a waterproof rug), rain rot can keep recurring. If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan based on the severity of your horse's case. While there are a million products that can be found in your local tack store, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action.

31/10/2024

For anyone interested in head shaking!

Historically, headshaking syndrome in horses has been a condition that is frustrating to diagnose and treat.

In the next virtual First Tuesday Lecture, Joy Tomlinson, assistant professor of large animal medicine and board-certified large animal internalist, will discuss causes of headshaking syndrome, diagnostic approaches, and new treatment options.

This event is free and open to the public.

**Please note this month's lecture will take place on November 12th**

🐴 Headshaking in Horses: Behavior or Disease?
🗓️ November 12, 2024, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/3AHNlNb

12/09/2024

Never Forget 09•11•2001 🇺🇸

06/09/2024

Be on the look out for foxtails as we come into fall and winter. This plant is pesky, and when the seeds are excreted it will grow in your pastures!

04/09/2024

This post is a little over due! We said “see you soon” to Hannah Collins, and want to wish her all the best as she starts her undergrad career at Colorado State Unviersity! She worked for us for 3 years, and was a rockstar employee. Luckily for us, Hannah’s mare Ella still lives at Ascend so we know she’ll be back. When Hannah first started working for us she hated eyeballs. Couldn’t look, gagging etc. (Cammie Fielding I blame you 🤣). Then her horse decided to have eye problems. Here Hannah is earlier this year, after pulling Ella’s SPL! Which requires touching the eyeball very carefully, and fishing out the spaghetti like tubing. It was a happy day! It’s been very rewarding to mentor Hannah and to see how she has grown. Hopefully if I’m super lucky, you may see her back at Ascend as a Veterinarian someday. 👩‍🎓🩵 Have any great memories or pics with Hannah? Feel free to drop them below!”

14/08/2024

Dr. Zappitelli is in Beilngries, Germany this week for the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology meeting on the stifle and thigh!

27/06/2024

Let’s talk Radiographs, commonly called X-Rays. 🩻Wondering if you should use a specialized sports medicine veterinarian? Here’s something to consider:

The top row of images were sent to us recently for consultation. They have one thing in common - they are non-diagnostic. Useless. A waste of money because they give very little information, and will have to be repeated. These are improperly positioned, improperly exposed, and have random metal objects for a marker. Metal causes scatter of the X-ray beam and this results in loss of contrast and clarity of the image. Scatter is one reason why a horse’s shoes are typically pulled for views of the feet. The top right image is an example of a motion artifact, and occurs when there is movement during the image capture.

The bottom row of images are the same views taken by Dr. Zappitelli. These have proper positioning, proper exposure, appropriate markers and are free from excess metal and artifacts.

Do you want the best chance of getting a diagnosis or avoiding a mis-diagnosis? Starting with solid diagnostic imaging is the first step! We pride ourselves on providing the best quality images to our clients. Think you need us? Give us a call or send a text 📲 919-525-5465

24/06/2024

Does you horse need to be on stall rest? Check out this article for some handy tips. We also like to make an outside stall using 4 roundpen panels. This gives the horses a change of scenery.

Follow these 12 tips to improve your horse’s welfare while on stall rest for injury or illness.

18/06/2024

Please be patient with us this week, several members of our team are off for vacation! We’re still available, it just might take a little longer to get a response!