Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services PC

04/08/2024

02/08/2024

Skipping regular farrier care can lead to serious hoof problems like overgrowth, cracks, and infections, causing pain and lameness for your horse. Keep up with farrier visits to ensure your horse stays healthy and comfortable.

31/07/2024

Did you know?
Donkeys have a highly developed sense of self-preservation. Un like horses, which can startle and run when frightened, donkeys tend to freeze and assess a situation. This trait is often mistaken for stubbornness, but it is actually a cautious and thoughtful response to potential threats.

29/07/2024

If you are an owner of an equine species you know they have a mind of their own, that often times gets them into some trouble. It is common to have a new scrape, laceration, swelling, or just another injury. So it is helpful to have an Equine Emergency Kit. This can include:
💉Bandage material: 4x4 gauze, telfa pads, duct tape, elastikon, cotton combine roll, vetwrap, white cling gauze, baby diapers, duct tape and bandage scissors
💉Gloves
💉Gentle cleansing solution
💉Hand towels
💉Hoof pick
💉Thermometer
💉Ointment for scrapes
💉Flashlight
💉SWAT
💉Electrolytes
❓What other items do you have in your equine emergency kit❓

27/07/2024

👁🐛Summer sores, also called habronemiasis, is a condition when flies lay stomach worm eggs within wounds or eyes of horses. These eggs are "meant" to be laid within the mouth as the parasites cannot complete their lifecycle unless they reach the stomach. These egg granules cause chronic lesions that keep the wound from healing properly. Within the eye, these granules are usually deposited within the medial canthus of the eye and cause inflammation, itchiness and pain. Sometimes, a biopsy is required as these granules can look similar to squamous cell carcinoma and sarcoids. Treatment of this condition includes debriding back the habronema and administering an ivermectin to tackle the remaining habronema that cannot be debrided. In addition, an anti-bacterial eye ointment is left with the owner to administer to further ward off the parasites as well as systemic NSAIDS for pain. Ultimately, fly control is the number one way to prevent summer sores. This includes fly masks, fly sheets, fly spray, utilizing fly predators, and feed through fly preventatives. If you think your horse has habronema please call to set up an appointment.

25/07/2024

Equine Gastric Ulcers in Performance Horses
Gastric ulcers in horses are deep sores (ulcerations) within their stomach lining. Horses have two distinct areas in the stomach the glandular portion that produces and contains acid and a nonglandular portion that is less protected against stomach acid. Ulcers can happen in any age of horse, but are frequently found in highly active performance horses. Research has shown exercise can increase the production of gastric acid in the stomach. While they are exercising the acid that is produced splashes around in the stomach which may hit the ulcers. Stress, like trailering, showing or training, can also increase acid production in the stomach. Some medication, like NSAIDs, can also cause gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers can be diagnosed and monitored by your veterinarian on gastroscopic examination.

Some symptom of Gastric Ulcers:
➡Poor appetite
➡Dullness
➡Attitude change
➡Decrease performances
➡Reluctant to train
➡Poor body condition
➡Poor hair coat
➡Weight loss
➡Low grade chronic colic
➡Girthiness
➡Teeth grinding

Ways to Prevent Gastric Ulcers:
➡Feed frequent small meals or have access to free choice grazing (pasture/hay)
➡Alfalfa hay if recommended by your veterinarian can help buffer the stomach
➡Decrease stressful situations for your horse.
➡Treat with preventative medication when in high levels of exercise or stress as recommended by your veterinarian.

Call us to schedule an appointment for examination and gastroscope exam for your horse if you are concerned about gastric ulcers.

23/07/2024

Ringworm/Dermatophytosis:
Ringworm in horses is a type of highly contagious skin disease from fungus, not a worm. Ringworm is contagious to other horses, other animals and even people. Horses can be infected from direct contact with another infected animal or person or from the fungus living in the soil. They can also be infected indirectly through contaminated tack, grooming equipment, or clothing.
Signs of Ringworm:
✴Itchiness
✴Round area of hair loss
✴Scaly spots
✴Redness on the spots or rashes.

Ringworm should be diagnosed by a veterinarian through examination and sometimes a laboratory test.
Afterward diagnosis your vet will prescribe treatments that typically include an antifungal shampoo, dips, or topical therapies. You will also want to disinfect everything your horse has come into contact and wear gloves when handling your horse or contaminated equipment. If you are concerned your horse has Ringworm give us a call to schedule an appointment.

22/07/2024

Great advice on emergency trailering plans from our friends at AAEP!

21/07/2024

Horses are notorious for getting corneal injuries. This horse had a unique injury to the surface of his eye as you can see highlighted by fluorescein stain. There was a goat head sticker stuck in this horse’s lateral canthus (outside corner of the eye) in the conjunctival tissue and was not visible when looking at the eye. When the horse moved his eye back and forth the sticker cut through the surface of the eye. We removed the sticker and started the horse on NSAIDS and topical medications. The eye was completely healed without any evidence of previous injury about 2 weeks later. 🐴👁🐐

19/07/2024

If you have horses and live in Oklahoma, there's a good chance that you have heard of EPM.
EPM stands for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis. This disease is caused by an infection of the horse's nervous system with a protozoan species known as Sarcocystis neurona, or sometimes Neospora hughesi. Horses pick up these parasites by ingesting opossum (and possibly other species) f***s that carry the sporocysts. The horse is an aberrant host, meaning the protozoa cannot complete its lifecycle in the horse. Clinical symptoms of this disease can vary greatly, including limb ataxia, lameness, abnormal feet placement, central blindness, and even a behavioral change. The diagnosis of EPM can unfortunately be difficult in milder cases but typically includes an in-depth neurological exam and blood and/or spinal fluid testing. If testing and clinical symptoms indicate EPM we have several FDA approved treatments that we typically combine with high dose Vitamin E supplementation and close monitoring by our DVMs. There are now studies that show we can keep horses on long term treatment to prevent relapse or reinfection. If you suspect your horse has EPM contact your veterinarian for exam and treatment plan.

18/07/2024

Equine Microchips
Just like small companion animals, horses too can be microchipped. Microchips are small (about the size of a grain of rice) and safe to use. They are programmed with a unique number that is registered to the horse and owner. These numbers cannot change or be deleted so if there was ever a reason the horse can be scanned and identified. This is very helpful in times of displacement due to natural disasters or even theft. They are inserted between the poll and the withers on the left side of the neck just below the mane into the nuchal ligament. There are some organizations that require microchips in horses in order to compete, such as FEI, USEF, Jockey club, and US trotting Association. Give us a call if you would like to have your horse microchipped.

10/07/2024

Our team had a great day working with our partner Nexus Equine. We love being able to help them make an impact on the welfare of horses in the community.

02/07/2024

The 4th of July is just around the corner! Lets make sure you and all of your equine companions are well prepared. Here are some helpful reccomendations from the American Association of Equine Practioners:

1. Ask your neighbors when they plan to set off fireworks.
2. If you have a barn, keep your horses inside and cozy with plenty of water and hay.
3. Distract your horses with other noises such as a radio.
4. Leave your barn lights on so fireworks don't seem quite as bright to your horses
5. Be courteous of other animals and people around you that may be negatively affected by fireworks.
6. If you dont have access to a barn, some form of identification on your horse is crucial. While halters arent recommended, cattle tags with your contact information written on them are great options. You can tie these into your horses mane!
7. Talk to your veterinarian if you need more information!

25/06/2024

We love when we get to visit these gentle giants and their amazing owner 😍🫏

19/06/2024

Great recommendations

04/06/2024

🌟Exciting News🌟
We are incredibly pleased to announce that Dr. Alyson Overman will be joining the EEVS team as a full time associate veterinarian on June 17th. This addition will allow us to decrease the wait time for appointments and we will be accepting a limited number of new clients.
🌟Dr. Overman was born and raised on the coast of North Carolina. She completed her bachelors degree at East Carolina University and her DVM at Oklahoma State University. She met her now fiancé during her first semester of vet school and decided to plant some roots here in Oklahoma! In her spare time she enjoys trail riding, barrel racing (when time permits), and baking all things sourdough. She and her fiancé Garren have two dogs, Ollie and Ryker. They also have two horses, three barn cats, and a little flock of chickens and ducks! Her specific interests include equine sports medicine & lameness and emergency medicine.
🌟Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Overman.

15/05/2024

Warning: Graphic Photo
Fun fact: did you know Dr. Kin's favorite procedure is eyelid laceration repair. Check out this before (with laceration) immediately after and all healed-up after pic of a recent repair she did.

11/05/2024

🚨 Is your horse's wound an emergency? Here's what you need to know:

1. **Heavy Bleeding:** If the wound is bleeding profusely and doesn't stop with pressure, it's an emergency. Apply pressure and seek immediate veterinary care.

2. **Deep or Large Wounds:** Deep or extensive wounds, especially those involving vital areas like joints or tendons, require prompt attention to prevent complications.

3. **Exposed Bone or Tendon:** If bone or tendon is visible in the wound, it's critical to seek veterinary help immediately to minimize the risk of infection and facilitate proper healing.

4. **Severe Pain or Lameness:** Wounds causing severe pain, lameness, or signs of distress in the horse should be treated as emergencies.

5. **Puncture Wounds:** Wounds caused by sharp objects, such as nails or wire, can introduce bacteria deep into tissues and may require immediate veterinary care to prevent infection.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice promptly for proper evaluation and treatment. Your horse's health and well-being are top priority! 🐴🩺

10/05/2024

Are you planning to cross state lines with your equine friend this summer? If so, make sure you
have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI; also know as a "health certificate") done on
your horse within 30 days of travel!
CVI's are required by law to help prevent the spread of disease among livestock in the United
States. Common diseases we want to keep tabs on include equine infectious anemia (EIA),
EHV-1 and EHV-4, piroplasmosis and vesicular stomatitis. When a veterinary exam is done on
your horse to write the health certificate, these are common illnesses that your veterinarian is on the look out for. Not only is an exam required to be done within 30 days of the CVI (10 days for
some states), a current coggins test is also required.

08/05/2024

Happy World Donkey Day! Help us celebrate our long eared friends by posting your adorable donkey pics in the comments below.

07/05/2024

Happy month. Did you know that there are some really amazing horses available for adoption at www.myrighthorse.org. What is your horse power?

06/05/2024

With today’s forecasted weather, it’s always a good reminder to make sure your equine friends are ready for severe weather as well! Check out this great advice from from our friends at OSU!

02/05/2024

Equine granulation tissue is a vital component of the wound healing process in horses. It forms as the body's response to injury, consisting of new blood vessels, collagen, and connective tissue. Granulation tissue helps fill in the wound bed, providing protection against infection and supporting further healing. Typically pink or red in appearance, it signifies progress in the healing journey. While its presence is a positive indication, any abnormal growth or signs of complications should prompt veterinary attention for proper evaluation and management.

30/04/2024

Did you know that Equine PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), also known as Cushing's disease, is a common condition in older horses? It's caused by changes in the pituitary gland, leading to hormonal imbalances. Symptoms include excessive hair growth, weight loss, increased thirst, and more. Early detection and management are key for maintaining your horse's health and quality of life. 🐴

27/04/2024

Happy World Veterinarian Day 🐴 🩺

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!

25/04/2024

🐎 Dealing with equine cellulitis? Here's a quick overview:

1. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection affecting the horse's skin and underlying tissues.
2. Look out for swelling, heat, and lameness in the affected limb.
3. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
4. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care.
5. Proper wound management and hygiene can help prevent cellulitis.

Stay vigilant and prioritize your horse's health! 🩺

22/04/2024

🐴 Keep your horse happy and healthy by preventing colic! Follow these simple tips:

1. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule.
2. Provide high-quality forage and monitor water intake.
3. Introduce diet changes slowly.
4. Schedule regular dental check-ups.
5. Ensure routine exercise and minimize stress.
6. Control parasites with a veterinarian-recommended program.
7. Maintain a clean living environment.
8. Schedule routine veterinary check-ups.

Prevention is key! 🌟

19/04/2024

Dr. Kin partnered with ASPCA and Nexus Equine who hosted a training session for over 30 law enforcement officers representing 9 municipalities. Dr. Kin provided training to help officers better identify equine emergencies and body condition scoring. Officers also received training in equine handling skills. Read more here: https://www.aspca.org/news/aspca-equine-transition-adoption-center-hosts-two-events-support-oklahoma-city-area-equines