Performance Equine, Inc.

11/28/2024

Hope everyone had a happy holiday!

11/07/2024

Someone decided they wanted braces yesterday so we took on the challenge!😄

Call us for all your emergencies!! (412)-525-1126

10/28/2024

Performance Equine is having a super deal on Fridays for our Meadows people! We are offering stomach scopes for $150 (regular $225)!! Do not feed your horse Friday morning and get in on the action! Let us know if anyone is interested🙂 Ship ins are also welcome!

10/15/2024

Our awesome vet techs, Jen and Emily, are always hard at work ensuring your horses get the care they deserve! We appreciate you guys so much!!

09/26/2024

🐴 Horse Emergencies: Septic Joints

What is a Septic Joint?
A septic joint occurs when an infection invades a horse's joint space, causing severe inflammation, pain, and damage to the joint's internal structures. This condition is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent long-term debilitating damage.

Long-term Prognosis:
The long-term prognosis for a horse with a septic joint depends on the speed of diagnosis and treatment, the severity of the infection, and the extent of damage to the joint. Prompt and aggressive treatment improves the chances of a good outcome. However, if there is significant damage to the cartilage or joint structures, there may be a reduced range of motion or lingering lameness. With timely intervention, horses may be able to return to activity but ongoing management and care may be needed to prevent further complications. Treatment is not always successful depending on t the cause and length of infection.

Treatment Options:
• Joint Lavage: Flushing the joint with sterile fluids to remove bacteria, debris, and inflammatory cells.
• Antibiotics: Administered intravenously or directly into the joint to target the infection.
• Surgery: In severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and to thoroughly clean the joint.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: To manage pain and control inflammation.
• Supportive Care: Rest, restricted movement, and close monitoring are essential to support recovery.

If you are concerned about a septic joint, contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure the best possible outcome for your horse. This is not a "wait-and-see" medical issue. It will not clear up on its own, and time is of the essence.

08/23/2024

FREAKY FRIDAY!!👻
❌watch at your own risk!❌

08/22/2024

Broken elbow in 2022 to the winners circle in 2024!🥳🐴 A huge congratulations to Team Rooney and a huge thank you to OSU!

06/18/2024

This week is going to be HOT!🥵 And this means we are asked, “Is it too hot to ride?” Here is some information about horses and the heat.

👍 Per the American Association of Equine Practitioners: When outside temperature + relative humidity =150 or above, it's hard for a horse to keep cool because their ability to sweat is compromised — especially if the humidity contributes to over half of the 150.

💧 Provide access to plenty of clean water. Check water levels regularly as it's a good way to monitor water intake & refresh the water supply. One may consider providing an additional water bucket containing electrolytes or administering oral electrolytes.

☂️ Make sure horses in turnout have access to shade so they can escape the sun.🌞

💨 Airflow is key for stabled horses. Open doors/ windows and utilize fans whenever possible, but be sure that wires are not causing additional hazards.

🐎 Try to ride during the coolest hours of the day. If it's unavoidable, keep your mid-day rides short. A horse maintains normal temperature in hot weather by moving heat through the muscles and out through the skin in the form of sweat.Horses that cannot sweat, known as anhydrosis, will usually overheat.

🚿 Post-ride: help your horse cool down quickly by hosing his neck & chest first with cool water. Then hose the whole body, sweat scrape, and hose again.

👁️ Keep an eye out for symptoms of heat stress and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
-Labored breathing and/or rapid respiratory rate
-Above normal temperature at rest
-Unusual sweating (too much or too little)
-Decreased appetite
Just to name a few.

Special care should be taken of foals and horses with heavy muscling, excess fat or are in poor condition. In some cases, one might consider clipping horses that still have a long hair coat.

Maybe over these next couple of days consider unmounted barn activities such as organizing and restocking your first aid kit. Or double checking you have the required paperwork for the next horse show. Or just being with your horse.

Simply, be attentive to your equine partner and your own needs during this heatwave. Be safe!

05/24/2024

For those who said “nail,” you’re 100% correct! Surprisingly, this horse was sound on his RF leg where the nail was found. Radiographs (x-rays) were taken to ensure no major structures were punctured, and a tetanus vaccine was administered and the nail was removed 😎

05/23/2024

Trivia time! What is your diagnosis? Applicable history: younger racehorse gelding (2-4 yo), currently lame on a hind leg. Being attentive to detail, you take the time to examine all four legs of this trotter, especially all of his feet, but find no obvious signs of injury. The answer will be provided tomorrow! (Hint: The leg pictured is not the leg he is lame on.) Good luck!

05/22/2024

03/23/2024

Time to schedule your spring shots! Happy spring!

Spring has sprung! Which means…vaccination season is upon us as well!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your horse should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your horse and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine friend should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible horse ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling your horse's vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

02/29/2024

In the horse world, injuries to the eye and surrounding structures are always emergencies. The second picture was taken several weeks after beginning treatment- look closely to see blood vessels migrating towards the injured cornea to help heal it! If you notice squinting, excessive tears, light sensitivity, or wounds, call your veterinarian promptly!

02/27/2024

*SENSITIVE IMAGE* it’s all fun and games until the vet is called out. This horse had a little too much fun out on our local racetrack! If your horse needs emergency care, we’d love to help! Contact Performance Equine today!