Starwood Equine Veterinary Services, Inc.

14/07/2025

Gastric ulcers are painful lesions that form along the lining of the stomach and affect more horses than many owners realize. Research shows prevalence rates between 50% and 90%, especially in performance horses. But ulcers can occur in horses of any age, discipline, or lifestyle. While some clinical signs may point to ulcers, a definitive diagnosis requires gastroscopy.

A horse’s stomach is relatively small and built for near-constant grazing. Because stomach acid is produced continuously, horses rely on steady forage intake and saliva production to help buffer that acid. When horses go for long periods without forage, acid builds up and can damage the unprotected areas of the stomach lining.

Additional risk factors include stress from transport or confinement, abrupt changes in routine, high-concentrate diets, and extended use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may impair the stomach’s ability to protect itself from acid exposure.

Many horses respond well to omeprazole, but successful long-term management means addressing the root causes (feeding practices, forage access, stress reduction, etc.).

We will be sharing more on signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in upcoming posts. Drop any EGUS questions in the comments!

11/07/2025

There are many factors at play in your horse’s hoof health. At every trim, your farrier is assessing conformation and making adjustments to maintain proper alignment.

10/07/2025

Shoeing plans aren't just for show horses! Check out this article from The Horse detailing the best trimming and shoeing practices to ensure your horse stays sound while traveling the trails.

In a Starwood Equine farrier consultation, one of our veterinarians will work closely with your farrier to establish a customized shoeing plan for your equine partner.

Veterinarians share best hoof trimming and shoeing practices to ensure your horse stays sound while traveling the trails.

09/07/2025

Hoof testers are a commonly used tool when evaluating pain in the equine foot. In skilled hands, a lot can be learned from this testing application. That information often aids in the development of shoeing plans, identifying abscesses, assessing the sole, localizing lameness, and more.

08/07/2025

It’s , take a moment to celebrate and thank your farrier! The health of your horse’s hooves directly impacts their overall well-being and performance.

At Starwood Equine, we strongly believe in the importance of collaborative partnerships between veterinarians and farriers. By combining the specialized knowledge and skills of both professionals, we can address a variety of hoof-related issues more effectively and create comprehensive care plans tailored to each horse’s unique needs.

A Farrier Consultation is invaluable, not only as an aid in recovery but also as a proactive measure to prevent potential problems before they arise.

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07/07/2025

It is National Farriers Week, a time for horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, and other members of the equine community to acknowledge the contributions of farriers to horse health and their significant impact on the equine industry!

01/07/2025

We’re Hiring!

Starwood Equine is seeking a veterinary technician or assistant to join our Peninsula team. Our ambulatory practice is built on personalized, team-based care, supporting equine patients at every stage of health and performance.

We take pride in creating meaningful roles for our support staff by implementing technician utilization strategies that promote professional development and long-term growth within our practice.

If you’re confident around horses and thrive in a team environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more at www.starwoodequine.com/employment

28/06/2025

When managing Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH), topical support can be a valuable part of a broader care strategy that includes environmental management and veterinary guidance.

EquiShield IBH is formulated specifically for horses experiencing IBH flare-ups. Its salve and spray options contain chlorhexidine to support skin hygiene, hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation, and pramoxine to help relieve itching. Citronella oil offers a natural deterrent to insects while helping to soothe irritated skin.

If your horse is dealing with seasonal flare-ups or lesions from insect bites, the Starwood Equine team can help determine whether EquiShield IBH is a good fit for your horse’s individualized care plan.

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26/06/2025

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), also known as sweet itch, is one of the most common allergic skin diseases diagnosed in horses. It is caused by an overactive immune response to the saliva of biting insects, primarily Culicoides midges (gnats/no-see-ums).

If your horse struggles with seasonal itching or skin changes, a veterinary evaluation is important to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes. Effective management starts with a tailored plan based on your horse’s specific needs.

25/06/2025

Besides being very irritating, it's important to remember that some insects can spread infection and disease to your horse (and, in some cases, to you as well).

Being proactive in insect control can help reduce the risks. Check out this infographic from for some suggestions to get you started.

If you’re interested in reading more about external parasites and vector control, comprehensive guidelines are available on the AAEP website at bit.ly/aaep-externalparasite.

23/06/2025

Hitting the trails or stepping into the show ring, we love seeing our patients (big and small) doing what they love. Tag us so we can follow along with your summer adventures!

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