Becker Equine

13/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15nwJCiAFd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Foundation for the Horse continues to reach out to veterinarians and the horse industry to help horses affected by the wildfires in Southern California. If you or someone you know needs assistance with veterinary care, shelter, transportation, feed, hay, or supplies, please contact The Foundation at [email protected]. Assistance is available to veterinarians treating horses affected by the fires and for veterinary medical supplies, treatment, euthanasia, and more.

To assist in these efforts, donations are needed and can be made directly to our Disaster Fund at https://www.foundationforthehorse.org/impact/disaster-relief/

25/12/2024

08/12/2024

**Cold Weather and Blanketing Your Horse 🐴🧣**

As the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to know when and how to blanket your horse to keep them comfortable and healthy during the colder months. Here are some key tips for proper blanketing:

1. **Temperature Matters**: Generally, horses that are fully acclimated to cold weather don’t need a blanket. If your state (shout out to Texas) has a lot of fluctuations generally most horses are comfortable until it drops below 30°F (-1°C), but it depends on your horse’s coat, activity level, and shelter available! Older, thinner, or clipped horses may need extra warmth even in higher temperatures.

2. **Wet or Windy Conditions**: If your horse gets wet or if it’s windy, they may need a blanket to retain body heat and prevent chills but more important is protection from the wind. Wet hair doesn’t insulate as effectively!

3. **Check for Fit**: Make sure your blanket fits properly—not too tight or loose—and is comfortable around the chest, with enough room for shoulder movement. It should never restrict movement or rub. Spandex/Lycra layers can support prevention of shoulder or blanket rubs in high friction areas.

4. **Quality Over Quantity**: Invest in a good-quality blanket with adequate waterproofing, breathability, and insulation, tailored to your climate. If layering with temperature fluctuations - coolers can support whisking water or any potential sweat from the horse body to further prevent chills

5. **Indoor vs. Outdoor**: Horses kept indoors or in a sheltered area may not need a blanket unless the weather is extreme, while those outside all day may need extra protection.

More important than any of the above is ensuring your horse is taking in adequate water and calories to maintain their health and condition. Cold weather is a great time to refresh salt licks. Remember electrolytes are not just for warm weather!

Remember, every horse is different! Assess their needs based on their age, coat, and lifestyle. Happy winter care!

01/12/2024

Keratomas are benign growths that can develop in the hoof, often causing lameness or discomfort. They typically form in the hoof wall, and while they can be slow-growing, they may lead to more serious issues if left untreated.

🔍 Signs to Watch For:

- Reoccurring abscessing in one area of the same hoof
- Lameness or sensitivity, particularly on hard surfaces
- Swelling or heat around the hoof
- Distorted shape of the hoof wall
- Visible growth or bulging in the hoof

Surgical Removal: The most effective treatment for keratomas is surgical removal. This procedure involves carefully excising the growth, ensuring minimal disruption to the hoof structure while relieving pain. After surgery, the hoof will need proper care, support and monitoring to ensure healing and prevent complications.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to consult your veterinarian. Early detection and treatment are key to your horse’s comfort and long-term hoof health.

28/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving !🍁🦃

25/11/2024

Advanced Reproductive Care: ICSI

At BECKER EQUINE we offer ICSI (Intracytoplasmic S***m Injection), a technique that is wonderful for mares with fertility challenges or when working with limited semen—like frozen semen from a deceased stallion—ICSI offers new possibilities for breeding success. We have partnered with the most successful and efficient laboratories in the country to ensure results and quality in all aspects of this process for our clients.

How ICSI Works:

1️⃣ Egg Aspiration: Using ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration (TVA), we collect high-quality eggs from the mare.
2️⃣ Egg Culturing: The eggs are cultured in vitro for optimal conditions.
3️⃣ S***m Injection: A single s***m cell is carefully injected into each egg.
4️⃣ Incubation: The fertilized egg is placed in an incubator to develop into an embryo.
5️⃣ Embryo Transfer: The embryo is transferred to a synchronized recipient mare for pregnancy.

Why ICSI?

Efficient use of limited semen, including frozen or stored samples.

Provides a viable option when conventional breeding methods aren’t possible.

Increases the chances of successful pregnancy.

📞 DM us or call to schedule a consultation!

24/11/2024

If your horse has a cough that persists into exercise or is heard while your equine friend is at rest in the barn, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about evaluating your horse for respiratory disease. It could be a problem with the upper airway (the nasal passages and throat) or the lower airway (the lungs).

While waiting for your appointment, try decreasing your horse’s exposure to dust, as that is a primary trigger for lower respiratory disease such as asthma or heaves. Some simple things you can do include avoiding straw bedding, feeding hay on the ground and/or soaking it, not using a leaf blower on barn aisles, and not storing hay or bedding above your horse’s stall. Last but not least, while us humans may be more comfortable with all the barn doors closed on a cold day, your horses’ lungs will appreciate open doors/windows and good ventilation!

As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about preserving your horse’s respiratory health, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information!
•
Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

23/11/2024

Help solve the case and detail the treatment plan!

20/11/2024

Starting to harvest oocytes for 2025 breeding season!

19/10/2024

🐴✨ Understanding Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and the Importance of Coggins Testing 🐴✨

🔍 What is EIA?
EIA is caused by a retrovirus that attacks a horse’s immune system. It’s primarily transmitted through biting insects, contaminated equipment, or blood transfusions.

⚠️ Recent Outbreaks:
In 2024, we've seen a concerning rise in EIA cases :

Texas - (TAHC) has confirmed 14 cases of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Quarter Horses, including 12 cases in Harris County, one case in Webb County, and one case in Nacogdoches County. Some of the horses have already been euthanized, and all premises are quarantined. (Source EDCC Health Watch - BI)

California (6 positive cases in October), and additional cases in Canada. These outbreaks highlight the importance of vigilance in horse health management. Increased cases mean a higher risk for all equine populations, making awareness and prevention crucial.

⚠️ Signs to Watch For:

Fever: Elevated body temperature.
Weakness: Noticeable lethargy or fatigue.
Swelling: Particularly in the legs or underbelly.
Weight Loss: Gradual decline in body condition.

💉 The Importance of Coggins Testing:
Coggins testing is essential for detecting EIA. This test identifies the presence of the virus in a horse’s blood and is often required for travel, events, and sales. A negative Coggins certificate ensures that your horse is free from EIA and helps prevent the spread of the virus within the equine community.

📅 Regular Testing and Prevention:

Annual Coggins Testing: Essential for all horses, especially if they are transported or participate in competitions.
Effective Fly Control: Reducing insect populations can significantly lower the risk of transmission.
Quarantine New Arrivals: Always isolate new horses for at least 30 days and ensure they are tested before introducing them to your property.
If you have any questions about EIA or need to schedule a Coggins test for your horse, please reach out to us! Together, we can keep our equine friends healthy and safe. 🐎

14/10/2024

Proper suturing is crucial for optimal healing and to prevent complications.First we evaluated the depth and extent of the laceration. This ensures we choose the right approach for suturing.Then we carefully cleaned the wound to remove debris and bacteria, minimizing infection risk.Using a combination of absorbable sutures, we meticulously closed the skin edges. Precision is key to support healing and restore functionality.Post-Op Care and Aftercare is essential! We provided the owner with detailed instructions for monitoring and managing the site as it heals.

13/10/2024

Sixteen Quarter Horse racehorses located at facilities in California, New Mexico, and Texas recently tested positive for EIA.

04/10/2024

03/10/2024

We are thrilled to introduce our new venture, Rural Strategies—your go-to partner for farm and ranch design, development, and management. This lifestyle has brought us so much joy, and now we’re teaming up to help you create the rural dream life you’ve always wanted. Stay tuned for exciting updates, and feel free to DM us with any questions or for more information!

02/10/2024

We are devastated to see the disastrous effects of Hurricane Helene that have impacted thousands of people and equines far and wide. Please join The Foundation for the Horse, the AAEP's charitable arm, in aiding the victims of the hurricane with a donation to help those affected.

The Foundation for the Horse works directly with equine veterinarians on the ground to make sure supplies, hay, feed and veterinary care are provided to animals in need.

Pictured is an example of the devasting effects the residents of Hendersonville, NC have suffered during Hurricane Helene.

If you would like to join us in aiding those affected, donate at: https://membership.aaep.org/FFTH/Shared_Content/Donation-Pages/Give-Now.aspx?ItemId=DISASTER_RELIEF&SourceCode=GiveNow&fbclid=IwY2xjawFnmcNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaHxoC1eLyh3A4yhmAjxmWHPmr_MlVVwcEAQlS7eG9dEchYSrXaPsyTwdQ_aem_XLRekJJPklcJ9rVpFvH-Tg