Great Basin Veterinary Services

25/05/2023

This beautiful quilt was made and donated by Candy Welsh for the Wells Family Resource Center’s annual quilt raffle at our Benefit Golf Scramble on June 24th. Grab your tickets by messaging us through our page or call Valerie at 775-752-2345.

18/01/2023

UPDATE: Donna has found Bumble!!!!

28/09/2022

Today is and this year's theme is "One Health, Zero Death.” Here are some key takeaways from our "Rabies in the US" infographic.

✔️ The total cases in animals decreased in 2020 compared to 2019 by 4.5% - the second straight year cases decreased
🦝 Raccoons were the most frequently reported rabid animal in the US in 2020 for the second straight year
0️⃣ Human cases of rabies in the US in 2020

Remember, the best way to protect your animals from this deadly disease is through vaccination and to keep them away from wildlife that can spread the disease. Learn more at avma.org/Rabies.

15/08/2022

Today is ! How can an up-to-date microchip make all the difference when it comes to getting your pet back? We've created this infographic to show you.

Then be sure to visit avma.org/ChecktheChip for more important information on how to register and update your pet's microchip. Check the Chip Day is made possible through the support of HomeAgain PetRescuer.

03/08/2022

was well represented Friday night at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 2022 Alumni Reception at the City Tap House in Philadelphia.

19/07/2022

11/07/2022

Come join us for this epic event! From 10:30am to 2:30pm on August 13th. In August from the 1st-13th if you purchase anything from Cross Fence and Supply your name will be put into a drawing to win a gift basket from us, on August13th! We hope to see everyone there!!!

27/05/2022

...But seriously, how often do you seek answers about your horse’s health on Google or on social media?

While online discussion groups and the internet in general can be useful tools, this is a reminder that taking online medical advice from total strangers is generally a bad idea. An Internet consultation cannot replace the physical exam performed by a trained and experienced veterinarian, and treatment without a proper diagnosis can often result in a waste of money and time. Furthermore, remember that even a veterinarian is prohibited from offering specific medical advice for animals they don’t know!

How do you know when a problem is serious enough to call the vet? Some good examples are listed on our website here: https://aaep.org/horsehealth/when-should-i-call-vet But perhaps the best rule is this — when in doubt, call!

Take-home message: When you have questions about your animal’s health, don’t turn to social media or “Dr. Google.” Consult your horse doctor, or establish a good working relationship relationship with one.

22/05/2022

This was a great event! Thank you to everyone who participated and special thanks to Cross Fence & Supply for hosting!

08/05/2022

JUST A COUPLE OF WEEKS AWAY! Don't miss out on this fantastic event! There are just a few spots left to book your appointment with Dr. Rodriguez or Dr. Doyle. Several open spots for Equine massage with Abby Field. All horses must have an appointment! If you have some old tack you don't use any more bring it down and do some trading or selling, or just stop by and have a hot dog and say hello!

22/04/2022

Happy !

Our planet is certainly blessed with lots of incredible species, but let’s not forget that not all of them mix successfully. For example, did you know that the plants listed below (many of which are extremely common) are toxic to horses?

The good news is that a 1,000-pound horse has to consume significantly higher quantities of a toxic plant than a smaller animal to be affected clinically. However, some plants are cause for concern since even a curious nibble or repeated browsing over several weeks or months can lead to serious illness or even death. Therefore, it’s in your horse’s best interest that you learn to recognize poisonous plants so they can be promptly removed from your horse-keeping areas.

If you suspect your horse has ingested a poisonous plant:
• Remove the horse from the source.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Attempt to determine how much of the toxic plant was eaten and when it was eaten.

Pro tip: another commonly overlooked reason a horse may become poisoned, is allowing horses to graze a pasture after it has been sprayed with herbicide but before the weeds have died and disappeared.

As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and guidance!

13/04/2022

"Pet the dog" is a cute internet meme but when it comes to dog bite prevention, it's important to know how to avoid escalating risky situations and to understand when you should and should not interact with dogs. Here are a few scenarios when you should avoid petting a dog. You can find more helpful tips at avma.org/DogBite.

11/04/2022

Earlier today, experts from the National Dog Bite Prevention Week shared important tips and information during our Facebook Live event on how we can all work together to help prevent dog bites.

Now, here's more helpful information - including the top 10 states reporting dog bites and how to prevent dog bites - in our infographic.

Remember - we can all work together to . Learn more by visiting our National Dog Bite Prevention Week page: https://bit.ly/3a3EzWJ

02/04/2022

Appointment spots are going quickly! Call Kristi at 775-340-2258 to make your appointments ASAP before they are all filled! ALL HORSES MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT! NO WALK INS!

27/03/2022

Have you ever wondered WHY we vaccinate horses in the spring? Because as the weather warms up, insect re-emerge and bring with them the potential of disease, like West Nile Virus and EEE/WEE which are both transmitted by mosquitoes. By vaccinating your horse prior to the start of mosquito season, you ensure your equine friend has a defense system ready to go against such diseases.

EEE/WEE, West Nile virus, Rabies and Tetanus are categorized as core vaccines, which means *every single horse* should receive them every year. Additional risk-based vaccines (Botulism, Equine Herpesvirus, Strangles, Equine Influenza, Potomac Horse Fever, Equine Viral Arteritis, Anthrax, Rotavirus, Snake Bite and Leptospiroris) are available that your veterinarian may or may not recommend depending on your horse’s individual situation (e.g., location/environment, lifestyle, use and age).

While you may be tempted to vaccinate your horse yourself with over-the-counter products to save yourself some money, be advised that the benefits of using a veterinarian for vaccinations far outweigh any savings you think you are making. For example, you may give your horses unnecessary vaccines or skip a booster dose, and the chance of improper storage/handling of products is far greater. Veterinarians know all the ins and outs: Vaccinations need to be scheduled around other medications to prevent interactions, and in the case of vaccine side effects, an experienced veterinarian is ultimately more qualified to handle the situation.

In addition, a vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for an annual physical examination of your equine friend, which allows your veterinarian to evaluate your horse’s nutrition and general health, plus detect and treat any conditions before they get established. So if you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling your horse's spring vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

To learn more, extensive vaccination guidelines are available to both horse owners and veterinarians on our website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines.

24/03/2022

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…no, not that time. Today is National Puppy Day!! We would love to see a photo of your dog as a puppy so share one with us in the comments! If you've just adopted, remember that your new pet should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. See our guide for other tips on bringing a new dog into your home: http://bit.ly/3r83ZLH

22/03/2022

A medication that does one thing for people does not necessarily do the same for our pets. 🚫💊🐶🐱

During , discover common human medications that can be unsafe for your pet and how you can keep them safe by following these simple guidelines.

Remember, always contact your veterinarian if your pet has ingested any medication not prescribed for them: http://bit.ly/2Qa33qt

23/02/2022

Please make sure dogs are leashed and cats are in carriers. Bring proof of past rabies vaccination if applicable!

This Saturday from 10am-1pm. Please spread the word.

14/02/2022

Looking to share a Valentine with your pet? How about this one:
"Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm sorry but this chocolate is not for you."

No matter the type of chocolate, the best thing to do if you think your pet may have gotten into some of your chocolate is call your veterinarian. Have a safe and ! ❤️🐶🐱❤️

16/01/2022

What comes to mind when you hear the word “veterinarian?” For most, it’s the local practitioner who takes care of your livestock or family pets. No question, this is one of the most impactful aspects of our profession, but did you know that we play an essential role in other areas that have a ...

08/01/2022

13/12/2021

Children around the world received some good news today, with officials from the North Pole confirming that Santa’s reindeer have been approved for their Christmas Eve flight, following a health checkup from Santa’s veterinarian.

12/11/2021

Happy Veterans Day! Our deepest thanks to all the brave men, women and animals who served our country and who continue to serve.

In case you missed it — following is the story of Nelson (pictured below with his soldier), a real war horse who served in the Warwickshire Royal Horse Artillery during World War I.

Nelson was one the horses who pulled the medium-calibre guns and howitzers which were deployed close to the front line. Nelson's handler and driver, Alfred Henn, kept a photograph of the war horse he had cherished as a young soldier until his death in 2000, at the age of 103.

Speaking before he died, Alfred recalled Nelson's unflinching bravery despite only having one eye. With Alfred riding him, and the full weight of a gun carriage behind him, the noble horse galloped directly into the gunfire. Nelson was Alfred's only confidant amid the horror of battle, and also had an uncanny sense of danger that served both soldier and horse well.

Horses were a valuable commodity during WWI, but it's said the terror they shared in those days forged incredible friendships between the animals and their humans. It was a very physical relationship, and soldiers and horses often slept together in the mud to ward off the cold.

Source: Daily Mail

25/10/2021

TO BLANKET OR NOT TO BLANKET?

As temperatures are cooling, many horse owners may be wondering when it's time to start blanketing their horses, or if blanketing should be done at all. The short answer to this age-old debate is, "it depends."

While it is true that horses are naturally designed to keep warm without a blanket, the decision to blanket or not should be based on your horse's unique needs — which are determined by age and overall health, condition, shelter situation, tolerance to cold, and activity schedule (e.g., if you horse has a sleek "show coat,” has trouble keeping weight on or is an older animal, it will probably benefit from having a blanket on its back).

The catch is, once one starts blanketing, blankets must continue throughout the season. And while they are useful, blankets should be applied responsibly:
• During seasonal transitions, like from summer to fall, several blanket changes may be needed on the same day in response to day/night temperature changes.

• Always replace or remove a soaked blanket immediately — wet blankets will keep in the wetness, creating an even colder horse. This could potentially create a skin fungus problem, or even worse could cause hypothermia-induced colic. (The reverse is also true: don't put a blanket on a wet horse.)

• Finally, don’t just blanket a horse and forget about it. There can be changes happening under the blanket, like weight loss/gain, skin fungus or bacterial infections, blanket rubs, etc. Be sure to remove the blanket at least once a week for a good grooming and to check for any problems.

Consult your horse doctor today about what is best for your horse when it comes to blanketing. While there are apps out there that can help you understand what blankets to use and when, nothing can replace your veterinarian's expertise!

19/10/2021

During , here's a quick fact to share about veterinary technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 114,400 veterinary technicians and technologists in practice nationwide...and that number is expected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations!

01/10/2021

An Illinois man who woke up to find a bat nestled on his neck in mid-August has died of rabies. In a bitterly ironic twist, his death was announced on Tuesday—World World Rabies Day.

27/05/2021

An industry-wide shortage of the main drug used for euthanasia is forcing veterinarians to conserve supplies and consider using alternate methods to humanely end animals’ lives. Pentobarbital, the active ingredient in the most commonly used eut...

12/05/2021

“My horse doesn’t travel, does it still need an annual Coggins test?”

The short answer is: yes.

The long answer is: yes, because a Coggins test is not just a document you need to be able to transport your horse across state lines. It’s actually a blood test that checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a potentially fatal blood-borne viral disease that is transmitted by biting flies, particularly horse flies. EIA produces a persistent infection, which means that infected animals become carriers and a threat to other horses for the rest of their lives, as there is currently no vaccine and no treatment. The only options for a horse that tests positive for EIA are lifelong isolation or humane euthanasia. Can you imagine what the consequences of a large EIA outbreak would be?

To learn more about EIA, consult your veterinarian or visit our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-infectious-anemia

14/04/2021

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has effectively hung a “welcome” sign out encouraging radical activist groups to make mischief in his state and torment ranchers. The first salvo is called the PAUSE Act.

20/01/2021

I am going on maternity leave and won't be taking any more appointments until this spring. If you would like to get on my schedule for spring or summer please send me a message.