Cascadia Veterinary Care, LLC

22/08/2024

Changes in your horse’s attitude might not be emergent but are always worth looking into!

11/08/2024

Here’s a Sunday funny for you- hope you have a wonderful day and that your horses don’t take their slow hay feeders too poorly ;)

30/07/2024

Many times the way we feed and haul our horses make them more prone to ulcers. Here are a few tips to help reduce the possibility that your horse becomes a victim of ulcers!

HOW AND WHY DO HORSES GET ULCERS?

Equine gastric ulcers can affect any horse of any age. Up to 90% of racehorses and 60% of show horses, as well as non-performance horses and even foals are affected by equine gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers result from the erosion of the stomach lining due to a prolonged exposure to the normal acid present in the stomach.

Unlike ulcers in humans, bacteria do not appear to cause equine gastric ulcers. Instead, this condition is often a man-made disease. Stall confinement alone can lead to the development of ulcers. A horse’s feeding schedule and high-grain diets can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

Stress, both environmental and physical, can increase the likelihood of ulcers, as can hauling, training, and mixing groups of horses. Strenuous exercise can decrease the emptying of the stomach as well as the blood flow, thus further contributing to the problem.

The treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers is directed at removing these predisposing factors, therefore decreasing acid production within the horse’s stomach. Prevention of ulcers is the key in helping your horse, as neutralizing the production of stomach acid is nature’s best antacid.

Please note that the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through a gastroscopy. An equine veterinarian should always be consulted in any case of suspected gastric ulcers to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse.

09/07/2024

We know that a horse without a foot means there is no horse. So very thankful for all the farriers out there that strive to make our horses the best they can be. This week we would like to celebrate those people- thank you farriers!!

08/07/2024

Happy Monday! Go ride your horses ;)

02/07/2024

26/06/2024

Help your horses out and get peace of mind during the upcoming firework season ❤️

26/06/2024

Hope you all had a less eventful Tuesday!

13/06/2024

A few “hot” tips!

"Cool" hot weather tips! ☀️

The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to walk until they are completely cooled off is a myth. A 2020 study found that out of the five methods tested, the quickest way to return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application. This doesn't mean that you should abruptly stop exercise—finish your ride or training session with a slow walk to allow your horse's heart rate and breathing to gradually return to normal, but after that your sweaty, hardworking horse should be offered a cool shower and drinking water (small but frequent amounts) without delay.

Overall, enjoy your summer rides but be aware of signs of heat stress in your horse. When heat and humidity soar, even moderate exercise can push your equine friend's body temperature beyond safe limits! Be sure to contact your veterinarian for more information about heat stroke and for recommendations tailored to your horse's individual situation.
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Information brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

04/06/2024

Now until June 17th! Vetsource code for savings! Only good for one purchase - happy summer!

24/05/2024

We will be closed in observation of Memorial Day on Monday. We are thankful to all those who have served ❤️

23/05/2024

Thursday tip of the day- happy trails!!

03/05/2024

Anatomy is so cool! Read this short article about the Thoracic Sling!

: Unlike humans, horses don’t have collarbones. Their shoulders are held to the rest of their skeleton via a sling of muscles and ligaments instead, often referred to as the “thoracic sling.”

Why is this important? We often ask our equine athletes to perform complex movements that require tremendous strength and coordination, and horses carry the majority of their weight in their front end. Therefore, it is imperative that the bulk of the muscles that support the front end are kept healthy and conditioned, and the horse is trained to use their “motor” — that is, engaging the large hind end muscles as much as possible to avoid excessive weight bearing on the front end.

If the front end of the horse is consistently overweighted or not at an appropriate level of fitness, repetitive biomechanical stresses get transferred down the leg to the smaller ligaments and tendons that were not designed to bear this weight, which can then lead to injury.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

23/04/2024

Spring is storming in! Below is a code for any Vetsource orders from now until May 6th!

19/04/2024

It’s almost the weekend!! Enjoy your Friday!

12/04/2024

Happy Friday!

08/04/2024

Enjoy an informative video about Equitarian Initiative and the work we do in Costa Rica! 🇨🇷🐴❤️

Join the Equitarian Initiative and EI board member, Dr. Neil Gray, in partnership with local NGO, Costa Rica Equine Welfare (CREW) for our field service prog...

30/03/2024

17/03/2024

The Anatomy of a Hoof Abscess!

UNDERSTANDING HOOF ABSCESSES
Sooner or later (and especially at this time of year), nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean? The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

25/02/2024

Considering insurance for your horse? This information might be helpful!

Do you have a plan for your horse’s unexpected medical expenses? (Read, for example: can you afford colic surgery if it comes to it?)

Whether a horse is purchased for personal or business reasons, horse ownership represents a significant investment of time, money, and resources. While nothing may easy the emotional burden, wise planning can at least help reduce the economic impacts should something happen to your precious companion.

There are many types of coverage available to the horse owner and the conditions can vary widely between companies. Common types of coverage available for horses are listed (but not limited to what you see) in the graphic. Some equine insurers may require an insurance examination certificate signed by a veterinarian before a policy will be issued for a horse, however that does not mean your veterinarian can attest for the insurability of the animal — your veterinarian can only respond to questions of which he or she has direct knowledge, reporting the medical facts to the best of his or her ability.

Regardless of the circumstances, never ask or expect your veterinarian to report a claim to the insurance company or to be an expert with regards to your insurance policy. This is your responsibility as the owner and if you have questions regarding your policy be sure to ask your insurance agent!

19/02/2024

Students looking to get into the veterinary field! Washington State University offers Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificates that are both online and hands-on, preparing students for roles in veterinary clinics. Check this out and learn skills that will get your foot in the door!

The Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate program at WSU combines online learning and hands-on, side-by-side training with veterinarians.

15/02/2024

This is good until February 26th! Happy Valentines Day!

08/02/2024

Hey Guys -- I am back in the office and will be returning calls/tests/emails soon!

We had a successful trip with almost 300 horses treated! We were able to vaccinate, deworm, and treat for wounds, external parasites/ticks, respiratory diseases, foot abscesses/wounds, skin infections, any a few more random things. We had 6 veterinary students from Costa Rica with us who were able to get fantastic practice handling, diagnosing, treating, and speaking with owners.

If you are interested in donating to an amazing group who puts the money directly to treatment of the horses check out EquitarianInitiative.org, or ask me any questions :-)

I am glad to be home, but sure do love being able to help! Thank you all for your support and understanding when I am away on these trips

26/01/2024

Dr. Torhorst will be traveling back to the Osa Peninsula next week to work on horses in Costa Rica with Equitation Initiative. She will have some Wifi, but please be patient as she may take an extra day or two to respond to emails. Text messages and calls will be returned on Feb 8th when she is back in the office.

Equitation Initiative is a nonprofit group that travels to locations of working equids who have little to no veterinary medicine provided. We work closely with community members, owners, and in country veterinary students to teach aspects of husbandry, nutrition, behavior, wound care, etc. If you would like more information or to donate to an amazing cause please visit their website at https://equitarianinitiative.org

Stay tuned for updates and pictures!

16/01/2024

Happy January! Here is a promo for Vetsource to make your January brighter!

12/01/2024

Stay warm out there!!

25/05/2023

Vaild from 5/23 - 6/5.

12/05/2023

https://cascadiavetcare.securevetsource.com/index.pml

10/05/2023

Cheers to our new graduates! A dear friend/mentor sent me this earlier today and I couldn’t agree more. Give new and young vets a chance. Trust me, they are worth your investment ❤️ Pic of me on graduation day for tax 👩‍🎓

Dear Newly-Minted Veterinarian,

1. We’re so glad you’re here.
2. We WANT you to succeed.
3. Remember this is a career, not a death sentence.
4. You’re more than a veterinarian. Don’t let this career take away from your other goals/aspirations.
5. It’s ok to be scared, KEEP GOING.
6. Stay humble but use the “doctor” card when needed.
7. Once you cross the ethics line, it’s hard to come back. Decide now where you stand.
8. CONGRATULATIONS DOCTOR 🎉

As you go out into your careers please remember…

Successful people have mental health issues, bad habits, gaps in their knowledge, moments of self-doubt, procrastination issues, imperfect routines, insecurities, and imposter syndrome too.

But they also know that all of these things are perfectly normal. That is the difference.

- Steven Bartlett