Seacoast Equine

02/02/2023

As we schedule your horse's spring vaccine appointments, please call the office to make sure we have your correct billing information on file after our software transfer. Payment information encrypted in the old system was unable to be transferred so this information will need to be updated prior to or at the time of appointments this spring.

10/01/2023

A new year brings a new updated software system for our records keeping! As we switch to our new program we may ask our clients to update & confirm information in their files at the appointment. Invoices, reports, reminders, and receipts will look different as they will be emailed directly from our new program. Thank you for your patience while we switch over to our new software!

09/12/2022

DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE FOR YOUR HORSE?

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to be confronted with a medical emergency. Are you prepared to act? Having a clear emergency action plan will help you stay focused and effective if a crisis strikes.

Below are some basic guidelines that can help you prepare for an equine emergency:
1. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours. Ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available for emergencies.
2. Have a plan for transporting the horse is necessary and know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center.
3. Prepare a first aid kit (see graphic for a short list of essential items) and store it in a clean, dry, readily accessible place. Keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle as well, and be sure to check your supplies periodically and restock as needed. First-aid kits can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like; seek your horse doctor's advice on what to add, especially regarding any drugs that could be included and how they should be administered.

03/12/2022

: Did you know a horse with a moderate hair coat starts requiring additional calories for body temperature regulation when the outside temperature drops to approximately 50°F?

Cold weather prompts special considerations for your horse's diet and care, particularly when it comes to the older members of the herd; consult your primary horse doctor to formulate a plan to keep your horses happy and healthy this winter! For more tips, visit https://aaep.org/horsehealth/cold-weather-nutrition

11/11/2022

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in: the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your horse doctor will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.

Read more on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lymphangitis-frustrating-condition

08/11/2022

Does your horse have asthma? Find out how you can help him using management and environmental changes.

04/11/2022

https://equusmagazine.com/behavior/why-do-horses-rub-their-tails/?fbclid=IwAR3LzxB-CBU0mnychPz1vgaZLKjRsTtiWtzCtFDCAZlgzfNw03-JQqqZs08

My mare has been rubbing her tail against her stall wall. She is on a deworming program, which includes regular f***l egg counts, so I can’t imagine it’s related to parasites. What else might be causing her to do this? (She doesn’t do it when she’s in the field, only in her stall.)

24/10/2022

Espophageal obstruction, or “choke,” is a common equine emergency but can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occurs when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses

18/10/2022

A nutritionist explains the importance of hydration, fiber, and caloric intake during the winter months.

06/09/2022

Ready or not, fall is right around the corner! As a horse owner, the best part about this time of the year is knowing we won't have to deal with as many insect-related issues. However, now is also the time to start thinking about housing, nutrition and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

23/08/2022

Equine ulcers have long been a common concern for horse owners. Our understanding of ulcers has dramatically improved over time through medical advancement, and there is currently more nuance to the diagnostics, treatment, and management of horses suffering from these internal sores. Gastroscopy and...

01/08/2022

HOOF ABSCESSES EXPLAINED

Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean?

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.
(The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.)

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.

Read more about hoof abscesses on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/hoof-abscesses

21/06/2022

Happy first day of Summer! ’Tis the season for longer days at the barn, fun in the sun with your horse (remember to keep both of you hydrated!) and also, unfortunately, for a plethora of insects that become more active and numerous with the warmer temperatures.

Besides being very irritating, some of these bugs can spread infection and disease to your horse (and, in some cases, to you as well). Therefore, a very smart strategy is to control the problem before it gets out of hand, and minimize populations from the beginning.

The attached infographic contains some suggestions to get you started. Please keep in mind that there are many variations of these suggested programs that will still meet the same goals and follow the same principles.

If you’re interested in reading more about external parasites and vector control, comprehensive guidelines are available on our website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/external-parasite-and-vector-control-guidelines. As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and recommendations suitable for your horse’s specific situation!

13/06/2022

Following up on last week’s popular post regarding heat stress in horses, and in preparation of the hot temperatures headed our way, today we are going to debunk the myth that allowing a hot, sweaty horse to drink cold water could lead to colic, founder or tie up.

The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to cool down before drinking water is indeed a myth, so be advised that it is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay. The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time! Because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once. A slower reintroduction of water is good common sense, while it makes no sense to hold horses off it.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. The average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day, but that amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at ALL times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/offering-a-horse-water-after-exercise-8622/

09/06/2022

As temperatures keep climbing, here is your reminder to pay close attention to signs of heat stress in your horse this summer. ☀️🐴

Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will have more problems. Keep in mind that exercise is a major source of body heat and that strenuous work on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and signs of heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion should not be underestimated and can advance to heat stroke quickly. Above all, be kind and attentive to your equine partner’s need. If you feel hot, they feel hotter. So if they look tired—it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

As always, consult your primary veterinarian for more tips tailored to your specific horse’s situation! Read more about heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/heat-stroke

09/06/2022

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EQUINE EMERGENCY?

There’s never a good time to get hurt, but horses (and kids) seem to have a special knack for always choosing the least convenient time—and the most spectacular ways—to get injured. As a horse owner, you must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly.

Regardless of the situation, it's important to remember these points:
1. Keep the horse as calm as possible. Your own calm behavior will help achieve this.
2. Move the animal to a safe area where it is unlikely to be injured should it go down.
3. Get someone to help you, and delegate responsibilities, such as calling the veterinarian, retrieving the first aid kit, holding the horse, etc.
4. Notify your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to provide specific information about the horse's condition, and other data that will help your practitioner assess the immediacy of the danger and instruct you in how to proceed.
5. Listen closely and follow your equine practitioner's instructions.
6. Do not administer drugs, especially tranquilizers or sedatives, unless specifically instructed to do so by the veterinarian.

Preparation will help you stay calm in the event of a real emergency so be sure to not skip this step! By acting quickly and promptly, you can minimize the consequences of an injury or illness. For more tips about emergency care, ask your equine veterinarian or visit https://aaep.org/horsehealth/guidelines-follow-during-equine-emergencies

26/05/2022

21/05/2022

Transport stress is a known risk factor for the development of respiratory disease following long-distance travel. It is generally advised […]