Upstate Equine Medical Center

10/01/2025

Thinking of all in California. Thank you to all the heroes

She’s a rare breed of hero. A brave Los Angeles veterinarian has taken in dozens of animals as their owners flee the raging Palisades Fire — sacrificing her own health and safety to care for the critters, she revealed Wednesday. Annie Harvilicz, 47, opened her home and an empty pet hospital to m...

25/12/2024

Happy Hanukkah!

24/12/2024

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

24/12/2024

Although frostbite in healthy horses is quite uncommon, certain conditions can place horses at risk. Horses out in extreme cold without shelter from the wind, those that are unable to stay dry, and those that are unable to take in adequate calories and forage (to generate normal body heat) are most likely to become victims of frostbite.
Horses kept inside metal sheds or plastic-covered wooden barns that do not have adequate ventilation are also at increased risk as that environment contains too much moisture from the horse’s breath and urine (as well as too much ammonia for good respiratory health).
It also may be a false kindness to bring in a horse that has been out and has a full winter coat to protect it from a cold snap. The horse may sweat in the warmer, wind-free environment, then with a damp winter coat, really get cold... so be sure to check that your horse is comfortable and dry.
Certain molds or plant toxins occasionally found in feeds can cause peripheral vasoconstriction, which makes an animal much more susceptible to frostbite and/or exposure.
In horses, frostbite is most commonly seen on the ears, although the extremities can be affected in young animals, animals that are down or animals kept in very boggy conditions. Male horses that are debilitated and cannot properly retract their p***s can also be affected by frostbite on the exposed tissue.
The photos in this post are actually from a calf. He was down and if you look closely, you can see some discoloration of the affected foot, which was swollen and cold to the touch. Thermography is a test that uses an infrared camera to detect heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. The first half of the photo is the thermography image. In it, the affected foot is so cold that it registers the same temperature as the floor. This tissue is necrotic (dead) and has a poor prognosis. Please note that these photos are paired - we were touching both of the calf's feet in both photos.

21/12/2024

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

18/12/2024

A raccoon in Schuylerville, NY was tested and was positive for rabies. Remember to keep your horse's vaccines up to date - even if your horses do not travel.

18/12/2024

Good advice! Being prepared saves time, which saves lives.

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to be confronted with a medical emergency—even during the holidays. 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 if necessary and know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center.

3. Prepare a first aid kit 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.

14/12/2024

PLEASE GIVE EXTRA HAY THIS WEEKEND - IT IS GOING TO BE VERY COLD!!
REMEMBER: As this frigid weather settles in, it’s important to keep your horse WARM. Horses are kept warm not only by their winter coat and body fat, but also by their built-in, internal heating system: their digestive tract! Digestion creates microbial fermentation which produces heat and warms your horse. Fiber is digested slowly. This allows the horse’s body to sustain its internal heat for a longer period of time. Hay has a higher fiber content than grain, which means it is digested more slowly than grain…. Therefore, increased hay will help warm your horse more efficiently in winter than increasing his/her grain.

02/12/2024

As the weather cools down, allowing yourself an ample amount of time to cool out your horse after a cold ride is essential to ensure that you don’t jeopardize your horses' health by allowing them to catch a chill.

Our friends at Equus Magazine have some useful tips to share for cooling out your horses this winter. You can read the full article on their website at https://equusmagazine.com/riding/coolingout-10486/

30/11/2024

28/11/2024

BFG

28/11/2024

Wishing you all safe travels and wonderful times with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving!

20/11/2024

Check the packaging on the carrots that you feed both your human and equine friends

Whole and baby carrots are the latest food to be recalled over an E. coli scare.

14/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=523381427343462&set=a.112693795078896

Laundry art

[📸 Helga Stentzel]

Follow Earth's Treasures for more

11/11/2024

Thank you to those who serve.

04/11/2024

Sunday night colic surgery.... Happy to report that the mare is back in her stall and comfortable.

03/11/2024

Enjoy an extra hour of sleep…. Daylight savings time has ended. The clocks have moved back one hour.

01/11/2024

on this day in 1938....

Into the HorseTV Global Archives! Nearly a century ago, the match race at Pimlico Race Course between Seabiscuit and War Admiral was one of the most anticip...