Rocky Bay Equine Veterinary Clinic

04/02/2024

I thought I would post this to give you a smile. Read it out loud to the theme.

(recited to Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham written by me);
I do not like it Starr I am, I do not like white paste in a can,
Would you like it here or there? I much prefer it in your hair,
I pull my head, I pull your arm, there is NO WAY, I tell no yarn,
I do not like WHITE PASTE I scream, to you I say "that you are mean"

But when it’s done you scratch my face, you talk real soft, I have no case,
I can tell your love is dear, I can tell when you are near,
White paste, white paste is not so bad, to you I say “Mom, I’m not mad”
Now give me food and go away, we’ll do this again some other day.

I do not like it day 1 to me, I do not like it day 2 or 3,
Day 4 day 5 I do detest,
I WILL NOT DO, I DO PROTEST!
I know you'll slip! I'll spin around,
And hope you fall flat on the ground.
I do not like white paste I say,
NOW GIVE ME FOOD AND GO AWAY!!!

15/02/2023

Can't reinforce this too much!! All about timing and nutritional consequences, metabolism matters! .... also keep those water troughs open and enjoy the sunshine!

While we might enjoy sneaking our horses peppermints and other sweet treats, we need to understand how it can reinforce good or bad behavior and how it fits into your horse's dietary scheme.

13/01/2023

This is so important to understand about how animals (not just horses) respond to their environment. You are training, or being trained at ALL times. Being "smarter than the animal" is not as easy as it sounds!

//Friday Fact - Displacing humans//

Because horses are so adept at learning by negative reinforcement, trainers need to be careful that the horse does not learn to successfully displace them in any way through its actions. For example, the horse may, by accident, move their head toward you causing you to step away. This is inherently reinforcing for the horse and it is likely to learn to start pushing you away and displacing you. This is also why under-saddle, a stable and consistent body position is fundamentally important in every style and discipline of riding. Top-level coaches are very aware of just how adept horses can be in learning to displace riders even to the point where they can learn to tip the rider’s seat to one side.

Here are more examples of inadvertent negative reinforcement in the horse:
▪️ You apply your rein aid and your horse rears, causing you to fall off, thus removing the pressure
▪️ The horse makes you tilt forward in the saddle and loosen the reins when it reefs, therefore reefing is rewarded
▪️ You remove your hand when the horse is head-shy or leg-shy
▪️ You touch a foal on the rump and it responds by kicking out and running away, so the first lesson the horse learns may be to remove people

This is an excerpt from our latest textbook, "Modern Horse Training: Equitation Science Principles & Practice, Volume 1", available to purchase from our website: https://esi-education.com/shop/

24/12/2022

A simple thing, but you know horses, they can get into trouble in bubble wrap!

A very important reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:

"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture."

10/12/2022

What do you have in your first aid kit?

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

Hay burners, fuel to keep their engines warm!

: 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

01/12/2022

https://conta.cc/3OSlSLD Integrative Medicine, it takes a village!

It takes a village! Rocky Bay Equine Newsletter December 2022  THE MANY FACES OF MEDICINE; Alternative, Integrative, Complementary, Mainstream, Conventional (Western), Traditional (Eastern)…… Medicin

29/11/2022

Hmmm, this may apply to some of you, LOL. (weigh your feed for a more accurate measure of what they should get) 😋

Friday Funny! Hats off to a great weekend.

22/11/2022

This step-by-step graphic will guide you through your horse's blood test results.

16/11/2022

Don't be a fomite! Influenza (and many other viruses) can be spread by close contact with an infected animal then transferring virus to a healthy one via your hands or clothes. Your hands, water buckets, bridles, grooming tools, blankets can all act as fomites. Please consider vaccination for your horses, especially if they travel to horse shows or events where they will be in contact with other horses.

Three horses in Kitsap County, Washington, have tested positive for Equine Influenza after one horse returned from a show.

26/08/2022

13/08/2022

Learn how to control this rapidly progressive infection within the subcutaneous skin layer.

28/07/2022

Just a reminder.......

The belief that cold water cannot be given to a hot horse is not only incorrect, but potentially dangerous. One of the most persistent myths in horsekeeping is that you can’t let a hot horse drink cold water or even rinse him off with it. That is not only incorrect, but belief in it could allow ho...

21/07/2022

Good reminders in the tips. Happy summer trails everyone!

Horses travel every day for a number of reasons—to be bought and sold, for competition, for breeding purposes, etc. Whether your horse travels by road or by air, horse owners need to be aware of the complications that may occur due to transportation, including traumatic injuries, diarrhea, muscular problems, respiratory problems, overheating, colic, and even laminitis (in the case of overweight horses).

Following are a few tips to help your equine friend maintain good health and welfare during transport. This list is by no means complete and we encourage you to read "Practical Guidelines to Assess Fitness for Transport of Equidae” to find additional advice. This document will also help you understand regulations and avoid penalties for being out of compliance: https://tinyurl.com/yck9cz86

• Inadequate management of feed and water intake during travel could cause colic, gastric ulceration and heat stress. Food and water should be provided prior to transport, during regular rest breaks and upon arrival at destination.
• Ensure your horse’s immunizations are up to date against respiratory pathogens to protect your animal from these diseases.
• The horse should be rested before the journey, given rest stops during travel and have time to recover on arrival at the destination.
• The vehicle should be well-ventilated to help prevent respiratory problems or overheating.
• Drive slowly and carefully (NO TEXTING, avoid driving when fatigued or eating while driving, etc.) to provide a comfortable journey for the animal and reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.

As always, your veterinarian remains your best resource. If you have questions, consult your horse doctor about preparing your equine friend for travel and keeping them safe!

29/06/2022

Do contact us now if you need veterinary help for your animals to chillax during July's fireworks.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area.

The graphic below lists some tips to get you started. If you horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration.

Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

25/06/2022

maybe, kinda but I knew it.... go turquoise, LOL

Fun fact Friday: Did you know that horses have dichromatic vision and therefore can only discern blue and yellow? Humans, on the other hand, have trichromatic vision and this allows us to see the full spectrum of red, green and blue.

Do horses have color preferences? The science says they do! Researchers recently explored color preferences in horses based on how much water was consumed from buckets painted one of six colors: red, yellow, green, light green, light blue, and turquoise. The results? It appears that horses are more likely to drink out of turquoise or light blue buckets!

Read more at https://ker.com/equinews/color-preferences-among-horses/

22/06/2022

Happy Solstice!

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!

17/06/2022

With all this beautiful green grass, it seems perfect for horses. Unfortunately, it is potential catastrophe for many. A grazing muzzle (that stays in place) might be just what the Dr. ordered.

Advice for keeping a grazing muzzle on even the craftiest of equine escape artists. One effective way to help keep a muzzle on is to add a browband and throatlatch from an old leather bridle. For safety, these should be breakable in case your gelding really does get hung up on something. I would sug...

02/06/2022

https://conta.cc/39ZJXzW All Choked Up, June Newsletter from Rocky Bay Equine.

All choked up. Rocky Bay Equine Newsletter June 2022  ALL CHOKED UP When we think about choke in humans we think of blocked airways and Heimlich maneuvers. Choke in horses does not generally block ai

27/05/2022

Yes, it is the season. Being proactive about your horse's known allergies is better than being reactive.

Here’s what you can do to help your allergy-prone horse prepare for the onslaught of seasonal allergens.

03/05/2022

https://conta.cc/3LtJyUh

Chew on this. Rocky Bay Equine Newsletter May 2022  Chew on This Another condition that can make both horse and human shake their heads is disease of the temporomandibular joint, colloquially known a

26/04/2022

Learn about key anatomic features of the equine digestive tract in this free fact sheet.

20/04/2022

April showers bring…

…the increased risk of your horse developing a skin condition like rain rot, a contagious bacterial skin disease (often mistaken for a fungal condition) called dermatophilosis which is caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis.”

How does rain rot happen?

The organism responsible for rain rot lives in the outer layer of the skin; if the skin is compromised by too much moisture or cracks, or if the horse has a weaker immune system, it’s easier for the pathogen to activate and establish an infection that causes from pinpoint to large, crusty scabs (pro tip: Your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!).

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?

Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is critical! If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections. It’s also important to note that this organism is contagious and may be passed to other horses by tack, equipment or insects, therefore disinfection of equipment is vital to prevent spread.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan. While there are a million over-the-counter products available, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action based on the severity of your horse's case.

More information about rain rot and skin conditions can be found on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/summertime-skin-diseases

15/04/2022

Foals thrive on the nutritionally rich spring grass, but adult horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) may develop pasture laminitis because sugars are high at this time. Clover and alfalfa in pastures are also dangerous to EMS animals as both sugar and starch can be high.

Multiple studies have documented that approximately 90% of laminitis cases are caused by elevated insulin and insulin elevations are the only predictor of which horses will develop laminitis. Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Warmbloods, Quarterhorses and purebred Drafts are at low risk of EMS but may develop elevated insulin if they have PPID, aka Cushing’s Disease. Pregnant mares of any breed also become insulin resistant in the last half of pregnancy. Examples of breeds at high risk of EMS include ponies, minis, donkeys, Arabians, Morgans, Haflingers, Icelandics and Paso Finos.

Insulin blood tests will identify most horses at risk of pasture laminitis. If the horse has high insulin there is really no safe way to allow grazing these high-risk spring pastures, as it has been shown that horses given limited grazing time will eat as much as 3 times faster to make up for it.

Many people are understandably resistant to the idea of keeping their at-risk horses off pasture, but you have to ask yourself what would you rather have — grass access or laminitis and the smoldering damage it causes. The good news about EMS is that exercise is the best way to control it, so saddle up and you will probably be able to treat your Metabolic Syndrome horse to some grass after work!

As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and for any questions specific to your horse’s situation. To read more about spring grass, see: https://wp.me/p2WBdh-op . For detailed information on Equine Metabolic Syndrome and its diagnosis, visit: www.ecirhorse.org.

Thank you Dr. Eleanor Kellon Vmd for sharing these important facts about spring grass and horses affected by EMS!

02/04/2022

We're all ears! https://conta.cc/3LAdxtj

Can you hear me now? Rocky Bay Equine Newsletter April 2022  CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? If eyes are windows to the soul, then ears are the pathways to balance. Hearing in the horse has evolved in the conte

30/03/2022

Forewarned is forearmed, this is a good, comprehensive article from a reputable source. One or more horses have tested positive for equine herpesvirus in both King (EHV-1) and Mason counties. (EHV-4) NOTE; these are not the strains that caused EHV outbreak in California. Biosecurity is a fact of life, the (not so) new normal for ourselves and for our animals. If we aren't actively part of the solution with our care practices, then we are part of the problem of spreading disease. Wash yer hands, wash yer hands, wash yer hands!

Keep up with interesting news and insights in the world of Washington agriculture.

29/03/2022

Spring has undeniably sprung! Now is a great time to schedule vaccinations for your animals. Give us a call.

The potential spread of EHV concerns many in the horse community as the weather warms and activities pick up. Today I had a good talk with the Washington state veterinarian about this issue. She is very knowledgable and keenly aware that there is confusion and some alarm due to a lack of timely and complete information about cases. To address this issue, she has developed a blog she was hoping her department's IT folks would have posted last Friday, but it will be available very soon. During our conversation, she was reassuring about the current status of the disease in Washington. As soon as her blog is available I will post a way to access it here.
Also, she will be working with us in the next few days to complete a Biosecurity Plan for the Horse Park aimed at preventing the spread of EHV and other contagious diseases, and defining what to do if an infectious case does occur.
As a starting point, we will no longer provide stall cleaning tools except wheelbarrows in order to limit sharing of equipment between horses. Signage will warn not to touch other people's horses and not to dip hoses into water buckets, among other best practices. We have been researching disinfectants that are effective and how best to apply them. Bottom line, we want to be prepared when the Park opens April 1st, and before horses use stabling starting April 16th.
As we each strive to protect our horses from illness, please consult with your own veterinarian to make sure your horses are up to date on all recommended vaccinations.
Hair is shedding, grass is growing and rubber mats are going into 80 more stalls. Look for information coming soon that will help you enjoy safe, healthy and fun times with your horses as the season unfolds.