Does my horse need a supplement? A very common question that is presented to me as a veterinarian and also one that I see on FB and other social media outlets. It’s a good question, but as with anything when it comes to health or soundness, […]
What is the best joint supplement for my dog? That is a very common question that I would entertain from my veterinary clients over the years. When it comes to a joint supplement, you need to look at the purpose or goals for the product and
Grain. They are a staple in the horse community. Processed or commercially available grain products are the most popular and there seems to be a grain blend for almost any health or performance issue. Considering the popularity of these commercial grains and the concurrent rise in
Turmeric and curcumin are two popular terms when it comes to herbs and health in the horse, which are really almost one in the same. We may know about the health benefits noted in research, focusing on inflammation reduction, and have heard on the news or
Understanding Curcumin and Impact for Your Horse Read More »
A tendon and ligament injury is common in the equine industry, impacting upwards of 30% of horses. Despite the injuries being common, most often result in loss of use or reduced use, especially in highly competitive industries including racing. These injuries are often frustrating to both
Equine health and soundness is critical for the competition athlete. It is something that many struggle with during the competitive season, which then often translates into the off season with hopes of full recovery. In many cases, the time off does allow for repair, just due
Equine Health and the Importance of the Off Season Read More »
Sports related injuries are common in equine competitions and training. They are expected to occur and are likely, due to the extreme stress placed upon joints and other supporting structures, often exceeding normal limitations. The injuries can be a short term nuisance or many prove to be long term, career ending problems that drag on for years. How we approach these injuries from both a preventative and therapeutic perspective can dictate the outcome and often improve our odds of success. In order to understand the options before us, we have to understand what is taking place within that animal.
Equine Sports Injury Management For Optimal Outcomes Read More »
Joint injections are all too common in today’s equine world and one of the main reasons why I opted to go to the opposite side and seek alternative options, as a veterinarian. The most common reason for their use is joint disease, mainly arthritis, with the intent or purpose to alleviate pain and prolong or improve performance. In many, their use is warranted while in others, not so much. In either case, if we do decide to go that route, with an injection, we need to understand the pros, the cons and what options are before us to help extend the effects of those injections. After all, they are not cheap and do not come without harm.
Getting the most out of your horse’s joint injections Read More »
Why is my horse fat? That’s a good question and one that I was asked routinely during annual preventative wellness checks on my patients. It is also a question that I get asked in emails all too frequently. I think it is a good question and for those that ask the question, it is a sign that they recognize that a problem exists, thus opening door for correction. An overweight horse is not a sign of good health and over time, can lead to significant health problems and increased morbidity, not to mention mortality for some. Seeing that the problem is present is the first step, but taking the following steps to conquer the issue at hand means that we must understand some basic concepts.
Why Is My Horse Fat? A Guide to Equine Body Condition. Read More »
Our canine companions are no different than you or I, or for that matter horses. We all have a gastrointestinal tract that sometimes can get out of whack, not functioning at desired levels, resulting in gas, diarrhea, bloating and even intermittent vomiting at times. It can be difficult to contend with, especially in the middle of the night or if your pet is left unattended by day while you work, coming home to a mess. Why does this happen and is there something we can do or not do to improve the situation?
