Necropsy, also known as an autopsy or post-mortem examination, is a vital diagnostic tool in equine veterinary medicine. When a horse dies unexpectedly or under unclear circumstances, performing a necropsy can provide critical insights into the cause of death. Necropsy...
Radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, are one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in equine veterinary medicine. They allow veterinarians to examine the internal structures of the horse—primarily bones and joints—without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. Whether evaluating...
Gastroscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows veterinarians to directly visualize the inside of a horse's upper digestive tract. This minimally invasive procedure uses a specialized flexible camera, called a gastroscope, to identify abnormalities that cannot be detected through...
Autologous Protein Solution (APS) is a biologic therapy that has emerged as an innovative treatment for managing joint and soft tissue injuries in horses. This biologic therapy uses the horse's own blood to create a concentrated solution of anti-inflammatory proteins...
Bromegrasses, including Smooth and Meadow Bromegrass, are cool-season perennials widely used for equine forage in North America. Valued for their drought tolerance, adaptability to soil types, and consistent nutritional profile, these grasses are a reliable option for many equine diets....
Timothy hay offers moderate energy and protein content, making it suitable for a wide range of horses. Depending on Timothy’s growing and harvesting conditions, it can be produced at varying nutritional levels to suit different horse’s needs- from growing and...
Hill work is a powerful training and conditioning tool that offers numerous benefits for horses across all disciplines. Whether performed in-hand, under saddle, or with the support of equipment like treadmills, working on inclines engages the horse’s musculoskeletal system in...
Ryegrass is a widely used forage for horses, most commonly provided in its annual and perennial forms. These grasses are known for their high yields and strong nutritional profiles, making them suitable for many types of horses. Although ryegrass can...
Horses, mules, and donkeys are three distinct equine species that share similarities but have unique characteristics, temperaments, and roles in human history. Whether you’re a horse owner, equestrian enthusiast, or just curious about these incredible animals, understanding their differences can...
Blood work is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available in equine veterinary medicine. Whether used to assess general health, diagnose illness, monitor chronic conditions, or evaluate performance issues, a simple blood test can reveal a wealth of information...
One of the most informative and widely used diagnostic procedures for evaluating the lower respiratory tract in horses is bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). This is a minimally invasive technique that allows veterinarians to sample cellular components from deep lung tissue. By...
Treats play a meaningful role in strengthening the bond between caregivers and their horses, offering a way to reinforce trust and encourage positive behavior. They can also serve as an effective tool in equine training, as using treats in training...
The Gelderlander, or Gelder Horse, is a distinctive and elegant warmblood breed developed in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands. Known for their flashy movement, uphill conformation, and willing temperament, this versatile horse was initially bred for both light agricultural...
The German Riding Pony, also known as the Deutsche Reitpony, is a pony breed with conformation and movement that resembles a small warmblood horse. These ponies originated in Germany but do not descend directly from German warmbloods, despite their similarities...
Equine inhalers are specialized devices used to deliver medication directly into a horse's lungs to help manage respiratory conditions. These devices are similar in design and function to inhalers used by humans, but they have been adapted to suit the...
Breathing is an automatic function that often goes unnoticed, until something goes wrong. Dyspnea, the term for difficult or labored breathing, is a serious clinical sign in horses. It is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of underlying problems...
It's not unusual to see a small amount of clear, watery discharge coming from your horse's nose—especially after exercise, during cold weather, or when they've been around dust or pollen. Mild discharge is part of the body's natural defense system,...
Managing horses at shows requires a deep understanding of how unfamiliar environments can impact their health and performance. Horses undergo both physiological and behavioral changes in these settings, and without proper care, they may experience stress, illness, or injury. By...
Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is a common, performance-limiting respiratory condition that affects horses of all breeds and disciplines, particularly young to middle-aged animals in training. Part of the equine asthma spectrum, IAD is characterized by airway inflammation and increased mucus...
Keeping horses safe during these activities is the number one priority, as is ensuring fair play for all competitors. As in human sports, there are multiple performance-enhancing substances which are controlled or banned by equestrian sports organizations. To that end,...
Orchardgrass is a cool-season perennial grass widely grown in temperate regions and commonly used as forage for horses. It thrives in well-drained soils and moderate climates, producing dense, leafy growth that is typically quite palatable to horses. On average, orchardgrass...
In May of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for two Quarter Horse geldings named Clark and Andy. They weighed approximately 1000 lbs (500 kg) and were located in Texas, USA. Reported concerns included weight and topline issues following a...
In March of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 5-year-old Appendix gelding named Mikey, from Alberta, Canada. He weighed approximately 1000 lb (454 kg), and reported concerns included topline health. His owner’s primary goal was to support Mikey’s topline...
American Warmbloods are sport horses produced by American breeding programs. The term refers to any horse registered with one of the recognized American Warmblood breed organizations. American Warmbloods can descend from any breed if they meet standards for performance and...
The Kabarda, or Kabardin, horse is a rare breed from the Caucasus mountains. These horses are known for their unique adaptability to mountainous landscapes. The hardiness and bravery that once allowed these horses to carry riders safely through the Caucasus...
In January 2024, a progress report was submitted for an eleven-year-old off the track Thoroughbred gelding named Hades. He was located in Manitoba, Canada at the time of his progress report. He weighed approximately 1,150 lbs (522 kg) and was...
In August of 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a 4-year old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding named Kevin. He was estimated as slightly overweight at 1,115 lb (506 kg). Reported concerns included hoof and topline quality and respiratory health....
Protein is an essential nutrient for horses and a key component of the equine diet. Adequate protein is required for supplying the amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle, vital organs, bones, hooves and other tissues. A horse's protein...
In July 2024, a diet evaluation was requested for a three-year-old Haflinger gelding named Sawyer. He was located in British Columbia, Canada at the time of the submission. He weighed 1,097 lb (500 kg). Sawyer was reported to be overweight...
Lactation is a vital process for broodmares, ensuring the survival and growth of foals by providing essential nutrients and immune protection. However, some mares experience abnormal or inappropriate lactation, producing milk outside the expected timeline—either too early, too late, or...
