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Equine Articles

Each month our veterinarians publish an article in the Mid-South Horse Review titled “Ask The Vet”. We have posted them here for your reading and educational pleasure.

Tips on Preventing Founder on Spring Grass

Spring brings about a sense of renewal and growth, but for horse owners, it also signals the return of lush green pastures. While this may seem like a delight for our equine friends, it can pose a significant risk. Founder, also known as laminitis, is a painful and potentially debilitating condition that occurs when the sensitive laminae within the hoof become inflamed, often due to overconsumption of lush spring grass. Preventing founder in horses is crucial to keep them healthy.

The Basics of Horse Grooming

Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or a newcomer to the horse world, it is essential to understand the basics of horse grooming. Grooming is about keeping your horse looking beautiful, maintaining their health, and building a strong bond between horse and rider. At Full Circle Equine, we believe in this philosophy. This guide will walk you through the grooming steps, covering everything from brushing to bathing and beyond. 

When to Call the Vet: How to Recognize Foaling Problems

Bringing new life into the world is an awe-inspiring moment, especially in the equine world where birth is a testament to the miracle of nature. However, foaling can also be a time of great concern for horse owners, as complications can arise that may endanger the health of the mare and foal. Knowing how to recognize foaling problems is crucial for ensuring safe delivery and the well-being of both mare and foal. 

Is Your Horse Getting Enough Water in the Winter?

At Full Circle Equine, our team is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of horses. We understand horses are more prone to dehydration during winter as they drink less water when the temperatures drop. This can lead to serious health risks such as colic, impaction, and urinary stones. Knowing how to tell if your horse is dehydrated is crucial, especially when temperatures drop. As passionate horse enthusiasts, we aim to educate horse owners about the importance of adequate water intake during winter to keep their horses healthy and happy. 

Should Horses Have Shelter in the Winter?

As the weather gets colder, horse owners need to take extra care of their animals. This involves making sure that their horses are well-protected from the harsh winter conditions in horse shelters. To achieve this, providing adequate shelter is essential. 

Equine Chiropractic Care

When you think of chiropractic care, you assume it is primarily for treating conditions affecting the human musculoskeletal system. However, studies show that chiropractic care has remarkable benefits for horses’ health, especially in equine performance horse care. Horses need exercise to keep them active and improve their well-being. A performance horse should be in top-notch condition and needs specialty performance care. Your horse’s musculoskeletal system must be flexible and in good condition for training to be effective. 

The Vital Role of Annual Vaccines for Horses

Horses have been companions, partners, and sources of joy for centuries. Their strength, elegance, and grace have captured our hearts, making them integral to many people’s lives. Just as we prioritize our health with regular check-ups and vaccinations, it is equally essential to ensure the well-being of our equine friends. Annual vaccines play a vital role in maintaining the health and vitality of horses. Equine vaccinations also help prevent a range of potentially debilitating diseases and even death.  

Beat The Heat!

Do you have any tips to beat the heat and keep my horse healthy this summer?

1-2-3’s of Foals

So your little foal has hit the ground!  Your new addition should be bright, alert, and have a suckle reflex within the first five to ten minutes after breaking through the fetal membranes. 

EMP

Question: I purchased a mare with an unknown history about 3-4 years ago. We recently moved to a new barn, and she has been tripping and standing funny.  She also has begun to lose weight.  One of the other boarders mentioned that her horse had shown similar signs, and was diagnosed with EPM.  What is EPM and how is it diagnosed?  What treatments are available?  Does it recur even after treatment?  Thank you!

Consider Full Circle Equine Sports Medicine and Lameness Evaluation for your horse.