Southern California’s recent rainfall has resulted in a higher number of hoof abscesses in horses, causing acute lameness and frustration for owners. These abscesses can cause moderate to severe toe-touching lameness. Horses may be more likely to develop a hoof abscess following rainstorms for several reasons: Treatment of a hoof abscess in a horse typically […]
Clint McKnight
Deworming your Horse
Deworming Recommendations In the recent months I have been asked fairly regularly for my recommendations for deworming. For most horses where their stall or paddock is picked daily, deworming every 3 – 4 months, rotating between medication types works well. These horses are exposed to less intestinal parasites compared to pastured horses, and tend to build up […]
Horse Owners Spring Check List
Horse Owners Spring Check List READY, SET, GO! Vaccinations: make sure your horse is up to date. Vaccinations traditionally due in the spring: Eastern Equine Encephalitis/Western Equine Encephalitis, Tetanus and West Nile are given annually. Influenza and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis), are administered every 6 months. Exam: Want to get out and enjoy those trails? […]
Emergency Kit
Emergencies can happen at any time, here are some of the things you should have on hand. Keep these items in a container with both your name and horses information, clearly marked on it. You should also have a small human first aid kit, and consider bringing a small trail kit when you are out […]
February is National Pet Dental Awareness Month!!!
We are helping to bring awareness to the importance of regular dental care for your horse. Most owners are aware of the discomfort that sharp enamel points can cause to their horse and the ulcerations that can arise, however, dental disease and abnormal wear can also lead to premature tooth loss, fractured teeth, periodontal disease, […]
Top Reasons for Chiropractic Care
How do I know if my horse needs Chiropractic care? There are a number of signs or conditions which may signify that your horse would benefit from a chiropractic exam and adjustments. Not all signs are obvious and often, subtle changes in spinal mobility lead to significant changes in how your horse […]
Is Your Horse Ready For Show Season?
Ready! Set! Show! Exam: Want to win the blue ribbon? Make sure your horse is ready! Show fees and travel expenses can all add up, but if your horse isn’t feeling well it will not perform at its best! Address any health changes with your vet, so they don’t hold you and your horse back […]
Weather Induced Colic!!!
Why do I feel we see more colic symptoms when the weather changes? Here in Southern California our weather patterns in the winter and spring months are very inconsistent. One-week daytime temperatures may be 85 degrees, then drop down to 60 degrees the following week. These, sometimes rapid temperature changes are hard for us to […]
West Nile Virus Alert!!!
West Nile Virus is here! Unfortunately I have some rather alarming news to pass along. There has been a horse in Ventura County that has tested positive for West Nile Virus. As I was not the veterinarian who saw or treated the horse I don’t have any details regarding the horse, the outcome, or its […]