Summit Equine Hospital

08/20/2025

Good thing this gal, Hope, is a gentle giant! Thank you Amanda for all you do!

08/14/2025

Getting Castrated really takes it out of you! Mikala "babysitting" waiting for this cute guy to fully recover from anesthesia.

08/08/2025

As temperatures and bug populations remain high, it is critically important that horse owners take steps to protect their equine friends (and their families) from mosquito bites. If you live in a region where mosquito populations persist well into the fall months, your veterinarian may recommend additional fall booster vaccinations against EEE/WEE and WNV (West Nile Virus).

If you don't know your horse's vaccination history or you are unsure whether they have received a certain vaccine, it's not too late to start from scratch with an initial series of inoculations followed by the appropriate boosters, as recommended by your horse doctor.

So, what is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

EEE is a severe, viral disease affecting the central nervous system, and is transmitted to equids (and humans) by infected mosquitoes. There is no cure for EEE, and the mortality rate is 75-95% (in horses). Prevention through vaccination is key.

Contact your veterinarian for more information and learn more about EEE with the following resources:

USDA Equine Arbovirus Dashboard: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/equine/arbovirus-dashboard?fbclid=IwY2xjawL93phleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoZWhDbm9DQXJkUDJ2UXQ4AR4LQFqAZgJ-l6okRNSB5gb3W22O2wch3hTNfUrdWkYu5vr4vsPs5dO8_fchtg_aem_AJ5BEuDhbfiGxQTJgInt4A

Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC): https://www.equinediseasecc.org/eastern-equine-encephalitis

AAEP EEE Guidelines: https://aaep.org/resource/eastern-equine-encephalitis-eee/?fbclid=IwY2xjawL93rRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFoZWhDbm9DQXJkUDJ2UXQ4AR53Fr5KFEMaKqGIwpZV4z428WzO0A1N4K8_PoKQ6D4QKlzJqNkHJ6YDd6qnqg_aem_fitQxeORLIU_v3AW-kzK1Q

08/08/2025

08/06/2025

Some of the Summit Crew preparing to give injections to this well-mannered guy, Pierre". Way to go team!

08/06/2025

This is the 100th year of the Chincoteague Pony Swim -+
The Chincoteague pony is also known as the Assateague horse. They are a breed of horse that developed, and now lives, within a semi-feral or feral population on Assateague Island. The breed was made famous by the Misty of Chincoteague novels, written by pony book author Marguerite Henry, and first published in 1947.

The Chincoteague Pony Swim also known as Pony Penning, or Pony Penning Days, is an annual event held in Chincoteague, Virginia

07/31/2025

Dental Evaluations and Dental Floats are a big part of preventative medicine for your Equine Companion. Dr Herman and Hayley are getting it done! Thank you Chaos for being such a good boy!

07/29/2025

Most equine owners know that a negative Coggins test is a document required to be able to transport their animal across state lines, enter them in a competitive event, or board at someone's barn. But what does the phrase "negative Coggins test" actually mean?

A "Coggins" is a blood test that can only be performed by USDA-approved laboratories and checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the blood. EIA is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that is primarily transmitted by biting flies, particularly horseflies—which means that your animals are at risk even if they never travel or live in a closed herd.

The clinical signs of disease can vary dramatically from an acute infection to an inapparent form, but what is important to know is that it produces a persistent infection. Once an animal tests positive for EIA it becomes a lifelong source of disease transmission, so the owner can only choose between quarantine for life or humane euthanasia to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t occur. There is no vaccine and no treatment for EIA.

Take-home message: While a Coggins test is a necessary travel document, don’t forget that it's also first and foremost a way to identify and remove EIA carriers to keep the disease under control.

To learn more about EIA, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/equine-infectious-anemia/
or visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/

07/29/2025

While it’s a common equine emergency, esophageal obstruction (“choke”) can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus (the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach).

Most commonly, choking occurs when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, choke can have serious consequences. So, be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

07/25/2025

Mother Nature is definitely sharing her hot flashes lately- these two have it mastered with personal pools and sprinklers ☀️

07/25/2025

Shotgun was a sleepy (but very good) boy for his shockwave and rads this morning.- thank you Dr Pasko and team

04/18/2025

Preparing for horse show season involves meticulous planning, training, and preparation of both the horse and the rider. This includes organizing your calendar, ensuring your horse is physically and mentally fit, practicing your courses or patterns, and having all necessary equipment and supplies ready.
Horse Preparation:
Start Training Early:
Begin training your horse well in advance of the show season to build fitness and confidence.
Conditioning and Fitness:
Ensure your horse is in peak physical condition with proper exercise, diet, and conditioning.
Grooming:
Regular grooming, including bathing, hoof care, and trimming, is essential for a clean and presentable appearance.
Tack:
Clean, polished, and properly fitted tack, including saddles, bridles, and stirrups, is crucial.
Health:
Consult with your veterinarian for necessary vaccinations, deworming, and health checks.
Mental Preparation:
Familiarize your horse with the show environment through schooling shows and gradual exposure to show routines.
Rider Preparation:
Practice:
Practice your show routine, courses, or patterns consistently to build confidence and fluency.
Learn the Rules:
Understand the specific rules and regulations of the shows you plan to attend.
Clothing:
Ensure your show attire, including coat, gloves, and boots, is clean, polished, and appropriate for your discipline.
Show Book:
Create a detailed show book with show schedules, lodging information, and any other necessary details.
Mental Preparation:
Develop a pre-show routine to help manage anxiety and focus on your goals.
Nutrition:
Plan your meals and snacks strategically to maintain energy and focus throughout the day.
Show Day:
Packing: Pack everything you need, including tack, grooming supplies, and personal items, the day before the show.
Travel: Plan your travel route and ensure your trailer is in good working order.
Arrival: Arrive at the showgrounds early to settle in and prepare your horse.
Turnout: Ensure your horse is presented at his best, with proper grooming and tack.
Show Routine: Follow your pre-show routine and focus on the tasks at hand.
Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and focus on achieving your goals, regardless of the outcome.