Northwest Equine Veterinary Associates

08/20/2026

🐴 Could Your Mare's Heat Cycle Be Telling You Something?
While some behavioral and physical changes are normal when a mare is in season, prolonged or unusual signs may indicate an underlying reproductive issue.
A simple reproductive ultrasound can help identify abnormalities involving the ovaries or uterus and provide valuable information to guide treatment, management, and breeding decisions.
If your mare is showing signs that seem out of character or more severe than usual, don't wait to have her evaluated.

08/12/2026

We want to hear fun memories from your horses appointments. Did your horse have funny moment? Did your horse make you laugh? Did your horse show that goofy personality? Share your stories!

07/31/2026

What have you and your horse been up to this summer? Share a photo in the comments of something fun you’ve done together!

07/27/2026

With No Quick Solution, Allergy Testing Can Be Helpful in Narrowing The Search for a Seasonal Allergen While The Process of Elimination Can Really Offer A More Definitive Diagnosis
Few things are more frustrating for horse owners than walking out to the barn on a beautiful summer day ready to ride, only to find their horse’s skin covered in hives. This skin reaction is just one form of seasonal allergies that hinders horses everywhere — just like their human riders. Other seasonal allergy symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, itching and hair loss. These physical attributes are easy to spot, but the root cause is sometimes hard to identify, leaving riders and veterinarians discouraged and unable to provide relief.
A seasonal allergy is an immune condition characterized by hypersensitivity to an allergen. The most common sources are insect bites, molds, spores and certain proteins in pasture grasses. These can trigger an excessive immune response to a substance. Ideally, the reaction and the horse’s immune response are in balance maintaining the horse in homeostasis — a healthy state. When an allergic reaction is larger than the response, the horse reaches its allergy threshold — an uncontrollable state where physical symptoms start to appear.
Read entire article:

Horse allergy testing can narrow a search for allergens by identifying triggers. The next step is an elimination process for more accurate results. Learn more.

07/24/2026

Sometimes, the horses love to lend a helping hoof! Dr. Leydens welcomed this adorable little helper as an assistant before his appointment.

07/22/2026

As temperatures rise this summer, it's good to remember to pay close attention to the signs of heat stroke / dehydration in your horse:

- Excessive sweating
- Heavy breathing
- Elevated heart and respiratory rate
- Change in behavior

If your horse is experiencing any of these signs, give our emergency line a call at (425) 432-1914. While riding in the heat can be perfectly fine, be attentive to your horse's needs. If you feel hot, they feel hotter - it might be time for a drink of water, a bath, and a break in the shade.

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Always a good reminder for this time of the year: The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to cool down before drinking water is a myth, so be advised that it is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay.

The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time. Because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once. A slower reintroduction of water is good common sense, while it makes no sense to hold horses off it.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. The average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day, but that amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at ALL times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/offering-a-horse-water-after-exercise-8622/

07/17/2026

Happy foal Friday!!!
Who wouldn’t love getting all the scratches and cuddles from a foal? We absolutely adore it!

07/15/2026

Today is National I Love Horses Day! While we don't need an excuse to love on our four-legged family members, we love a good excuse to celebrate them. Drop a comment down below and tell us your favorite story of your heart horse.

07/06/2026

It’s National Farriers Week! Take this week to appreciate your farriers who are committed to the care of your horse, from the hoof up. Tag your farrier in the comments to show your appreciation!

07/04/2026

From everyone at Northwest Equine Veterinary Associates, we wish you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July!

A reminder that our practice will be closed. One of our doctors will be available for any emergencies.