Cumberland Valley Equine Service

08/23/2025

Yes, we are a curious and inventive bunch 😂. In theory it looks promising.

07/24/2025

The meningeal worm discussed can affect our sheep, goats, and South American camelids. Very rare in cattle and horses. Yuck!

Wildlife managers have speculated on why New York’s moose populations have failed to grow beyond 600 to 800 individuals, while moose numbers in other states are much higher. Now, a new study published in June in Ecology Letters has uncovered one reason: deer in the Adirondacks are spreading deadly parasites to moose.

Two types of parasites that often use deer as hosts, but rarely lead to illness in them, are much more problematic in moose, where they can cause many symptoms and be fatal.

“We might think of moose as being the stronger competitor compared to deer, because they can reach higher in the canopy and they’re better suited to snowy, cold conditions,” said Cornell's Jennifer Grauer, Ph.D. ’24, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the study’s corresponding author. “But this research really flips that idea. We saw that deer are actually winning in this competitive interaction, not by fighting or outcompeting them for resources, but by spreading these parasites that moose are not as good at handling.”

Learn more here: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/07/deer-spread-parasites-harm-adirondack-moose

06/20/2025

A recent study has identified key proteins in equine joint fluid that could improve the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in equines.

The study, published May 8 in the Equine Veterinary Journal, used advanced proteomics to analyze synovial fluid — the lubricating liquid found in joints — from horses with and without osteoarthritis. Research out of the lab of Heidi Reesink, Ph.D. ’16, and led by graduate student Erica Secor ’09, D.V.M ’13, discovered that several proteins — including alpha-2-macroglobulin and pregnancy zone protein — showed significant differences between healthy and arthritic joints.

This finding is an important step in furthering OA diagnosis and treatment, Secor says. “Most often OA is diagnosed based off clinical signs, then followed up with confirmation using radiographs,” she says. “One of the problems with this approach is that the changes seen by radiograph happen late during OA development, once the lesions within the joint are irreversible. Our best chance of stopping or slowing the progression of OA would be very early in the process, before radiographic changes are present and clinical signs such as lameness are mild and intermittent. However, catching cases at this point is very difficult.”

Learn more here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20250527/newly-identified-proteins-could-be-key-catching-arthritis-early

📸: Carol Jennings

06/20/2025

Diagnosing joint disease leading to OA, BEFORE permanent OA changes are established, could change the way we manage athletes in the best ways!

A recent study has identified key proteins in equine joint fluid that could improve the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in equines.

The study, published May 8 in the Equine Veterinary Journal, used advanced proteomics to analyze synovial fluid — the lubricating liquid found in joints — from horses with and without osteoarthritis. Research out of the lab of Heidi Reesink, Ph.D. ’16, and led by graduate student Erica Secor ’09, D.V.M ’13, discovered that several proteins — including alpha-2-macroglobulin and pregnancy zone protein — showed significant differences between healthy and arthritic joints.

This finding is an important step in furthering OA diagnosis and treatment, Secor says. “Most often OA is diagnosed based off clinical signs, then followed up with confirmation using radiographs,” she says. “One of the problems with this approach is that the changes seen by radiograph happen late during OA development, once the lesions within the joint are irreversible. Our best chance of stopping or slowing the progression of OA would be very early in the process, before radiographic changes are present and clinical signs such as lameness are mild and intermittent. However, catching cases at this point is very difficult.”

Learn more here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20250527/newly-identified-proteins-could-be-key-catching-arthritis-early

📸: Carol Jennings

04/18/2025

Good points. Hay quality and fiber nutrition are especially important in aged horses during cold weather, but should be a priority for all ages year-round.

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing.

Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.

Thank you to the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

03/05/2025

They're different, but the same?

12/21/2024

Super important winter water basics.

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

08/30/2024

Dr. Fauci isn't the only one recovering from West Nile Virus! https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/Vector-Management/Mosquitoes/Pages/default.aspx CVES attended a horse with suggestive clinical signs that tested positive this week in Cumberland County. WNV has remained a human and equine health threat for many years, and it is still here. Regional occurrence, along with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (also human threat), may be experiencing an up-tick from the recent hot, humid weather. The equine vaccines are safe and effective at preventing these mosquito-borne viral diseases.

These static maps show 2024 positive West Nile Virus counties in red and 2024 positive Jamestown Canyon Virus counties in yellow.

05/16/2024

Foundational horse nutrition!

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing. Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

03/14/2024

Some good info coming up for owners! https://aaep.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=098934c9131c3fad1fa75df6c&id=0d17067238&e=fa7f2d2d53

10/21/2023

Fall is a great time for a dental and nutritional consultation for your horse to ensure best forage/hay utilization and cold weather caloric needs. Beware that warm days + cold nights = Higher sugar and carb levels in your pasture grasses, and a potential laminitis trigger. Call for a consult or appointment.

Fall is officially in full swing! Now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

The graphic below lists some essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do checklist, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse rugs repaired and waterproofed; securing and storing hay properly; assessing your shelters for safety and soundness; etc.)

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!