Stocker Equine Veterinary Services

09/19/2021

Great place to see and learn a lot of things with awesome veterinarians and technicians/nurses!

Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care is searching for our next round of undergraduate interns. Peterson Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care is a full-service equine practice in the heart of Ocala, Florida’s beautiful horse country. Established in 1981,… READ MORE

08/25/2021

UNDERSTANDING HOOF ABSCESSES

The scenario is all too familiar for many horse owners: yesterday your horse was sound, but today you find him three-legged lame, with no apparent injury. What could have happened? Well, you say, my horse is likely working on a foot abscess.
But what does that actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.
The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

Read more about hoof abscesses on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/hoof-abscesses

07/30/2021

Need a few more reasons to love horses? Check out these fascinating “quick” facts you may not know about our equine friends!

“So the horse that walks around, eats grass, looks at the view and gives every appearance of tranquillity was, in fact, designed by God to explode.” — Dr. George Pratt

Source: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

07/13/2021

WHY DO HORSES GET ULCERS?

Equine gastric ulcers can affect any horse at any age. Up to 90% of racehorses and 60% of show horses, as well as non-performance horses and even foals are affected by equine gastric ulcers, which are the result of the erosion of the lining of the stomach due to a prolonged exposure to the normal acid in the stomach.

Unlike ulcers in humans, bacteria do not appear to cause equine gastric ulcers. This condition is often a man-made disease. Stall confinement alone can lead to the development of ulcers. A horse’s feeding schedule also can be a factor, and high-grain diets can also contribute to the development of ulcers. Stress, both environmental and physical, can increase the likelihood of ulcers, as can hauling, training and mixing groups of horses. Strenuous exercise can decrease the emptying of the stomach and the blood flow to the stomach, thus contributing to the problem.

The treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers is directed at removing these predisposing factors, thus decreasing acid production within the horse’s stomach. Prevention of ulcers is the key in helping your horse, as neutralizing the production of stomach acid is nature’s best antacid.

Please note that the only way to definitively diagnose ulcers is through gastroscopy, and that a qualified equine veterinarian should be consulted in any case of suspected gastric ulcers to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse.

Contact your veterinarian for more information, or read more on equine gastric ulcers on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-gastric-ulcers-special-care-and-nutrition

06/24/2021

It is likely that, at some point, you were told to not allow a hot, sweaty horse to drink cold water because it could lead to colic, founder or tie up.

This is a myth, and a dangerous one to boot because it could lead to dehydration and very serious (and real) consequences. A sweaty, hardworking horse needs to be rehydrated without delay (i.d. don’t wait for the horse to cool down first). 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.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. A horse’s daily water requirements are influenced by many factors, but the average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day. 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

06/15/2021

"HOT" TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER RIDING

As you prepare for fun in the sun with your favorite equine, make sure you understand how the combination of heat and humidity can take the fun part out the equation — and potentially even turn into a dangerous situation for your horse.

When riding in hot weather, remember to take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and for signs of heat exhaustion, as the situation can quickly escalate into heat stroke. If your horse looks hot and tired, it's time for a drink, a cold bath and a break in the shade.

Consult your veterinarian for more information, or learn more about the signs of heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/heat-stroke

06/11/2021

How often do you seek answers about your horse’s health online, whether on Google or on social media?

While online discussion groups and the internet in general can be useful tools, this is a reminder that taking medical advice from a total stranger (as in a Facebook group) because it's conveniently at your fingertips is generally a bad idea. An Internet consultation cannot replace the physical exam performed by a trained and experienced veterinarian, and treatment without a proper diagnosis can often result in a waste of money and time.

We're not saying that Internet advice is bad altogether; you can often find good tips for basic training issues, and there are a lot of reputable sources available online if you want to learn more about specific diseases. For example, someone might ask "How do I ask my horse to pick up a left lead?" However, the person who writes, "My horse has been laying down in the pasture for the past six hours. What do I do now?" should not be posting in a Facebook group, rather they should be on the phone with their veterinarian.

How do you know when a problem is serious enough to call the vet? Some good examples are listed on our website here: https://aaep.org/horsehealth/when-should-i-call-vet But perhaps the best rule is as follows: when in doubt, call!

04/23/2021

Happy ! Our planet is blessed with the millions of species that we know and love, but let’s not forget that some do not mix successfully. While a 1,000-pound horse has to consume significantly higher quantities of a toxic plant than a smaller animal to be affected clinically, some plants are cause for concern and all poisonous plants are worth recognizing so they can be removed from your horse-keeping areas.

If you suspect your horse has ingested a poisonous plant:�
• Remove the horse from the source.�
• Contact your veterinarian immediately.�
• Attempt to determine how much of the toxic plant was eaten and when it was eaten (small amounts of some toxins can be fatal in a short period of time while other require large amounts to be eaten over several weeks or months).

Please note that another commonly overlooked reason a horse may become poisoned is allowing horses to graze a pasture after it has been sprayed with herbicide, but before the weeds have died and disappeared. As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and guidance!