Byrd Creek Veterinary Mobile Service, LLC

04/08/2025

Wow! Thanks to those who nominated Byrd Creek for best of veterinarian care!!

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31/07/2025

THE MORE YOU KNOW...

Did you know that humans can be exposed to Rabies WITHOUT sustaining a bite from an infected equine? This is because contact of skin or mucosa with the saliva could be enough to transmit the disease.

Rabies has many faces, but they are all deadly—once a horse shows clinical signs, the animal invariably dies within a few days as there is no treatment.

The good news is that modern vaccines are highly effective and current AAEP recommendations list rabies as one of the “core vaccines” that should be given to all equines annually to maintain immunity (read the full AAEP vaccination guidelines here: https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines).

Equine rabies is a real risk for all horses, and a public health concern as well. Be sure to set up a regular vaccination schedule with your veterinarian if you haven’t already done so. Remember that strange behavior on behalf of your equine friend is always a valid reason to check in with your us!!

31/07/2025

Humane Society of Elmore County News - 28 Jul ‘25

Sunday, 21 September, starting at NOON will be our or our 19th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka! Let’s all have some fun with our dogs by bringing your dog out to Fort Toulouse to enjoy a nice afternoon in the park.

There will be plenty to do and see at Bark in the Park – vendors, food, demonstrations, Microchip Clinic, Blessing of the Pets, Pet Parade, Bark in the Park T-Shirts and four huge baskets available via raffle tickets.

We have numerous vendors with pet products, groups and information, crafts, sweets, local businesses and more. Vendors will be set up under the trees and around the Pavilion area. Our Vendor fee is only $40 and easy to sign-up right here: https://www.elmorehumane.org/event-calendar.html . If you need a Vendor application mailed, just email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 334-567-3377 .

Bring your appetite for Crepe Magic, Venice Gelato & Harper & Co. Coffee as well as cold drinks from the Buffalo Rock Pepsi Trailer.
Our Blessing of the Pets will be followed by our always popular Parade of Pets and fun contests of biggest, smallest, owner look-a-like, best costume and most unique costume.

We will have four huge and fantastic raffle baskets – one dog-themed, one cat-themed, one coffee-themed and one wine-themed. We are still accepting donations for these baskets that you won’t want to miss out on. You can drop off any donations for these baskets at the Shelter office Mon-Sat.

Microchips can be critical to reuniting lost pets and to help keep more pets safe, bring your dog to Fort Toulouse where it can be chipped. From 1:30 – 3:30 and for only $25 (which includes the registration) you can get your pet microchipped thanks to the Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Make sure to stop near the Pavilion at Fort Toulouse to purchase your 2025 Bark in the Park T-Shirt for $15. We are most appreciative of the Sponsors for our T-Shirt and think our fun “Embrace the Chaos” design will be quite popular.

Admission to Bark in the Park is $5/person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public, meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation, AND they must have a current rabies tag/proof of rabies vaccination to come to the Park.

Oh, and hopefully it won’t be needed, but our rain date is Sun, 28 Sep.

28/07/2025

As many horse owners start the process of planning out their fall and winter hay supply, many may be considering purchasing round bales for their equine companions due to cost-effectiveness and greater convenience for feeding pastured animals. However, it's important to remember that there are a few things to consider when choosing between square or round bales.

• Are you equipped/prepared to store your hay correctly?
Improperly stored round bales can lose much of their nutritional value and are also more susceptible to mold, dust, and bacteria growth, which can cause respiratory issues and even colic.

• Are your horses protected from botulism?
Round bales provide an optimum environment for the development of the botulism toxin. This toxin is produced when "Clostridium botulinum" is exposed to the right environmental conditions — such as when forage materials are baled and stored while still damp, or when they include the carcasses of dead animals, like birds and mice.

Prevention of this disease through vaccination is critical, especially in areas where the condition is prevalent (such as Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, and Tennessee).

• Are round bales a good choice for your horse?
Horses prone to respiratory conditions usually have increased problems with round bales due to their higher dust content.

• Do you have a feeder to place your round bales in?
Round bales not placed in a feeder can create more waste, which means your horses may not be meeting their nutritional requirements.

• Can you secure high-quality round bales?
Not all hay is created equal. Be sure to choose high-quality hay to meet your horse's nutritional needs and minimize the risk of impaction colic, which increases with lower-quality, less digestible forage.

As always, we are here for any of your questions or should you need an on-site veterinarian.

21/07/2025

Please be aware of the extreme heat warning this week. Have adequate water and shade available for your four legged loved ones. Limit exercise. Do not take your pets where walking on asphalt is required .

Byrd Creek Veterinary Mobile Service is here for your mobile veterinary needs.

17/07/2025

Summer is in full swing and it's HOT! ☀️

Horses, like most animals, are susceptible to heat stress, but there are numerous factors that can play a role in the development of clinical signs. Horses that are obese, dehydrated, very old, or very young may be at an increased risk.

Also, horses with an underlying condition such as a current illness, or a chronic condition like Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing's disease) or anhidrosis (inability to sweat properly) may require close monitoring.

Listed below are some recommendations for decreasing your horse's stress as the temperatures climb, as well as some signs to watch out for. Heat exhaustion should not be underestimated as it can advance to heat stroke quickly, so remain vigilant while you enjoy some fun in the sun with your equine friend.

09/07/2025

Our pets love to ride . However , don’t leave them in the car while you run in somewhere — even for a minute !!!

08/07/2025

As a large portion of the country continues to experience extreme heat, it's imperative that horse owners do their due diligence to keep their horses safe and healthy during heat waves.

One of the side effects of the heat for some horses is the inability to sweat properly. This condition, called anhidrosis, is potentially dangerous for horses because it compromises their ability to thermoregulate even in weather that doesn’t seem that hot, and therefore puts them at higher risk of heat stress.

Anhidrosis is not fully understood yet; it is widespread in the hot and humid regions of the southeastern United States and the Gulf states, but it is also widely reported elsewhere during the summer and particularly during heat waves. If your horse has a high respiratory rate and does not seem to tolerate turnout on hot days, be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian.

Remember that administering unnecessary medications without consulting your horse doctor first could do more harm than good, as it puts your equine friend at risk of developing harmful side effects!

29/06/2025

As we prepare for the fireworks displays and the subsequent social media posts from pet owners about their pets' anxiety, it is crucial to recognize that pet owners bear the responsibility of ensuring their pets' comfort. Although it is not feasible to cancel the nationwide celebrations, pet owners must prioritize the care and comfort of their pets. As the primary caregivers, pet owners are best positioned to cater to their pets' unique needs. Prepare now !

27/06/2025

As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, ensure your equine companions are adequately shielded from the detrimental effects of UV radiation. ☀️ Thermal stress, dehydration, and skin damage are significant concerns for horses during hot summer weather, mirroring the human experience of sunburn. Equestrians often appreciate the aesthetic appeal of white markings on horses, but it is crucial to acknowledge that these areas, particularly the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes and nostrils, are more susceptible to sunburn. Recurrent sunburn can lead to long-term consequences, including an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of cancer. If your horse is prone to sunburn, consult with us for guidance on mitigating sun damage and protecting your equine companion during the summer months.

19/06/2025

Are you aware of the indicators that signify your horse is in distress? As an equine owner, it is imperative to identify potential problems and respond swiftly. Recognizing conditions that require veterinary intervention and taking necessary actions while awaiting the veterinarian's arrival is critical. You and your horse may encounter various emergencies, such as colic, lacerations, impaled objects, acute lameness, eye injuries, allergic reactions, choke, and foaling emergencies. Knowing your horse's normal vital signs and behavioral patterns will facilitate the recognition of signs of ill health. Being prepared is in the best interest of your horse.

18/06/2025

Have you been told not to give cold water to a hot, sweaty horse due to concerns about colic, founder, or tie-up? This notion is, in reality, a misconception, and a potentially perilous one, as it may result in dehydration and severe repercussions. A sweaty, hardworking horse requires immediate rehydration and should not be made to wait until it cools down. It is essential to provide water in moderation, taking into account the equine stomach's relatively small capacity. Offer water in small amounts at 20-minute intervals until the horse is satisfied, rather than permitting it to drink excessively at once. Remember, water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. The average daily water requirements for a 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment range from 6 to 10 gallons, but this amount may easily double or triple in hot environments. Consequently, providing cool, clean water to horses at all times is crucial.