Allegheny Equine Veterinary Service

12/17/2025

UPDATE IN THE COMMENTS!

Who says only show horses get ulcers? We were all surprised by what we found in this guy today! See more in the comments! What is your diagnosis?

11/24/2025

Get information from the experts! This webinar is FREE.

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

11/20/2025

Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak
We have had a few of you reach out about the current outbreak. So far this appears centered around barrel racing events in Waco, Texas. We are aware of the following neurologic cases: 3 horses are currently being treated at Louisiana State vet school, 3 cases at Texas A&M, and 2 cases in Oklahoma. We are not aware of any cases in West Virginia or surrounding states at this time. However, we do acknowledge that we have lots of clients traveling right now. For the most up to date information on reported cases, please follow the announcements here: https://www.facebook.com/EquineDiseaseCC

EQUINE HERPESVIRUS MYELOENCEPHALOPATHY (EHM) & EHV-1- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do we handle horses returning from events where they may have been exposed to EHV-1?

• These horses should be isolated from any other horses when they return to their home facility. Isolation requires housing them away from other horses, using different equipment to feed, clean and work with them than is used with non-isolated horses, and rigorous hygiene procedures for horse handlers (hand hygiene, wearing separate clothes when coming in contact with isolated horses, etc.). Please discuss this with your veterinarian.

• We strongly advise owners to call their veterinarian to discuss how long to keep the horses isolated at home. A minimum recommended isolation period is 21 days.

• These horses should have their temperature taken twice a day, as elevated temperature is typically the first and most common sign of infection. Horses with elevated re**al temperatures (greater than 101.5 F) should have a nasal swab and blood submitted by your veterinarian for EHV-1 PCR.

• If a horse develops a fever and is found to be shedding EHV-1, then the level of risk to other horses on the premises increases significantly. Affected farms should work closely with their veterinarian to manage the situation.

• The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has an extensive set of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) Control Guidelines that veterinarians can use as a resource.

2. What do we do if we already have a potentially exposed horse on a farm?

• The exposed horse should still be isolated, even if it may have already been in contact with other horses. Start isolation procedures to stop further exposure.

• It is very important to separate horses from different groups to accomplish this. Try to isolate the suspect horse without moving other horses from one group to another. Segregation of horse groups is the key, because this will help reduce spread if an outbreak starts.

• Check temperatures of all horses on the farm twice daily (fever spikes can be missed if you check once daily). If fevers are detected, then isolate the horse and test for EHV-1.

3. What anti-viral treatments can I use against EHM on a farm?

• If EHM is present on a farm, then the risk of other horses developing EHM at that farm is greatly increased. Stringent quarantine and biosecurity procedures must be implemented immediately.

• Treatment of horses with clinical neurological disease (EHM) is largely supportive—the use of anti-viral drugs is not known to be of value at this stage, but are often administered. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs and good nursing care with sling support if necessary is recommended.

• For horses that develop fever, test EHV-1 positive, or have been exposed to an EHM horse, anti-viral drugs may decrease the chance of developing EHM.

• Speak with your veterinarian regarding all medications and their suitability for your horse. We currently recommend Valacyclovir (Valtrex™) for prophylactic therapy at a dose of 30 mg/kg q 8 hr for two days, then 20 mg/kg q 12 hr for 1–2 weeks.

• The use of valacyclovir in horses that have already developed signs of EHM is questionable at this time. In that circumstance, the use of intravenous ganciclovir is preferable as it may have greater potency against the disease. The dose of ganciclovir is 2.5 mg/kg q 8 hr IV for one day then 2.5 mg/kg q 12 hr IV for one week.

• Administration of a zinc-containing supplements may be beneficial based on one epidemiologic study that found a decreased risk of EHM associated with owner-reported dietary zinc supplementation.

4. Is there any value to using booster vaccination against EHV-1 at this time?

• Unfortunately, there is not a licensed EHV-1 vaccination product with a label claim for prevention or control of EHM.

• EHV-1 vaccines have been shown to reduce nasal shedding and, in some cases, reduce viremia. These products may therefore have some theoretical value against EHM by reducing viremia, and certainly against spread of the virus by reducing viral shedding in the environment.

• If horses on the farm are previously vaccinated against EHV-1 then booster vaccination should quickly increase immunity, and perhaps reduce spread of EHV-1, if it is present.

• Vaccination in these circumstances is controversial, as some authorities speculate that immunity to EHV-1 may play a role in the development of EHM. While this is unproven, it remains a possibility. The use of vaccination is therefore a risk-based decision.

• Vaccination has no value as a treatment in affected horses.

Check the EDCC alerts page at https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts for updates regarding reported cases of EHM.

11/14/2025

Today we demonstrated our one of our core values by teaching an equine lab to Veterinary Technician Students from the Pierpont C&TC Veterinary Technician Program.

Community
We demonstrate teamwork, camaraderie, and community in our daily approach to patient care, work culture, and support of our surrounding town, agricultural community, youth and the veterinary profession.

11/10/2025

Call to get scheduled!

We will be in the following areas on these dates:
Tuesday, November 11 - Preston County
Monday, November 17 - Buckhannon, French Creek
Tuesday, November 18 - Tucker County
Tuesday, November 25 - Adolph, Helvetia

11/06/2025

Vesicular stomatitis has been identified in Arizona. The area has been quarantined but this may affect travel with horses over the next few months if the outbreak is not contained.

Vesicular stomatitis is a virus transfered by black flies, sand flies, and biting midges (Culicoides spp.)among horses and livestock. It causes severe mouth ulcers in horses and cattle. Infected animals usually recover without incident. However, in cattle the clinical signs are indistinguishable from Foot and Mouth disease. Therefore, quarantines are taken very seriously to protect the cattle industry.

11/06/2025

🌟 Large Animal Internal Medicine at Allegheny Equine Veterinary Services 🌟
From subtle performance issues to complex medical conditions, Allegheny Equine Veterinary Services is proud to offer advanced large animal internal medicine.
Our veterinarians provide diagnostics and treatment for:
🐴 Respiratory and gastrointestinal disease
🐮 Liver, kidney, and metabolic disorders
🐴 Endocrine and neurologic conditions
🐮 Reproductive and neonatal medicine
With advanced equipment and in-depth expertise, we’re here to deliver the highest level of care for your horses and livestock — in the field or in-hospital. 💙

11/04/2025

🚨 **What Happens During a Full Colic Workup?** 🐴

Colic can be scary—but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. If your horse is showing signs of colic, your vet may recommend a **full colic workup** to diagnose the issue and guide treatment. Here's what that typically includes:

🔹 **Physical Exam:** Heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, gut sounds, and hydration status are all assessed to determine severity.

🔹 **Re**al Exam:** A manual exam to feel for gas distension, impactions, or displacements.

🔹 **Nasogastric Tube:** A tube passed through the nose to relieve pressure and check for reflux (fluid in the stomach).

🔹 **Abdominal Ultrasound:** Non-invasive imaging to assess the intestines and other abdominal organs.

🔹 **Abdominocentesis:** A sample of abdominal fluid may be taken to check for infection or inflammation.

🔹 **Bloodwork:** Helps evaluate dehydration, infection, organ function, and overall systemic impact.

Knowing these steps can help you stay calm and informed in an emergency. 💡 If your horse ever colics, don’t wait—**call your vet immediately**.

✅ Prevention is key, but preparation is everything.

📞 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or give us a call—your horse's health is our top priority.

10/31/2025

👁 Equine Eye Ulcers – Don’t Wait to Treat! 👁
Eye injuries in horses are always an emergency — even a small scratch can quickly become a serious ulcer.
At Allegheny Equine Veterinary Services, we diagnose and treat:
🐴 Corneal ulcers and abrasions
🐴 Uveitis and infections
🐴 Foreign body and trauma-related injuries
⚠️ Watch for signs like:
🔹 Squinting or excessive tearing
🔹 Cloudiness or discharge
🔹 Rubbing the eye or sensitivity to light
Prompt treatment is critical to save vision and prevent complications. If you notice eye changes, call Allegheny Equine Veterinary Services right away! 💙

10/27/2025

🍁 Fall Equine Dental Care 🍁
As we head into cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to schedule your horse’s dental exam and float!
Regular dental maintenance helps your horse:
✅ Chew efficiently and maintain body condition
✅ Improve bit comfort and performance
✅ Prevent sharp points, ulcers, and uneven wear
At Allegheny Equine Veterinary Services, we use modern dental equipment and sedation for safe, thorough exams.
📅 Schedule your fall dental appointment today — healthy teeth mean a healthier, happier horse!

10/22/2025

🍂 Cool nights, sunny days... and high sugar grass!
Fall is beautiful, but it can be tricky for horses prone to laminitis.
Those crisp mornings can raise sugar levels in pasture grass — putting your horse’s hooves at risk.
Keep a close eye on:
🔹 Tender feet
🔹 Short, careful steps
🔹 Warm hooves
Call Allegheny Equine Veterinary Services if you see any signs — early care can prevent long-term problems. 💙

08/25/2025

We hope you all as much fun as we did this weekend at the first annual Denim & Diamonds! It is great to support our community!