Equine Veterinary Care

08/31/2026

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Daniel Hanf to the Equine Veterinary Care team! 🐎🏇

Dr. Hanf brings more than 30 years of experience in equine and racetrack medicine, with a career that has taken him to racetracks including Monmouth Park, Keeneland, Gulfstream Park, and Hawthorne Race Course. His professional interests include sports medicine, lameness, racetrack medicine, and emergency care.

Dr. Hanf will be primarily based at Delaware Park, but you’ll also see him from time to time at Fair Hill Training Center and on farm calls throughout the area.

We’re excited to have his experience and passion for the racing industry as part of the EVC team. Please join us in giving Dr. Hanf a warm welcome! 🎉

08/28/2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

08/27/2026

Colitis is a specific type of colic caused by inflammation of the colon, but not all colic is colitis.

Understanding Colic

Colic is a general term for abdominal pain in horses, which can result from a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including gas buildup, impactions, twists, or inflammation. Horses with colic may show signs such as restlessness, pawing, rolling, sweating, elevated heart rate, and reduced or absent f***l output. Most types of colic do not involve diarrhea, and fever is uncommon unless there is an underlying infection or inflammation
www.equusmagazine.com

Understanding Colitis

Colitis specifically refers to inflammation of the colon, a major part of the horse’s large intestine.

This inflammation disrupts normal water absorption and gut barrier function, often leading to watery diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort. Colitis can be caused by infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, protozoa), toxins, stress, sudden dietary changes, or prolonged use of NSAIDs.
www.thehorseportal.ca

A severe form, right dorsal colitis, involves ulceration of the colon lining and can result in protein loss and more serious systemic illness.
www.smartpakequine.com

Key Differences

Diarrhea: Common in colitis, rare in most other colic types

Fever: Often present in colitis, uncommon in typical colic.

Cause: Colitis is inflammatory, sometimes infectious; colic can be caused by blockages, gas, or twists.
www.equusmagazine.com

Treatment: Colitis requires supportive care (fluids, electrolytes, anti-inflammatories) and sometimes antibiotics, while other colic types may require surgery or different interventions
www.madbarn.com
Relationship Between the Two
Colitis is considered a form of colic because it causes abdominal pain, but it is distinguished by its inflammatory nature and associated diarrhea. Early signs of colitis can resemble other colic types, making prompt veterinary evaluation critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment
www.equusmagazine.com

In summary, while all colitis cases are technically colic, not all colic is colitis. Recognizing the specific signs of colitis—especially diarrhea and fever—helps differentiate it from other gastrointestinal problems in horses.

08/26/2026

Do you know the difference and similarities between the diagnosis of Colic and Colitis?

Tell us in the comments!

08/24/2026

🐴 Melanoma in Horses: Know the Signs

Did you know that gray horses are more likely to develop melanomas as they age?

While many melanomas are slow-growing and benign at first, some can become larger, spread, or interfere with normal body functions.

⚠️ Call Your Veterinarian If You Notice:

• New black or dark-colored lumps
• Existing masses that are growing or changing
• Tumors around the tail, a**s, lips, eyelids, or throatlatch
• Difficulty eating, breathing, passing manure, or other abnormal signs

Early evaluation can help determine whether monitoring, treatment, or removal is recommended.

📞 410-392-6646

🏥 Equine Veterinary Care

🌐 www.equinevetcare.com

08/24/2026

So much happens behind the scenes before a horse ever steps onto the track. 🏇

The starters, outriders, grooms, hotwalkers, veterinarians, gate crew, exercise riders, and countless others who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

We’re proud that our veterinarians are part of the incredible team of people who work every day to keep horses healthy, safe, and ready to compete.

It takes an entire community to make racing happen, and we’re proud to be part of it. ❤️🐴

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08/23/2026

08/22/2026

Emergency & disaster preparedness should always be top of mind for horse owners, trainers, and barn managers. With fire season upon us, take the extra effort to ensure the proper protocols are in place for you and your horse.

What measures have you taken to reduce fire risks in your barn? 🧯

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2025 there were 77,850 wildfires reported, consuming 5,131,474 acres in the U.S.

As we approach summer and the weather becomes warmer, make sure your farm has a fire prevention plan and an evacuation strategy in place to keep both equines and people safe.

Check out the graphic for ten fire prevention measures to get you started on the right track to a safer facility. This list is NOT meant to be exhaustive, and we invite you to contact your local fire department and your veterinarian for guidance on designing a prevention and response plan tailored to your specific situation.

Barn fires are the number one local emergency affecting agricultural facilities. They can cause horrific injuries and kill more equines than any other type of natural disaster, so being prepared is only in your best interest!

08/20/2026

⚡ Lightning Safety Starts Before the Storm

Thunderstorms can develop quickly, but a little preparation can go a long way in helping protect your horse.

🏠 Provide a Proper Shelter

A sturdy, well-built barn or shelter is the safest place for horses during a thunderstorm.

⚡ Protect Your Facilities

Lightning rods, grounding systems, and properly maintained electrical and fencing systems can help reduce the risk of lightning-related injuries and damage.

🌳 Avoid Isolated Trees & High Ground

While horses often seek shelter under lone trees, these are common lightning targets. Keep horses away from isolated trees, hilltops, ridges, and other exposed areas during storms.

☁️ Plan Ahead

Monitor the forecast and bring horses in before severe weather arrives. Waiting until lightning is already nearby can put both horses and handlers at risk.

If shelter isn't available, a large pasture away from isolated trees, metal structures, and fences is generally safer than standing beneath a single tree.

08/19/2026

As equine practitioners, most of us have likely visited barns where fly populations are challenging for both horses and veterinarians.

Helping clients understand the importance of an effective fly control plan is essential to the prevention of these sores. Check out this article from Zoetis that provides proactive fly control tips for clients: zoetisequine.com/blog