Alliance Equine Health Care

06/23/2026

National Hydration Day

Did you know that the same ponds, streams, and waterways your horse may drink from can also play a role in disease exposure?

One example is Potomac Horse Fever (PHF), a potentially serious disease linked to aquatic insects that develop in bodies of water. Horses can become infected when they accidentally ingest these insects while drinking, grazing, or even eating hay or grain.

As we focus on hydration this National Hydration Day, it's also a great reminder to:
✅ Ensure horses always have access to clean, fresh water
✅ Monitor water sources, especially during the summer months
✅ Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations, including PHF when appropriate for your area

Hydration supports overall health, but prevention and vaccination remain important tools in protecting your horse from water-associated disease risks.

Talk with your veterinarian about whether the PHF vaccine is recommended for your horse.

06/21/2026

06/17/2026

National Eat Your Veggies Day!
We all know veggies are healthy — but for horses, some “treat veggies” are sweeter than you might think!
Did you know?
• A medium carrot contains about 5–6 grams of sugar.
• That may not sound like much, but for horses with PPID (Cushing’s), insulin resistance, or metabolic concerns, those sugary treats can add up quickly.
The takeaway:
• Carrots are okay in moderation for many horses.
• Apples and other sweet treats should also be limited for metabolic horses.
• Safer low-sugar options can include small amounts of celery, cucumber, or hay-based treats approved by your veterinarian.
Healthy for humans doesn’t always mean healthy in large amounts for horses! Treats should stay treats and not part of the daily diet.

06/15/2026

HOW AND WHY DO HORSES GET ULCERS?

Equine gastric ulcers can affect any horse of 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. Gastric ulcers result from the erosion of the stomach lining due to a prolonged exposure to the normal acid present in the stomach.

Unlike ulcers in humans, bacteria do not appear to cause equine gastric ulcers. Instead, this condition is often a man-made disease. Stall confinement alone can lead to the development of ulcers. A horse’s feeding schedule 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 as well as the blood flow, thus further contributing to the problem.

The treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers is directed at removing these predisposing factors, therefore 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 a gastroscopy. An equine veterinarian should always be consulted in any case of suspected gastric ulcers to determine the best course of action and treatment for the individual horse.

06/06/2026

National Eyewear Day:

Eye protection isn't just for people. It's important for horses, too.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been associated with several equine ocular diseases, including uveitis, squamous cell carcinoma, and other forms of ocular inflammation. Horses with pink skin around the eyes or a history of eye disease may be especially sensitive to UV exposure.

Insect exposure to the equine eye has also been linked to inflammatory ocular disease.

UV-blocking fly masks can help reduce exposure to harmful rays while also protecting the eyes from insects, dust, and environmental irritants. For horses prone to eye issues, this simple management tool can play an important role in maintaining long-term ocular health.

We recommend utilizing a UV blocking fly mask that blocks at least 90% of UV rays. A few of the brands that offer such masks include Equine Sun Visor, Kensington Uviator, Equivizor, Bugeez Bugeyes, Horsey Shades, and Nag.

Please reach out if you have questions about UV blocking fly masks and if your horse could benefit!

06/04/2026

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

06/02/2026

June is Safety Awareness Month!

This would be a great time to check and correct hazards in your horse’s environment, before your horse finds them!

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

05/27/2026

⚠️ DO YOU KNOW HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HORSE IS IN DISTRESS? ⚠️

As a horse owner, it's imperative you know how to recognize problems and respond promptly. It's important to know what conditions require veterinary attention, and how to take appropriate action while you're waiting for the veterinarian's arrival.

Types of emergencies you and your horse may encounter on your journey together include colic; lacerations and bleeding wounds; impaled objects or nails in the foot; acute lameness due to conditions ranging from hoof abscess to fractures, laminitis, tendon injuries and more; eye injuries; allergic reactions; choke; and even foaling emergencies.

No matter what you may face in the future, getting to know your horse's normal vital signs (including temperature, pulse and respiration) as well as its normal behavior patterns will help you become a good observer, so that you readily recognize signs of ill health. Being prepared is in your horse's best interest.

Always remember, your veterinarian is one of your best resources. Talk to them about how they can be reached after-hours, and about recommendations for an emergency plan suitable for your individual situation.

05/26/2026

This summer, you may notice some new friendly faces around the clinic! ☀️🐴

We’re excited to welcome our summer shadowers as they spend time learning alongside our team and gaining hands-on experience in the veterinary field. From appointments to procedures, these pre-veterinary students are here to observe, learn, and grow their passion for equine care.

Thank you to our amazing clients for your patience, kindness, and support while helping us encourage the next generation of veterinary professionals! 💙