Alliance Equine Health Care

11/24/2025

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.

11/22/2025

Happy National Go for a Ride Day! 🐴

There’s no better way to celebrate than spending a little extra time in the saddle today. Whether it’s a quiet hack around the farm, a trail ride with friends, or a fun schooling session, we hope you and your horse enjoy every moment together.

Horses have a special way of grounding us, lifting our spirits, and reminding us why we love what we do. So here’s your reminder to grab your helmet, give your horse a hug, and enjoy the ride. 🌿✨

11/21/2025

⚠️A note from the PA department of Agriculture:

I'm sure many of you are already aware of the developing situation related to a large outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in large equine events occurring in Texas and Oklahoma. Traces are still ongoing but the horses in PA who thus far have been identified as attending one of these events are on the western side of the state.

Below is some guidance that can be shared with horse owners and show organizers. Feel free to share as appropriate and reach out if there are any additional questions or concerns.

"Attention Pennsylvania horse owners:

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has been made aware of a multi-state outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The outbreak is associated with several barrel racing and rodeo events in Texas and Oklahoma. Pennsylvania is working with other states to investigate traces.

What this means is, depending on how many horses were actively shedding virus at the event and therefore contagious, that will impact how many horses have since dispersed and returned to their origin states post-event and may now be becoming clinically neurological. It behooves everyone who owns, operates or manages a boarding or training facility in which clientele horses participate in organized competitive events whether local, regional or with national exposure. The Department recommends taking precautions and have a general biosecurity plan for dealing with clinical signs of EHM which are:

Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)

Nasal discharge or coughing

Lethargy

Neurological signs, including stumbling or incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt, recumbency, and urine dribbling

Other signs which are compatible with EHV-1/EHM.

Horses returning from organized events should be staged in a “quarantine area” at least for a few days following return so that re**al temperatures taken twice daily can be logged and monitored for any evidence of a fever (T > 101.5 F especially at this time of year when ambient temperatures aren’t nearly as extreme). Horses that are in the general population that develop a FUO should be moved to a quarantine area as soon as possible once a fever is detected to protect the rest of the barn population. This includes separate equipment to feed, muck stalls, PPE including coveralls, boots, a disinfection station, and designated personnel if feasible. Ideally this quarantine area would be at least 120 feet away from the nearest horse and downwind of any prevailing breeze. Contact your veterinarian and the State Veterinarians office if a horse develops FUO or other signs consistent with EHM.

For venue owners and managers, it is highly recommended that the contracted veterinarians they employ to provide coverage for equine emergencies also be highly involved in the planning and ex*****on of biosecurity strategies for these organized events. These may include such basic strategies as requiring a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued by a Category II Accredited Veterinarian with documentation of up-to-date vaccination status on the CVI regardless of whether the movement of that animal to that show is traveling interstate or intrastate. Please keep in mind the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing interstate animal movement requirements and other disease control measures. Venue owners and managers have all the power in which to implement as strict entry requirements to their show grounds as they see fit. Typically, the Department does NOT get involved in setting entry requirements to equine events though we will implement quarantine authority or prohibit movement to events if the disease risk is deemed too great. The Department is more than willing to collaborate and advise venue operators on best practices.

Horse owners are encouraged to visit the Equine Disease Communications Center for up-to-date information on this outbreak, as well as information to protect your horses. EHM is a reportable disease in Pennsylvania, and any suspect cases must be reported to the Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852."

11/20/2025

Upcoming holiday hours🦃

11/19/2025

🌿✨ Great News! ✨🌿

We’re excited to share that both Dr. Wright and Dr. O'Leary are now able to provide equine acupuncture!

With two veterinarians offering this service, we’ll be able to schedule more acupuncture appointments and make this gentle, effective therapy even more accessible for our patients.

Acupuncture can be a wonderful complement to traditional veterinary care supporting horses with a wide variety of medical conditions.

11/14/2025

Today is World Diabetes Awareness Day!

Just like humans, horses frequently suffer from a medical condition that we call Insulin Resistance, which is very similar to Type 2 diabetes that affects millions of humans.

As with Type 2 diabetes, horses can develop this condition if they are overweight or sedentary. Genetic factors also play a role.

We have recently been using medications that have been developed to treat Type 2 diabetes for some of our equine patients who suffer from insulin resistance. Steglatro and Invokana are examples of human diabetes medications that have shown effectiveness for our equine patients.

As always, please give us a call if you think your horse might be at risk, or if you would like to discuss these new treatment options.

11/13/2025

Most people know that a long, curly haircoat that doesn’t shed properly is a classic sign of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing's disease) in horses. But did you know there are other, less obvious symptoms to watch for?

Other signs to watch for (note this is not an exhaustive list):

• Muscle Loss: Horses may lose muscle, especially along their topline (the back and rump), even if they seem to be eating well.

• Fat Pockets: You might notice unusual fat deposits, like above the eyes or along the crest of the neck.

• Frequent Infections: Horses with Cushing’s can get skin infections, hoof abscesses, or other illnesses more often than healthy horses.

• Slow Healing: Wounds or sores may take longer to heal.

• Lethargy: Your horse might seem more tired, less energetic, or just “not themselves.”

• Drinking and Urinating More: Increased thirst and urination can be a subtle sign.

• Abnormal Sweating: Some horses sweat more than usual, even when it’s not hot or they haven’t exercised.

If you notice any of these changes, especially in an older horse, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Early detection and management can help your horse stay healthy and comfortable!

In addition, it's important to note that all horses are different, if you have questions specific to your animal, please contact your vet.

11/12/2025

💸💰Rebates💰💸

11/11/2025

🇺🇸Honoring our heroes on this Veterans Day🇺🇸
Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms, deserve our deepest gratitude. Not just today, but every day.

11/07/2025

11/03/2025

If your horse has a cough that persists into exercise or is heard while your equine friend is at rest in the barn, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about evaluating your horse for respiratory disease. It could be a problem with the upper airway (the nasal passages and throat) or the lower airway (the lungs).

While waiting for your appointment, try decreasing your horse’s exposure to dust, as that is a primary trigger for lower respiratory disease such as asthma or heaves.

Some simple things you can do include avoiding straw bedding, not using a leaf blower on barn aisles, and not storing hay or bedding above your horse’s stall. Last but not least, while us humans may be more comfortable with all the barn doors closed on colder days, your horses’ lungs will appreciate open doors/windows and good ventilation!

As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about preserving your horse’s respiratory health, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information!
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.