Fieldstone Veterinary Service P.C.

02/14/2025

We are excited to announce the 2025 Equine Health Series speakers and topics! Don't forget, you need to register for each session using the link provided below!

REGISTER NOW at https://tinyurl.com/mtw6bvu8

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Center and My Horse University have partnered to offer this FREE Equine Health Webinar Series. Leading veterinarians and equine scientists will present each session, which includes live Q&A and prize drawings. The webinars will also be recorded and available on the My Horse University YouTube channel.

All webinars begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesdays. You can select from the following webinars/dates when you register:

March 11, 2025 (T), 7 PM ET: The Coughing, Runny Nose, Poor Performance Horse - New Perspectives on Equine Asthma “RAO and IAD” Presenter: Eric Schroeder, DVM, Ohio State University

March 18, 2025 (T), 7 PM ET: Sinking your teeth into equine dentistry Presenter: Amelie McAndrews, DVM, DAVDC-Eq, Garden State Equine Veterinary Dentistry

March 25, 2025 (T), 7 PM ET: Meet the McPhail Chair: Endocrine Disease and Performance Horses - More than Laminitis Presenter: Jane M Manfredi, DVM, PhD, Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine

REGISTER NOW at https://tinyurl.com/mtw6bvu8

02/11/2025

This will be an incredible science based clinic on the horse's nervous system and how we as horse people- owners, trainers, farriers, veterinarians- can better interact with our horses. Contact Susan Williams (see post) to reserve your spot.

02/04/2025

Great information here no matter if this is your first time foaling out your mare or you are a seasoned midwife. Get registered!

Are you foal-ready?

Join AAEP member veterinarians Drs. Chelsea Folmar & Taylor Huffman on Feb. 12 for a webinar discussion that will help you prepare for the foaling season. Learn how to create a foaling kit, the timeline of parturition (foaling), and how to recognize when veterinary intervention is needed.

Registration is FREE but required. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ats8dN0E2JxrJYoBUPKU7BW_HtYcwxW988ZYvpWRruqNFu98_uws~AnoL_ZTlIx2iZDbk457AKzpEPWgwMyM1m36OoJWUUyiXJPOgKi4PHJJYdQ

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

01/18/2025

I just shared some cool graphics from AAEP on cold weather facts. I know my people all know this but because of the cruel cold snap that is starting this evening I just need to repeat a few things.

1. Water. Horses need ALOT of it, especially in the really hot or really cold weather. They don't like to walk to the water tank when their sheds are nice and comfy and sheltering them from the wind. We won't even talk about the footing in most of our turnouts... Encourage your horse to drink.
Add table salt, plain old table salt (not electrolytes), to their grain or vitamin mineral ration. Think the potato chip reaction.
Take them a bucket of warm water.
Make sure your tank heater is working well. Go break the ice off the tanks multiple times daily in the next few days because even the heated tanks may get iced over in the upcoming temps.
Make a mash out of their daily grain. Hot water over feed or hay pellets softens the pellets quickly, adds some water to their diet and prevents the salt you just added from sinking to the bottom of the pan.

2. Hay. Keep it front of them. Horses generate more heat from digesting hay than they do grain. Even if your horse is a little on the plumper side now is not the time to skimp on the long stem forage. The rationing can resume once the temperatures are a little more reasonable (closer to the 20s).

3. Do not make major changes to your horse's diet or routine in the next 3 days. It is not the time to switch to round bales or start a new grain. It is not the time to stall your feral brumby who doesn't drink well inside and always stresses in the barn. It is ok to do a little pampering (see warm water bucket tip in #1).

Questions? Give the office a call. In the meantime I'll be outside convincing the vet truck heater that it really does want to work in this weather.

01/18/2025

As the cold winter weather trudges on, Dr. Sarah Reuss, AAEP Vice President and a horse owner herself, shares the following advice to keep your horse safe during extreme weather.

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source, just more frequently.

2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being in a stall, now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure they have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well-fitting blankets are great but be sure that horses do not get sweaty under them, or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold and covered is worse that dry, cold and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!!!) to double check.

7. Entice your horses to consume extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water. If you’ve never fed beet pulp before, be sure to add LOTS of warm water. Dry beet pulp is a common source of choke.

8. The tips of your horses' ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting on a waterproof, jumper-style ear bonnet or other waterproof ear cover can protect them from wind chills.

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your horses safe this winter, contact your veterinarian for advice.

01/18/2025

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

01/18/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Are you familiar with the many adaptations that help your horse stay warm during the cold winter months?

🌾 Hindgut digestion of hay produces the most heat, acting as a small furnace inside of the horse. This is why free choice; good quality hay is so important in the winter.

💪 Horses have a huge muscle mass and muscle activity produces heat. This includes running and playing and even shivering if their body temperature starts to drop. It is important to remember that these activities also will result in a bigger caloric demand so free choice hay and in some cases, grain, is often needed.

🧥 To blanket or not to blanket is a constant debate but either way, as it starts to get cold your horse will grow a thicker coat. If you decide to leave your horse unblanketed you may notice that they look “fluffy”. This is due to a phenomenon called piloerection where the hair stands up to better trap air within. Two layers of the coat also help with warmth. The inner layer is softer and has air pockets to create an insulating layer. The outer layer is coarse and has oils that keep moisture from penetrating the insulating layer and keep the horse warm.

⚖️ Wild horses go into the winter heavier than ideal, and the fat serves as an extra layer of insulation. However, if a horse is going to be kept heavily blanketed and in a barn during the cold weather months this is unnecessary and can lead to obesity related issues.

🦵Their distal limbs (below the knees and hocks) are made of mostly bones and tendons, tissues that are resistant to the cold temperatures.

🦶The hooves have an alternative route of blood circulation through larger vessels that can be used in low temperatures. This is why horses can stand in snow without detrimental effects.

👃A horse’s nose has a robust blood supply and is rounded so that it is less susceptible to frostbite than a human’s nose.
•
Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

11/24/2024

OK folks, it's time. Time to deworm for the fall, time to get those tank heaters in. Weather will be really changing this week and as much as I'm OK to saying goodbye to the insects I'm not really looking forward to the challenges the cold brings.

Rebate on Prascend ends Nov 30th so find your receipts and packing slips and get those submitted (or get your winter doses ordered).

The good news- Winter Solstice is just 27 days away!

08/16/2024

The WNV and EEE vaccines are highly effective if given appropriately. Wondering if your horse is protected? These vaccines are part of FVS core vaccine series. Please call us with any questions or concerns.

Today, we reported the first case of West Nile virus for 2024 in a domestic animal, an Eaton County c**t not vaccinated against the disease. This highlights the importance for Michiganders to protect their animals and themselves from mosquito bites. Read more: https://bit.ly/3yuT74g

08/16/2024

Have you ever been told to not allow a hot, sweaty horse to drink cold water because it could lead to colic, founder or tie up?

This notion is actually a myth, and a dangerous one too, because it could lead to dehydration and very serious (and real) consequences. A sweaty, hardworking horse needs to be rehydrated without delay (i.e. don’t wait for the horse to cool down first).

The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time — because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. A horse’s daily water requirements are influenced by many factors, but the average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day. That amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at all times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/.../offering-a-horse-water...

04/02/2024

Don't miss the last webinar of our MSU Equine Health Series this WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, at 7 PM ET: “Getting the best veterinary care when equine veterinarians are in short supply” presented by Jamie Pribyl, DVM. Since 2020, Dr. Pribyl has been a Professional Services Veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. She is passionate about professional wellness and leadership and is a past member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Wellness Committee. She also serves on the AAEP Ethics Committee and the Practice Culture Subcommittee. A prize drawing for registered live attendees will be held towards the end of the presentation. REGISTER NOW: https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

03/25/2024

We are excited to bring you a special webinar on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 PM ET: "So you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine…” a student-led panel discussion focusing on the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Licensed Veterinary Technician programs. Julie Strachota, DVM, will moderate an MSU Veterinary Student Panel to answer your questions!

Register Now at https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

03/25/2024

03/19/2024

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to face a medical emergency.

On March 20, join AAEP members Drs. Allie Catalino, Racquel Lindroth, and Nikki Scherrer for a one-hour webinar discussing how horse owners can prepare themselves for equine veterinary emergencies. Learn to identify problems requiring immediate attention and take appropriate action while awaiting veterinary care!

Attendance is FREE but registration is required; attendees are also encouraged to submit their questions in advance through the registration form. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register now at https://aaep-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7L6QaXs_RI6UymQgAWBuvg #/registration

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

03/19/2024

We are thrilled to announce Dr. Nicole Rombach's presentation on Tuesday, March 19th, titled "My horse is injured, now what?". The presentation aims to provide valuable insights into therapeutic options for horse rehabilitation. Dr. Rombach is a director at the Academy of Animal Sport Science - AASS, an education company committed to developing high-quality curricula for licensed professionals in the animal complementary healthcare field. She has extensive experience working with elite equine athletes, including Olympic competitors. Note that the webinar is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Sponsors for this event are Equicore Concepts LLC and Zoetis Equine. Register Now at https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

03/12/2024

FIRST WEBINAR OF THE SERIES! My Horse University and the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Center are excited to bring you this FREE MSU CVM Equine Health Day webinar this Tuesday, March 12 @ 7 PM ET. Register Now at https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

Dr. Hal Schott, a Professor in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, will present: "My old horse is not shedding this spring, and its feet seem sore—what is going on?"

Learn the symptoms, treatment, and long-term management of senior horses with PPID (Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction / Equine Cushings Disease).

There will be a prize drawing courtesy of Dechra at the end of the webinar (you must be in attendance to win). REGISTER at the following link for the webinars: https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

02/29/2024

The Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and My Horse University have partnered to offer this FREE Equine Health Webinar Series presented by leading veterinarians and equine scientists. Each session will have live Q&A and prize drawings! All webinars will be recorded and available on the My Horse University YouTube Channel later.
REGISTER NOW at https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w

The four sessions will be held on Tuesday beginning March 12, 2024. Please select from the following webinars/dates when you register:

March 12, 2024 @ 7 PM ET: PPID & Senior Horses
Presented by Harold Schott, DVM

March 19, 2024 @ 5 PM ET: Horse Injuries & Rehabilitation
Presented by Nicole Rombach, PhD

March 26, 2024, @ 7 PM ET: Careers in Veterinary Medicine
MSU Vet Student Panel Moderated by Julie Strachota, DVM

April 2, 2024 @ 7 PM ET: Best Veterinary Care for Your Horse
Presented by Jamie Pribyl, DVM

REGISTER NOW at https://tinyurl.com/4prtex2w