Groton Veterinary Clinic

11/22/2025

Zoom meeting for horse owners. Link to register below.

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.

11/21/2025

Take aways from the zoom meeting with equine vets from access the nation:

- Vaccines prevent viremia which is protective against EHM
- Monitor re**al temp for exposed or at risk horses, notify a veterinarian if >101.5
- Zinc supplements can be helpful
- Quarantine possible exposed horses
- Biosecurity is key!
- Consider vaccinations for your horses before an outbreak occurs.

From Dr. Heather

11/20/2025

EHV outbreak facts and info:

Clinical signs include Fever with re**al temp of 102'F or higher, Nasal discharge, Lack of coordination, Weakness, Lethargy, Dribbling urine
Almost all horses have been exposed to EHV at some point.
A very small percentage of exposed horses get EHM, the neurological form. Horses can live but the prognosis is usually poor.
EHV incubation is 2-10 days.
Shedding is 7-10 days.
Transmission is nose to nose, 30 feet or less aerosol, contaminated hands/equipment/buckets
Quarantine is 21 days after exposure.

Is my horse exposed? If they were at an event with known cases, then yes.
If your horse WAS exposed do NOT vaccinate the horse, instead quarantine the horses for 21 days and monitor closely, especially re**al temp.

Recommendations for vaccinating horses:
Traveling horses: vaccinate with Calvenza (flu/rhino) if it has been more than 6 months since last vaccination.
Not traveling horses: if previously vaccinated, monitor closely. OR Vaccinate with Calvenza out of abundance of caution
Yearlings previously vaccinated: vaccinate with Calvenza now
Weanlings born to vaccinated mares over 5 months of age: Vaccinate now with Vetera Gold now and booster in 1 month.

Most importantly, let’s remember that horses travel all over the country all the time and are exposed to a lot of diseases. Biosecurity is important year round and every time we travel with our horses.
If you have specific questions, please reach out for more info!

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

11/19/2025

Info about the cases of EHM here. 👇🏻
Please rely on reputable sources for info about this outbreak. If you have specific questions about your horse, give us a call.

Two positive cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy have caused the cancellation of the remainder of the Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) World Championship. The event was scheduled to run Nov. 17-22 at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK.

Read the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC)'s latest update here: https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Barrel-Futurities-of-America-Suspends-Oklahoma-Event-Due-to-EHM-Positives

11/17/2025

Good info on VS for anyone headed to Arizona.

WHAT IS VESICULAR STOMATITIS?

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a contagious virus that affects horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, as well as some other animals. It causes painful blisters, crusts and ulceration of the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats, and/or coronary band.

What are the Signs?
• Blisters or sores on the tongue, lips, or around the mouth (the tongue is often the most severely affected)
• Crusty scabs on the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Trouble eating or chewing
• Lameness due to painful erosions on the coronary band.

How Does It Spread?
VS is mainly spread by biting insects like black flies and sand flies. It can also spread through direct contact with infected animals, shared water or feed buckets, or contaminated equipment.

Why is VS Important?
• It’s a reportable disease. Veterinarians must notify animal health officials if they suspect it.
• The sores can look like other serious diseases, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.
• Outbreaks can lead to movement restrictions for horses and other animals.

What Can You Do?
• Watch for signs of sores or blisters, especially during warm months when insects are active.
• Protect your horse from insects by using fly sprays, keeping stables clean, and bringing horses inside during peak insect activity.
• Don’t share equipment, feed buckets, or water buckets between horses, especially if one is showing signs of illness.
• Handle healthy animals before sick animals. Anyone handling infected animals should follow proper biosafety measures to protect themselves and other animals.
• If you see symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.

Note that VS can also affect people, but it usually causes only mild, flu-like symptoms. Wearing gloves and practicing good hygiene when handling affected animals is recommended.

Learn more about VS on our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/vesicular-stomatitis/

Current disease outbreak reports are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/vesicular-stomatitis

10/31/2025

📣 📣 PSA 🪳🪳🪳
We have seen a higher number of pets with fleas this week. Here is your reminder that fleas are not killed in the winter months.

We recommend year round flea preventative for both dogs and cats.

Stop in for options that are best for your pet.

05/01/2025

What are the symptoms of Gastric ulcers in horses? ⬇️
We can help your equine athletes feel their best!

The more you know...

Gastric ulcer disease is a very common problem in equines, and it affects over 60% of adult horses (depending on age, performance, and evaluated populations). While Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is more prevalent in high performance horses, it's important to remember that any horse can be affected, as all equines suffer from stress (like traveling, stall confinement, changes in diet, etc.) which over time may result in gastric ulcers.

The signs of ulcers a horse might show are highly variable between individuals, but they usually include variations of "bad behavior" like general grumpiness, reluctance to perform, cribbing and teeth-grinding, tail-swishing and other behaviors suggesting restlessness and physical discomfort. Rough hair coat, weight loss and poor body condition are also common.

Has your horse ever expressed any of these signs that led to an ulcer diagnosis? Let us know below ⬇️

If your horse is exhibiting any of these signs, it may be time to consult your veterinarian rather than just chalk them off as behavioral or training issues. Proper diagnosis is crucial to get appropriate treatment started promptly, and your horse doctor will also be able to make recommendations for environmental and management changes that can you help prevent a relapse of ulcers in the future.

05/01/2025

Dr. Heather performed a Gastric Endoscopy this morning on a client’s horse. She found multiple lesions during this procedure. We offer budget friendly and affordable options for the treatment of gastric ulcers! If your horse seems to have symptoms or behaviors of potential gastric ulcers we are here to help! Contact our clinic today to inquire further into the Gastric Endoscopy process and the treatment options we offer!

03/28/2025

We carry a wide variety of calving supplies and essentials! Let us know how we can better help you and your livestock!

Bovine IgG - Colostrum Replacement
Replenish Ab+ - Electrolyte/Colostrum Combo: this is a new product we are really excited about. It is not a colostrum replacement, it is meant to work locally in the stomach and is great for scours or diarrhea problems.
Ferappease - Use for calves and mamas for grafting or other stressful events
Calf Renova - Probiotics to help build good gut health in scouring calves
Calf Perks - Help to give calves vigor and nutrients to get them sucking and active
Triodine - Apply to navel to help dry up and keep bacteria away
Alpha 7, Vision 7, Ultrabac 7 - Newborn calf shot for overeating and Clostridium perfringens
Nasalgen 3 PMH, Inforce 3 - Give at birth for virus protection

03/14/2025

With this beautiful weather it is time to start thinking about your horse vaccination and deworming schedule for the spring! Anytime after the frost comes out of the ground is a great time to practice these protocols! We recommend Vetera Gold and Rabies as your vaccinations and without f***l egg counts we recommend either Ivermectin or Anthelcide for your dewormer. Happy Spring!

03/04/2025

We loved having the Brown County 4-H families at the clinic and talking about horses. Thanks for coming over! ❤️🐴🍀

02/25/2025

Calving season is here! At the Groton Vet Clinic we offer a wide variety of calving emergency services. Our services range from prolapse repairs, c-sections, complicated calf pulls, and our calf ICU unit for sick babies. We offer a nice indoor temperature controlled facility with all of the resources we need to best help you. We are available for emergencies during hours by contacting 605-397-8145 and after hours by contacting 605-397-8140. We wish you the best of luck this calving season!