Double JH Equine Veterinary Services

06/05/2026

Good luck to all the THSRA contestants at State Finals!

06/03/2026

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the amount of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare. As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

06/01/2026

You may be familiar with this scenario -- you arrive at the barn happily anticipating a good ride, only to find your horse three-legged lame. What to do??

PS: Did you know that baby diapers make really handy hoof wraps?

Here are a few guidelines that offer basic triage advice for the hoof-related emergencies you are likely to encounter in your life as a horse owner.

05/29/2026

There’s possibly nothing better than fun in the sun with your horse, am I right? While we hope your summer is one for the books, please remember to always remain vigilant to your horse’s needs in hot weather and on the road. Heat stress and dehydration in particular should not be underestimated, as both can have serious consequences for our equine friends.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Visit for more tick and parasite control tips!

05/19/2026

Tick season has arrived early this year!
Check out these helpful tips for prevention and diagnosis from the

05/15/2026

Dr. Handlin will not be taking any appointments from May 22-June 1.

You can still text or call to make appointments/ask questions.

Good Luck to all the TJHRA State Finalists!

05/14/2026

The more you know...

Gastric ulcer disease is a very common problem in equines. 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.

If your horse is exhibiting any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. 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.

05/12/2026

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.