Judd Veterinary Clinic

06/20/2025

Zoie was presented for acupuncture due to anhidrosis, a condition where a horse is unable to sweat, which can increase her risk for heat stroke in this Texas summer heat.
After one acupuncture session, Zoie’s mom noticed that she was more energetic, her breathing was more regulated, and she started to sweat. Here she is presented for her second acupuncture treatment with Dr. Roicki, and she is enjoying it!

06/19/2025

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!

06/18/2025

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.

06/15/2025

Pigeon Fever: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
by Michelle Twilla, DVM

Pigeon fever is an infections disease caused by bacteria (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis). This bacteria is found in the soil and prefers hot, dry conditions. Albeit, Florida is not thought of as having a dry climate there are many confirmed cases of pigeon fever each year. C. pseudotuberculosis is transmitted to the horse through biting insects and abrasions/open wounds where it progresses into a local infection within the lymph node and an abscess forms. Any area of the horse can be affected yet most commonly the abscess forms on the pectoral or chest region of the horse giving the appearance of a “pigeon breast”.

Due to the toxins released by the bacteria a large amount of swelling, pain, and lameness occurs as the abscess develops. Many horses develop fevers (temperature >101.5F) with some becoming ill demonstrating a poor appetite, and lethargy. Abscess can also form internally and is associated with a more serious disease and guarded prognosis. Your veterinarian can perform blood tests as well as ultrasound examination to diagnose internal abscesses. This presentation is less common and even more so is the development of ulcerative lymphangitis. Ulcerative lymphangitis progresses as severe swelling of the legs with draining tracts that develops along the lymphatics. Other diseases that share similar clinical appearance to ulcerative lymphangitis are cellulitis and purpura hemorrhagica caused by Streptococcus equi (strangles).

Diagnosis of pigeon fever is often suspected based on “classical” clinical appearance of a pectoral abscess. A definitive diagnosis is made through a bacterial culture. For a horse that is systemically ill it is wise to evaluate blood work for signs of overwhelming infection and monitor organ function.

Treatment of pigeon fever is primarily lancing and draining the matured abscess. Application of warm compresses and drawing salves can promote maturation, bringing the abscess to a head. Your veterinarian may ultrasound the swelling to determine when and where the abscess should be drained. Once drainage is achieved the abscess should be flushed with dilute betadine solution daily.
The use of systemic antibiotics is controversial as many clinicians feel that it will slow the development of the abscess and may encourage internal abscesses to form. The decision to use antibiotics should be made by your veterinarian. He or she will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to control fever and pain resulting from the infection. Fly control is paramount in disease prevention and reducing the spread of the disease especially when the abscess is actively draining. The highest concentration of the bacteria is in the discharge and will contaminate the environment. Practicing good hygiene and light biosecurity measures on the farm such as disinfecting stalls where infected horses are kept, sanitizing grooming equipment, and treating the infected horses in areas that are easily disinfected such as concrete flooring.

Brandon Equine Medical Center

06/14/2025

Here he comes to save the day!!!

We had one of our amazing clients bring in a puppy they recently adopted due to their puppy not feeling well. After performing an exam and running a routine f***l analysis (highly recommended in puppies/kittens and at annual wellness checks) we discovered the puppy had hookworms (blood sucking intestinal parasite) and fleas. Blood work was recommended to fully assess the patient and it was noted that the puppy was severely anemic due to the hookworms and fleas. It became evident that it was critical the puppy receive a blood transfusion stat to ensure survival. Solo Judd stepped up in a big way to help yet another patient with a blood transfusion. The puppy was also sent home with dewormer and flea prevention. Thanks to the team’s swift assessment, knowledge, compassion, and team work we were able to help this little guy get a better shot at a happy healthy life. Great job Solo and the Judd Team!!

06/13/2025

Happy Feisty Friday from Finn!! I wonder what kind of shenanigans he’ll get into this fine Friday the 13th. 🤔

06/12/2025

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/horse-care/offering-a-horse-water-after-exercise-8622

06/06/2025

05/27/2025

If you missed our Seminar at Highlander Ranch, no worries!
Here we have Hercules (Bay) and Ranger (Sorrel) each presented for their first acupuncture sessions with Dr. Roicki. They both thoroughly enjoyed their treatments, each tailored to their specific needs based on Dr. Roicki’s findings.
Whether your horse is suffering from conditions such as arthritis, Cushing’s, laminitis, or anhidrosis, give us a call at 254-666-3355 to schedule your first appointment with us!
We accept haul-ins and farm calls.

05/16/2025

Cuteness overload!! Bear and Juniper came to visit us for a wellness check and vaccines today. 😍 Aren’t they adorable?!

05/09/2025

This week is !

Did you know strangles was one of the first equine diseases to be described by the early writers of veterinary science (was first reported in 1215) and is one of the most commonly diagnosed contagious diseases of the horse, worldwide? Though strangles is highly contagious and can affect many horses on a farm, particularly young animals, most horses with infection recover without complication.

It is not uncommon for strangles infections to recur on a farm with previous outbreaks of the disease. The bacteria can survive in water sources for over a month, but the primary source of recurrent infections is most likely asymptomatic carrier horses. Anywhere from 4-50% of the horses on farms with recurring strangles are asymptomatic carriers of the infection, and they may continue to shed the bacteria for months to even years, serving as a continual source of new infections.

If you suspect a strangles outbreak, be sure to involve your veterinarian right away to determine the diagnosis and the best control practices for your particular farm. Strangles is a reportable disease in some states. Movement of any horses on or off the farm should be stopped, and new horses should not be introduced. Monitoring the temperature of all horses daily and isolating horses at the first sign of fever is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of infection. Infected horses can transmit the bacteria to healthy horses one to two days after they develop a fever.

To learn more about strangles, you can visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/strangles

As always, your veterinarian remains your best source of information and advice!

05/06/2025

It’s National Pet Week!! Comment pics of your furbabies. We so enjoy working with and caring for your sweet babies!!