Laurel Oak Equine Veterinary Services

06/11/2026

It's MYTHBUSTERS time! 📢

❌ MYTH: Sweet itch is just normal summer itching.

✅ FACT: Sweet itch is usually insect bite hypersensitivity - an allergic reaction to bites from Culicoides midges. The hallmark sign is intense itching.

Sweet itch is the common name for an allergic skin reaction to bites from tiny midges, most often Culicoides. The biggest red flag is intense itching. Horses may rub the mane, tail, and other areas enough to damage the skin.

In many horses, the problem is seasonal, so prevention focuses on limiting insect exposure: stable during peak feeding times at sunrise and sunset, use fans and fine screens, reduce exposure to standing water, and work with your veterinarian on repellants and treatment options.

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from sweet itch, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Dr. Melinda Freckleton

05/27/2026

Most equine owners know that a negative Coggins test is a document required to be able to transport their animal across state lines, enter them in a competitive event, or board at someone's barn. But what does the phrase "negative Coggins test" actually mean?

A "Coggins" is a blood test that can only be performed by USDA-approved laboratories and checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the blood. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that produces a persistent infection among equids nearly worldwide. Transmission through blood transfusions or contaminated needles/syringes, surgical instruments or dental equipment is most common. The virus can also be transmitted through vectors via fly bite.

The clinical signs of disease can vary dramatically from an acute infection to an inapparent form, but what is important to know is that it produces a persistent infection. Once an animal tests positive for EIA it becomes a lifelong source of disease transmission, so the owner can only choose between quarantine for life or humane euthanasia to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t occur. There is no vaccine or treatment for EIA.

Take-home message: While a Coggins test is a necessary travel document, don’t forget that it's also first and foremost a way to identify and remove EIA carriers to keep the disease under control.

To learn more about EIA, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/equine-infectious-anemia/ or visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-infectious-anemia

05/25/2026

Today we remember and honor all the men and women who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. .

Our thanks to the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) for this portrait of the riderless horse.

05/21/2026

As the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer, make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays. ☀️

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your equine protected this summer.

04/14/2026

Please make sure your horses are up to date on their Rabies vaccines!

Rabies infection usually occurs by the bite of a rabid animal but can also be transmitted when fresh saliva from an infected animal contacts a wound or mucous membranes. This means that if you give oral medications to your horse who is infected - the virus can be transmitted to you! This is a fatal disease and is preventable with proper vaccination!

3rd rabies case confirmed in Polk County

The third rabies case for 2026 has been confirmed in Polk County as of April 11, 2026. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that this latest case involved a Brazilian free-tailed bat found inside a home within the city limits of Bartow. Case Details Location: Bartow, FL. The Incident: On Wednesday, April 8, a family’s cat was discovered near a live bat inside their residence....

https://lakelandgazette.info/news/2026/04/12/3rd-rabies-case-confirmed-in-polk-county/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=jetpack_social

01/22/2026

There are dozens of different conditions that can cause a horse to show signs of abdominal pain. Most (but not all) involve the digestive system, most often the stomach or intestines. Therefore, it stands to good reason that understanding the anatomy of your horse’s digestive system can help you become a better steward for your equine friend.

Fun fact: many people associate digestive health with stomach health. But did you know that the horse has the smallest stomach in relation to body size of all domestic animals? The stomach of the horse is also the smallest unit of the digestive tract, comprising less than 10% of the total volume of the horse’s digestive tract. By contrast, the hindgut is huge and plays a significant role in the horse’s digestive process by serving as the home of friendly bacteria that ferment fiber and turn it into energy.

Hindgut problems can produce obvious physical signs like loss of weight, poor condition, poor performance, diarrhea and colic. Some symptoms however can be less obvious, like poor temperament and training issues.

The key to ensuring good digestive health is good management practices that include (but are not limited to) establishing a set daily routine; feeding a high-quality diet comprised primarily of high-quality roughage; avoid overloading the digestive tract with concentrate rations; providing clean, fresh water at all times; establishing a regular turnout and exercise routine; setting up a regular deworming and dental care program with your veterinarian; reducing stress and making any changes (to diet, housing and exercise) gradually.

Consult your veterinarian about how to maximize your horse’s digestive health. A healthy horse is a happy horse!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Laurel Oak Equine Family to yours 🎄

12/22/2025

Be careful with buying off brand medications!

12/03/2025

🚨🐴 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 🐴🚨

Global Vet Link (GVL) has announced a 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 of all 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐄𝐄𝐂𝐕𝐈) / movement permits due to a multi-state Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) outbreak.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂:
• ❌ No new or renewed EECVI permits can be issued or accepted at this time.
• 📄 Horses needing to travel must use a standard CVI (health certificate) or follow your destination state’s alternative movement requirements.
• 📍 Always double-check state-specific travel rules before hauling to shows, sales, clinics, or events.

We will continue to monitor updates from GVL and state officials and share information as it becomes available.

11/28/2025

This Thanksgiving, we want to share our genuine appreciation for our members and their dedication to equine health and welfare. We are proud to serve horse doctors across the world and to support them through the challenges they face in their daily practice. As you gather around the table today, be sure to give thanks for your equine veterinarian!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 🦃