Hoof and Paw Veterinary Care, LLC

08/28/2026

Office will be closed Sept 11-21, 2026. Please order any medications you may need or health certificates or fall vaccines rhino/flu, rabies you may need. I am going on a well deserved out west trail riding vacation. I will NOT be answering cell, texts, ect. Please leave a VOICEMAIL on my home phone---715-267-7443

07/28/2026

3 day old yorkie pups in for tail dock and dewclaw trim.

07/27/2026

07/26/2026

Common laceration infront of shoulder from sliding stall door latch. Tetnus toxoid up to date. Sedation. IV pain medication. Clean and flush wound. Suture under lying muscle and skin. Oral antibiotics and continued pain medication for several days. Swat around wound to deture flys.

07/17/2026

Happy horses!

07/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1R3fxyWFKb/

I'm sure everyone has noticed the wildfire smoke from Canada and MN that is all around us today. People ask can I ride with smokey skies. This image is an easy to read guide from Smartpak to help you make those decisions.

Here's more information of the effects of smoke inhalation from air pollution in horses. Smoke is composed of chemicals and particulate matter. Different types of wood, vegetation, houses or buildings, plastics, and other combustible materials all affect the composition of smoke. Many toxic chemicals are produced, some of which can be fatal in high doses and when inhaled over long periods.

The particulate matter found in smoke tends to be very small in size, which allows it to pe*****te deep into the lung tissues. For this reason, smoke tends to be more harmful than some other airborne particles, like the dust generated from riding arenas or roads.

Horses that are exposed to wildfire smoke can suffer various degrees of injury ranging from mild irritation to severe lung tissue damage. Owners should carefully observe their horses for any signs of respiratory distress, which include:

Respiratory rate consistently over 30 breaths per minute at rest (not during or right after exercise)
Labored breathing (increased effort from the abdomen/rib cage)
Flared nostrils
Deep or repetitive coughing
Nasal discharge that is yellow/white in color
If you notice signs of respiratory distress in your horse, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The symptoms of respiratory distress are notable and most commonly experienced by horses in close proximity to wildfires. But what is less obvious and more common is continued and repeated exposure to air pollution caused by drifting smoke. It is not yet well known how this might affect horses’ athletic performance and long-term health. The best recommendations at this time are to minimize work intensity (and therefore the amount of air pollution inhaled) depending on the AQI.

07/16/2026

Most quotes need to be heard in context but this one stands alone. "I am gonna pay with dollar bills from a striper!" Sooooo many questions. I have decided to start keeping a log book.

07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July from Hoof and Paw Veterinary Care, LLC!

06/11/2026

This is worth the read.....a problem they can effect any one in the USA.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm