Skillman Veterinary Services

10/24/2025

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious neurologic disease in horses caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system. Most cases are due to Sarcocystis neurona, but Neospora hughesi can also be responsible.

EPM is tricky to diagnose because its signs can mimic other health problems and range from mild to severe. Some of the common signs include incoordination, muscle atrophy (especially along the topline or hindquarters), abnormal gait, and weakness. It can also cause cranial nerve damage (facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing), behavioral changes, and even seizures.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of recovery.

If you'd like addition information about EPM, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/EPM

10/22/2025

❤️✨ Way-Back Wednesday!

Pictured on the day he was born, this c**t was unable to nurse from his dam and required a feeding tube procedure performed by Dr. Skillman.

Eight years later, he's thriving, and his owners continue to entrust Skillman Veterinary Services with his care.
It's special to watch our patients grow from fragile foals into healthy adults.

https://skillmanvet.com

10/22/2025

10/20/2025

Understanding and Treating Seromas in Horses

A seroma is a localized swelling that develops when clear, straw-colored fluid collects beneath the skin, most often seen along the chest, belly, withers or at surgical and injection sites.

In horses, seromas often occur after trauma, surgical procedures, injections or prolonged pressure on a particular area. While they may look similar to an abscess, seromas are not caused by infection and do not contain pus.

Seromas form when blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are damaged, allowing serum to leak into surrounding tissues. A seroma typically appears as a soft, fluctuant swelling that may be mildly warm but is generally not painful to the touch. The overlying skin is usually intact and there are no systemic signs of illness such as fever or lethargy.

Many small seromas will resolve on their own with rest and monitoring. Larger or persistent seromas may require drainage. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to reduce swelling and promote healing.

We are experienced in diagnosing and managing seromas to promote faster recovery and minimize complications. If your horse develops unexplained swelling, contact your vet promptly for an evaluation!

10/17/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤! 🩺🌟

Today we’re shining the spotlight on our Client Relations Specialist, Kathie Sheets!

Kathie is the voice you hear when you call, the one coordinating your veterinary appointments, answering your emails and making sure every client feels cared for from start to finish.

Thank you, Kathie, for everything you do behind the scenes to keep things running seamlessly, we couldn’t do it without you!

10/15/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤! 🩺🌟

Skillman Veterinary Services assistant Erin supports every aspect of patient care. She prepares equipment, assists during exams, monitors safety, keeps the clinic organized and so much more!

Her ability to anticipate the needs of both our veterinarians and patients keeps our practice running efficiently and allows us to focus on delivering exceptional care.

❤️ We thank Erin and all veterinary assistants and technicians for the vital role they play in supporting veterinary medicine!

10/13/2025

Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is one of the leading causes of lameness in horses. It develops as cartilage within the joints deteriorates, resulting in pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Because arthritis is progressive, early recognition is essential!

🦴 Key signs include:
• Stiffness after rest
• Lameness that improves with exercise
• Swelling or heat in joints
• Shortened stride or reluctance to move
• Decline in performance or attitude

Veterinary care should be sought if lameness persists, stiffness is ongoing, swelling or heat is present or performance declines. Early diagnosis allows for treatment options such as anti-inflammatory therapy, joint injections and management adjustments that can extend comfort and activity.

https://skillmanvet.com/

10/10/2025

Ever wonder what your vets do in a day? 🤔

Our days can be BUSY and LONG, but we're thankful to be a dual-vet practice when the caseload piles on.

Yesterday's schedule included:
• New horse exam
• Colic emergency
• SI injections
• Gastroscopy
• Eye exam
• Lameness exam with PPID testing
• Three more colic emergencies before the day was done

This demanding day highlights why equine veterinarians are in such high demand - and why we need more of us!

10/08/2025

𝗢𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗖 + 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 ✨🎃

Did you know? We offer after-hours emergency care for our clients. On weekends, we collaborate with trusted local veterinarians to ensure your horse always has access to quality care.

𝘛𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘚𝘝𝘚 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 12 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴.

https://skillmanvet.com/

10/06/2025

Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult decisions for horse owners. Quality of life, safety, chronic health conditions and even financial realities can all play a role.

In our latest article, we share clear guidelines and eight practical tips to help owners navigate this emotional process with compassion and confidence.

Read the full post here: https://skillmanvet.com/2025/10/knowing-when-its-time-large-animal-euthanasia-for-horses/