Shoreline Equine Veterinary Services

05/29/2026

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

05/15/2026

An interesting find during a scope for stomach ulcers: botfly larva!

These little hitchhikers (also called “bots”) are initially seen in egg form as little yellow dots stuck to the hair of a horses legs or body. They are ingested and attach to the lining of the horse’s stomach before passing through. While most horses tolerate a small number, heavier burdens can contribute to stomach irritation and discomfort.

The best method for botfly control? Removing the eggs while grooming and strategic deworming

05/06/2026

Answer: Squamous Cell Carcinoma

On a routine wellness exam, this horse was found to have suspicious red lesions in both of his third eyelids. He underwent a procedure in which the eyelid was completely removed, and the area was frozen with liquid nitrogen (called cryotherapy). A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell, and that the entire diseased area had been removed. To prevent any reoccurrence, he had another round of cryotherapy two weeks later

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common cancer seen in horses. A form of skin cancer, it is often seen in horses with pink skin and typically develops on the head, eyes, or ge****ls. Caught early, it usually has a good prognosis with surgical removal combined with treatments like topical medications or cryotherapy. At risk horses should be checked regularly for suspicious areas and be provided with UV protection such as fly masks or sheets.

05/05/2026

What’s your diagnosis: Any guesses about what is wrong with this eye? Stay tuned for the answer!

04/16/2026

Sharing as we have many clients who may be affected by rising water levels and flooding this week. Please be aware and keep yourself and your horses safe 💙 If you have any questions or concerns for your animals please feel free to call

Notice to Residents:

Information regarding residences located along the river is now available through the Newaygo County GIS Public Viewer.

All properties affected will be displayed within the viewer for public access and review. Residents are encouraged to utilize this tool to view property-specific details and stay informed about any relevant updates.

For questions or assistance accessing the viewer, please contact the Sheriffs Office or Emergency Services.

04/08/2026

Check out this little cutie! 🤩

This little filly passed her newborn exam with flying colors, despite a minor setback. After birth, the mare was not interested in letting her baby nurse. A foal rejection protocol was started and the mare was given a combination of oxytocin and prostaglandins. These medications acted as way to reset her system and kickstart maternal behavior. Shortly after, the mare began to show interest and the foal began to nurse! 24 hours later, the foal passed he IgG test, indicating she received enough colostrum to get the critical immunities from the mare to ensure she stays healthy!

Congratulations to mom Copper and their owner on this very adorable, very feisty addition!

04/03/2026

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES GRASS FOUNDER?

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, but it may be the beginning of some serious problems for horses vulnerable to grass founder — like horses that are over the age of 10, easy keepers, overweight or cresty-necked.

Laminitis or founder, as it is commonly called, is inflammation of the laminae of the horse’s foot. Laminae are the delicate, accordion-like tissues that attach the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone (the bone in the foot). A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain. In severe cases, the coffin bone will actually rotate through the sole of the horse’s hoof where it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to the horse having to be euthanized.

Laminitis can be triggered by different causes, like repeated concussion on hard ground (road founder), grain overload, retained placenta, hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s syndrome), obesity, and lush grass.

In cases of grass founder, the sugar fructans produced by rapidly growing grass stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria in the horse’s large intestine. The bacteria produce and release toxins (endotoxins) that are carried by the bloodstream to the foot where they cause damage to the laminae and small blood vessels.

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing and managing the causes under your control. Consult your equine practitioner for further information and to formulate a plan tailored to your horse's individual situation. If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.

03/24/2026

Being faced with a potential emergency can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide of common conditions we often see and how quickly they should be addressed. If you are ever unsure if something is an emergency- please call and ask!

03/20/2026

Not everything is a two person job, but sometimes you need a little extra teamwork on a Friday 😉

03/17/2026

We are excited to announce our 2026 Equine Health Webinar Series!

Free registration using the QR code below OR by visiting : www.tinyurl.com/MSUEquineHealth