Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Mount Vernon

11/22/2025

Two horses have now tested positive for the non-neurologic form of EHV here in Washington state. Our clinic is recommending that horses stay home for the next 2-3 weeks to decrease the spread. Make sure your horses are up to date on vaccinations. If you have horses coming into your barns that have been traveling, we recommend isolating those horses for 14-21 days. If you have more questions about EHM, AAEP is hosting a client seminar on Tuesday November 25th to learn more. Link is listed below. 👇

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

11/20/2025

For clients traveling to Vegas, make sure your horse has a Coggins, Health Certificate, and an Entry Permit. Only veterinarians with USDA accreditation numbers will be able to get you an Entry Permit. Entry Permits are required through January 1st, 2026. Your health certificate needs to state “no animals presented on this CVI have been on a premise with a confirmed case of EHV-1 within the last 21 days.

Washington State Veterinary Assocation is suggesting to avoid vaccinating for EHV prior to a stressful event because it could increase the chances of developing the neurological form.

For travelers laying over in Arizona, horses will need to have new health certificates written by a local veterinarian in Arizona to get into
Nevada.

Feel free to call us at 360-424-4054 if you have concerns or questions.

11/19/2025

As many know, two cases of the neurologic form of Equine Herpes Virus have been confirmed at the Women's Professional Rodeo Association World Finals that took place in Waco, Texas on November 5th-9th. As horses are dispersing from the event, there is a concern of possible further transmission of the disease. It is recommended that horses that attended that event be isolated for 14 days with twice daily temperature checks.

There are no confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopahty (EHM) in Washington State at this time. We strongly recommend that horses arriving from out of state be quarantined for the next 14- 21 days with twice daily temperature checks. The extent of the outbreak is not fully known at this time. Consider limiting unnecessary travel, monitor your horses closely for early signs, and updating the respiratory vaccines.

For our clients traveling to Vegas in the next few weeks, we encourage you to follow strict biosecurity protocols while at the event. The EHV-1 virus is spread from horse to horse via contact with nasal discharge or aerosolized respiratory droplets. The virus can be spread through fomites such as stall surfaces, water buckets, tack, trailers, or clothes. Prevent nose-to-nose contact with other horses or contact with surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets. Disinfect community surfaces (cross ties, wash racks, tie areas, tack rooms) and items that come into contact with other horses (grooming tools, buckets, pitch forks, wheel barrows). A common fomite can be the community water hose so ensure the hose nozzle does not touch your horse's water bucket or disinfect it before use. Try to limit human contact with other horses outside your traveling party as humans can unintentionally be mechanical carriers. If your horse develops a fever, nasal discharge, coughing, abortion, or neurologic symptoms while traveling, have your horse evaluated by a veterinarian. Ensure your horse is up to date on respiratory vaccines as well.

https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Barrel-Futurities-of-America-Suspends-Oklahoma-Event-Due-to-EHM-Positives?fbclid=IwY2xjawOLKQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxQ1dEczVVUktEWTZlT0hTc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoWH2a6LTkTBgFTFSWhvT9kLLmUpdUqG9gBCGg4n1nz_GY_7Yuus0KJD7sif_aem_6kqi5FNC4JRiPhelRV-J3w

Two positive cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy have caused the cancellation of the remainder of the Barrel Futurities of America (BFA) World Championship. The event was scheduled to run Nov. 17-22 at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK.

11/18/2025

We still have openings to get on the schedule for our November dental float special.

11/17/2025

This young horse presented for her annual dental exam and found to have a step on tooth 208. Horses chew in a figure eight motion while moving their mandible back and forth. Tooth 208 has erupted past the chewing surface of the other teeth and prevented this mare from having the ability to move her lower jaw back/forth while eating. The tooth opposing 208 has been stunted in eruption due to the step. We took dental radiographs to ensure there were no other abnormalities due to the young horse's age. Try finding the abnormalitiy in photo 1 and seeing if you were right in photo 2.

11/13/2025

When baby horses get vaccine boosters, sometimes they just need a nap.

11/11/2025

" But my horse is eating just fine!"
"But my horse is not showing any discomfort in the bridle."

These are things we hear all the time, and yet we often can find dental problems hiding!

Even with a broken tooth many horses will continue on as if nothing is wrong, which can lead to more significant problems over time. A thorough Dental Exam during your horses Annual Exam can show us hidden issues before they become a problem!

This horse was not showing any discomfort or issues with their training, yet a sedated Dental Exam revealed this fractured tooth that had to come out!
When was your horses last Dental Exam? If it has been a year or longer give us a call, we are here to make sure your horse is always feeling their best!

11/10/2025

Let's talk about p**p ( Your Horse's, Not yours!)
Yes, it is that time of year again- F***l egg count time!

We know it is not the most glamorous topic, but doing a yearly f***l egg count (FEC) is one of the smartest things that you can do for your horses health. Think of it as a wellness check of their gut- minus the awkward questions.

Why does this matter?
It helps us figure out which horses are parasite "High Shedders"
It prevents over - deworming and helps keep those pesky worms from becoming superbugs.
A small sample can tell us a lot, and your horse won't miss it. Have your vet grab a sample at your next appointment or drop a f***l ball off at the office for testing.

11/07/2025

Who needs personal space when you're this cute? Jane spent the day helping Dr Tungseth take care of all of her friends at home, of course this was after she had her turn to get her yearly lab work done.

Did you know that Donkeys were not meant to live in climates where green lush grass is the norm? This is why it is especially important to monitor their health and weight to ensure they continue to stay at a healthy weight and are not suffering from Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Laminitis.

11/06/2025

We all love a creative horse....but when their hay starts coming out as neat little wads, it is time to call your vet!
This poor horse was "Quidding" due to a broken tooth, making it a challenge to chew properly. A dental exam and an extraction later and the problem is solved. FYI Coco, hay is for eating and not for crafting.
Give us a call today to schedule your horses annual dental exam during our November Float Special! You will save $40 on your float, discounts on vaccines, and discounts on f***ls.

10/23/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our client education day about Equine Emergencies. We learned about colic, laminitis, wounds, and other common emergencies. There was a hands on portion to practice wrapping legs, listen to a horse’s heart, and how to help a down horse.

We are looking to host another client education day at the end of January or February. Comment below on what topics would be of interest to you.

10/22/2025