Animal Hospital of Omak

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

TUESDAY TIDBITS: EQUINE DENTAL HEALTH 🦷

Equine dental health is not only crucial for keeping your equine companion's pearly whites healthy but also for the overall health of the animal in general.

Common dental issues such as the ones mentioned in the graphic can negatively affect the health of the teeth themselves as well as gum, gastrointestinal, and overall mouth health. Dental issues can also impact chewing and food grinding, further exacerbating digestive tract issues.

Has your horse struggled with any of these dental issues before? Let us know below ⬇️

As always, if you have questions or concerns about your horse's dental health, contact your equine veterinarian.

04/18/2026

04/18/2026

The American Lamb Board has secured funding through USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers program to support sheep & lamb producers across the country.

This program is designed to help improve efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen long-term sustainability on your operation.

✔️ Up to $23,000 in funding available
✔️ Work one-on-one with technical service providers
✔️ Access tools to track data and improve management decisions
✔️ Focus on land stewardship and profitability

Details in comments.

04/18/2026

The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to continuing the fight against illegal drugs in our communities. The sudden passing of K9 Elsa was devastating to her handler, Deputy Taft, our agency, and the community. Her loss has left a significant void in that ongoing effort.

In the wake of Elsa’s passing, a grant was applied for to help replace her specialized skill set. We are pleased to share that this grant has been awarded. While it will cover the cost of the K9, additional expenses associated with training, travel and lodging will be the responsibility of the agency.

Since Elsa’s passing, our community has shown an outpouring of support. Many have reached out asking how they can help. Deputy Taft has met with several community members and has already received generous donations toward rebuilding the K9 program. We are incredibly grateful for this support; however, there is more work to be done.

To continue this effort, the K9 program is launching a fundraiser. Donations can be dropped off at the Oroville Police Department 1105 Main Street, Omak Police Department 8 North Ash Street, Brewster Police Department 105 South 3rd Street, or the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office 123 North 5th Ave Okanogan. Donations can be mailed directly to the Sheriff’s Office. Please make donations payable to the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office K9 Program.

We have made the decision not to utilize online fundraising platforms such as GoFundMe. Our goal is to ensure that every dollar donated by our citizens goes directly to supporting the K9 program, and we will work closely with our partner agencies to make that happen.

The K9 program's goal is $10,000.00.

Through this effort, we will honor K9 Elsa’s legacy and ensure the work she stood for continues without pause.

04/01/2026

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.

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

When you see this label, it means exactly what it says.

Born here. Raised here. Harvested here. Processed here. 🇺🇸

No shortcuts. No exceptions. No confusion.

That’s Product of USA.

🔗 www.productofusa.gov

03/26/2026

Horses are very adaptable and typically can handle significant temperature swings. Here's how to help your horse handle these conditions and battle cold or heat stress.

03/26/2026

Lilies are beautiful plants that may brighten your home, but they are highly toxic to your cat. All parts of the lily plant are poisonous to your cat — the petals, the leaves, the stem, and even the pollen. If ingested by your cat, early symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness or lethargy, excessive thirst or urination, or a racing or irregular pulse. If you’re considering decorating your home with spring flowers, read up on the dangers of lilies at https://bit.ly/3IeMBhC.