Clinton Veterinary Service, P.C.

06/09/2025

Aww! The smell of fresh cut hay fields! As everyone is starting to make plans to purchase hay they need for the upcoming winter we encourage people to have their hay tested - especially if you have a horse that struggles to maintain an ideal weight. Hay analysis can help you determine how digestible the hay is, the sugar content (NSC) and protein content. Our clinic can help you collect a sample and either you can send it in or we can assist you!

https://aatestlabs.com/equine-forage-feed-analysis.php

06/08/2025

🚜🐴 Mark your calendars! 🐴🚜

Join us for the return of Breakfast on the Farm at MSU Horse Teaching & Research Center in Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday, August 2. 🎉 Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast and explore Michigan’s equine industry on a self-guided farm tour with hands-on learning stations.

🔹 See beautiful Arabian horses
🔹 Learn about horse care & careers
🔹 Meet industry experts

🎟 FREE tickets available in July—but they go fast!Secure yours early and don’t miss this unforgettable experience.

Stay tuned for updates on the MSU Extension Breakfast on the Farm website & page! 🚜🐎

05/19/2025

When an animal dies and we don’t know why the animal died we often encourage owners to have us or a diagnostic lab performed a necropsy. When a necropsy is performed, the animal is examined externally and internally to look for any abnormalities. Sometimes the cause of death is visible with our eyes. When we cannot see anything abnormal, we will collect samples and send them to a diagnostic lab for testing and to have the tissues examined under a microscope.

This picture depicts the open chest (on the right) and abdomen (left side) of a newborn calf that died during birth.

05/13/2025

When foals are born it is very important that they nurse from the mare within 2-3 hours. The colostrum that the mare makes (first milk) is packed full of immunoglobulins that protect the foal from infectious diseases.
We recommend all foals have a blood test done (at least 12 hours after birth) to test the level of immunoglobulins in their body,
This photo shows results of a foal that has little to no immunoglobulins (on the left) and a foal that has a high level of immunoglobulins (on the right). Foals that do not get adequate immunoglobulins need a plasma transfusion to keep them healthy.

05/01/2025

Don’t forget to stop by today. Bring the family and enjoy dinner on us!
Even if you didn’t RSVP- we would love to see you!

04/28/2025

We are excited to announce we are having client appreciation dinner this Thursday!

04/10/2025

Dr Kristin is so excited to be attending this show this weekend! She will be checking in animals on Friday and in attendance on both Saturday and Sunday for any veterinary needs of the animals in attendance.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the alpaca at this free festival at the Allegan County Fairgrounds

04/09/2025

Working hard and getting dirty!
Dr. Cynthia castrated not one, but three colts today!

04/08/2025

🌱SMART GRAZING! 🌱 Spring is here, which means the arrival of grass, but knowing when to let your horses 🐴 graze and why and why can be confusing. 🤔

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, like sugar, that can be stored for later use; essentially, it’s how plants make their food. Sunlight directly influences when sugars in the grass are at their highest. Grasses accumulate sugars during the day, with sugar levels peaking in the late afternoon and evening.

USE CAUTION WHEN WEATHER IS COOL OVERNIGHT
During cool nights (below 40°F), plants use their sugars for growth at a slower rate, resulting in higher sugar concentrations in the grass the following morning. Spring and Fall are especially prone to temperature fluctuations, so use extra caution during these seasons.

HORSES AT RISK
- Overweight horses, including those with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or insulin resistance, are particularly vulnerable to laminitis due to the increased insulin sensitivity caused by high sugar intake.

- Fructans, a type of sugar found in grasses, can contribute to digestive issues like colic and hindgut acidosis. Take extra caution if your horse's digestive system is sensitive to change.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES:
- Incorporate a dry lot or track system if possible to reduce/eliminate intake of high-sugar grass.

- Introduce horses to spring grass slowly if they are not on full turnout to allow their gut microbiome to adjust to the increase in sugars and avoid digestive upset.

- Use grazing muzzles during turnout to restrict grass intake and reduce sugar consumption, especially if your horse is at risk (see above).

- Avoid overgrazing and maintain pasture health. When plants experience stress, such as drought, overgrazing, or nutrient deficiency, they may store more sugars to conserve energy and survive until conditions improve.

**This graphic is only a guide. Factors such as location, weather, grass species, and your horse’s health history should be considered. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions.**

04/03/2025

We recommend all new foals be seen for an exam after birth, even if everything appears normal.

04/01/2025

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.