Dr. Adriana Stinnett, DVM

03/18/2026

Shedding season is right around the corner! 🌸

However, you notice that your equine friend is clinging to their winter coat longer than they should, it might be time to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your animal is 15+.

A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric equines.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping animals with PPID live long, happy lives. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time, and many equines are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.

It is also important to note that donkeys and mules tend to shed later than horses, so keep this in mind before getting too worried about other underlying causes. As always, if you have concerns about if your equine companion is shedding appropriately, contact your veterinarian.

02/25/2026

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01/24/2026

Post questions, concerns, curiosities about your pets.

I'll answer on live feed.

Anything you want to know, I'll try to answer.

01/09/2026

Periodontal disease and recurring pancreatitis episodes in dogs on a healthy diet.

01/08/2026

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Mobile veterinary ultrasound for Northern Arizona clinics.

01/07/2026

Jared and Mia Faraci from J-F Equine.

Jared is excellent at what he does. So if you need the horses done, his rates are reasonable and he's very accommodating. We offer sedation and anti inflammatory medicine, sometimes antibiotics if needed.

Call Jared Faraci to schedule.

01/07/2026

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01/07/2026

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

01/06/2026

FOALING SEASON IS UPON US! Do you have any mares due soon? Here's what to expect when you're expecting (a foal): 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated. However, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines, and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!

01/06/2026

🐴 Vet Tips: Nutritional Benefits of Soaked Beet Pulp for Horses

As a vet, I often recommend soaked beet pulp pellets for horses who need extra calories, fiber, and hydration—especially seniors, hard keepers, or those with dental or metabolic issues.

Here’s why it’s so valuable:

✅ Highly digestible fiber – Ferments in the hindgut to provide steady energy and support gut health. Avoids making the horse hot/nervous.

✅ Low sugar & starch – Ideal for horses with insulin resistance, PPID (Cushing’s), or laminitis concerns.

✅ “Cool calories” – Adds energy without overstimulating; perfect for maintaining weight or condition.

✅ Easy to chew – Great for senior horses or those with dental problems.

✅ Supports hydration – When soaked, beet pulp absorbs water, helping horses stay hydrated and reducing impaction risk. When soaked, holds several times its weight in water

Feeding Tips:
Soak molasses free beet pulp pellets in water for at least 15–60 minutes

Pair with forage/hay, and a ration balancer or supplement for complete nutrition. Some horses will get a little too hot from a Ration Balancer, so maybe feed that 3 days per week instead of daily.

🐾 Beet pulp is not just a supplement—it’s a versatile, safe feed that can improve health and wellbeing for many horses.

Have you tried beet pulp for your horse? Share your experience or questions below 👇

One last thing, cost wise. A bag goes a long way, and costs roughly $20 for 40 lbs. You will get many feedings from a bag.

01/04/2026

🚩 We're still seeing a number of horses with fevers around the Valley with unknown causes. Keep practicing biosecurity if your taking your horses to events. Lysine and other immune support supplements are available at most farm retailers.