Brown Equine Hospital

05/18/2026

Team Member Needed!

Barn Technician

Job Summary:
This is a part time position in our Somerset, PA hospital with potential for full time for the right candidate. The position is for weekdays (M-Th) third shift (11pm-7am.) You will be an important part of a high functioning team responsible for the health and well-being of horses from all disciplines.

Responsibilities and Duties
The Basics:
• Monitor in patient cases such as monitoring fluids, for pain, daily physical exams & treatments
• Keep hospital cleaned and organized at all times
• Exceptional horse handling skills/restraint preferred

Qualifications and Skills:
Previous experience dealing with difficult, sick or injured horses preferred but willing to train the right candidate. The successful applicant with be ambitious and self motivated.

Send resume via email to [email protected]
No phone calls please. Do not reply on Facebook!

05/02/2026

Will you be watching?🐎

04/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18WaRdtCVA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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.

03/07/2026

02/24/2026

The first day of spring is less than a month away! 🌸
Which means…it's time to schedule your equine companion to receive their spring vaccinations!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your equine friend should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your animal and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

02/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DrwuDWJeW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

IT'S QUIZ TIME! ✍️ Do you know which condition is the leading cause of equine lameness cases? Drop your answers in the comments. ⬇️

The answer is "C" - Osteoarthritis!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of lameness in horses, accounting for about 60% of lameness cases. It’s a progressive joint disease where the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down due to wear and tear, injury, or inflammation. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint start to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

In horses, OA often starts with inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) or the joint capsule (capsulitis), which can speed up cartilage damage. Early and effective management of this inflammation is important because it can help slow the progression of the disease and protect the joint.

Treatments for OA in horses focus on relieving pain and inflammation (symptom-modifying drugs) and, when possible, slowing or changing the course of the disease itself (disease-modifying drugs).

While OA can’t be reversed, prompt attention and ongoing care can help horses stay comfortable and active, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life even with this chronic condition.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! We wish you happiness and success in the coming year.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from our herd to yours!

12/15/2025

A good reminder as temps drop to unseasonably cold early in winter…