Gulf Coast Equine Hospital

01/11/2024

We have a new page!!! Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/GulfCoastEquineHospitalAL

12/22/2023

Our clinic will be closed on Monday, Dec 25th and Tuesday, Dec 26th. If you have an emergency with your pet, please call 251-752-7856. We wish you all the very best and happy holidays!

11/27/2023

10/27/2023

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What is laminitis? In short, it’s a painful condition that affects the horse’s feet. It results from disruption in blood flow to the laminae of the foot. This disruption affects the bond between the hoof wall and coffin bone. There are various causes of laminitis, including but not limited to: grain overload, excessive access to lush forage, high fever/illness.
So what do you look for if you suspect laminitis? Lameness/reluctance to walk, heat in feet, increased digital pulse in feet. If you suspect your horse may be suffering from laminitis, call a vet immediately! The sooner treatment begins, the better likelihood there is for recovery.

10/23/2023

Fall is officially in full swing! Now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

The graphic below lists some essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do checklist, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse rugs repaired and waterproofed; securing and storing hay properly; assessing your shelters for safety and soundness; etc.)

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

10/16/2023

10/09/2023

While it’s a common equine emergency, espophageal obstruction (“choke”) can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occur when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses

10/02/2023