Tacoma Equine Hospital

08/05/2025

Caption this…. Cupid’s side eye says it all… 👀
📸: Dr. Galen

Entry #1 from Dr. Watson: "Woke up this pretty"

08/02/2025

Do we work on baby goats? Nope. Do we hold them when we see them? Heck yeah!

📸 of Dr. Valerie, Margaret, and vet student Chiara
🐐 provided by our client Sherene

08/01/2025

Join AAEP veterinarians Drs. Carrie Hammer and Michael St. Blanc for a wide-ranging, light-hearted look at some common equine veterinary myths and the truths -- and misconceptions -- behind them. They'll engage the audience with a poll about each myth, followed by a discussion of the topic.

Registration is FREE but required. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ao_rvrGXNquW8oMEHIC7Nf84y7pSPYTI4bdfTPs0t90YcayfOLHF~AqqPddj8fNuAs8IccVFiJmM-OGVEAYaYrolqrJY50wREdUWAkodSd2AU5w?lmt=1753980636000

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

07/28/2025

FYI: Respiratory EHV & Strangles case in Kitsap county. Biosecurity is key to prevent spread, especially when traveling with your horses! A few tips include:
✅ Don’t share tack, brushes, manure picks, etc
✅ Disinfect buckets and don’t dunk the end of the hose into water buckets when filling
✅ Wash your hands between horses
✅ Don’t let horses touch noses
✅ Monitor your horse’s temperature daily and for check for signs of illness

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) is a family of equine viruses named by numbers including EHV-1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with EHV-1,3,4 posing the most risk for domestic horses. EHV is a common DNA virus that occurs in horse populations worldwide. The two most common species are EHV-1 and EHV-4.

07/22/2025

Repost
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Most equine owners know that a negative Coggins test is a document required to be able to transport their animal across state lines, enter them in a competitive event, or board at someone’s barn. But what does the phrase “negative Coggins test” actually mean?

A “Coggins” is a blood test that can only be performed by USDA-approved laboratories and checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the blood. EIA is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that is primarily transmitted by biting flies, particularly horseflies—which means that your animals are at risk even if they never travel or live in a closed herd.

The clinical signs of disease can vary dramatically from an acute infection to an inapparent form, but what is important to know is that it produces a persistent infection. Once an animal tests positive for EIA it becomes a lifelong source of disease transmission, so the owner can only choose between quarantine for life or humane euthanasia to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t occur. There is no vaccine and no treatment for EIA.

Take-home message: While a Coggins test is a necessary travel document, don’t forget that it’s also first and foremost a way to identify and remove EIA carriers to keep the disease under control.

To learn more about EIA, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/equine-infectious-anemia/
or visit the EDCC’s website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/

07/16/2025

It’s all fun and carrots until your mini chokes! A friendly PSA to feed your little ones cut half rounds or smaller. We’ve seen too many chokes caused by carrot rounds getting lodged in esophaguses. Everyone deserves a yummy *and* safe snack!

07/14/2025

Have you heard of “sweet itch” before?

This is a common affliction for many horses this time of year when small biting flies (Culicoides) aggravate some of the most sensitive skin on a horse. They often target the soft skin of their belly, inner thighs, and sheath for geldings. Horses that develop severe sweet itch often have an allergic sensitivity to these flies, and can develop severe itching or insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). These horses can go to great lengths to itch their bellies, even lying down and scooching on the ground!

The good news is there are many ways to help keep horses comfortable during the itchy season. These include:
• Antihistamine allergy medications (cetirizine)
• Desensitizing allergy shots
• Steroid cream to calm the itching
• Injectable steroid treatment
• Barrier creams
• Fly repellent sprays
• Fly sheets with a belly band
• Oral supplements

If your horse is suffering from sweet itch or other severe itching, please reach out to schedule an appointment, and get your horse on track for a comfortable summer season!

07/11/2025

*Congrats to Lauren Watson DVM!*
If your horse needs a visit before she trots off on maternity leave starting September 1st, now’s the time to book! 🐴👶
She’ll be back on the road in December, but appointments are limited - reach out soon to get on her schedule! Call/Text: 253-535-6999

07/02/2025

Visual reminder of the importance of deworming 🤢

Check out our deworming recommendations on our website: tacomaequine.com/preventative and make sure to work with your veterinarian to determine the best program for your horse!

06/30/2025

PSA: Need sedatives for the 4th? Call us today! Rx requests take 2 business days to process. 💉

With the just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area. 🎆

Here are some tips to get you started:
• If your horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. • If you are really worried about your horse’s safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration.

Happy 4th!

Thank you to our Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.
Repost

06/19/2025

Repost
Today, we honor Juneteenth — a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom and the ongoing journey toward justice for all.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received word that they were free. Juneteenth is a commemoration of liberation and a recognition of struggle.

Established as a national holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been an official state holiday in Texas since 1979. This significant date in history is now one for all Americans to honor.

04/14/2025

Fun Facts with Dr. Lumley!

Do you have a horse?
My Arabian mare, Mia (pictured here), is 32 years young! She, and the emergency surgery she underwent, is the reason I decided to change course in college and pursue a career in equine vet medicine. We also raised two of her foals who are now in their twenties. They are all enjoying an idyllic retirement on my parents' farm in southern Washington.

What discipline?
The discipline of FUN!

Future equine goals or something you're looking forward to this year with horses?
I'm always searching for balance between work, my two young kiddos, and my love of horseback adventures. Any time in the saddle this year would be a WIN for me.

Fun fact about yourself?
I lived in Kenya for 3 months and studied the intersection between the indigenous Masai people, ecotourism, and wildlife. During this time I went head to head with a gibbon who tried to steal my lunch, and I won! 🐒