Cedar Hill Mobile Equine, PLLC

08/22/2026

While the number of confirmed equine rabies cases every year is low, talking about this disease remains important because of the potential for human exposure—which does NOT have to involve a bite from an infected horse, as contact of skin or mucosa with the horse’s saliva could be enough to transmit the disease.

Rabies has many faces, but they are all deadly—once a horse shows clinical signs, the animal invariably dies within a few days as there is no treatment.

The good news is that modern vaccines are highly effective and current AAEP recommendations list rabies as one of the “core vaccines” that should be given to all horses annually to maintain immunity (read the full AAEP vaccination guidelines here: https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines).

Equine rabies is a real risk for all horses, and a public health concern as well. Be sure to set up a regular vaccination schedule with your veterinarian if you haven’t already done so. Remember that strange behavior on behalf of your equine friend is always a valid reason to check in with your horse doctor!

08/20/2026

08/04/2026

US Equestrian has announced two medication rule changes:
➡️Effective immediately, cetirizine (commonly known by the brand name of the human product Zyrtec) will become a permitted substance and may be used in competition.
➡️Guidance on methocarbamol has been revised and there are now two recommended withdrawal timeframes for the drug in competition; the recommended dose for methocarbamol will remain the same.

More information including the two withdrawal timeframes for methodcarbamol can be found on the USEF website: https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-releases-new-guidance-for

07/22/2026

🤔 Did you know? Cellulitis can become a veterinary emergency in just a matter of hours.

🦵 Cellulitis is more than a swollen leg. This bacterial infection causes rapid swelling, heat, pain, and lameness, most commonly in a hind limb. If left untreated, the infection can spread into deeper tissues or the bloodstream, making prompt veterinary care essential.

🩹 The entry point isn't always obvious. While bacteria often enter through small cuts, puncture wounds, or cracked skin, about half of cellulitis cases develop without an identifiable cause. Good wound care, clean facilities, and proper grooming practices can help reduce your horse's risk.

🥕 Nutrition supports healthy skin and immune function. A balanced diet that provides adequate protein, vitamins, minerals, hydration, and essential fatty acids helps maintain the skin's natural barrier against infection. While nutrition can't prevent every case, it plays an important role in supporting your horse's overall resilience.



📚 To learn more about Cellulitis in Horses, follow the link below:
🇨🇦 CA: https://madbarn.ca/cellulitis-in-horses/
🇺🇸 US: https://madbarn.com/cellulitis-in-horses/

07/15/2026

If you feel hot, your horse feels even hotter.

Horses have a much harder time processing heat and humidity than humans. And among horses, foals usually cannot handle as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day.

Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will also be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Keep in mind that exercise is a major source of body heat and strenuous work on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot and humid day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use common sense. And remember: don't push it! If your horse looks tired, it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

07/15/2026

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

The best thing to do is avoid sun exposure whenever possible!

07/02/2026

https://chronofhorse.com/en/article/too-hot-to-handle-recognizing-exertional-heat-illness/

“The main mechanism of heat loss is evaporative cooling through sweat,” says Fernando Marqués, DVM, DACVIM, DACVSMR, of Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Kimberly Loushin Photo Too Hot To Handle: Recognizing Exertional Heat Illness Welfare Christina Keim l June 29, 2026

06/09/2026

In response to the recent confirmation from the USDA of the presence of New World Screwworm in the United States, the AAEP has published New World Screwworm Infestation (Disease) Guidelines.

View the guidelines here: https://ow.ly/SNsM50Z92rh