Massachusetts Equine Clinic

04/23/2025

Dr. Cate Crowley was recently chosen as the New England representative for The Stable Life, a wellness initiative launched by Boehringer Ingelheim. This program was created in response to the growing challenges in the equine veterinary industry—including a shortage of new veterinarians and the exit of experienced ones.

The Stable Life is dedicated to transforming the future of equine medicine by supporting the well-being of those who practice it. Its mission is to inspire veterinarians to find balance, rediscover purpose, and thrive in both their personal and professional lives. With the increasing demands equine vets face, this initiative aims to unite the community and drive real, lasting change.

04/01/2025

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.

Source-American Association of Equine Practitioners

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.

03/22/2025

🚑🐴 MSPCA Equine Safety & Rescue Training🐴🚑

Our team recently participated in the MSPCA-Angell Equine Ambulance Program’s Equine Safety & Rescue Training, one of the nation’s leading programs in equine emergency response. We had the chance to work with the Original Rescue Glide® and Lucky, a horse mannequin, to practice real-life rescue scenarios and learn essential techniques for handling equine emergencies.

The training, held at the Brookside Equestrian Center, provided valuable insight into equine behavior, rescue equipment, and safety procedures. Huge thanks to Kaycie & Roger for their expertise and dedication to protecting horses everywhere! 🐎❤️

03/16/2025

As spring approaches, and unfortunately so does "mud season", sooner or later nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean? This diagram shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

Shared from American Association of Equine Practitioners

As spring approaches, and unfortunately so does "mud season", sooner or later nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean? This diagram shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

03/14/2025

Call The Mane Place to RSVP

03/03/2025

2025 Spring Care Reminder 💉🐴

Spring is just around the corner, and we want to help keep your horse healthy! Attached is our Vaccine Clinic Day Schedule—a great opportunity to save on farm call fees by scheduling your horse’s vaccinations with one of our trusted veterinarians.

🗓️ Book your appointment today!
Call us at (508) 278-6511 to schedule your horse’s services or to check when they’re due for their annual vaccinations.

Thank you for trusting us with your horse’s care—we look forward to seeing you soon!

03/02/2025

Spring is almost here! 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!



Shared from American Association of Equine Practitioners

Spring is almost here! 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!

02/06/2025

2025 Spring Care Reminder 🐎

Spring is just around the corner, and we want to help keep your horse healthy! Attached is our Vaccine Clinic Day Schedule—a great opportunity to save on farm call fees by scheduling your horse’s vaccinations with one of our trusted veterinarians.

🗓️ Book your appointment today!
Call us at (508) 278-6511 to schedule your horse’s services or to check when they’re due for their annual vaccinations.

Thank you for trusting us with your horse’s care—we look forward to seeing you soon!

02/05/2025

Exciting announcement🎉

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kris Koss to Massachusetts Equine Clinic! Dr. Koss joins us from his longstanding practice, Baystone Equine🐴

This decision marks a significant step for Dr. Koss towards retirement, with a focus on ensuring a seamless transition of care for his Baystone Equine clients to a new primary veterinarian. His commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering strong client relationships remains unwavering.

If you see Dr. Koss around your farm, say hello! While with us, Dr. Koss will be a part of our emergency on-call rotation. We’re thrilled for him and his practice to join Mass Equine, so please join us in giving him a warm welcome👏

02/01/2025

Dental Health Awareness Month 🦷

Take advantage of savings during the month of February! Trainer your horse into our clinic and enjoy your discounted dental float in our heated exam rooms🐴

Call our office Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm to schedule your appointment 📞

12/04/2024

🦠🦠🦠

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease, and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

11/13/2024

This past month, our intern Dr. Emma and technician Kaitlynn had the amazing opportunity to attend the 2024 Purina Equine Veterinary Conference in St. Louis, Missouri! While there, they explored downtown St. Louis, visited the Arch and History Museum, and even met Olaf, one of the famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales. They also toured the Purina Research Farm in Gray Summit, MO, where they learned from case studies on equine care🐴

One exciting highlight from the conference was learning about Purina’s Equine Microbiome Quotient (MQ) Testing Kit. This innovative, non-invasive kit allows horse owners to test gut health right from home, identifying both good and bad microorganisms in your horse’s digestive system💩 Based on the results, you’ll receive a custom nutrition plan tailored to support your horse’s health and well-being.

To learn more about the Purina MQ Testing Kit, visit mq.purinamills.com/product/mqkit.