True North Veterinary Health, PLLC

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Donkeys are one of the hardest animals to manage in eastern South Dakota.

Our pastures are lush. Our ground can be soft. Our pens and pastures are small. And we have a lot of flies and bugs.

This is my personal donkey, Richard. He is very obese and suffers from laminitis occasionally.

I am helping research the only FDA approved drug for Equine Metabolic Syndrome but we can’t test it in donkeys unfortunately.

So instead, this summer I’m dry lotting Richard and have him on compounded ertugliflozin which is in the same drug class as the study drug, velagliflozin.

Ertugliflozin is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Ertugliflozin lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine.

I’ll make sure to have an after picture at the end of the summer! Hoping to get him down at least a couple body condition scores!

If anyone wants help with their donkey’s obesity, schedule with us at 605-270-7735!

05/30/2026

So far we are finding that ponies (minis, Welsh, POAs, etc), Rocky Mountains, and Arabians are qualifying for the study!

If you have one of these breeds that has ever had a cresty neck, and or sore feet, and or is an easy keeper, let us know!

These are all farm calls so we are limiting it to 90 miles from the clinic.

I’d also love to screen any Morgans, Saddlebreds, Paso Finos, Andalusians, Warmbloods, and Mustangs that fit the description!

05/28/2026

Looking for volunteers!

As we prepare for our summer session, HorsePower is in desperate need of volunteers to help us continue providing therapeutic riding and hippotherapy lessons to our clients. Right now, we still have 21 volunteer spots that need to be filled between horse leaders and sidewalkers. Without enough volunteers, we may have to turn clients away this summer.

Even if you can donate only one hour of time out of your week, that can completely change the world for our clients who depend on these services. You do not need horse experience to make a difference. We will teach you what you need to know! We just need people willing to show up and be part of something meaningful.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the HorsePower phone or comment below. Even if you don't have any spare time in your summer, sharing this post helps spread the word that we are in desperate need of volunteers!

Thank you for supporting HorsePower and the incredible riders we serve!

05/28/2026

In case you ever wonder what we are doing at 9pm? Fixing. Always.

05/24/2026

Yessss

05/22/2026

Proud is an understatement!

Erin went through extensive Equine Reproduction training at the Breeders Assistant in Texas learning all the current protocols and techniques in fresh/cooled breeding, frozen breeding, and embryo transfer!

We are so excited to offer this service after so many horse owners have asked for it!

Call us at 605-270-7735 to schedule your mare!

05/21/2026