Tufts Veterinary Field Service

11/25/2025

11/22/2025

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: that the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

10/31/2025

Our second-year veterinary students learned about Red Maple Leaf Toxicity this week, just in time for tonight's wind storm. Each group was asked to develop a Facebook Post, and below are the two favorites.

Below is a great description of what happens with Red Maple Leaf Toxicity from one of our groups.

How it works: When a horse eats wilted or dried red maple leaves (especially in the fall or after a storm), the leaves release chemicals that are toxic to red blood cells. These chemicals cause damage to the red blood cells and make it so that they cannot carry oxygen to the rest of the body effectively. The damaged red blood cells then rupture and release a compound inside of them called hemoglobin. The hemoglobin passes through the kidneys, damaging kidney cells on the way through and causing the dark red-brown urine color we see in these horses. The red blood cells are destroyed faster than the horse can replace them so anemia (low red blood cells) develops and we also see tissue hypoxia (low oxygen throughout the body) since the red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to the body.

Prognosis: The outcome and whether the horse will recover depends on how many leaves were eaten, how long the horse spent eating the leaves, and how quickly treatment begins. Mild cases involve a small amount ingested and early treatment and horses may recover with supportive care like intravenous (IV) fluids and blood transfusions. Moderate to severe cases (lots of leaves ingested or continued ingestion for a longer time, or longer time before beginning treatment) have a guarded to poor prognosis as severe anemia (lack of red blood cells) and kidney failure develop quickly. Untreated or advanced cases are often fatal and death will occur within 18-48 hours after onset of signs (mortality rate is around 60%). Survivors may still need weeks of monitoring for ongoing complications like anemia or kidney issues.

10/27/2025

09/15/2025

Did you know your TVFS veterinary team does even more than care for your herds and companions every day? They are educators, researchers, and collaborators too! Check out this story about Dr. Erin King-Podzaline's published work in the field of animal welfare:

Oftentimes in food production, animals are not routinely afforded pain control for common husbandry procedures. Pain contributes to negative experiences and impacts an animals’ overall welfare. We have an important role as veterinarians to improve the lives of production animals under our care and...

08/13/2025

Proud to have this growing service and group of therio folks!

08/12/2025

Great work by Robbie Dwyer and our intern, Hayley Lindsey! They teamed up with multiple fire departments for a successful rescue!

07/22/2025

Help us welcome the '25-'26 TVFS Intern, Dr. Haley Lindsey!

Dr. Lindsey grew up in Fraser, Michigan. She realized her love of animals at a very young age and had her first riding lesson at 8 years old. However, despite her growing appreciation for horses through riding and time spent at the local race track with her uncle, she ventured out of the equestrian world and started a rewarding 14-year long competitive career in figure skating instead. Hayley attended the University of Michigan and double majored, earning Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and International Studies. While there, she worked in multiple research laboratories, engaged in philanthropic organizations, and competed for the University’s Synchronized Skating Team. Additionally, she circled back to her love for horses and grew her interest in dairy medicine through shadowing large animal vets.

Dr. Lindsey then received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia, where she was active in student organizations for equine, bovine, and small ruminant medicine as well as global animal health. She completed the International Veterinary Certificate Program at UGA, spending months in Ghana, Cameroon, and the Philippines working with veterinarians abroad to serve farmers with small herds of sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. While in Athens, Dr. Lindsey also elected to complete a dual degree program, receiving her Master of Public Health, through which she learned how to appropriately address disease outbreaks in order to better protect animals and the people who care for them. Her professional interests include small ruminant and backyard farm medicine, dairy production, equine emergency, reproductive services, and disease control.

In her spare time, you can find Dr. Lindsey salsa dancing, open skating at the nearest ice rink, or researching her next international travel adventure.