How to Help Horses Exposed to Wildfire Smoke

How to Help Horses Exposed to Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire season is back, so it’s time once again to consider how to protect your horse from respiratory damage caused by smoke inhalation. Horses’ lungs are huge—the average horse’s lung volume is 55 L, compared to a human’s 6 L. A horse exercising...
Strangles Testing: Why Is It So Darned Complicated? 

Strangles Testing: Why Is It So Darned Complicated? 

When it comes to diagnosing strangles (Streptococcus equi subsp. equi), we can choose from four diagnostic testing methods. But why do we recommend the testing we do?  Guttural pouch lavage. This is the gold standard diagnostic for strangles testing. Strangles-causing...
Case Study: Monty Battles Colitis

Case Study: Monty Battles Colitis

Although seemingly benign in other species, diarrhea can be very serious and even potentially fatal in horses.  Monty, a 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, presented to BEMC for being dull, not wanting to eat, and lying down more than normal. At arrival he was found to...
Case Study: Fabulous Fred’s Large Colon Impaction

Case Study: Fabulous Fred’s Large Colon Impaction

This handsome Friesian stallion was referred to BEMC, where he received aggressive fluid therapy to resolve his colic.  Fred is a 13- year-old Friesian stallion that had been experiencing mild colic signs, a reduced appetite, and very reduced manure production for two...
PPID (Equine Cushing’s Disease)

PPID (Equine Cushing’s Disease)

This week’s warming weather is a reminder that Summer Solstice (June 21) is around the corner! The longer days mean our Central Oregon horses should almost be done trading in their winter fuzzies for sleek summer coats. But what if your horse isn’t shedding normally?...