Equine Shockwave Therapy: Enhancing Your Horse’s Well-being

As a horse owner, you understand the importance of ensuring your equine companion’s health and well-being. Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley is here to provide you with innovative and effective treatments to support your horse’s optimal performance. One such treatment gaining popularity is equine shockwave therapy. In this article, we will explore what equine shockwave therapy is, how it works, and the reasons your horse may benefit from this cutting-edge treatment.

Understanding Equine Shockwave Therapy

Equine shockwave therapy involves the application of high-energy sound waves to targeted areas of a horse’s body. These sound waves create pressure pulses that stimulate the healing process, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. The therapy can be used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, and back pain.

How Equine Shockwave Therapy Works

During a shockwave therapy session, a veterinarian or trained professional will use a specialized device to deliver focused sound waves to the affected area. The waves penetrate deep into the tissues, stimulating blood flow and triggering a cascade of biological responses. This process promotes the release of growth factors, enhances tissue repair, and reduces pain and inflammation. By facilitating the body’s natural healing mechanisms, shockwave therapy can expedite recovery and improve overall functionality.

Benefits of Equine Shockwave Therapy

Accelerated Healing: Shockwave therapy stimulates the production of collagen and enhances the regeneration of damaged tissues, promoting faster healing.
Pain Relief: By reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow, shockwave therapy helps alleviate pain and discomfort associated with various musculoskeletal conditions.
Non-Invasive: Equine shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgical intervention, minimizing risks and downtime for your horse.
Improved Performance: By addressing underlying issues and promoting optimal healing, shockwave therapy can help enhance your horse’s performance potential.

Reasons Your Horse May Need Equine Shockwave Therapy

A. Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Shockwave therapy can aid in the healing process for tendon and ligament injuries, which are common in horses involved in intense physical activities.

B. Osteoarthritis: The therapy can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, improving your horse’s comfort and mobility.

C. Back Pain: Horses suffering from back pain due to muscle strain or spinal conditions can benefit from shockwave therapy, which promotes healing and relieves discomfort.

When it comes to your horse’s well-being, Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to providing the latest advancements in veterinary care. Equine shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive and effective solution to support your horse’s healing and enhance their performance. If you are a horse owner in New York, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley to explore the potential benefits of equine shockwave therapy for your cherished equine companion. Give your horse the gift of optimal health and performance today.

Managing Seasonal Allergies in Horses: A Guide for Owners

Spring is here and with the warmer weather comes the beauty of blooming flowers, but for some horses, it can also bring seasonal allergies. As a horse owner, it’s important to recognize the signs of allergies in your horse and seek care from a trusted equine veterinarian like Advanced Equine of The Hudson Valley.

Recognizing the Signs of Allergies in Horses

The signs of allergies in horses can vary but may include nasal discharge, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. These symptoms may be mild or severe and can greatly impact your horse’s overall health and well-being. The good news is that diagnosing allergies in horses is relatively straightforward.

Diagnosing Allergies in Horses: Skin and Blood Testing

One common way to diagnose allergies in horses is through skin testing. A veterinarian can perform a skin test to determine if your horse is allergic to certain substances like pollen or dust. Another option is to conduct blood tests that measure the level of antibodies in your horse’s blood to identify allergens.

Treatment Options for Allergies in Horses

If your horse is diagnosed with allergies, there are several treatment options available to help manage their symptoms. Depending on the severity of the allergies, a veterinarian may recommend medications like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy. They may also suggest environmental modifications to minimize your horse’s exposure to allergens.

Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley: Your Partner in Equine Care

At Advanced Equine of The Hudson Valley, we offer a range of equine services, including allergy testing and treatment. Our team of experienced veterinarians is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for your horse. We understand how important it is to keep your horse healthy and comfortable, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you suspect that your horse may have allergies, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Advanced Equine. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your horse’s unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our equine services and how we can help your horse feel their best this spring.

Preparing Your Horse for Disaster: Tips From A Trusted Equine Veterinarian

Horses are magnificent creatures and are often considered a member of the family. As horse owners, it is important to understand the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. These events can be stressful and chaotic, but with proper preparation and knowledge, we can minimize their impact on our beloved equine friends. In this blog, we will discuss some tips on how to prepare your horse for a disaster and the importance of having a trusted equine veterinarian, like Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley, for your equine care during emergencies.

Preparing for a Disaster

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes, can happen at any time and can be devastating for both humans and animals. As horse owners, it is our responsibility to prepare for these events to ensure the safety and well-being of our horses. Here are some tips on how to prepare your horse for a disaster:

Create an Emergency Kit: It is important to have an emergency kit for your horse that includes first-aid supplies, medications and blankets. Make sure to check regularly for expired supplies and medications.

Identification: Make sure your horse has identification, such as a microchip or a visible ID tag. This will make it easier to reunite with your horse in case you get separated.

Secure Loose Items: In the event of high winds or heavy rains, it is important to secure loose items in the barn and pasture. This will prevent injury to your horse and minimize property damage.

Regular Wellness & Preventive Care: Maintaining good health for horses is crucial, not just for their overall well-being but also for their ability to survive any emergency situation that may arise. Regular check-ups and preventative care can help detect and address any potential health issues before they become more serious.

The Importance of a Trusted Equine Veterinarian

During an emergency, having a trusted equine veterinarian is crucial for your horse’s care. Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley is a trusted and reliable veterinarian that specializes in equine care. We have extensive experience and training in handling emergency situations and are available 24/7 to provide assistance.

Why Should I Choose Advanced Equine For My Horses Emergency Care?

Fast Response Time: In an emergency, every second counts. Advanced Equine has a fast response time and can quickly provide the necessary care for your horse.

Specialized Training: Equine emergencies can be complex and require specialized training. Advanced Equine has extensive training and experience in equine care, ensuring your horse receives the best care possible.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a trusted veterinarian like Advanced Equine to rely on during an emergency can provide peace of mind. You can focus on evacuating your horse and other important tasks, knowing that your horse’s care is in good hands.

Emergency Care For Horses At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley in Wappingers Falls, New York

In times of emergency, having a trusted and reliable veterinarian is crucial for the well-being of your horse. Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley has a team of compassionate and caring veterinarians who specialize in equine care and we are available 24/7 to provide assistance. Our team at Advanced Equine has the experience and training necessary to handle any emergency situation and provide the best care possible for your horse. Don’t wait until an emergency happens – call to schedule an appointment with us today and have peace of mind knowing that your horse is in good hands.

Importance of Pre-Purchase Exams for Horses: Expert Advice from Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley

Purchasing a horse can be an exciting time, but it’s essential to ensure that the horse you’re considering is healthy and sound. A pre-purchase exam is a thorough evaluation of a horse’s health and soundness conducted by a veterinarian before the sale is finalized. At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley, we believe that a pre-purchase exam is an essential step in the horse-buying process, and we recommend that all buyers have one conducted before making a purchase.

What is a Pre-Purchase Exam?

A pre-purchase exam is a comprehensive evaluation of a horse’s health, soundness, and suitability for the intended use. It includes a physical exam, a lameness exam, and other diagnostic tests, depending on the horse’s age, history, and intended use.

Physical Exam

During the physical exam, the veterinarian will evaluate the horse’s overall health, including its eyes, teeth, heart, lungs, and digestive system. They’ll also examine the horse’s coat and skin for any signs of injury or disease.

Lameness Exam

The lameness exam is a critical part of the pre-purchase exam. It involves observing the horse’s gait and movement to detect any signs of lameness or other orthopedic issues. The veterinarian may also use diagnostic tools like hoof testers, flexion tests, and nerve blocks to identify the source of any lameness.

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to the physical and lameness exams, the veterinarian may recommend other diagnostic tests based on the horse’s history, age, and intended use. These may include blood tests, radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, or endoscopy.

Why is a Pre-Purchase Exam Important?

A pre-purchase exam is an essential step in the horse-buying process for several reasons:

Protects Your Investment

Buying a horse is a significant investment, and a pre-purchase exam can help you make an informed decision and protect your investment. The exam can identify any health or soundness issues that may affect the horse’s ability to perform as intended, and it can help you negotiate a fair price based on the horse’s condition.

Ensures Horse's Health and Welfare

A pre-purchase exam is also crucial for the horse’s health and welfare. If the horse has any underlying health or soundness issues, you can address them before the horse is subjected to the stress of transport and a new environment. You’ll also have a better understanding of any ongoing medical needs the horse may have, such as special diets or medications.

Helps You Choose the Right Horse

Finally, a pre-purchase exam can help you choose the right horse for your intended use. If you’re looking for a horse for competitive riding, for example, you’ll want a horse that’s sound and free of any lameness issues. The exam can identify any issues that may affect the horse’s ability to perform at the level you require.

Schedule A Pre-Purchase Exam At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley!

At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley, we believe that a pre-purchase exam is an essential step in the horse-buying process. It can help you make an informed decision, protect your investment, and ensure the horse’s health and welfare. If you’re considering purchasing a horse, we encourage you to schedule a pre-purchase exam with one of our experienced veterinarians. We’ll work with you to evaluate the horse’s health and soundness and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and the horse. Call Us Today!

EOTRH – Dental Disease In Horses: Common Causes Symptoms & Treatment

EOTRH - Dental Disease In Horses: Common Causes Symptoms & Treatment

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a dental disease that affects horses. It is a painful condition that can result in tooth loss and significant discomfort for the animal. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for EOTRH in horses.

What Causes EOTRH In Horses?

The exact cause of EOTRH is not yet known. However, it is believed that the condition is caused by a combination of factors, including age, genetics, diet, and environmental factors. Horses over the age of 15 are at higher risk of developing the disease, and it appears to be more common in breeds such as Warmbloods, Draft horses, and Quarter Horses.

Common Symptoms Of EOTRH In Horses

The symptoms of EOTRH can be challenging to detect, as the disease progresses slowly and is often not diagnosed until it is in the advanced stages. Some of the most common symptoms of EOTRH in horses include:

Diagnoses, Treatment, & Prevention Of Dental Disease In Horses

Diagnosis

To diagnose EOTRH, a veterinarian will perform a thorough oral examination, including a visual inspection of the horse’s teeth, gums, and mouth. Radiographs may also be taken to evaluate the extent of the disease and determine which teeth are affected. It is essential to catch the disease in its early stages to prevent tooth loss and ensure the horse’s comfort.

Treatment

The most common treatment for EOTRH is the extraction of affected teeth. This is typically done under sedation and local anesthesia, and the horse will require a period of rest and recovery after the procedure. In some cases, antibiotics or pain medication may be prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection. It is important to note that once a tooth is affected by EOTRH, it cannot be saved, and extraction is the only option.

Prevention

There is currently no known way to prevent EOTRH in horses. However, maintaining good dental hygiene and scheduling regular dental checkups with a veterinarian can help to detect the disease early and prevent tooth loss.

Equine Dental Exam & Treatment At Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley

If you suspect that your horse may be experiencing dental problems such as EOTRH, it is essential to seek veterinary care right away. At Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley, our experienced veterinarians are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of equine dental issues.

Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to each animal we treat, and we are committed to working closely with horse owners to ensure the best possible outcomes for their animals. If you would like to schedule an appointment to have your horse evaluated, please do not hesitate to call us today. Our team looks forward to helping your horse live a healthy, comfortable life.

Caring for Your Horse’s Hooves (5 Tips)

Caring for Your Horse's Hooves (5 Tips)

A horse’s hooves are the foundation for every movement it makes: standing, grazing, running, and jumping. As a result, the ability of the horse’s hooves to support the horse’s enormous body and its movements are then also essential to its overall health and performance. A horse with unhealthy hooves is an unhealthy horse. So, it’s vital to take proper care of your horse’s hooves to ensure they can stand and move freely without pain, discomfort, or other hoof-related problems.

5 Tips on Taking Care of Your Horse's Hooves

1. Get a Veterinary Examination

The best way for a horse to have healthy hooves is for it to have good overall physical health. Schedule a visit to assess your horse’s health, evaluation confirmation and soundness and determine the best level of activity and exercise.

2. Hoof Moisture, Hygiene, and Dressings

Repeated wet-dry exposure can harm a horse’s hooves. Additionally, they can become impacted with mud and/or rocks which can lead to injuries. Check and clean your horse’s hooves frequently. If they are becoming cracked due to too many wet-dry cycles, consider dressing the hooves with special moisture-protective dressings.

3. Get a Farrier

One of the best strategies for good hoof health is to find a qualified farrier you can trust. Most horses need their hooves trimmed at least twice a year (summer and winter). Additionally, a farrier can help you evaluate whether your horse is best left with barefoot or if shoeing your horse will help to address any existing gait problems, traction issues, or tender hooves.

4. Keep Your Horse's Hooves Balanced

Unbalanced hooves can lead to injuries, discomfort, and performance issues. X-ray studies can assess your horse’s hooves from the inside (pattern angle, break over, heal support, and medial-lateral balance) and then your veterinary-farrier team can ensure that the feet are balanced and even.

5. Feed Your Horse a Hoof-Healthy Diet

An expert in equine nutrition can help you evaluate whether your horse’s hoof problems could be related to nutritional deficiencies.

Professional Horse Hoof Maintenance and Comprehensive Veterinary Care

Your horse’s hooves are the foundation for their entire performance, and they hold a pretty big burden. So, keeping them healthy is vital to your horse’s overall health, comfort, and performance. To learn more about taking care of your horse’s hooves or to enlist an experienced professional in the evaluation and maintenance of your horse’s hooves, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with an equine veterinarian from Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley.

How to Care for Your Horse in Winter

As the seasons change throughout the year, your horse’s care should change too. The things your horse needs during the hot and humid summer months are not necessarily the best things to keep them healthy during the cold months of winter. In order to optimize your horse’s health and performance this season, consider the following winter care tips for horses.

8 Horse Care Tips for Winter

1. Hydration

Horses can become dehydrated during winter – especially if their water is frozen or too cold. Horses are more likely to drink slightly warm water in cold weather. We suggest adding a heater, de-icing regularly, and making sure your horse’s water is fresh at all times. You can also add a bit of salt or a salt lick to your horse’s meals or environment to further promote hydration.

2. Feed Adjustments

Horses have different nutritional and caloric needs in the winter. Be sure to adjust their feed accordingly.

3. Exercise and Joint Health

Regular exercise and turning out are essential during the winter, as it is during the warmer months of the year. Be sure to go easy on an older or arthritic horse’s joints, as the cold weather can increase stiffness and the risk of injury.

4. Fresh Air

Although a barn or stable might be warm, it can also be dusty, moldy, and stagnate. Indoor areas need to be properly ventilated for fresh air and the prevention of respiratory problems.

5. Proper Medication Storage

Check the storage requirements on your horse’s medications before the temperature drops. If any are stored in an unheated area, they might need to be moved indoors.

6. Shelter

Shelter from the wind and harsh temperatures can benefit horses in winter. Keep plenty of clean, dry hay in their stalls for added warmth.

7. Blanketing

Horses with short hair can benefit from blanketing – especially when they are unsheltered in inclement weather. Be sure blankets are changed often and that horses are clean and dry beneath them.

8. Hoof Health

Ice or snowballs collecting on a horse’s hooves makes it difficult to walk, increasing their risk of slipping and becoming injured. Overgrown hooves collect more snow than those that are kept properly trimmed.

Winter Horse Health and Equine Examinations With Our Veterinarians in Fishkill, New York

Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley offers comprehensive veterinary care for horses, specialized for achieving optimal health and performance throughout every season. To learn more about caring for your horse in winter or to schedule an appointment with an experienced equine veterinarian, we welcome you to contact our office today.

What You Should Know About Stomach Ulcers in Horses During GI Health Month

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is the official term for referring to gastric ulcer disease in horses. This term encompasses a wide range of different types of ulcers that can occur for a variety of underlying reasons. EGUS is surprisingly common in horses of all ages with an estimated prevalence of 25-50% in foals and 60-90% in adult horses.

Signs and Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers in Horses

The effects of gastric ulcers in horses aren’t always outwardly noticeable, but horses living with stomach ulcers can be affected in several ways. While the signs and symptoms are usually subtle, they can include:

In more serious cases, horses might experience more severe colic (abdominal pain), and they might grind or clench their teeth.

Foals often experience:

Any clinical signs of gastric ulcers in foals are serious and require immediate care.

How to Diagnosis Equine Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers can only be definitively diagnosed with a gastroscopy procedure. During this procedure, the horse is sedated and an endoscope is inserted via the horse’s nose into its stomach. This allows the veterinarian to view the stomach lining and visually confirm the presence and nature of stomach ulcers.

Treatment for Equine Stomach Ulcers

Currently, the is just one treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of stomach ulcers in horses. This medication is called Gastroguard and comes in the form of a paste administered daily to the horse daily on an empty stomach.

Additional medications and supplements that help coat the stomach, reduce acid levels, and promote healthy blood flow and tissue healing, will often be included in the treatment program depending on the location and severity of the ulcer disease.

Other approaches to managing EGUS include training adjustments, reducing the intensity of exercise, in addition to nutritional changes such as the addition of alfalfa to the horse’s diet.

Comprehensive Equine Care in Fishkill, NY

At Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley, our equine veterinarians are highly experienced in detecting, diagnosing, and treating stomach ulcers in horses. If you suspect your horse could be suffering from a gastrointestinal issue of any kind, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.

It’s Spooky Season! Common Things That Frighten Horses and How to Handle Them Safely

It's Spooky Season! Common Things That Frighten Horses and How to Handle Them Safely

Horses are prey animals which means they have a natural fight or flight response. However, some horses are jumpier than others, and a variety of things can frighten or startle them. For example, some horses get anxious when new items, like toys, are added to their stables, others might startle easily when a bird flies away on a trail. They might fear being touched, eating out of a bucket, riding in a trailer, or receiving veterinary care. These are anxious horses, and to understand how you can calm your horse’s fear, you first have to understand what’s causing it.

Why Is Your Horse So Anxious?

A horse could be anxious for several reasons including:

In addition to these possible reasons why a horse might be spooking easily, some horses are simply born more anxious than others. These horses will require additional training time and benefit from working with confident handlers and riders.

What to Do If Your Horse Is Anxious

If you have an anxious horse on your hands, take the following steps to calm them safely:

Schedule a Veterinary Exam

The first step should always be to rule out underlying conditions or issues that could be causing pain, discomfort, or vision problems and heightening your horse’s anxiety.

Keep Yourself Calm and Don't Overreact When Your Horse Does

Your calm demeanor will help to calm your horse.

Work on Desensitization Training

Work with an experienced professional to slowly expose your horse to things that frighten him until he gets comfortable.

Train the Horse to Focus on You

If your horse knows to focus on you, he’ll be less likely to get distracted and frightened by other things.

Keep Your Horse With Calm Horses

If possible, allow your horse to socialize more frequently with calm and confident horses. Your horse will start to take behavior cues from these horses and learn to be calm and more confident.

Keep Your Horse Healthy and Fit With Our Equine Veterinarians in Fishkill, NY

A calm horse is a happy horse. A healthy and fit horse is also a happy horse! We encourage you to continue your horse’s ongoing veterinary care with our experienced equine veterinarians at Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley. We provide comprehensive equine veterinary care services and treatments and look forward to helping your horse be the best it can be. To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our office today.

Equine Tips: How To Properly Train Your Horse

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to train a horse. Every animal is different and will respond differently to various methods of training. However, there are some general tips that can be shared, which will help you build a bond with your horse, and teach it the basics of obedience. In this blog post, we will discuss four key steps in horse training: groundwork, desensitization, saddle training, and weight training. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to having an obedient and well-behaved mount!

4 Key Elements Of Horse Training

1. Groundwork is the foundation of any training program for a horse. It involves teaching the animal basic obedience commands, such as ‘whoa’ (stop), ‘walk on’ (go forward), and ‘turn around’ (change direction). This type of training can be done in an arena or round pen and should be started with young horses as early as possible. Groundwork is important not only for teaching obedience but also for building trust between you and your horse.

2. Desensitization is another key element of training. This involves exposing your horse to new environments and situations and teaching it to remain calm in the face of change. This is important not only for safety but also for building confidence in your horse. Start slowly, and gradually increase the intensity of the stimuli you expose your horse to. Some specific areas to work on are: taking a temperature, picking up feet and looking in the mouth and ears. These will help you, your veterinarian and your farrier for the life of your horse.

3. Saddle training is the next step in training your horse. This involves getting the animal used to the sensation of being saddled, as well as the weight of a rider on its back. Start by simply placing the saddle on your horse’s back, and letting it get accustomed to the feel and smell of leather. Once your horse is comfortable with this, you can begin adding weight, either by sitting in the saddle yourself or by using a sandbag or other object. Remember to go slowly and be patient; so that it becomes accustomed to them.

4. Finally, apply pressure under the saddle. This is the process of teaching your horse to move forward when you ask it to, by using gentle pressure from your legs. Start with short sessions in an arena or round pen, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend riding. Remember to be consistent with your commands, and always praise your horse when it responds correctly.

Horse Training With Help From Advanced Equine Of The Hudson Valley!

If you have any questions or concerns about when the right time to begin training is, or if you just want to ensure your horse is in good health, our Doctors at Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley are here to help. We offer Wellness Exams as well as Performance Evaluations and are happy to consult with you about your horses performance as well as overall health. Call to Schedule an Appointment today to discuss anything Equine related, and remember, always consult with a professional trainer if you have any questions or concerns about training your horse. Happy riding!

Equine Shockwave Therapy: Enhancing Your Horse’s Well-being