FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This page is intended as general public information, but by no means constitutes recommendations for treatment or diagnosis. We hope you will find this section helpful.

General Questions

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, we schedule appointments Monday through Friday (limited appointments on Saturday), just call our office staff at 816-779-0100 to get started.

What if I have an emergency?

We offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. First, call the office at 816-779-0100 and either speak to our office staff or leave a brief message including your name and contact phone number on our answering machine. Then call our pager number, 816-435-0100, and dial in your contact phone number. We will receive the digital page and call you within 10 minutes. Please do not try to leave a voice message on the pager, as it will only accept numeric pages.

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lamina within the foot of a horse. The lamina are what attach the coffin bone to the inside of the hoof wall. As the swelling takes place within the enclosed hoof - the horse suffers great pain and the lamina lose needed blood supply and can be permanently damaged. This damage can allow the coffin bone to rip loose from its attachments and rotate - this is referred to as "founder". Laminitis can be caused by a number of things: systemic disease, colic, grain overload, lush pasture grass (spring or fall), black walnut shavings, stress, etc…. It is considered an emergency and requires immediate care. Horses with laminitis are often reluctant to move or even stand on their feet.

What is colic?

Colic is a generic term for abdominal pain. Numerous things can cause a horse to colic: parasites, improper feeding, grain overload, stress, systemic disease, gastric (stomach) ulcers, dehydration, exhaustion, and some even feel changes in the weather can affect horses. Most cases of colic are due to gas and spasms of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract or impactions (constipation/blockage). Signs of colic can vary and include: depression, anxiety, restlessness, loss of appetite, sweating, looking at the flank, pawing, or rolling on the ground. Colic can be life threatening and requires immediate attention - call a veterinarian at the first signs of colic.

What is a Coggin's Test?

A Coggin's test is a blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). EIA is a blood-bourn virus that is spread from horse to horse via a blood-sucking insect such as horseflies. EIA is a debilitating disease that has no cure. Therefore, every horse must be tested at least yearly and receive a negative result to qualify for health certificates, to be transported across state lines, or to attend most horse shows and events.

What is Bute and is it safe to give to my horse?

Phenylbutazone (Bute) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for horses. It is like Advil , Motrin , or the Tylenol that you and I take for aches and pains. Its common uses in the horse include the alleviation of inflammation and pain associated with laminitis, arthritis, or muscle injuries. Like any drug, if used inappropriately, it can have harmful side effects in your horse such as kidney damage or gastro-intestinal ulcers. Bute is an important and useful drug for the horse. Consult us on its proper use in your horse.

What vaccinations do my horses need each year?

Vaccinations are intended to protect your horse from bacterial and viral diseases that can lead to loss of training and productivity to serious health effects. Just like in humans, we rely on regular vaccinations to either prevent a disease or to at least reduce the severity of sickness. As a general rule, all horses should be vaccinated each year against West Nile virus, Tetanus, Rabies, Influenza (flu), rhinopneumonitis (rhino), and Eastern/Western encephalitis (sleeping sickness). Other vaccinations may be indicated depending on where you live and the age of your horses. It is important that vaccinations are administered in the correct manner for them to be successful. Contact us to tailor a vaccination program that best fits your situation.

How often should I deworm my horses?

As a general rule, horses should be dewormed at least once every two to three months. This is because the common deworming pastes, although very safe and effective, are only "purge" dewormers that rid the horse of the majority of the parasites within them. Within a couple days they are exposed to and picking up new parasites from their surroundings and pastures. Consult us for a parasite control program that best fits your area of the country and your particular situation.

What are Blister Beetles?

We have seen a number of horses getting sick and or dying from ingesting Blister Beetles found in alfalfa hay. Blister Beetles secrete cantharidin, a substance similar to cyanide and strychnine in toxicity, and if consumed by a horse can cause inflammation and blistering of the skin within hours of contact. The cantharidin also causes inflammation of the digestive and urinary tracts. Horses can suffer severe poisoning from even a few beetles, alive or dead (hay processing can kill the beetles and release the toxin.)

Affected horses will present symptoms such as colic, straining, elevated temperature, depression, increased heart rate and respiration, dehydration, sweating, and diarrhea. During the first 24 hours after ingestion, frequent urination occurs because of the inflammation of the urinary tract. Because horses can die within 72 hours, it is imperative to contact a veterinarian as soon as poisoning is suspected.

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of exposure to blister beetles.
• If possible grow your own alfalfa so that you can control all management practices and be sure the crop is beetle free.
• If you do not produce you own hay or need more, buy from a local source and work with that producer to insure that you know what kind of management the hay has had. Develop a good working relationship with your hay producer.
• Preferably feed hay from the first cutting. Blister beetles mature in July and August, so later cuttings have a greater chance of being infested. Non crimped hay is best.