Equine Health Maintenance

10/15/2026

UPDATE: This case was interesting as it initially presented as a simple tooth root abscess with an associated sinusitis. However the very rapid progression of the signs (maxillary mass, three loose teeth with a two week period from initial presentation, foul smell and granular/irritated gums) pointed to something much more serious. The gum tissue that came off with one of the teeth was submitted for biopsy. The result was an aggressive undifferentiated malignant neoplasia, most likely squamous cell carcinoma. Given the rapid progression of the disease, humane euthanasia was elected. 😢

It’s past time for an interesting case! This is a 28 year old QH mare that presented for an acute, unilateral purulent discharge. The discharge was foul smelling and at times would pour out. There was no fever and mare was still eating. She was put on antibiotics until her exam which was scheduled for a few days later. On the day of the exam, she was not febrile but there was now a small swelling on her upper maxilla in the area of the upper 4th premolar. An oral exam revealed a loose 4th premolar. The discharge was less but still present. Radiographs at this time showed a darker, more translucent area at the tip of the root of the 4th premolar. At this point, a tooth root infection and resulting sinusitis was the preliminary diagnosis. The plan was to continue antibiotics and schedule a tooth removal and sinus flush. Between appointments the nasal discharge continued despite antibiotics and became extremely foul smelling 🤢😷 the swelling on the face also became more enlarged. At the next visit, an oral exam revealed a very loose 4th premolar that came out with manual manipulation. The first and second upper molars were now very loose and the gums were very granulous(bumpy and irritated). Those teeth came out easily as well in addition to a piece of gum tissue.
What would be on your differential list?(possible diagnosis) what other tests could you perform?

09/12/2026

Can’t let this day go by without acknowledging one of the most tragic events during my lifetime. I was home getting ready for work when the story broke. I remember seeing the television and it didn’t seem real. I just stood there staring at the TV. All those poor people😥

One of the most beautiful tributes ever made…

The anniversary of 9/11 is always emotional and makes hearts heavy.

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July 🎇❤️🤍💙

Fireworks events can be a worrying time for horse owners. Read our ideas to help you and your horse have a less stressful night.

06/15/2026

After 20 years of being the ‘Rodeo Vet’ at the GSYR Pro Rodeo, I finally had to hand over the reins. 😊 I was there in my other official capacity for BREC and to introduce Dr. Miley to the GSYR family. It was a bit wet 🌧️ but the new covered arena was definitely the star of the show! 🤠

06/08/2026

It’s Rodeo time!!! 🤠🤠

!!!RODEO WEEK IS HERE!!!

Important information for planning your trip to the 68th GSYR PRO RODEO!!

- tickets to enter will be available to purchase at parking locations.
-sponsor tickets and presale tickets will need to be presented to enter
✨Parking locations✨
-Journey church- Greenwell Springs road
-South Pointe Square - Sullivan Road (next to Chase Bank)
-Shuttle busses will begin running at 5:45pm

04/24/2026

It’s twins😱 now what?

Unlike some species, horses are not designed to carry twins. The uterus typically can’t support two fetuses to term.

Common outcomes without treatment:
* Early embryonic loss (both lost)
* Abortion in mid-to-late gestation
* Premature, weak foals
* Serious risk to the mare (dystocia, retained placenta, illness)

How twins happen
Most twin pregnancies come from double ovulation, where a mare releases two eggs during one cycle. This is more common in:
* Older mares
* Certain breeds (like Thoroughbreds)

Detection
Early diagnosis is critical and usually done by ultrasound:
* Day 14–16 post-ovulation is ideal
* At this stage, the embryos are still mobile and easier to manage

Treatment (Twin Reduction)
The goal is to reduce to a single viable pregnancy.
Most common method:
* Manual crushing (“pinching”) of one embryo via re**al palpation
* Done early (before fixation ~day 16–17)
* High success rate when performed by an experienced veterinarian
If the twins are touching like these, it’s a little more complicated. A luteolytic dose of prostaglandins can be given to reduce both twins and rebreed the mare. You could attempt to reduce one manually but this could result in damage to the second pregnancy.

What if twins aren’t reduced?
Even if both embryos survive early on, one may naturally be lost—but this is unpredictable and risky. Late-term twin pregnancies almost always end poorly.

Management tips
* Always ultrasound mares early after breeding
* Recheck at ~25–30 days to confirm a single heartbeat
* Monitor high-risk mares (older, history of twins) more closely

04/19/2026

04/05/2026

Happy Easter 🐰🐇🐣 🐴 🥕 🧺 🥚 🪺

04/01/2026

ATTENTION Veterinarians and RVT’s. The racetrack is now hiring. Great benefits and competitive salary. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the racetrack and if you have any questions I can probably answer them.


The Louisiana State Racing Commission is hiring RVT’s and DVM’s to work at their racetracks across the state. Job opportunities for RVT’s include working in the “test barn” which requires taking blood samples from horses and overseeing test barn employees. Good organizational skills are important. Current openings are at Louisiana Downs (Bossier City) and Delta Downs (Vinton-near Lake Charles). Seasonal employment which can be either full-time or part-time. This is a contract position that pays $40/hour for an 8-hour day. Great opportunity as a career or as a side job. Job opportunities for DVM’s include same description for test barn or pre-race exams and race day monitoring. This position is also available at Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs (Opelousas) and Fair Grounds (New Orleans). Seasonal employment can be either full-time or part-time at $110/hour for contract workers. Please email
[email protected] for more information.