Yellowhorse Mobile Veterinary Service

02/03/2026

Ask TheHorse Live: Managing Horses With Metabolic Problems Webinar
Thursday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. EST!
Click this link to register and post any questions you might have.
https://thehorse.com/1142145/managing-horses-with-metabolic-problems/?lid=9a0a2nw7m9sz&uuid=66f8226ec3d74176d29d3c97
Presenters are Greg Schmid, DVM and Caitrin Lowndes, DVM.

If you can't attend live, then a link to the recording will be provided to all registered attendees.

Register for this live event where two experts will answer your questions about managing horses with metabolic problems.

01/28/2026

What do you do when it's an ice day...you make Trailer-ready Emergency Kits! 😁

One of these will be at the Union County Saddle Club fan page Awards Banquet Silent Auction on Friday night. (Starts at 5:30 pm at the Union County Ag Center Simpson Events Center - the new part in the back) The other is a custom order 2nd kit for a client.

If you would like one of your very own, find a proxy bidder for the silent auction on Friday night, unless you will be there in person. or reach out to me by EMAIL - yellow horse vet at carolina dot rr dot com.

There are more details about these kits on my web page, here:
https://www.yellowhorsevet.com/trailer-ready-first-aid-kit.pml

There is also an album on this page with lots of photos of previously completed kits. (See photos, then albums, then Trailer-ready first aid kits)

01/22/2026

I haven't posted much about the impending storm yet because most everyone is in line for propane or bread and milk. LOL

However, if you need some reminders, then here are a few good ones:

1. Make sure they are drinking!
The incidence of impaction (constipation) colic significantly increases during the coldest months and is often due to inadequate water intake and lack of exercise. Although a horse’s water consumption varies depending on temperature, diet and exercise, an average 1000-pound horse requires at least 10 gallons of water each day for maintenance.

There are ways to help keep your horse hydrated. You can simply add electrolytes or some salt to your horse's feed, twice a day, to stimulate water consumption. You can also feed moistened concentrates, if your horse will eat them that way. Soak your hay or cubes, prior to feeding, to provide additional water intake.

Unfortunately, during cold weather, many horses fail to drink enough because the water is too cold and it chills them. Recent research has demonstrated that horses will drink more water during cold weather if the water is warmed to between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a number of mechanical and electrical devices on the market that will keep tanks or buckets ice-free. However, if an electrical device is used, ensure that the horse does not have access to the electrical cords because curious horses can chew through the cords and electrocute themselves.

2. Make sure they have something to warm their bellies - i.e. to slowly digest to generate internal heat to keep them wam.

When the temperature plunges, the horse has to work harder to maintain its core body temperature. This is especially true in thin horses that lack an insulating layer of fat. To avoid losing weight, horses must increase their caloric intake roughly 15-20 percent for every 10-degree drop in temperature below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's not grain that keeps your horses warm, it's hay. Forages are digested in the large intestine by bacterial fermentation, a process that generates heat and raises the horse’s core body temperature. Grain, which is digested in the stomach and small intestine, creates much less heat. So the key is to provide plenty of good-quality hay during very cold weather, free choice, if possible.

3. Make sure they have somewhere to get out of the winter weather - not necessarily a barn, but a good run in or wind break area.

Horses are inherently well equipped to handle practically anything that winter can dish out as long as they have a way to get out of the wind. Their long winter hair coat traps air next to the skin, which helps insulate them against cold weather. In fact, horses in good body condition can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit without difficulty.

However, problems can occur when strong winds ruffle the horse’s hair and disturb the insulating layer of warm air trapped beneath it. Wet weather, especially cold driving rain or sleet, can also flatten the hair coat, chilling the horse. To prevent this, make sure your horses have access to a simple shelter such as a three-sided, southerly facing shed or a heavy tree line that can serve as a windbreak.

4. Make sure they have some extra layers especially if they are at a higher risk - older, thinner, clipped, etc.

Many horse owners prefer to blanket their horses in cold weather, but placing a blanket on a horse with a heavy winter coat can compress the horse’s hair and reduce its natural insulating ability. The result is that the blanket might actually decrease the horse’s ability to ward off the cold.
Horses that are body clipped or worked hard enough to sweat will benefit from a blanket. Blankets are also beneficial short term in extremely cold, wet weather.

Please keep an eye on your horses/donkeys/mules/pets, etc. You know their normal's and if things aren't "normal", then pay attention. Your horse's health could depend on it.
(and your veterinarian will appreciate all your extra efforts)
Bundle up and do all you can to help take good care of your furry family members during this storm.

01/06/2026

Education Course Notice:

This is somewhat of a short notice, but I wanted to let everyone know about one of my favorite educational opportunities for horse owners.
Every year the University of Georgia Ag. Extension Office puts on a Horse Owner's Webinar. They offer a series of 4 to 5 lectures over a month's time. It covers important topics like nutrition, husbandry, emergency preparedness, etc.

This year it is January 8-29 and the best part is it is only $10.00 to register. All lectures are recorded and can be watched/listened to at your convenience if you cannot attend live.
Also, there is access to all previous year's Webinar's and all the speaker's reference links.

Here is the link to this year's program:

Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that person’s o...

12/15/2025

We're all in this together! Bundle up and enjoy some laughs. I'll be the one looking like a cross between Ralphie and the Michelin man.

11/28/2025

Here is the link to the AAEP webinar on EHV-1 that was originally broadcast on November 25, 2025.

This is the recording of a webinar held November 25, 2025. Please note that the current EHV-1 situation is changing rapidly. To get the most updated informat...

11/24/2025

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: 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.

11/20/2025

More information about EHV -1.

A list of 10 Things You Might Not Know About EHV-1 and EHM, from testing to treatment and prevention.

11/19/2025

Here is information from Brazos Valley in Texas about the recent EHV-1/EHM outbreak from the World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in Waco, Tx.

There are no reported cases in this area so no need to panic. I believe Maryland has one confirmed case but unsure if it's related to the outbreak or not.
However, it never hurts to practice good bio-security with all the end of the year horse events coming up.

Also, if you go to Brazos Valley's page, there was a webinar presented this morning, as well.

Edited to add:
BVEH NAVASOTA HAS NO CASES ONSITE IN NAVASOTA. It is safe to bring your horse for their normal appointments, we will have additional biosecurity protocols before and in between appointments. We are working to set up an offsite location to triage potential sick horses. We will have updates tomorrow for you. Dr. Buchanan will go live here on Facebook at 8:15am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

BVEH Advisory:

EHV-1 Cases in Horses Returning From a Recent Event

Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals wants to notify horse owners that we are aware of multiple confirmed cases of EHV-1 in surrounding hospitals, and several suspected cases including several horses with neurologic signs (EHM) currently being diagnosed in the barrel horse community. BVEH has not admitted and is not treating and EHV or EHM cases.

The State of Texas Animal Health Commission is aware of the outbreak.

At this time, 5–10 horses are known to us to be sick, but the true number is likely higher as many cases go unreported.

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What Horse Owners Should Do Right Now:

1. Keep all horses at home!
Please avoid hauling, clinics, lessons, shows, or mingling horses for the next several weeks until more information is available.

Movement is the #1 factor that spreads EHV-1.
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2. Check temperatures twice daily!
Fever is usually the first sign (often before nasal discharge or neurologic symptoms).
• Temp at or above 101.5°F = call your veterinarian.
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3. Notify your veterinarian immediately if your horse exhibits:
• Fever
• Weakness or incoordination
• Standing with hindlimbs wide
• Tail tone changes
• Difficulty urinating
• Lethargy or decreased appetite

Early intervention improves outcomes.
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4. Discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.

For febrile or exposed horses, your vet may recommend:
• Valacyclovir
• Aspirin or other anti-thrombotics
• Anti-inflammatories
• Supportive care

(These should only be used under veterinary direction.)
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5. Biosecurity matters.
• Do not share water buckets, hoses, tack, grooming tools, or stalls.
• Disinfect trailers, thermometers, and crossties.
• Isolate any horse with fever immediately.
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About Vaccination.

Current evidence shows vaccines do not prevent EHM, but they can reduce viral shedding and shorten viremia, which lowers barn-wide spread and is important to the community.

Boosters are helpful when:
• A horse was vaccinated > 90 days ago, or
• You are preparing for high-risk environments (events, hauling, mixing populations).

What the research shows:
• Booster vaccination increases IgG1 and IgG4/7, the antibody classes linked with limiting viremia.
• Reduced viremia = reduced likelihood of severe disease and decreased transmission.
• Boosters are most effective in younger horses, previously vaccinated horses, and non-pregnant horses.

Vaccines do NOT stop a horse already incubating EHV-1 from developing signs, and they do not eliminate the risk of neurologic disease. For horses already exposed or febrile, do not vaccinate until cleared by your veterinarian.
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We Will Continue to Update You!

BVEH is actively monitoring cases and communicating with veterinarians across Texas and neighboring states. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. If your horse is showing fever or any neurologic signs, please contact your veterinarian or call BVEH immediately.

Please ask any questions in this post and we will work to answer them quickly. Stay tuned for additional updates, including a Live Q and A with Dr. Ben Buchanan tomorrow (Wednesday).

We have documents on our website www.bveh.com specific to EHV and biosecurity. Additional resources included below.

Stay safe, monitor closely, and thank you for helping limit the spread.

— Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals

Link to BVEH documents regarding EHV-1:
http://www.bveh.com

Link to ACVIM consensus statement: https://www.acvim.org/research/consensus-statements

Link to AAEP EHV documents:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EHV1-4-guidelines-2021.pdf

Link to Equine Disease Center:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EHV1-4-guidelines-2021.pdf

10/28/2025

Fantastic FREE webinar coming up!
You need to register ahead of time. Follow the link in the post.

DON'T MISS OUR LAST HORSE OWNER EDUCATION WEBINAR OF 2025! 📢

Join us next Wednesday, Nov. 5, for "Care and Management of the Elderly Equine".

Just like people, the needs of horses change as they continue to age. Members of the AAEP Horse Owner Education committee will present on a wide range of topics to help you properly care for the elderly equine in your life. Discussion points will include diet, dentistry, common diseases and illnesses, preventative care, and more. Do not miss this informative session on how to help your older horse live its best life!

Registration is FREE but required. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ah5yOsCebSifxMhDsKU4IL28l58V2uXLCCZy2BJfr1cVGkPrhte-~AkTrbyktZL-X6LN0LpntEqMChUPte_sAlD_Vc22m-q6fZUf_K_Bby90XhQ

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.