MU VHC Equine Hospital

08/31/2026

How much blood does a horse have?

Answer: The normal blood volume for a horse is approximately 8% of their body weight if liters and kilograms are used. For the average horse (1000lb) it is 35 to 40 liters or 9 to 10 gallons.

08/29/2026

Welcome to our new Equine Surgery Resident - Dr. Gabi Abbott

Dr. Abbott is a familiar face as she just completed an Equine Rotating Internship at the University of Missouri. She is a native of Arkansas and a graduate of Louisiana State University. Prior to coming to Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine for her internship. Dr. Abbott completed an internship at Central Washington Equine Hospital.

We are so excited to have Dr. Abbott stay on in an Equine Surgery Residency position. She has a continual drive to learn and achieve excellence in equine surgical and medical procedures. She has exceptional patient care and is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Abbott!

08/28/2026

Mizzou Vet Fact - Colic Surgery Incision

Did you know that a colic surgery incision is made in a very specific location? It is called the linea alba.

In order to access the abdomen and the gastrointestinal organs for a colic surgery, an incision is made in the very center of the bottom of the abdomen. This is called the ventral midline. The external layer is the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The inner layer is called the linea alba. This is a thick fibrous band of tissue runs along the very center of the bottom of the abdomen. Our surgeons feel for this band when they make an incision into the abdomen for colic surgery. The linea alba has good strength to help hold the incision together after the surgery.

08/27/2026

Mizzou Horse Health Tip - Covering wounds in difficult to bandage areas - Using a spandex horse show cover

Yesterday we discussed using a tie over bandage to cover wounds in difficult to bandage areas. Another option which can be used on its own or in conjunction with a tie over bandage is to use a tight fitting lycra or spandex horse show cover.

These are especially useful for the neck and upper forelimb. They come in a variety of different sizes and shapes and are relatively inexpensive so multiple can be used. They are applied over the wound and are then changed and washed daily. For exudative wounds. an absorbent pad can be sewn in the part of the cover that directly contacts the wound using a needle and thread. The dirty pad is cut out and a clean pad sewn in the same location.

08/26/2026

How to you cover a wound in a difficult to bandage area? One option is a tie-over bandage

This type of bandage may also be called a stent bandage. Your veterinarian will place a series of suture loops around the margin of the wound. The topical therapy and wound dressing is then placed on the wound. Umbilical tape is then laced through the suture loops as used to hold the bandage in place.

This type of bandage is often used in the proximal (upper) limb such as over the elbow, shoulder, or stifle joint.

08/25/2026

We are sad to say goodbye to Tim, but cherish his memory and all the people he reached.

This week, we had to say goodbye to a beloved member of the family. 💛

Tim, one of our longtime Mizzou mules, was humanely euthanized at age 33 following a decline in his health and quality of life.

Tim arrived at the CVM with his longtime teammate, Terry, in 2003. For nearly two decades, the pair represented the university at events across Missouri, meeting countless people along the way. They retired in 2020 and have spent the past few years enjoying quieter days in the pasture, visits from friends and, of course, plenty of treats.

We’re grateful for the 23 years Tim spent with us and for every person who helped make them good ones. He will be deeply missed.

Remember Tim and look back at photos from his years at Mizzou: https://cvm.missouri.edu/remembering-tim-a-beloved-mizzou-mule/

08/24/2026

Dr. LaCarrubba, in her new role as Director of Clinical Skills, spoke with the new Mizzou Vet Med Class of 2030 last week. She oriented the new veterinary students on the Clinical Skills curriculum and simulation center. At Mizzou, we are excited to focus on the development of our students hands on skills through laboratories, models, and simulations. We are also excited to have Dr. LaCarrubba lead this portion of our student's education. Dr. LaCarrubba has a strong focus on clinical education and extensive experience with the use of models in veterinary education.

08/22/2026

MU Equine were excited to welcome the Class of 2030 yesterday during the Mizzou Welcome Convocation. Dr. Lynn Martin (Equine Internal Medicine) was present to greet the new class on behalf of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Alison LaCarrubba (Equine Ambulatory), Dr. Megan McCracken (Equine Surgery), Dr. Martha Scharf (Equine Ambulatory), and Dr. Kile Townsend (Equine Internal Medicine) were faculty presenters who helped to gift the incoming veterinary students their first stethoscopes.

The entire Equine Hospital is excited to welcome the Class of 2030 to the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine!! MIZ!!

08/22/2026

Excited to Welcome the Class of 2030!!!

08/21/2026

The Question:
How many joints are present in the hock? Write your answers in the comments

The Answer:
There are a total of five joints, although we typically focus on the four main joints. The four main joints are the tibiotarsal joint (the large high motion joint), the proximal inter tarsal joint, the distal inter tarsal joint, and the tarsometatarsal joint. The fifth joint is the talocalcaneal joint. While we do not typically think of the talocalcaneal joint as being a significant source of lameness, imaging with the Standing CT show a higher frequency of osteoarthritis in this location than was previously thought.