Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic

Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic First-class veterinary care for horses & donkeys, goats & sheep, and dogs & cats! Veterinary care for horses, sheep, goats, donkeys, dogs, and cats.
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What's Up Wednesday! What are we checking here? Hint: it ties in closely with Body Condition Score. Check back tomorrow ...
06/24/2026

What's Up Wednesday! What are we checking here? Hint: it ties in closely with Body Condition Score. Check back tomorrow for the answer!

🎆 Fireworks and Horses: Prepare Before the Holiday 🎆Fireworks can be stressful for horses and may increase the risk of i...
06/22/2026

🎆 Fireworks and Horses: Prepare Before the Holiday 🎆

Fireworks can be stressful for horses and may increase the risk of injury from running, fence damage, or panic-related accidents.

If your horse has a history of significant anxiety around fireworks or other loud noises, now is the time to discuss management and medication options with your veterinarian.

For some horses, medications such as acepromazine or trazodone may help reduce anxiety associated with fireworks. The most appropriate choice depends on the individual horse, medical history, and level of anxiety.

Whenever possible, medications should be trialed before the holiday so you know how your horse responds.

🐴 Management Tips

• Keep horses in the environment where they are normally most comfortable.
• Avoid making major turnout or housing changes right before the holiday.
• Check fences and gates ahead of time to ensure they are secure with no sharp points.
• Ensure horses have access to hay and water throughout the evening.
• Consider turnout with compatible herd mates if that is typically calming for your horse.
• Use barn lighting, fans, or radios to help reduce the impact of sudden flashes and noises.
• Monitor weather forecasts, as thunderstorms combined with fireworks can increase stress levels.

⚠️ Sedation does not eliminate the horse’s awareness of fireworks and should be viewed as one part of a larger management plan.

If your horse has struggled during previous fireworks displays, contact us now to discuss options before the holiday weekend.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!

🎆 Fireworks and Pets: Plan Ahead Now The Fourth of July can be one of the most stressful nights of the year for many dog...
06/19/2026

🎆 Fireworks and Pets: Plan Ahead Now

The Fourth of July can be one of the most stressful nights of the year for many dogs and cats. If your pet has a history of anxiety during fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud noises, now is the time to make a plan.

💊 Medication Options

For many pets, medications such as gabapentin, trazodone, or a combination of the two can help reduce fear and anxiety during fireworks. These medications work best when given BEFORE your pet becomes highly stressed.

Because every pet is different, we recommend discussing medication options with your veterinarian well in advance of the holiday. Some pets may need a trial dose before the big night to determine the most effective dose and monitor for side effects.

🏠 Management Tips

• Keep pets indoors, even if they normally spend time outside.
• Ensure collars and ID tags are up to date.
• Create a quiet “safe space” in an interior room.
• Close blinds and curtains to reduce flashes of light.
• Use white noise, fans, televisions, or calming music to help mask fireworks sounds.
• Consider calming pheromone products such as Adaptil® (dogs) or Feliway® (cats).
• Exercise dogs earlier in the day before festivities begin.

⚠️ Many pets that are normally calm can become frightened and escape during fireworks. Every year, shelters see an increase in lost pets around July 4th.

If you think your pet may need anxiety medication, please contact us soon so we can discuss the best option before the holiday arrives.

📞 352-472-1620
💬 352-660-1610

06/19/2026

Shane is now even more ready to be your lapcat!

Answer Thursday! Anhidrosis or Non-Sweating. Anhidrosis is a condition where a horse doesn't sweat normally, making it d...
06/18/2026

Answer Thursday! Anhidrosis or Non-Sweating. Anhidrosis is a condition where a horse doesn't sweat normally, making it difficult for them to cool themselves during hot weather.
Because horses rely heavily on sweating to regulate body temperature, anhidrosis can become especially concerning during Florida's hot, humid summers.
Common signs include:
• Little or no sweat during exercise
• Increased breathing rate
• Fatigue or poor performance
• Longer recovery times after work
• Elevated body temperature
Humidity makes the situation even more challenging. When the air is already full of moisture, sweat doesn't evaporate efficiently. For horses that aren't sweating normally, heat can build up quickly.
Management often includes:
✓ Working during cooler parts of the day
✓ Providing shade, fans, and airflow
✓ Using cool water to assist with cooling
✓ Monitoring temperature and recovery after exercise
✓ Supplements may help
Acupuncture is one treatment option that many horses with anhidrosis benefit from and is often incorporated into a broader management plan. Responses vary between horses, so discussing the best approach with us is important.
If your horse seems unusually heat intolerant, schedule an evaluation. Early recognition can help you make management adjustments before summer conditions become more stressful.

📞 Call 352-472-1620
💬 Text 352-660-1610
📧 Email [email protected]

What's Up this hot, hot Wednesday? You come out to the barn to find your horse out in the field huffing, and puffing wit...
06/17/2026

What's Up this hot, hot Wednesday? You come out to the barn to find your horse out in the field huffing, and puffing without a drop of sweat on them. You take their temp and it's 103.5F. What's going on? Check back tomorrow for the answer and how we treat this dreaded syndrome!
📞 Call 352-472-1620
💬 Text 352-660-1610
📧 Email [email protected]

06/16/2026

✨ The real magic isn't making baby goats appear...
It's helping them grow into healthy adults.
From parasite control and nutrition plans to vaccinations and reproductive management, our team works with goat owners to keep their herds thriving.

06/15/2026

Everything Screwworm this week on Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth.

🐾 Caturday Adoption Spotlight! 🐾Meet Shane and Maxine, two tiny kittens with very different life goals.🧡 Shane is convin...
06/13/2026

🐾 Caturday Adoption Spotlight! 🐾
Meet Shane and Maxine, two tiny kittens with very different life goals.
🧡 Shane is convinced that laps were invented specifically for him. If you're sitting down, he's climbing aboard. If you're standing up, he's working on a plan to change that. Sweet, affectionate, and always looking for his next cuddle, Shane is already on track for the Lap Cat Hall of Fame.
🖤🧡🤍 Maxine is equally adorable, but she's operating from the CEO's office. She enjoys cuddles on her terms, supervises all activities, and carries herself with the confidence of a cat who already owns the house. She just hasn't told you yet.
Together they're playful, curious, hilarious, and everything kittens should be.
Ready to add a little more purring, zooming, and joy to your home? Contact us to meet Shane and Maxine! Check out our story for even more cuteness.

Answer Thursday: What was wrong with the picture?The boys were eating grain.While grain has a role in some feeding progr...
06/11/2026

Answer Thursday: What was wrong with the picture?
The boys were eating grain.
While grain has a role in some feeding programs, male goats and sheep are more prone to developing urinary stones when fed grain in their diet. These stones can create a blockage that prevents normal urination, turning a feeding issue into a medical emergency.
Watch for:
✅ Straining to urinate
✅ Repeated attempts with little or no urine produced
✅ Belly discomfort
✅ Reduced appetite
✅ Acting uncomfortable or restless
Good nutrition and appropriate mineral balance are important parts of reducing risk. If you suspect a blockage, don't wait: contact us right away.

📞 Call 352-472-1620
💬 Text 352-660-1610
📧 Email [email protected]

Address

22837 NW 22nd Avenue
Newberry, FL
32669

Telephone

+13524721620

Website

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