UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC: Equine

09/02/2026

Meet The Residents!👋

Joining us earlier this summer, we are excited to share that two new residents joined the equine team and now we want to give YOU a chance to learn a little more about them.

In this interview, Dr. Gordoa shares a bit about herself and her interest in equine sports medicine! Stay tuned for next week as we introduce you to our second resident.🎥

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶

We know that dogs and horses tend to go hand in hand. Whether they're riding along on trail adventures, supervising chores, or spending long days at horse shows, barn dogs are part of the family and a big part of the equestrian lifestyle.

📸 Share a photo and story of your favorite barn dog in the comments. We'd love to celebrate the canine companions who make our barns, shows, and rides even better! To start, some of our staff have shared pictures of their own smaller, four-legged companions as they roam around the farm or head out exploring!🐾

08/19/2026

From UF to Aachen! 🌎🐴

Join us in cheering on our own Dr. Bell, who is serving as the Australian team veterinarian at the 2026 FEI World Equestrian Games Championships in Aachen. We’re thrilled to see one of our own contributing their expertise at one of equestrian sport’s premier international events. Go Dr. Bell!

Fédération Equestre Internationale

08/18/2026

The University of Florida Veterinary Hospitals at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join its overnight team.

This role supports BOTH equine and small animal patient care, assists with procedures, and helps maintain a high standard of care in a fast-paced hospital environment. If you're interested in caring for both horses and small animals while working alongside veterinary professionals, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply today!https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/540926/veterinary-assistant-overnight-equine-and-small-animal

08/15/2026

Relaxation is an important part of every athlete's routine, including our equine athletes. On National Relaxation Day, we're celebrating the quiet moments that help both horse and rider recharge, recover, and get ready for what's next. 🐴💙

08/11/2026

What kind of things can dynamic endoscopy help diagnose?

Commonly called “roaring” or “whistling,” laryngeal hemiplegia is a condition in which one side of a horse’s larynx cannot fully open, reducing airflow to the lungs during exercise and potentially affecting performance.

Common Signs:
🔸 Whistling or roaring noise during exercise
🔹 Reduced stamina or exercise intolerance
🔸 Decreased athletic performance

The best way to diagnose laryngeal hemiplegia is by dynamic endoscopy as this allows the larynx to be evaluated and graded, helping determine the severity of the condition and its impact on performance.

If your horse is making abnormal respiratory noises during exercise, give us a call to inquire about an airway evaluation.

Below on the left: A healthy larynx
Below on the right: A horse diagnosed with laryngeal hemiplegia

08/05/2026

Vet Insight of the Day: What is Dynamic Endoscopy?

Join us as Dr. Bell shares what tools are used in dynamic endoscopy, an example of what it captures, and how it can aid in getting an accurate diagnosis for your horse.

07/31/2026

TheraPlate In Action!🎞️

Take a close look and check out what a TheraPlate session may look like for your horse. In addition to what we have already shared about this rehab tool, vibration therapy enhances joint stability, balance, and coordination. It can be combined with core exercises for better musculoskeletal and neurologic function.

07/21/2026

07/16/2026

Earthquake?! 🫨

Nope, it is our TheraPlate! A type of vibration therapy, TheraPlate creates oscillations that stimulate small muscle contractions, mimicking natural horse movement. This improves cardiovascular and lymphatic circulation, increasing oxygenation and removing metabolic waste. Additionally, it helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol and can promote a sense of well-being.

Vibration therapy can be used in a horse’s regular training routine or as part of a rehabilitation program, particularly for regaining strength after an injury.