Nebraska Equine Veterinary Clinic

06/03/2026

Check out Platinum Performance's article on sleep deprivation narcolepsy.

Did you know sleep deprivation and narcolepsy can impact your horse's health and performance?

Read along as we dive into the signs, causes, and effects of sleep issues in horses. Recognizing subtle symptoms is vital to understanding how stress, pain, and environmental factors can disrupt rest. Learn how to identify and address sleep-related issues to keep your horse healthy, rested, and ready to perform at their best!

Read it in Platinum Magazine 👇
https://bit.ly/4tGdyBq

06/02/2026

Is This Normal? Yes! This is REM Sleep.

💤🐴Most horse owners have seen their horse dozing in the pasture or barn aisle, but did you know horses have unique sleep requirements that are very different from ours?

💤 How Much Sleep Do Horses Need?
Horses are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they sleep in multiple short periods throughout the day and night rather than one long stretch. Most adult horses sleep a total of 3 to 5 hours per day, while foals and senior horses often sleep more.

💤 Can Horses Sleep Standing Up?
Yes! Thanks to their stay apparatus, horses can rest and enter light sleep and slow wave sleep while standing. This allows them to relax while remaining ready to flee from danger if needed.

💤 Why Do Horses Need to Lie Down?
To achieve REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, horses must lie down. During REM sleep, muscle tone is lost, making it impossible for them to remain standing. Most horses only need about 20 to 30 minutes of REM sleep daily, but it is essential for normal brain function and overall health.

💤 What's Normal?
✔️ Standing quietly with a relaxed posture
✔️ Short naps throughout the day
✔️ Lying down periodically for deep sleep and REM sleep
✔️ Occasional twitching or movement while sleeping

🚩 What's Not Normal?
❌ Frequent stumbling or buckling at the knees when resting
❌ Falling asleep while standing and collapsing
❌ Excessive daytime drowsiness
❌ Reluctance or inability to lie down
❌ Unexplained wounds on the knees, fetlocks, or face from collapsing episodes

🚩 Sleep Deprivation vs. Narcolepsy
Sleep deprivation is much more common than true narcolepsy in horses. Horses may become sleep deprived if they are uncomfortable lying down due to pain, arthritis, environmental stress, herd dynamics, or inadequate bedding. Over time, they may begin to doze while standing and suddenly lose balance.

📞 When Should You Call Your Veterinarian?
If your horse:
• Appears excessively sleepy during the day
• Is collapsing or nearly collapsing while resting
• Has difficulty lying down or getting back up
• Develops unexplained injuries that may be related to sleep episodes
• Shows any sudden change in normal sleeping behavior

05/29/2026

🚚 Traveling with your horse this season? Don’t forget the paperwork!

A Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI), often called a “health certificate,” is required for interstate travel and many events or facilities. A CVI confirms that your horse was recently examined by a veterinarian and showed no obvious signs of contagious illness at the time of inspection.

Why are CVIs important?
They help reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as:
• Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA/Coggins)
• Strangles
• Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
• Vesicular Stomatitis
• Piroplasmosis

Most CVIs are valid for 30 days, but requirements can vary by state and disease outbreaks. Some locations may require additional testing or shorter validity periods.

Before you travel:
✔️ Check destination and event requirements early
✔️ Make sure your horse has a current negative Coggins test
✔️ Schedule your health certificate appointment ahead of time
✔️ Practice good biosecurity while traveling

Even with a CVI, it’s important to monitor your horse closely for signs of illness, including fever, nasal discharge, diarrhea, or changes in behavior. If your horse appears sick, stay home and contact your veterinarian.

Planning ahead helps protect your horse and the entire equine community. 🐴

05/28/2026

Most equine owners know that a negative Coggins test is a document required to be able to transport their animal across state lines, enter them in a competitive event, or board at someone's barn. But what does the phrase "negative Coggins test" actually mean?

A "Coggins" is a blood test that can only be performed by USDA-approved laboratories and checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the blood. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that produces a persistent infection among equids nearly worldwide. Transmission through blood transfusions or contaminated needles/syringes, surgical instruments or dental equipment is most common. The virus can also be transmitted through vectors via fly bite.

The clinical signs of disease can vary dramatically from an acute infection to an inapparent form, but what is important to know is that it produces a persistent infection. Once an animal tests positive for EIA it becomes a lifelong source of disease transmission, so the owner can only choose between quarantine for life or humane euthanasia to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t occur. There is no vaccine or treatment for EIA.

Take-home message: While a Coggins test is a necessary travel document, don’t forget that it's also first and foremost a way to identify and remove EIA carriers to keep the disease under control.

To learn more about EIA, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/equine-infectious-anemia/ or visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-infectious-anemia

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our office will be closed on Monday, May 25.

We remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

For veterinary emergencies, please call our main number for on-call assistance, 402-408-6777. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday.

Wishing you and your horses a safe holiday weekend.

05/22/2026

🐴 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐚: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞-𝐔𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫
Spring and early summer often bring an increase in Equine Asthma cases. Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is actually a term that refers to a number of different upper airway disorders, each of which has its own etiology, presentation, and treatment.

Higher pollen counts, dusty conditions, and environmental allergens can irritate the airways, leading to inflammation, mucus buildup, and difficulty breathing.

⚠️ 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫:
• Coughing, especially during exercise
• Nasal discharge or nostril flare
• Increased breathing effort
• Reduced performance or lethargy

🌾 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬:
• Dusty hay and bedding
• Mold spores and pollen
• Poor ventilation
• Straw bedding
• Dusty indoor arenas and aisles

💨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲
Medication can help control inflammation, but environmental management is critical for long-term success.

Helpful strategies include:
✔️ Maximizing turnout when appropriate
✔️ Improving barn ventilation
✔️ Switching to low-dust bedding
✔️ Soaking or steaming hay
✔️ Avoiding sweeping or blowing aisles while horses are inside

💊 Depending on severity, treatment may include corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antihistamines, or inhaled therapies.

🩺 Early intervention matters. If you notice coughing, breathing changes, or reduced performance, don’t ignore it. With proper management, many horses with Equine Asthma can remain comfortable and continue performing well.

If you have concerns about your horse’s breathing this season, contact our team to schedule an evaluation and develop a plan tailored to your horse.

Thanks to AAEP and Alta Equine Sports Medicine for sharing these great graphics.

05/19/2026

Who is going to state? Remember to schedule your vet exam to comply with health requirements.

The deadline to complete your State 4-H Horse Entries is fast approaching. Enter using this link: nhorse.fairwire.com. Contact Cindy at [email protected] with any questions.

05/19/2026

Timely share from our friends at Wilhite & Frees Equine Hospital

Thunderstorms and tornadoes can be a terrifying experience for both horse owners and their animals. Horses, being large, sensitive creatures, may become anxious or fearful during severe weather. It’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some key tips to help care for your horses during thunderstorms and tornadoes:

🌪️ 1. Bringing Horses Indoors: It can be hard to choose what is right when contemplating bringing your horse inside during severe weather. Ultimately it comes down to your horse, your barn options, how safe the structure you would use is, and sticking to your plan once you commit. Bringing your horse inside a well constructed barn or stable can provide them with protection from wind, rain, and flying debris. Leaving horses outside in open fields is a double edge sword as they could be at risk from lightning, hail, or falling debris; but in the event of a true tornado an open area where they are free from debris or trapped inside of a structure may be the safest option. Any horses outside during strong winds should have fly masks on to protect their eyes. While there are very few true "tornado proof" horse shelters a run-in shed or a sturdy structure that offers protection from the wind and rain can help during a severe thunderstorm.

🌪️2. Ensure Secure Fencing: Before storms hit, check your fencing to make sure it's secure. Loose or broken fences can cause chaos, especially if your horses are scared and try to run. Make sure gates are securely latched, and that there are no areas where the horses could get tangled or escape.

🌪️3. Avoid Tying Horses: During a storm or tornado, do not tie your horses. Horses tied in stalls, cross ties, or to posts may become panicked and injured, especially in high winds or if the area becomes flooded. Allow your horses to move freely in their stall or shelter to reduce the risk of injury.

🌪️4. Keep Calm and Keep Yourself Safe: Horses are highly sensitive to their owners' emotions. If you remain calm and composed, your horse is more likely to remain calm as well. Sticking to your normal barn "routine" as much as possible is helpful as horses may become more stressed by change. Putting hay in nibble nets or hay bags can help offer distraction from loud storms. It is important for you to seek shelter during severe weather so securing your horse safely and moving to a basement or interior room of your house as directed is best. You cannot help your horse if you are injured so remember: PEOPLE ALWAYS COME FIRST.

🌪️5. Monitor the Weather: Stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings. If a tornado watch or warning is issued, take immediate action to get your horses into a safe location. Pay attention to weather apps, local radio, or emergency services for alerts.

🌪️6. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Having an emergency kit (like the one offered by our office) can make a world of difference during severe weather. An additional kit for summer storms may include:
•Flashlights and batteries
•First aid supplies for both humans and horses
•Extra halters and leads (put in different places in case the structure is compromised)
•A portable radio or battery-powered weather radio
•Emergency contact numbers for local veterinarians and animal rescue services
•Blankets or wraps for warmth

🌪️7. After the Storm: Once the storm has passed, take the time to check on your horses carefully. Look for signs of injury, stress, or trauma. Check the barn or shelter for any damage, and ensure that fencing and gates are still secure. If there’s been flooding or downed trees, clear the area to prevent further injury.

For more information check out this article from The Horse magazine: https://thehorse.com/116017/preparedness-is-key-to-surviving-tornadoes-with-horses/

Our office is always available for emergencies within our radius or by haul in. Our emergency line is the same as the daytime line: 816-779-0100 (you must wait to be connected to the answering service! Do not hang up!)

The best way to ensure emergency care for your horse is to have a current relationship with your vet (regular visit within the past year). Call or click the link to schedule a visit with our office: Call or click to schedule today: https://practices.allydvm.com/online-booking?practice=wilhitefrees

05/13/2026

Great share from the AAEP!

WHAT IS CELLULITIS? 🔎

Cellulitis is a common condition in horses where there is infection/inflammation in the tissues of the limb, most often the distal limb.

WHAT MIGHT YOU NOTICE?
Owners often first notice a leg that suddenly looks and feels “not right.” While the exact signs can vary case to case, rapid-onset limb swelling is a classic sign. Fever is also a sign to watch for with cellulitis. If your horse's temperature is elevated, contact your vet.

DIAGNOSIS:
Because a swollen, painful leg can have different causes, your veterinarian may use a combination of:
• Physical exam and patient history
• Imaging, including ultrasound, to help assess what’s happening in the tissues and whether there are complicating factors.

HOW IS IT TREATED?
There is limited scientific evidence that definitively tells us the single “best” treatment plan for every horse, and more research is needed (especially to support responsible antibiotic use). Your vet may tailor the plan to your horse’s severity, comfort, and response to therapy.

QUICK ACTION MATTERS:
• Cellulitis can be more than “just swelling.” It can become serious, and in rare severe scenarios, cellulitis/lymphangitis has been reported to progress to distal limb ischemia (loss of blood supply) with catastrophic tissue damage.
• Cellulitis can also lead to a condition called lymphangitis where the lymphatic system is affected, so resolution becomes more difficult. Multiple episodes of cellulitis/lymphangitis in the same leg can cause scarring, which makes recurrence more likely and recovery more difficult.

⚠️Cellulitis needs individualized diagnosis and treatment:
• Call your veterinarian promptly if your horse develops sudden, significant lower-leg swelling, heat, pain, or lameness.
• Don’t self-treat with leftover antibiotics. The evidence base is limited, and appropriate antibiotic choices/duration matter for both patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship.

05/11/2026

Do you have an "Easy Keeper" or a furry friend with a Metabolic Condition? Often these two go hand in hand. Learn how to assess your horses body condition score and develop an appropriate diet or learn about the special diet needs of horses with metabolic disease with these great resources from Platinum Performance.

🐎https://www.platinumperformance.com/body-condition-score.html

🐎https://www.platinumperformance.com/articles/feeding-metabolic-horses.html