Thumb Veterinary Services

05/14/2026

🍾Here’s a little birthday toast just for you!

Happy Birthday Dr. Jared! 🥳

05/13/2026

🌻May this special day bring you endless happiness and unforgettable memories! 🌻

Happy Birthday Lauren LVT!

05/12/2026

Internal parasites can represent a significant health threat to your equine companions, as they gain their nutritive source by feeding on the host animal - your equine. Heavy parasite loads can rob the host of valuable nutrients and cause anemia, temporary or permanent damage to internal organs, constipation of the intestinal tract, slow growth and suppress the immune system.
That said, deworming your equine companions may be something you’ve been doing the same way for as long as you can remember (most likely every eight weeks or so, rotating between classes of dewormers with each treatment).
Note that commonly used strategies for parasite control in adult equines are based largely on knowledge and concepts that are more than 50 years old. This approach is not only quickly becoming outdated; it's also a waste of time and money, building parasite resistance.
Rather than just going through the motions this spring, be smart and consult your veterinarian on how to best deworm your equine(s)! Working with your equine practitioner to create a targeted deworming plan for each animal/farm is actually less work, less expensive, and more effective than the rotational deworming program of the past.
• Related Resource:
The full updated AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines can be found here: https://aaep.org/.../internal-parasite-control-guidelines/

05/10/2026

05/08/2026

Funny Friday!

05/07/2026

Have you tested your canine friend for heartworm disease yet?

There are preventatives on the market to help protect them from this disease. A heartworm test is needed to confirm that the dog is negative for the disease before beginning preventative.

In Michigan we treat for the disease all year long!

05/06/2026

Thanks for my great wellness check!

05/05/2026

However, you notice that your equine friend is clinging to their winter coat longer than they should, it might be time to give your veterinarian a call — especially if your animal is 15+.
A long haircoat that fails to shed according to normal seasonal patterns is the most classic sign of Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. This disorder of the pituitary gland results in hormonal imbalances and is one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and geriatric equines.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping animals with PPID live long, happy lives. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time, and many equines are euthanized as a consequence of laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses or complications related to bacterial infections.
It is also important to note that donkeys and mules tend to shed later than horses, so keep this in mind before getting too worried about other underlying causes. As always, if you have concerns about if your equine companion is shedding appropriately, contact your veterinarian.

05/04/2026

Dr. Monya at the Sanilac County Career fair!

05/01/2026

Happy Birthday Danielle!