Neuse River Equine Hospital

06/19/2026

It's ! Help us celebrate all the veterinary professionals that help our animals (especially our equine friends) thrive and live long, happy lives!

If you are looking for ways to say “thank you” to your veterinary team, there are plenty of options. However, it’s very possible that the best way to thank your horse doctors and equine vet techs and assistants is to make their job easier.

Some small things can make the biggest difference; check out this graphic for a few simple ways you can ease the strain on your veterinarians and show them your appreciation. No matter how you choose to say thank you today, there is no doubt you will brighten your vet team’s day!

Lastly, show some love for your veterinarian in the comments below and tag them, some words of encouragement and appreciation are sure to bring a smile to their face! ⬇️

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

🚨 WEBINAR ALERT!
📅 June 18 @ 4 PM ET

On June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed New World Screwworm in the umbilical area of a calf in Zavala County, Texas. This expansion into the United States is alarming.

US Equestrian is partnering with the AAEP to bring you the information you need about the risk to horses and how you can keep your equine partners safe.

Dr. Katie Flynn, Senior Staff Veterinarian for Equine Health and Biosecurity at USEF, will be joined by Dr. Neil Gray, sport horse practitioner in California.

Webinar registration link: https://usef.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uwgRdUs4Rx-gEHPiBfqvSQ #/registration

06/09/2026

It is our pleasure to introduce Dr. Noah Bianco to our team, and we are thrilled to have him on board. Dr. Bianco, a native of North Carolina, cultivated a deep-seated passion for equine medicine and horses through his involvement in various equine activities from a young age, growing up on a farm in Hillsborough. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, subsequently completing his Master's degree in Physiology at North Carolina State University. He then received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, Dr. Bianco pursued a career in Thoroughbred racetrack practice with Acadiana Equine Hospital in Louisiana. He later practiced as an ambulatory associate with Appalachian Veterinary Services in Virginia for three years before joining Buckeye Veterinary Service in Ohio. Dr. Bianco is delighted to return to North Carolina, serving the equine community in his home state. His professional interests include preventive care, sports medicine, and podiatry. Outside of work, Dr. Bianco enjoys spending time outdoors, engaging in home improvement projects, and spending time with his wife, Molly, and their dogs.

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging equine owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.

“Mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina lasts from spring until the first frost and horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. However, both diseases are preventable by vaccination.” So far this year we have had no cases of EEE or WNV, but last year there was one case of West Nile Virus, Troxler added.

State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.

05/22/2026

As the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer, make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays. ☀️

Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.

A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it's important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your equine protected this summer.

05/07/2026

It's MYTHBUSTER time! 🔎

The core vaccinations for every horse, regardless of their travel status, include Rabies, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), West Nile Virus (WNV), and Tetanus.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes, bacteria, and rabid animals do not discriminate when it comes to infecting horses. Whether a horse is in a freshly bedded stall, wide open pasture, or on show grounds, mosquitoes can potentially infect your horse with life threatening diseases such as EEE, WEE, and/or WNV.

Tetanus is a common clostridial bacteria present in the dirt and can infect a horse who has never left its home just the same as a horse who shows every weekend if it doesn't have proper vaccine status.

Rabies is a 100% fatal disease once clinical signs are present and is easily transmissible to humans and other animals both at home and on the trails.

It's also important to note that different regions in the U.S. may have additional "core" recommendations so be sure to ask your veterinarian what is best for your horse!

Want to learn more about vaccinations? Visit our vaccination chart on our website here: https://aaep.org/resource/adult-horse-vaccination-chart/

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information!

05/07/2026

Have you ever dealt with a puncture wound to the hoof??

Puncture wounds in the foot qualify as medical emergencies, due to the number of vital structures just beneath the sole that can be physically damaged and/or contaminated with bacteria when they are penetrated by a sharp object.

If your horse steps on a nail or other sharp object and it remains embedded in the hoof, resist the temptation to pull the nail out and consult with your veterinarian first. Leaving the nail in place will allow the vet to take x-rays of the foot before removal, which helps to identify exactly what structures have been penetrated, and to plan the most appropriate strategy for dealing with the situation.

If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can assess the extent of damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound and wrap to prevent additional contamination while you wait for your appointment.

Penetrating hoof wounds can be extremely serious and shouldn’t be underestimated. The prognosis for successful recovery depends on quick action to identify the path of the nail, treatment of potential infection and mechanical damage to the foot, and proper aftercare.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!