Today is Hubby’s bday and I spent a long time driving to reach him… so my post will be short – but sweet, I hope!

I came across this photo on FB and thought it was fascinating!

It came from North Bridge Equine Associates.

Have you ever seen a laceration held closed with buttons? When we have a large laceration/cut over a high motion area like the hock or fetlock, we may use buttons to help hold the sutures in place. The buttons distribute the tension of the sutures across a larger area to prevent the sutures from breaking. This horse sustained a large laceration across the front of his hock. With the help of the 4 buttons this wound healed very well!

 

And while I was researching that story, another interesting photo popped up!

Here is what was printed next to this dramatic photo:

Do you know what to do if you find your horse in this situation? If possible leave the nail alone and call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
With any foreign body in the foot (nail, metal, stick, ect) it is best to leave it in place until we can evaluate. Often we will xray the foot to determine where the foreign body has penetrated. This allows us to know what structures have been injured and help us better treat these injuries. We know it is counterintuitive to leave it alone but please do and call us right away.

AND ANOTHER!

Does your hose have a sore back? The cold weather often makes a stiff or sore back worse so take more time to warm up your horse and use a quarter sheet or similar blanket to keep their back warm during work.

If the back pain and stiffness is affecting your horse’s performance or willingness to work correctly, a more specific treatment may be required. Mesotherapy (seen below) is a very effective treatment for back muscle pain and stiffness. This treatment utilizes anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medication injected just under the skin to relieve muscle pain and spasm.

JANUARY BUCKET FUND:

ARACELY, the Peruvian Paso mare with a horrible skin infection.  Do you have any Starbucks money or car seat change?  She will survive but needs intensive care for the next 60 days to insure the eye can be saved.  Click here to read her story!