You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about what Lydia keeps in Newman’s journal, hoof packing, when is it too hot ride,…
Blog Archives
This is a space where all of us horse addicts can get together to discuss some serious topics related to horse health. I will be posting two to three answers a week to the questions you have about your horse’s health related issues. Keep in mind these are only my opinions and they are for informational purposes only. Please consult your veterinarian before treating your horse or pony for any ailment.In addition to answering questions from you I will be sharing some of the many articles that I have written. Also, I will try to keep you up to date on the latest developments in the world of equine health and nutrition.
We also welcome any health questions you may have about your canine companion!
- Dr. Lydia Gray
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Pre-Purchase Exams
Could you review the components of a typical pre-purchase exam? Which parts do you see as vital for any buyer? Which parts might you consider optional? – via HorseChannel.com A pre-purchase examination (PPE) in a horse is a “snapshot” of…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Misc. Topics
Moon Blindness
I have an Appaloosa/Paint mix, and my farrier once mentioned to me to be careful about moon blindness. What is it, what breeds does it affect, what can be done to prevent it, and once it’s contracted, what are the…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Diseases and Conditions
Summer Sores
We have had a few pasture horses develop “summer sores” on their lower lips, and I’ve heard it is caused by a fly-borne parasite. They were already wormed with Ivermectin about a month ago, which seems to be the most…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Skin, Coat & Hooves
Clipping A Horse’s Whiskers
With show season coming up, is it truly harmful to shave/trim a horse’s facial whiskers since they are “connected” to their brain cells? – via HorseChannel.com You’ve asked a fascinating question, as there’s much more to whiskers than meets the…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Ringbone
I recently discovered that my horse has ringbone. He is on a joint supplement for now but what else can you do to treat and prevent ringbone? What exactly is it and how long until I will see the side…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Lameness
Ask the Vet – Mane pulling, pre-purchase exams, sick horses, and more! – June 2017
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about whether mane pulling is harmful or not, how to tell a horse’s age by its teeth,…
Ask the Vet – DSLD, bone vs bog spavin, cellulitis, and more! – BONUS EPISODE with Dr. Andy Kaneps
This BONUS episode of Ask the Vet features Dr. Andy Kaneps of Kaneps Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery as our special guest. Dr. Kaneps has worked with SmartPak in the past on various projects, but now he’s here to share…
Ask the Vet – Anhidrosis, teeth floating, moon blindness, and more! – May 2017
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about anhidrosis in horses, when to have a horse’s teeth floated, how to tell if your farrier…
Chronic Choke
I have an older horse in his 20s and he has recently started choking. He is now considered a chronic choker. I have had to get him tubed twice by the vet and now we have to soak his food…
Posted in Ask the Vet
Horse Health During Long Distance Trailering
My dad is going to retire from the military probably in March next year, and for us that means we have to haul my horse from North Carolina to Texas where we plan to keep him at my grandparents’ house.…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Misc. Topics
Ask the Vet – Springtime shedding, shots, pasture, and more! – April 2017
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about springtime shedding, spring shots, spring pasture, feed rations in spring, and Cushing’s Disease, also…
Hot or Cold? The Methodology Behind Heat and Ice Therapy Explained
What is the difference between hot and cold therapy (i.e. sweating the leg and icing or cold hosing, respectively) and under what circumstances should each be used? via HorseChannel.com Heat therapy (thermotherapy) and cold therapy (cryotherapy) along with their cousin…
Posted in Ask the Vet, Basic Health Care
Ask the Vet – Ringbone, Conditioning Plans, Impaction Colic, and more! – March 2017
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about ringbone, conditioning plans coming out of winter, impaction colic, healthy hooves during the muddy,…
Winter Hydration
I know during the fall and winter it is a lot easier for horses to become dehydrated. Because of the cooler temperatures, they aren’t as inclined to drink their water as they are in the hotter months. This was the…
Posted in Ask the Vet
