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.
We know you have horse health questions, and we want to help! Each month, SmartPaker Sarah and Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director, will answer questions submitted by you – our loyal subscribers, followers, fans, and friends…
You asked, we answered! In this episode of our monthly series, Ask the Vet, Dr. Lydia Gray and SmartPaker Sarah answer your questions about fruits and vegetables that are safe for your horse, the difference between liniment and…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
