Spring is here!

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:49:22 -0400

How can grass be bad for a horse? For some horses, the arrival of lush spring grass seems to be no problem at all. For other horses lush grass may pose several health risks, especially the development of laminitis (also known as founder). There are many factors contributing to this phenomenon, only some of which we can control. Grass is a good source of carbohydrates in a horse's diet, however a class of carbs found in grass known as non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), has been linked with pasture associated founder. Horse who have a predisposing factor for laminitis such as metabolic syndrome (a disease of obesity and resulting insuling resistance), are far more likely to develop laminitis when grazing on grass high in NSC than a horse with normal metabolic function.

The level of NSC in grass varies seasonally (much higher in the spring and summer), and even daily. Due to the way plants use light for growth (photosynthesis), NSC concentrations are lowest from about 3am-10am. Sugars are also concentrated in grass when night time temperatures drop below 40 F. If you have a horses who is at an increased risk of founder (ask your veterinarian if you are not sure), early morning is the safest time of day for turnout, and turnout time should be decreased after a cool night.

Whenever any horse (even one who is not at an increased risk for founder) is moved to lush pasture, be sure to make a gradual introduction. Start slowly with just 30 minutes per day and increased by 15-30 minute increments daily. Grazing muzzles are helpful because a horse can be kept on pasture for a longer period of time without consuming as much grass and still benefitting from the exercise of turnout.

Electronic Coggins Tests

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 07:29:14 -0400

Carolina Equine Hospital is excited to announce the use of Electronic Coggins via Global Vet Link. This will enable our clients to have unlimited online access to their Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins) Tests and current Interstate Health Certificates

To download a document to show you how to set up your account, please click HERE

To sign up for your account or to log in

to your account: www.myvetlink.com

Good news for horses with Cushing's Disease

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:16:20 -0500

With the release of a new FDA approved medication, horses with Cushing's Disease will benefit.

To read more about the FDA approved medication click here

Carolina Equine Hospital News

Spring is here!

Electronic Coggins Tests

Good news for horses with Cushing's Disease