By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. Do you have an overweight horse? Chances are he is insulin resistant. Excess body fat leads to elevated insulin. Elevated insulin leads to more body fat storage, which leads to greater insulin resistance, and the vicious cycle continues. Even horses of normal weight can … Read More
SmartPak offers advice and solutions to help your horse battle winter hoof woes PLYMOUTH, MA – February 7, 2017 – As the saying goes, “no hoof, no horse.” Hooves are to horses as foundations are to houses – they’re the base everything else is built on. And just like … Read More
By Dr. Juliet M. Getty Your emergency kit likely includes a stethoscope – a highly valuable piece of equipment during any urgent health situation. Knowing your horse’s normal heart rate and gut sounds beforehand will allow you to better assess the seriousness of the situation — so use your stethoscope now. A … Read More
By Jennifer Roberts Its true, the smell of ammonia may be stronger in the summer months, with the sun beating down on urine and heating up wet spots in stalls. However, that doesn’t mean that ammonia is gone in the winter. In fact, ammonia is just as dangerous in … Read More
First Do No Harm by Dave Sauter, DVM Diligent horse owners can help prevent serious injuries and wounds in their horses. Proper fencing, building maintenance, and being attentive to potentially dangerous objects is an essential part of horsemanship. Despite our best efforts, wounds still happen. Wound treatment knowledge and … Read More
By Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. Gas colic is the least serious form of colic. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it’s very common. So common, in fact, that it is often overlooked as “just gas,” like you might get when you eat too much pizza. However, … Read More
Nutrition affects your horse’s hooves, but balance is essential for hoof health. Shoreview, Minn. [January 9, 2017] – The need for balance seems to arise in every aspect of horse riding and ownership. Your trainer will push for a balanced ride. Your farrier will trim and shoe for a … Read More
Horses Need Room to Move in All Seasons by Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D Brrr! It’s cold! Time to take that heavy jacket out of the closet. And time to prepare the barn! Put in extra soft bedding, perhaps some nice relaxing music. Close the windows. Maybe even get those heaters … Read More
By Jennifer Roberts We have all had a hard time catching our breath from time to time, but can you imagine if that happened on a consistent basis? For horses with heaves, a disease much like asthma in humans, difficulties in breathing is a fact of life. And, much … Read More
Horse trailer packed. Check. Tack cleaned. Check. Show clothes ready to go. Check. You’re eager to hit the road for the next horse show, but do you know what could be waiting for you when you get there? With a lot to think about for show preparation, checking for equine … Read More
