Bend Equine Medical Center

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2 0 1 3 N E W S L E T T E R Bend Equine Medical Center Contact us at: (541) 388-4006 bendequine@

1 N E W S L E T T E R Bend Equine Medical Center Contact us at: (541) bendequine@gmail.com February 1, 2013 It seems like just a few short months ago that I was writing an introduction to our annual newsletter reflecting on the past and expressing how grateful I was to have such a gifted staff and for all of you who make Bend Equine Medical Center possible. The content of last year s newsletter has never been more heartfelt and true. As we move into 2013, the doctors and staff at BEMC are looking forward to an exciting future. The future is where I would like to take you today. In September 2012, BEMC launched the Small Animal Division with the completion of the 1,500 sq. foot small animal wing. Over 3 years of discussions, planning, and prognosticating preceded the project launch. Why did we do it? There are several good reasons. First, we have exceptional high tech equipment available and a motivated and talented staff who love small animals. Second, the demanding lifestyles of our equine clients today are moving all of us toward more efficient day-to-day living patterns. Convenience helps all of us...why not provide a way for Fido or Hair Ball to have their health care work performed when Ranger is getting his teeth floated or Ginger is being bred? Third, every winter since BEMC was opened, we have been burdened with a winter caseload insufficient to cover the cost of hospital operations. And fourth, the recent recession has significantly reduced the inventory of horses across the U.S., including Central Oregon. To all of our equine clients, I want to assure you that our small animal division will not interfere with our general practice, specialty or emergency equine services. In fact, I expect that we will become a stronger equine hospital as a result. The future is shaped by its people. Dr. Evans completed Acupuncture Certification Training at Colorado State University. Jessie is now certified in both small animal and equine acupuncture. Dr. Findley has just returned from California after attending the West Coast Equine Reproduction Symposium. Drs. Daws, Krebs, Schmotzer, Technician Ashley Clark, and Hospital Manager Sarah Cook have all just returned from Anaheim after attending the Annual Symposium of the American Association of Equine Practioners. Dr. Evans and technician Jessica Arnold recently attended an advanced small animal dentistry training in Portland. Dr. Evans has now completed advanced training courses in equine and small animal dentistry. Please read on because you will find much more about all of your favorite people at BEMC! We have so much to be thankful for, so much to be proud of, and so much to look forward to. Please join Dr. Krebs and I and all the staff at Bend Equine Medical Center in a spirit of optimism for the future of our country and our quality of life here in Central Oregon. Wayne New Faces at BEMC Dr. Jenee Daws is our 2012/2013 intern. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine this past May. Dr. Daws strongest veterinary interest is equine surgery, however she enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice, including small animal medicine. During her time off, she enjoys the outdoors with her husband EJ and their dog, Gus. Jessica Arnold is a licensed veterinary technician that joined the BEMC family in April. She worked in small animal medicine for 9 years and was excited to join the equine field and be an active part of the Small Animal Division. Jessica spent her youth at a local cutting and reining ranch gaining valuable equine experience. She spends her spare time enjoying the company of her husband and two dogs.

2 Current News in Equine Medicine Abstracts from the 58th Annual American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention (December 2012) Equine Dental Extractions Though removal of a cheek tooth in a horse is typically performed intraorally (especially in older horses with short roots and loose teeth), there are patients that need exodontias (removal of a tooth) despite having significant amount of reserve crown left. Oftentimes, these teeth are extracted through a flap in the sinus cavity, though recently a new technique for complicated dental extractions has been described. The procedure requires the use of a buccotomy (removal of the tooth through an incision in the cheek) and using dental drills to remove alveolar bone, allowing visualization of the crown, reserve crown, and root to facilitate extraction. Western Performance Horse Industry Drug testing is on the horizon to be a requirement in the Western Performance Horse Industry. The reason for the push in testing has to do with the misuse of joint injections as a preventative therapy. Repetitive corticosteroid administration into normal, high motion joints has long term deleterious effects on articular cartilage. In the diseased joint, repetitive corticosteroid injections can become a serious masking agent that can lead to irreparable joint damage. There is also evidence that the indiscriminant use of hock joint injections may be responsible for an increase in high suspensory ligament disease in the horse. With the known incidence of performance enhancing medications contributing to break down injuries in the horse, it is no surprise that authorities will be cracking down on the misuse of these and other drugs. Abstracts from the West Coast Equine Reproduction Symposium IV (November 2012) Hormonal Therapy in Mares There is now a new drug protocol for keeping mares out of heat that utilizes the hormone Oxytocin. Research has shown it to be an effective and affordable alternative to traditional progesterone hormone treatment. 70% of mares will stay out of heat for up to 90 days after just 7 days of treatment. This option is available at Bend Equine for about $20. Update on Dummy Foal Syndrome The scientific discussion and research continues on what is the true cause of "dummy foal syndrome". New preliminary data coming out of UC Davis shows that there may be a hormonal imbalance in dummy foals causing them to not know they have been born and act as though they are still in utero. The research is still in progress but it is very exciting! Abstracts from the 26th Annual Veterinary Dental Forum (November 2012) Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EORTH) EORTH is a newly recognized pathology affecting both the incisors and canine teeth of horses typically greater than 15 years of age. The condition is very painful and the teeth can become infected. New research was presented that looked at the possible correlation of senior feeds and the incidence of disease. There was concern that over feeding equine senior complete diets (feeding more than the package recommendations) could lead to ingestion of up to 2x the Vitamin A and D, 4x the Vitamin E, 4x the Copper, and 2.5x the Zinc that is required in a horses diet. High blood levels of these vitamins and minerals may predispose horses to EORTH. Equine Placentitis Placentitis (infection of the fetal-placental unit) is the number one cause of late term abortions in mares. New research shows that when caught early and treated properly, there can be up to a 90% chance of saving the pregnancy resulting in the birth of a healthy foal. It is recommended that ultrasounds of the pregnant mare, especially in high risk mares, should continue past the first trimester. We now know 3rd trimester ultrasounds and exams can identify and prevent the loss of a pregnancy due to placentitis. Be sure to ask us about our Bend Equine First Aid Kits. We will provide everything you and your horse will need in the event of an emergency. These also make great gifts for horse owners! Page 2 B E ND E QUI NE ME DI CAL CE NTE R

Small Animal Division We love working with your small animals!

Our focus has been on preventative care, routine surgeries, and pain management. This division of Bend Equine has been very rewarding.

Services Offered Examinations Vaccinations Acupuncture Parasite control (internal and external, heartworm) Routine Surgeries (spay, neuter, hernia repair) Dental prophylaxis, radiology and

3 Small Animal Division We love working with your small animals! Our feedback has been great the convenience of preventative care on both small and large animals at the same time has saved time and money for our clientele. Our focus has been on preventative care, routine surgeries, and pain management. This division of Bend Equine has been very rewarding. As many of our patients have stated, It s all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone! Services Offered Examinations Vaccinations Acupuncture Parasite control (internal and external, heartworm) Routine Surgeries (spay, neuter, hernia repair) Dental prophylaxis, radiology and extractions Dermatology Ophthalmology Laceration repair, cheat grass removal Microchip Insertion Pain Management At home visits, including in home euthanasia Pregnancy evaluation Radiographs Ultrasound Shockwave Mesotherapy IRAP Orthopedic surgical procedures, such as cruciate repairs, total hip replacements, and fracture repairs can all be performed and managed by local veterinary orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Robert Fuller. Dr. Fuller will use the Bend Equine Small Animal Division surgical suite for his surgical repairs. Dr. Fuller graduated from UC Davis in 1977 and is experienced in all areas of orthopedic and spinal surgery. Canine and Feline Dentistry Oral exams are an important part of any pet s annual examination. An alert (unsedated) oral exam allows for visualization of the external structures of the head for abnormalities (swellings, discharge, assymmetry, malodor) and, depending on the animal s compliance, an evaluation of plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth and the presence of worn, broken, or discolored teeth. A complete oral exam can only be performed under general anesthesia and includes physical examination of the oral and dental structures, periodontal probing, dental charting and intraoral radiography. Dental radiography is the standard of practice this day and age...we are very excited to be able to provide intraoral radiography as a complimentary service with every comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment at Bend Equine! Bone loss from inflammation and infection at the tooth root. Did you know Anesthesia-free dentals are a BAD idea! If someone suggests it is the best option for a dog because it is safer, they are uneducated regarding the topic. Ability and willingness to eat is not a good judge of oral comfort. The vast majority of cats and dogs continue to eat relatively normally despite dental pain because the alternative (in their mind) is starvation - not a good survival plan. Cats and dogs still eat well after teeth are extracted. Our pets do not hunt and kill their own food; instead we provide them with a balanced diet that is easily digested. Our small animal friends are far better off having diseased teeth extracted than living with a painful mouth! Teeth brushing should be performed on a daily basis (bare minimum is 4 times/week). Although we all know this is going to be hard to instill in our daily routine, it is the BEST way to prevent dental disease in your pets. Dogs should not be allowed to chew on real bones, nylon bones, big raw hides, antlers, or cow hooves. All of these can be responsible for fractured teeth! Root canals and crowns can be performed on pets too! Page 3 B E ND E QUI NE ME DI CAL CE NTE R

NSAID Therapy in the Horse: Proper Use and Cautionary Tales Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that include phenylbutazone (Bute), flunixin meglumine (Banamine),

Although with proper use under the direction of a veterinarian NSAIDS are quite safe, we unfortunately see many serious consequences from improper administration.

injection site inflammation and abscessation, and, in serious cases, even death.

4 NSAID Therapy in the Horse: Proper Use and Cautionary Tales Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that include phenylbutazone (Bute), flunixin meglumine (Banamine), firocoxib (Equioxx), ketoprophen and diclofenac (Surpass) and are commonly administered to the horse to control pain and inflammation. Although with proper use under the direction of a veterinarian NSAIDS are quite safe, we unfortunately see many serious consequences from improper administration. Gastric ulcerations secondary to chronic Bute administration The most common side effects of overdose, chronic use, or improper administration include gastric ulcers, colonic ulcers, kidney failure, injection site inflammation and abscessation, and, in serious cases, even death. Tips for the Safe Use of NSAIDS in the Horse: Always dial down Banamine and Bute paste tubes to a single dose when storing (for a 1000lb horse: 1g of Bute or lb dose of Banamine). A common reason we see horses obtain an overdose is when someone accidentally gives the horse the whole tube at once. Do not administer more than 1g of Bute or 1000 lb dose of Banamine to an average sized horse without consulting a veterinarian. Do not administer Bute or Banamine more than every 12 hours for 2 days without consulting a veterinarian Colic always has the potential to be serious, therefore you should consult a veterinarian before administering Banamine for colic symptoms. If it is determined your horse needs to be evaluated, the doctor can accurately assess the horse s pain level and will prefer to administer the Banamine by an IV route after examining your horse. Banamine can mask the level of pain your horse is experiencing. The NEVER EVER List for NSAID Use in the Horse: NEVER EVER administer 2 types of NSAIDS together at the same time-this will result in overdose. NEVER EVER administer injectable Banamine or Bute in the muscle. Banamine is labeled for IV or IM use, however it can have life-threatening consequences if administered IM. Bute is labeled for IV use only and if even a small amount gets out of the vein it can cause a massive inflammatory reaction. Multiple incisions to treat an anaerobic bacterial infection caused by an IM injection of Banamine NEVER EVER ignore signs of side effects of NSAIDs: depression, lethargy, inappetence, colic, loose stool, swelling over vein, blood in urine, frequent urinations. A Special Acknowledgement We are all extremely sad to say good-bye to our long-time veterinary technician, Misha Kirchmeier. Misha has been with Bend Equine since the beginning! She has spent the last 15 years not only delivering exceptional care and demonstrating dedication to her work, but also providing our staff with unconditional kindness and daily laughter - she has a personality that will be impossible to replace and never be forgotten. Misha will remain here in Central Oregon, spending time with her husband, son, and Otterdog. Which career path will she venture down next? Not even she is certain. We are excited for her to find a new passion in the work place, blessing others with her perfect impersonations, self-deprecating humor, and perpetual kindness. We will miss you, Mish! Page 4

Bend Equine Medical Center 8th Annual Central Oregon Equine Symposium Saturday, March 2, 2013 Lecture: 9:30 am-12 pm at FIVE PINE CONFERENCE CENTER Wet Lab: 2 pm-3:30 pm at BEND EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER

CENTER 19121 Couch Market Rd. Bend, OR 97701 Phone: 541-388-4006 Fax: 541-389-7508 E-mail: bendequine@gmail.

This year s symposium topics were chosen by you - our valued clients and previous symposium attendees.

5 Bend Equine Medical Center 8th Annual Central Oregon Equine Symposium Saturday, March 2, 2013 Lecture: 9:30 am-12 pm at FIVE PINE CONFERENCE CENTER Wet Lab: 2 pm-3:30 pm at BEND EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER Lab participants will rotate between 3 wet lab topics Breakfast served at Lecture Lunch served to Wet Lab Attendees at Bend Equine at 1 pm Sponsored by Bend Equine Medical Center BEND EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER Couch Market Rd. Bend, OR Phone: Fax: bendequine@gmail.com Please join the Doctors and staff of Bend Equine Medical Center for our annual Equine Symposium. This year s symposium topics were chosen by you - our valued clients and previous symposium attendees. At Bend Equine, we firmly believe that the more educated the horse owner, the healthier and happier the horse. We hope you are able to attend our continuing education course to help improve the well-being of your horses! TOPICS: Dermatology Parasitology Alternative Medicine Reproduction Every year, we see numerous dermatologic cases ranging from superficial skin infections to skin tumors such as sarcoids, melanomas, and the more serious squamous cell carcinomas. We will discuss commonly seen skin lesions and precautions you as owners can take to help decrease the incidence of dermatologic conditions. Many things have changed in the world of equine parasitology. The idea of arbitrarily deworming every 2 months, rotating between classes of dewormers is quickly becoming outdated. Would it surprise you to know that you might be able to safely skip 4 of those 6 dewormings per year? This presentation will focus on appropriate parasite control and how to customize your individual horses deworming program to maximize protection and minimize cost. Over the last few years, alternative medicine has made a rise in the equine industry. Owners are choosing more holistic treatment plans over the traditional western medicine that the veterinary profession can tend to feature. Our session will focus on what we know to be true regarding alternative therapy, as well as debunking myths regarding certain herbal remedies and holistic treatments. Whether you are a horse breeder or not, our reproduction session will definitely hold your interest. You will not only learn about what goes into the modern breeding process, but also the latest and greatest research into artificial insemination, freezing semen, and embryo transfer. If you are interested, there will also be a lab option that will allow you to witness a stallion collection and semen processing, as well as an ultrasonic examination of a mare s reproductive tract.

6 BEND EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER Couch Market Road Bend, Oregon Phone: Fax: Directions to Five Pine Conference Center: From Bend, go west on Highway 20 toward Sisters. The Five Pine campus is on the left, just before entering Sisters. The conference center is directly behind the Five Pine Lodge. cut here Registration Form To register, please complete this form and mail or fax with check or credit card number to: Susie Fisher, BEMC Couch Market Road Bend, OR Telephone: Fax: Name: DEADLINE: February 22, 2013 FEE: $50 (Lecture only: $25) Phone: Address: Circle one: Lecture only Lecture and Lab Number Attending (include names): Credit Card Number: Expiration: / Security code:

7 Back Pain Most back pain observed in the horse was traditionally thought to be associated with lower limb pain or lameness. The powerful back muscles of the horse are capable of making postural spinal adjustments in response to leg or foot pain to allow a horse to successfully continue to carry a rider. Overtime, these overworked muscles can become exceptionally painful. While this scenario certainly occurs, there is increasing support for back pain as a primary problem. Conformation, rider balance, performance level, saddle type and saddle fit are often related factors. As some of you know, chronic back pain is just that chronic. Currently, back pain is considered more of a management problem in the horse rather than a fixable one. The goal of therapy is to break the pain cycle by initially using a combination of back injections, shockwave, and mesotherapy. In very painful backs, this combination therapy can be used a second time. A follow-up protocol is then established that employs either acupuncture, mesotherapy, or shockwave therapy as part of an individual maintenance strategy. It is extremely important for veterinarians to follow up on back cases. Without a maintenance strategy, primary back pain often returns. Ask about our back pain package, which includes injections, shockwave, and mesotherapy. This treatment package is now more affordable with a 30% cost reduction for the 3 individual treatments! INTRA-ARTICULAR TILDREN THERAPY Tildren (tiludronate) is a long acting bisphosphonate drug that, when administered systemically, prevents bone breakdown (an anti-osteoporosis drug). In experimental studies, low to moderate doses of Tildren have shown promise as an intra-articular drug to help treat inflammation. Today, Tildren is being directly injected into joints to treat osteoarthritis but at much higher doses with the hope that there would be a positive clinical effect. In 2011, the Knapp Friesian Foundation (Judy and Jim Knapp, Sisters, Or.) funded a project on intra-articular dosing of Tildren. As Director of the Foundation at that time, Dr. Schmotzer was able to ensure that the clinical dosing question was addressed. Early results of this project have identified the following: low to moderate doses of Tildren cause no adverse damage to articular cartilage and do not change synovial (joint) fluid values. High doses, used today in some practices, cause a significant elevation of synovial fluid proteins which can be detrimental to the cartilage. Could there be a short term negative effect and a longer term beneficial effect to a high dose Tildren injected into an osteoarthritic joint? It is possible. For now, be aware that Tildren injected into a joint remains an unproven treatment in joint disease with documented short term negative side effects. Visit with your veterinarian to ensure you have an understanding of the goals and risks of intra-articular Tildren therapy. Parasitology Quiz - How well do you know your horse s parasites? 1. In a herd of horses, what percentage of the animals harbor the highest parasite load? A. 0-10% C % B % D. All horses generally have equal numbers of parasites 2. True or false? Foals are born with immunity to roundworms which they receive through the colostrum of the mare. 3. What is the most common parasite species found in the feces of adult horses? A. Ascarids C. Tapeworms B. Strongyles D. Pinworms 4. True or false? Horses should be dewormed at least every 2 months to prevent infection with intestinal parasites. 5. What is the most common parasite species found in the feces of foals? A. Ascarids C. Tapeworms B. Strongyles D. Pinworms 6. True or false? Gastrophilus species (stomach bots) cause gastric ulcers in horses. 7. True or false? Most small strongyle populations are resistant to 1 class of dewormers, and half are resistant to two classes. 8. What is the best way to decrease pasture contamination? A. Drag pastures weekly C. Remove manure B. Rotate pastures D. Keep the grass short Answers on page 8 Page 7

8 PRSRTD STD. US POSTAGE PAID BEND, OR PERMIT NO NEWSLETTER Bend Equine Medical Center Couch Market Rd. Bend, Oregon Phone: Fax: bendequine@gmail.com UNPARALLELED COMMITMENT, CARE, COMPASSION & SERVICE We re on the web! Answers to Parasitology quiz, page 3 1. B % of the herd harbors 70-80% of the parasite load. Targeting those horses for deworming will protect the rest of your herd. 2. False. Foals are usually infected with roundworms soon after birth and develop immunity to the worms by the time they are about 1 year old. 3. B. Strongyles. Small strongyle eggs are the most common finding on a fecal exam in an adult horse. 4. False. Protecting horses against internal parasites has become an important part of preventive care that should be individualized for each horse. Attend the 8th BEMC Central Oregon Equine Symposium to learn more! 5. A. Ascarids, more commonly called roundworms, are the most common parasite affecting foals and can cause damage to the lungs, liver, and intestines. 6. False. Stomach bots do not contribute to gastric ulcers and usually are benign. However when we see them in the stomach, it gives us a clue that the horse has not been dewormed recently and probably has other types of internal parasites which may be causing harm. 7. True. Parasite resistance will be discussed at the 8th BEMC Central Oregon Equine Symposium. 8. C. Removing manure is the most effective way to decrease parasite contamination, however it is not that realistic for many farms. Another great way is to rotate, or rest pastures, or allow grazing by another species. Dragging pastures can actually disperse eggs to areas where horses are eating, making it counterproductive. For more information on internal parasites and your horse, attend the BEMC 8th Annual Central Oregon Equine Symposium!

What you need to know to successfully live with your new Kitten-Cat

What you need to know to successfully live with your new Kitten-Cat Basic information for owners A Publication of Sykesville Veterinary Clinic Table of Contents KITTEN PACKAGES BRONZE SILVER GOLD VACCINATIONS