Kick wounds around the hock should usually heal quickly with minimal proud flesh. If they’re not improving within a few days, something may be wrong. Getting a second opinion early can prevent expensive complications.
𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘀 – 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘃𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
When it comes to colic, myths can be dangerous. Many horse owners have heard advice that sounds reassuring but is not always true.
Understanding a few common colic myths can help you make calmer, smarter decisions when every minute matters.
"Colic is a disease."
• Colic is not a specific disease – it simply means abdominal pain.
"Colic only happens because of feed."
• Feed changes can contribute, but colic can also be linked to many management factors
"Rolling causes a twisted gut."
• Rolling is usually a sign of pain: Preventing violent rolling can help avoid injury, but rolling itself is not usually what creates the problem.
"If the horse passes manure, it's not colic."
• Horses can still pass manure and have serious colic: Manure output is helpful information, but it does not guarantee everything is normal.
"Colic always looks dramatic."
• Not always- Some horses show only subtle signs!!
"You should always wait and see if it passes."
• Delaying can be dangerous.
• Early veterinary assessment often improves the outcome, especially in more serious cases.
"Pain relief fixes the problem."
• Pain medication may reduce signs: WATCH...... A horse that looks better can still have a serious issue.
Colitis in Horses — When "Off Colour" Becomes an Emergency
Colitis is inflammation of the horse's large intestine (colon), and it is one of the most serious conditions we treat in equine practice. A bright, healthy horse can become critically ill within hours — and even with the best intensive care, outcomes are never guaranteed.
Why it's so dangerous
The colon is the horse's main reservoir for fluid and electrolytes. When it becomes inflamed, the horse loses enormous volumes of water and protein through profuse, often watery diarrhoea. Dehydration, electrolyte derangements, profound protein loss and absorption of bacterial toxins (endotoxaemia) follow quickly — bringing with them the risk of shock, laminitis, and death.
Causes are varied —In many cases a definitive cause is never found.
Early signs to watch for:
Dullness, lethargy, or standing away from the herd
Reduced or picky appetite
Fever (often the very first indicator)
Mild colic — pawing, flank-watching, lying down more than usual
Reduced, softer, or unusually foul-smelling manure before diarrhoea begins
Bright, dark, or tacky gums
Reduced gut sounds
Once profuse watery diarrhoea develops, the horse is already seriously ill. This is an emergency.
Why the standard of care matters
With colitis, survival is dictated by how quickly treatment starts — and how deep the resources behind it run. Effective management means aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and round-the-clock support and monitoring. Protein loss can be so severe that plasma transfusions become necessary.
Central Otago is fortunate to have our dedicated equine hospital right here on your doorstep and round-the clock caring veterinarians - Lucky You 😉
If you notice any of the early signs above, don't wait for the diarrhoea to start. Early intervention is the single biggest factor in survival!!
Did you know- Horses Have No Gallbladder!!
A gallbladder stores bile: For horses, their liver simply produces bile continuously
What is Bile
Function: Emulsifies fats to aid in their digestion
Production: In the liver 24/7
Delivery: From the liver to duodenum via a specialised duct
Adaptation: horses can’t handle sudden, large fat loads efficiently
Digestive Implications
Feeding large, fatty, or starchy meals at once can strain their digestion.
Dental Exams on Young Horses
Even young horses need their teeth checked thoroughly. Today we found this overgrown lower cheek tooth in a 5 year old mare. Loss of the opposite upper tooth meant it had nothing to wear against. Remarkably she was showing minimal signs of discomfort.
Did you know your horse’s annual dental is also the perfect opportunity to check his sheath and penis health?
Many geldings and stallions are understandably sensitive about this area, and a proper examination can be difficult — and sometimes unsafe — when they are fully awake. When your horse is already sedated for his dental, it allows your vet to comfortably and thoroughly examine the sheath and penis with minimal stress for everyone involved.
Regular checks are important because horses can develop issues that often go unnoticed until they become painful or serious. These may include excessive smegma build-up (“beans”), irritation, swelling, infections, cuts, growths, melanoma, sarcoids, or other tumours. Early detection means treatment can often be simpler, more effective, and less costly.
Combining a sheath examination with routine dentistry is an efficient way to support your horse’s overall health and wellbeing while avoiding the need for additional sedation later.
If your gelding or stallion is booked in for his dental, a sheath and penis check is included in the cost.
Preventative care plays a big role in keeping our horses happy and comfortable!
What’s Good About Mud?
With winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about preparing our horses’ feet. While we often dread the wet, muddy months, a bit of mud isn’t all bad — it can actually have some surprising benefits!
Did you know?
Mud that packs into the soles of your horse’s feet can act like natural sole support, helping to encourage and maintain healthy sole thickness.
But it’s not all positive… here are a few things to watch for in wet conditions:
Slippery surfaces: Consider removing any pre-existing pads, especially from hind feet, to reduce the risk of slipping.
Thrush: Look out for a dark, smelly discharge around the frog.
Seedy Toe: Horses prone to this can worsen in damp conditions — small stones can also creep in and cause problems: See the photo on todays post of an advanced seedy toe lesion Becci treated
Shoes On or Off?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your horse and the ground conditions.
On stoney ground, weak hoof walls can crack without protection.
Horses with soft soles or prolapsed frogs may be uncomfortable barefoot.
If your horse has strong, healthy feet and is on soft footing, a barefoot break can be beneficial.
Client Question of the Month
“My horse has wedge pads on her hind feet — should I remove them for winter?”
Answer:
It depends on the foot balance your farrier has achieved. The best way to know for sure is with radiographs — they show how the angles have changed over the season
Tip: Wedge pads should ideally be a temporary measure until they’re no longer needed.
In summary: Keep an eye on hoof health this winter, and when in doubt, chat with your vet or farrier
Dorsal Spinous Process Impingement (DSPI), commonly referred to as kissing spine
Thanks for all of your questions following Tuesdays post….. happy reading
DSPI is a condition in which the dorsal spinous processes of the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae are positioned abnormally close together. This proximity can lead to inflammation of surrounding soft tissues or osseous (bony) contact, resulting in chronic axial skeletal pain.
Clinical Presentation:
Affected horses may exhibit:
Reduced range of motion through the thoracolumbar region
Resistance to collection, bending, or engagement of the hindquarters
Altered gait mechanics and shortened stride length
Behavioural changes under saddle, anxiety, or hollowing of the back
Diagnosis:
A thorough diagnostic work-up typically includes:
Palpation and dynamic assessment of the back
Radiographic imaging
Treatment Modalities:
Pharmacologic: corticosteroid injections into the interspinous spaces to reduce inflammation and pain (PHOTO ATTACHED)
Physiotherapeutic: Structured rehabilitation programs focusing on core strengthening, topline development, and postural correction.
Biomechanical management: Optimizing saddle fit, rider balance, and training techniques to reduce axial loading.
In some cases….
Surgical: Interspinous ligament desmotomy or partial ostectomy in refractory cases, often followed by intensive post-operative rehabilitation.
Prognosis:
With early detection and a multimodal treatment approach, many horses can return to full athletic function. Chronic or advanced cases may require ongoing management to maintain comfort and performance.
Get in touch if you would like Becci to help you with any issues you have.
Serum Amyloid A (SAA)
Our Horse-Side Machine Saves Lives!!
Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is a protein that elevates in inflammatory conditions. It is produced primarily by the liver in response to pro-inflammatory internal signals. In healthy horses, baseline SAA concentrations are typically <1-4.
Following the onset of systemic inflammation — whether due to bacterial, viral, or traumatic causes — SAA levels can rapidly increase within 12–24 hours. This rapid and marked response makes SAA an excellent screening and monitoring tool in equine medicine.
Even better news is it reduces just as fast, which helps to guide cessation of treatment.
Clinical applications include:
Early detection of issues
Help to decipher between infectious and non-infectious causes of illness
Monitoring treatment response
While SAA is highly sensitive, it is not disease-specific — elevated levels indicate inflammation but do not localise the source.
Our Portable horse side SAA testing allows for real-time decision-making and allows us to save lives!
𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝙇𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙒𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂
Sometimes it isn’t the size of the wound that worries us; the smallest of wounds can become the most challenging to treat.
The photo below shows a small puncture wound to the hock which is causing no lameness and should have healed well as the horse received appropriate care initially. Sadly, this small wound would not heal and kept discharging.
𝙁𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙:
Radiographs show some fragments of devitalised bone. This bone needs removing!
𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨?
Under heavy sedation and sterile conditions, we use radiographs to guide a special sterile bone curette to remove the damaged bone.
The second step is to use a pressure pump to flush the wound with sterile water and remove the last bits of debris.
We wish this lovely girl a speedy recovery!
𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙?
Don’t wait for lameness to appear. If you notice persistent discharge, unusual swelling, or a wound that just won't close, give us a call! We’re here to help ensure your horse gets back on track.
Devitalised incisors in horses
When an incisor becomes devitalised (loses its blood and nerve supply), it can become discoloured, weaken, and in some cases become infected. This can be the result of trauma, developmental issues, or previous dental disease.
After the tooth dies, there is an open channel through the pulp cavity to the bone underneath, and bacteria can travel along this canal and cause a tooth root infection. Sometimes pus escapes through a tiny pimple on the gum called a draining sinus tract.
Our clinic horse, Panda, had a devitalised incisor with a draining sinus tract. X-rays showed a widened pulp cavity, and blunt root. With sedation, and local anaesthetic nerve blocks to make his tooth numb, we extracted the tooth.
We're hoping he will feel much happier once it all heals up!
Breeding Season is in Full Swing — and That Means Foal Checks Are, Too!
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a new foal on the farm! But did you know those first 24 hours of life are some of the most important for setting your foal up for a healthy future?
A newborn foal exam helps ensure everything is off to a great start. During the visit we will:
Check the foal’s heart, lungs, eyes, joints, and umbilicus
Make sure the foal is nursing well and receiving enough colostrum
Screen for congenital issues or signs of infection
Ensure the mare is recovering normally post-foaling
One of the most important parts of the newborn exam is the IgG test, which measures the foal’s antibody levels.
Foals are born without antibodies and rely on colostrum (the mare’s first milk) to get the immune protection they need.
If the IgG level is too low, the foal is at higher risk for infections!
In those cases, we may recommend a plasma transfusion, which safely provides the antibodies a foal needs to fight off disease and stay healthy.
Even if your foal looks bright and bouncy, subtle issues can go unnoticed, and early exams help us catch them before they become serious.
Tip: Schedule your foal’s first vet check within 12–24 hours of birth. It’s the best way to make sure your newest member of the family gets the strongest start possible!
If you’re expecting a foal this season, give us a call to get on the schedule. We can’t wait to meet your newest addition!
Spring Grass Flush & Laminitis
With the classic cool Central Otago nights and sunny days this time of year, our pastures are producing high-sugar spring grass. Great for growth, but risky for many horses!
Why Spring Grass Can Trigger Laminitis
When nights drop below about 5°C, the grass can’t use the sugars it produces during the daytime.
Those sugars build up, which means your horse may suddenly be eating a very sugary feed, even if the paddock doesn’t look lush.
This is especially dangerous for:
Ponies and easy keepers
Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Horses with Cushing’s/PPID
Horses who are overweight or have ever had laminitis before
Insulin Testing: One of the Most Important Spring Check-Ups
Many cases of laminitis are actually caused by insulin dysregulation, meaning the horse’s body produces too much insulin in response to sugar.
These horses may look healthy, right up until they suddenly get sore feet.
Central Lakes Equine offers fast, onsite insulin testing!
Our clinic has a roadside insulin analysis machine, meaning we can:
Test insulin right at your property
Give you results same visit
Make immediate, personalised management plans
Why test insulin?
Detects hidden metabolic issues before laminitis starts
Helps tailor grazing plans and diets
Gives a clear risk assessment for spring and summer grazing
We’re Here to Help
If you’d like to book an insulin test, assess your horse’s laminitis risk, and create a safe grazing and diet plan, then send us a message! We’re happy to help keep your horses safe this spring and summer.
Equine Health Spotlight: Keratomas in Horses
Have you heard of keratomas? These slow-growing, benign masses inside the hoof can cause significant discomfort for horses.
What is a Keratoma?
A keratoma is a benign epithelial tumor of the hoof capsule that forms between the hoof wall and the coffin bone. As it grows, it can put pressure on sensitive structures in the hoof. A keratoma might develop as a result of localized chronic irritation, inflammation, or trauma to the epithelium of the hoof.
Common Signs to Watch For:
• Recurrent or unexplained lameness
• A hoof abscess that keeps returning
• Abnormal hoof wall growth
A keratoma typically appears on radiographs as a distinct circular or oval lytic area on the solar margin or the coffin bone. It almost looks like the keratoma has “taken a bite” out of the coffin bone!
Treatment typically involves surgical removal, followed by a carefully managed rehabilitation plan to support proper hoof healing.
Good News!
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most horses recover very well and return to full work!
If your horse has had repeated hoof issues or unexplained lameness, we’re here to help.
Call us today to schedule an evaluation, or message us with questions.
Thank you to Peter Gillespie for the excellent photos!
Happy New Year from all of us at Central Lakes Equine!
As we begin the new year, we’d like to highlight a less common but important cause of performance limitation in horses: fibrotic myopathy.
Fibrotic myopathy is typically associated with fibrosis of the semitendinosus and/or semimembranosus muscles, often following previous trauma, hematoma formation, or intramuscular injections. Affected horses are frequently sound at the walk, but demonstrate a characteristic abrupt cranial phase of the hind limb stride (“slapping” gait) at the trot or canter due to mechanical restriction rather than pain.
Clinical findings may include:
Reduced caudal phase of the stride
Palpable muscle firmness or asymmetry
Minimal response to flexion or nerve blocks
Diagnosis is based on gait evaluation and palpation, with ultrasound commonly used to identify areas of fibrosis and assess muscle architecture.
Treatment options depend on severity and chronicity and may include conservative management, targeted rehabilitation with mesotherapy and treatment with intravenous iodide infusions, shockwave therapy, or surgical transection (tenotomy/myotomy) in appropriately selected cases. Prognosis varies, with many horses returning to work following appropriate intervention.
As you plan for the year ahead, having subtle changes in your horse’s movement checked early can help prevent bigger issues down the road.
Here’s to a strong, sound New Year for you and your horses!
Shivers in Horses: What Every Owner Should Know.
Have you ever noticed your horse struggling to back up, lifting a hind leg and holding it strangely in the air, or trembling unexpectedly? These could be signs of Shivers, a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination.
Shivers is caused by damage to specialized nerve cells (Purkinje cells) in the brain. Clinical signs usually appear before five years of age, and geldings and taller horses are more commonly diagnosed.
The hallmark of Shivers is an abnormal gait when backing up. Horses may hyperflex a hind limb—lifting it and letting it tremble—or hyperextend, placing the foot further back than usual. Many horses also resist having their hind feet picked up for cleaning or farrier work. Over time, muscle loss in the thighs can lead to hindquarter weakness and stress or excitement can make episodes more noticeable.
There’s currently no cure for Shivers, but affected horses can often continue to train and perform, especially if the condition is mild. Management focuses on consistent exercise, turnout, and limiting stall time. Identifying and avoiding each horse’s personal triggers, reducing stress, and sometimes supplementing with vitamin E and selenium can also help. Sedation may even be used during farrier visits to make hoof care safer and easier.
While Shivers can be challenging, early recognition and careful management allow many horses to live comfortable, active lives.
If you notice unusual hind limb movements or changes in your horse’s gait, contact us at Central Lakes Equine at to schedule an appointment!
Third Eyelid Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in Horses
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the third eyelid is a locally invasive neoplasm arising from squamous epithelial cells and one of the most frequent ocular tumors in horses.
Clinical presentation may include:
• Proliferative, ulcerative, or plaque-like lesions on the third eyelid
• Redness, swelling or chronic ocular discharge
• Progressive enlargement of the third eyelid and failure to respond to routine medical therapy
Predisposing factors:
• Chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
• Lack of pigmentation around the eye
• Increasing age
Diagnosis & management:
Diagnosis is based on physical examination and confirmed via histopathology. Early intervention is critical, as SCC is locally aggressive and can invade surrounding ocular structures. Treatment options may include surgical excision of the third eyelid, sometimes combined with adjunctive therapies such as cryotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on lesion size and extent.
Prognosis is significantly improved with early detection and treatment.
If you observe any persistent or progressive ocular abnormalities in your horse, contact us at Central Lakes Equine for prompt evaluation and treatment planning. Early action helps preserve ocular comfort, function, and long-term outcomes!
Did you know?
In horses, one of the alternative sites for blood collection is the facial vein, specifically the facial venous sinus.
This venous sinus is a dilation of the facial vein and is located just below the facial crest on the side of the head.
It is sometimes preferred when horses have had previous damage to their jugular vein. It’s readily accessible, consistent in location, and allows for efficient blood sampling with minimal restraint when proper technique is used. It’s even a good option for needle shy horses.
Well aren’t we just full of Friday night surprises.
Have a fabulous last weekend in the first month of the year of the horse
Wound Healing in Horses: Why “Proud Flesh” Is So Common
Horses are particularly prone to developing exuberant granulation tissue, commonly known as proud flesh, especially in wounds affecting the distal limbs. Unlike many other species, equine wounds below the carpus and hock have limited soft tissue coverage, reduced local blood supply, and are subject to constant motion and contamination, which are all factors that complicate normal healing.
When inflammation is prolonged or epithelialisation is delayed, granulation tissue can proliferate beyond the wound margins. Once proud flesh forms, it physically prevents skin migration across the wound surface, further delaying closure and increasing the risk of chronic, non-healing wounds.
Key contributing factors include:
• Distal limb location
• Excessive motion or tension at the wound site
• Infection or repeated contamination
• Inadequate wound management or delayed intervention
Early, appropriate wound care is essential to minimise complications. This may include timely debridement, careful bandaging to control inflammation, and veterinary assessment to guide topical or surgical management where required.
If your horse sustains a wound, especially to the lower limb, early veterinary involvement can make a significant difference to the healing outcome.
Glandular Gastric Ulcers in Horses: Why Ulcershield Isn’t Enough
Not all gastric ulcers are the same, and that matters when it comes to treatment.
Glandular gastric ulcers occur in the lower part of the horse’s stomach, where acid is supposed to be present. These ulcers aren’t caused simply by too much acid, but by a breakdown in the stomach’s protective lining and blood flow, often influenced by stress or management factors.
Ulcershield (omeprazole) works by reducing acid production. It’s very effective for squamous ulcers (the upper, non-glandular portion of the stomach). However, acid suppression alone does not address the underlying problem in glandular ulcers (the damaged protective mechanisms of the stomach lining).
That’s why many horses with glandular ulcers don’t improve on Ulcershield alone or relapse quickly when it’s stopped. Successful treatment usually requires a different approach, often including sucralfate which coats and protects the stomach lining and supports healing.
Why gastroscopy is so important:
Gastroscoping is the only way to know:
• Whether ulcers are present
• What type of ulcers they are (squamous vs glandular)
• How severe they are
• Whether treatment is actually working
Treating ulcers without scoping is often guesswork, and that can lead to the wrong medication, delayed healing, unnecessary expense, and frustrated horses and owners.
Bottom line: If a horse isn’t responding to Ulcershield, it doesn’t mean ulcers aren’t the problem, but it may mean they’re the wrong type of ulcers being treated the wrong way.
If you suspect gastric ulcers, talk with us about gastroscopy and a targeted treatment plan. Getting eyes on the stomach makes all the difference.