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.

Cellulitis in Horses

At Central Lakes Equine we frequently diagnose cellulitis: an acute, painful condition that can escalate rapidly if not addressed early. Understanding the early signs and underlying causes is essential for timely intervention and successful treatment.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, often caused by bacteria entering through even the smallest cut, abrasion, or insect bite. The condition typically presents in a single limb and can progress rapidly.

Clinical signs to watch for:

Diffuse edema over a large area of the limb

Marked heat and pain on palpation

Moderate to severe lameness, sometimes sudden in onset

Fever or lethargy in more advanced cases

Possible serous drainage or skin cracking if swelling is significant

Why quick action matters:

Cellulitis can compromise lymphatic drainage and lead to long-term issues such as fibrosis, chronic swelling, or recurrent episodes if not treated promptly. Early veterinary intervention (often with systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and controlled movement) dramatically improves outcomes.

How we can help:

✔️ Rapid assessment

✔️ Pain and inflammation management

✔️ Culture-guided antibiotic therapy when indicated

✔️ Guidance on bandaging, cold therapy, and controlled exercise

✔️ Long-term management strategies for horses prone to recurrent cellulitis

If you notice sudden limb swelling or signs of infection, contact us right away. Early treatment is key to protecting your horse’s long-term soundness.

🐴❤️ Atrial Fibrillation in Horses: What’s Happening Inside the Heart ❤️🐴

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance seen in horses. It occurs when the normal, coordinated electrical activity of the atria (the heart’s upper chambers) becomes disorganized. Instead of contracting rhythmically, the atria “quiver,” leading to an irregular and often rapid heartbeat.

Because the atria are no longer pumping efficiently, the heart’s ability to fill the ventricles properly is reduced. This can decrease overall cardiac output — especially during exercise — which is why affected horses often show signs such as reduced stamina, poor recovery, or a sudden drop in performance.

Interestingly, AF can occur in otherwise healthy horses, often those with large athletic hearts and high vagal tone (such as fit racehorses or sport horses). It may also develop secondary to underlying heart disease or electrolyte imbalances.

While some horses tolerate AF at rest, it can significantly impact performance and should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. Treatment and prognosis depend on the underlying cause, duration, and the individual horse.

💡 Fun Fact:

A horse’s heart is massive — typically weighing 3.6 to 4.5 kg! During intense exercise, it can pump over 250 liters of blood per minute, that’s enough to fill a bathtub in under 30 seconds!

If you have questions about your horse’s heart health or performance, our team at Central Lakes Equine is here to help with assessment, advice, and management options.

🌬️💨 Follow-Up: Eye Issues After Windy Weather 👁️🐴

Last week, we promised to share more about problems we often see in horses after windy or stormy days — and here it is!

When the wind picks up, it’s not just leaves and dust blowing around: debris, pollen, and sand can easily irritate your horse’s eyes. After a blustery day, it’s a good idea to give your horse’s eyes a quick check.

Here are common eye issues we see following storms or high winds:

🔹 Conjunctivitis – redness, tearing, or mild swelling.

🔹 Corneal ulcers – often caused by dust or debris scratches; you might notice squinting, excessive tearing, or cloudiness.

🔹 Foreign bodies – small particles like hay seeds or grit can get trapped under the third eyelid, causing irritation or rubbing.

🔹 Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) – light sensitivity, tearing, and a partially closed or painful eye.

👉 What to watch for:

Squinting or holding the eye closed

Excessive tearing or discharge

Swelling around the eye

Cloudiness, redness, or visible debris

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait! Eye conditions can worsen quickly and become serious. Call us as soon as possible so we can assess and treat the issue before it progresses.

👁️ Why Eye Injuries in Horses Are So Serious

Horses’ eyes are large and exposed, making them prone to injury, but the real risk comes from melting ulcers. These are rapidly progressive corneal infections where bacteria release enzymes that “melt” the cornea and are difficult to treat.

Unlike other species, a horse’s cornea heals much more slowly, meaning even small ulcers can quickly become emergencies.

💙 Your horse’s eyes are delicate but vital, a quick look after a windy day can prevent long-term problems!

Wild Weather

🌧️ Hope everyone’s staying safe after the wild weather! 🌪️🐴

We know it’s been a rough few days with all the wind and rain, we hope you and your horses are doing okay. 💚

A few quick tips to help keep your horses safe and comfortable during and after storms:

🐎 Check paddocks and fences: high winds can bring down trees or wires, so make sure there’s no debris or damage.

💧 Fresh water: heavy rain and runoff can muddy troughs or contaminate water sources, so give them a clean refill.

🏠 Shelter and rugs: make sure rugs are dry and fitting well, and check that shelters are stable and secure.

👁️ Watch for injuries or colic: sudden weather changes can stress horses, so keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort.

If you’re worried about your horse after the storm don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help! 📞💙

Here’s a photo of us braving the wind in the Lindis Valley yesterday!

Stay tuned for next week’s post to see some of the common injuries that we see post storms.

🐴 Is Your Horse Feeling Itchy? Let’s Talk Skin Allergies! 🌿

We’ve been seeing quite a few horses with skin allergies lately. These can show up as:

✨ Itching, rubbing, or biting

✨ Hair loss or scabbing

✨ Hives or swelling

✨ Dull or patchy coats

Skin allergies can be triggered by pollen, dust, feed ingredients, or even certain grooming or cleaning products. Sometimes the cause is straightforward, other times it takes a bit of detective work!

💡 Tips to help your horse:

✅Keep bedding and feed areas clean and dust-free

✅Choose gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos and grooming products

✅Monitor any changes after introducing new feeds or supplements

✅Keep a note of flare-ups to help identify possible triggers

Here is a photo of Becci removing foreign material from a horse’s neck after he had been rubbing it!

If your horse is itchy or uncomfortable, we can help find the cause and create a tailored management or treatment plan to get them feeling great again!