Performance Equine Veterinary Services

Do you have a senior horse that is in need of some last minute holiday gifts? Check out this great article from TheHorse.com for a few ideas!

5 Things Your Senior Horse Wants for Christmas Here’s what might be on your senior horse’s wish list this year.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Performance Equine!

Our office and pharmacy will be closed on the 25th. As always, the veterinarian on call can be reached at 919-745-0788.

Hoping you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Caroline Moore who placed first in her 50 mile race this past weekend with a time of 10 hours and 14 minutes!

While she was missed at our Open House and Educational Seminar we are thrilled that she was doing what she loves and pursuing a passion - What an accomplishment! 🏃‍♀️ 🥇

Mark your calendars and dont forget to RSVP to our Clinic Open House and Educational Seminar on December 9th!

There will be clinic tours, light refreshments, and guest presenter Dr. Philip Van Harreveld will speaking on the diagnosis and treatment of EPM. Its going to be a great event!

Kindly RSVP to [email protected] or by calling 919.745.0788.

Hope to see you there!

Wishing all of our friends a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! We have so much to be thankful for this year, and you all are at the top of that list!

Our offices are closed today and tomorrow. As always, our emergency services are available 24/7. Please call 919-745-0788 to reach the veterinarian on call.

Our office and pharmacy will be closed this Thursday and Friday to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Please plan ahead to make sure your horse has all necessary medications before the holiday.

As always, our emergency services are available 24/7. If needed, please call 919-745-0788 to reach the veterinarian on call.

We are proud to be partnered with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital and other area practices in this innovative model for equine emergency and critical care!

Exciting News - the Performance Equine team is expanding!

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Caroline Moore to the practice. She will be joining our group in early November and we are thrilled to have her on board!

Dr. Moore grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. A horse lover from a young age, she was involved in United States Pony Clubs and competed her off the track Thoroughbred in eventing. She graduated with honors from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, receiving the award for Excellence in Equine Medicine. Following graduation, she completed a rigorous equine internship at Carolina Equine Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

Prior to joining the team at Performance Equine, she worked with Jacksonville Equine Associates, serving a wide variety of both pleasure and competition horses in north Florida/southern Georgia. Her professional interests include internal medicine, neonatology, preventative care, and sports medicine.

When not working, Dr. Moore can be found running in the mountains or adventuring with her husband and two dogs.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Don’t forget to register for this weekends sports medicine symposium!

Drs. Gomes and Smith will both be in attendance and hope to see you there!

https://equinesportsmedicinesymposium.com/schedule

Patient Spotlight! 🔦

This is Cookie - a PEVS patient favorite - rocking her “Ponysaurus” look for the summer! 🦕

Want your horse to be featured? Send your favorite photo our way and keep an eye out on future posts!

We are proud to be at the forefront of addressing a major issue within the equine industry.

Our partnership with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital and other area practices is a step in the right direction to ensuring the sustainability and longevity of the equine veterinary field.

We are so thankful to our amazing clients for the support that we received in developing and enacting initiatives that help to ease the strain and ensure continued care for years to come!

It’s difficult for us horse doctors to admit we aren’t superhuman. We’re hardwired to be there for you and your horse whenever you need us. But we’re finally in the midst of an overdue reality check as a profession and admitting that our desire to be available 24/7 isn’t compatible with our own personal health and happiness.

The most significant pain point for many of us is caring for our clients during regular business hours and then being on call for emergencies after hours. If we are a single-doctor or small practice, this traditionally has been the case most nights of the week.

The good news is that the AAEP along with private veterinary practices and veterinary schools are focused on developing new models for emergency care which ease the strain on individual practitioners. This includes the growth of emergency cooperatives where two or more practices in a geographic area work together to share after-hours care, as well as more emergency-only practices and the use of tele-triage services to address client concerns after normal business hours.

As equine veterinarians reevaluate what after-hours care looks like for their practices, we know that the support of our clients is critical to creating a balance that works for both of us. If your horse doctor talks with you about changes in how after-hours care is delivered, we hope you’ll welcome the adjustments, knowing that this evolution of emergency care must take place in order for equine veterinarians to avoid burnout and continue to be available to treat all of our patients. We appreciate our partnership with you, and your horse does too!

Happy Monday! We hope you all have a great week!

Meet the new NCSU Equine Ambulatory Emergency Clinicians!!

Dr. Emily Hellstrom grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and was blessed to have parents willing to drive her out of town for horseback riding lessons every week. After completing her undergraduate studies near Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Hellstrom moved to Texas where she obtained her veterinary degree at Texas A&M University. While in vet school, she enjoyed working with the equine practices in Weatherford, Texas, and also began visiting Ocala, Florida. This led to her completing a rotating internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala following graduation, allowing her to develop her skills as an emergency clinician in both the hospital and ambulatory setting on a wide array of breeds and disciplines. More recently, she has been completing her Ph.D. at the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with her research focused on improving postoperative outcomes for colic patients. Dr. Hellstrom is excited to join the Equine Ambulatory Emergency Service and to support equine practitioners in continuing to provide the excellent care that their practices have established.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Hellstrom to our emergency medicine partnership with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital!

Meet the new NCSU Equine Ambulatory Emergency Clinicians!!

Dr. Elsa Ludwig graduated with a DVM from the University of Wisconsin in 2012, received her certification in veterinary acupuncture from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and completed a residency in large animal surgery at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. During her surgical residency, Dr. Ludwig received a Master of Science degree in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, with her research focused on equine septic arthritis. After spending several years in private practice as a board-certified large animal surgeon, she was recruited to NC State College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue her passion to become a clinician-scientist. Dr. Ludwig currently works as an equine emergency and critical care surgeon as well as an equine ambulatory emergency clinician. Dr. Ludwig’s special interests include equine gastrointestinal surgery, advanced equine dentistry, and the surgical care of small ruminants and pet pigs.

Check in tomorrow to learn about another clinician working for our partnership with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital and be sure to extend these experienced veterinarians a warm welcome when you see them on the farm!

Stay cool this weekend! 🥵 🐎

COOL SCIENCE (pun intended)!

An old myth wants us to believe that horses should be walked until they cool completely after exercise, even in the summer. However, a study from 2020 looked at five different ways to cool a horse after exercise: walking, walking with fans, walking with intermittent cold water application, walking with intermittent cold water application and scraping, and stationary with continuous tap water application. As it turns out, the method that resulted in the quickest return to normal body temperature was stationary with continuous tap water application (2 minutes), while walking alone took the longest time for recovery (25 minutes).

Bottom line: enjoy your rides in the sun this summer but remain vigilant for signs of heat stress in your horse. If they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cool bath, and a break in the shade.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

Reminder that our new partnership with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital and other local equine practices starts tonight! 🎉

Check out this info sheet for answers to a few of the questions we have gotten over the past few weeks. We hope you all have a great and safe weekend!

⚡️News Alert!⚡️

We are excited to announce our new partnership with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital!

This joint effort will allow us to continue providing top quality services to our patients while simultaneously creating a more sustainable future for equine medicine.

We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting endeavor!

Back soreness in horses is one of the most interesting and complex issues that we diagnose and manage in todays sport horse population.

If you’re interested in learning more about this multi-factorial pathology, check out this local conference.

Registration is now open vets, farriers, and horse owners alike!

Happy Fourth of July! 💥🇺🇸

As a reminder, our office is closed today but we are available 24/7 for emergencies.

We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday!

We are hiring! Performance Equine is seeking a highly qualified, energetic, full time equine veterinary technician or assistant to join our team! 🎉

Send your resume to [email protected] or call (919)-745-0788 for more information!

Fireworks can be fun for us but potentially distressing for our horses. As the Fourth of July approaches, please remember that medications are available to help keep your horses calm through the festivities.

Our offices will be closed on the 3rd and 4th, so please be in touch early if you would like to consult one of our veterinarians about these and other options.

Have a safe and happy holiday! 🇺🇸 🐎

Stay warm this weekend! 🥶 Check out these tips from the AAEP to help keep your horses safe and warm as well.

As severe winter weather marches across the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Sarah Reuss, chair of the AAEP's Horse Owner Education Committee and a horse owner herself, shares the following advice for keeping your horse safe during this extreme weather event.

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source, just more frequently.

2. Similarly if your horse is not used to being locked up in a stall, now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure they have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well fitting blankets are great but be sure horses do not get sweaty under them or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold and covered is worse that dry, cold and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!!!) to double check.

7. “Trick” your horses into consuming extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water. If you’ve never fed beet pulp before, be sure to add LOTS of warm water. Dry beet pulp is a common source of choke.

8. Tips of ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting a jumper-style ear bonnet or other ear cover can protect them from wind chills.

Stay safe, friends! ❄️🥶❄️

Photo courtesy of Dr. Reuss.

Have you started planning your Fall checklist yet? Check out this great post to help you get started!

Ready or not, fall is right around the corner! As a horse owner, the best part about this time of the year is knowing we won't have to deal with as many insect-related issues. However, now is also the time to start thinking about housing, nutrition and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

Check out these great tips from the AAEP to help keep your horses safe during this weekends festivities.

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, now is a good time to make preparations to keep your horses, farm animals and pets safe during any fireworks that will be happening in your area.

The graphic below lists some tips to get you started. If you horses are staying out overnight, be sure to check your fencing ahead of time and neutralize any hazards like rocks, branches or holes that could lead to injury if the animals start bolting. If you are really worried about your horse's safety, consult your veterinarian about calming agents and sedatives.

No matter what your Independence Day plans are, above all please remember to practice safety and be considerate of the people and the animals living around you so EVERYONE may have an enjoyable celebration.

Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

Performance Equine is seeking a highly qualified, energetic, full time equine veterinary technician or assistant to join our team! 🎉

Send your resume to [email protected] or call (919)-745-0788 for more information!

Stay cool this week! Check out these tips from the AAEP to help your horse stay cool too!

As temperatures keep climbing, here is your reminder to pay close attention to signs of heat stress in your horse this summer. ☀️🐴

Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will have more problems. Keep in mind that exercise is a major source of body heat and that strenuous work on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and signs of heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion should not be underestimated and can advance to heat stroke quickly. Above all, be kind and attentive to your equine partner’s need. If you feel hot, they feel hotter. So if they look tired—it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

As always, consult your primary veterinarian for more tips tailored to your specific horse’s situation! Read more about heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/heat-stroke

Always appreciate collaborating with other industry professionals.

Do you know what distinguishes Equine Cushings (PPID) from Metabolic Syndrome?

Check out this great post from the AAEP to learn more!

IS YOUR HORSE 15 OR OLDER? Read on!

With each passing year, horses are living longer lives and many survive easily to 25 years of age or older. While this is good news, it also means that horse owners need to be aware of changes occurring with age, so they can preserve the health and quality of life of their equine friends throughout middle age and the geriatric years.

For example, Equine Cushing’s disease is one of the most common diseases of horses greater than 15 years of age. This syndrome is better defined as Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) because it reflects the location within the brain that is abnormal, and the clinical signs are associated with abnormally elevated hormone concentrations in the blood.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is another endocrine disorder that can affect mature horses and shares some of the same clinical signs as PPID. Although the two disorders feature some striking clinical similarities — most notably a predisposition to development of chronic laminitis — the underlying disease biology is quite different in each case and successful management requires proper diagnosis by a competent veterinarian first.

Our understanding of both conditions, especially EMS, is incomplete and subject to continuous evolution, but sufficient information is currently available to highlight some important similarities and differences for the interested horse owner. Consult your veterinarian for more information and work with them to develop the best wellness practices to ensure a healthy life for your mature horse.

Additional information regarding the older horse’s care and nutrition is available on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/older-horse-special-care-nutrition