Author Archives: mpequine

Head it Off at the Pass- Preventative Preparations for Show Season

As we prepare for show season, most riders think of extra lessons, fitting up their eventers with conditioning programs and trailering in to school at different arenas and venues and buying new accessories and gear. As a vet, my perspective is a little different, as I think of the ramped up work load as an extra stress/strain on joints and muscles, vaccination, deworming, nutrition and dental floating. Just as people are getting geared up for bikini season with extra training sessions and if we’re lucky, a new wardrobe, so are our horsey companions. However, they aren’t getting prepped to lay on a sandy beach with a cold beer, they’re getting ready to work harder in the summer heat! Continue reading

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Geriatric Care

At this time of year I find myself having many conversations with clients about what to do for older horses that have a difficult time maintaining their weight during the winter.  This is a pretty common problem among horses 18+ … Continue reading

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Acupuncture for a Sick Horse

Typically, I would not choose acupuncture for a sick horse as my first line of defense.  We have excellent drugs, like antibiotics and anti-inflammatories that have been known to save lives. During a course lecture for “Evidence Based Acupuncture” I … Continue reading

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The Basics

Equine dentistry can be one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of veterinary medicine.  These days many veterinarians have special training in dentistry and several have devoted their practice exclusively to the subject.  As an associate at McKee-Pownall Equine … Continue reading

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Safety First

As many of you probably know, there was an explosion involving a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at an equine rehabilitation facility.  The explosion resulted in one horse and person being killed and a second person being seriously injured.  The details of … Continue reading

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The Joys of Treating an Older Horse

As the owner of several geriatric horses, I know first hand how endearing owning an “oldie” can really be.  A swayed back, a droopy lip, a greyed face, a missing eye are charming qualities that become all the more sweet … Continue reading

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A Day Answering the Phones at MPES

My present role at MPES is as Head Technician.  This means that I spend a great deal of time in the clinic at a computer working on administrative duties, training initiatives, daily organizing and troubleshooting.  Occasionally, I head out on … Continue reading

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Secondary Back Discomfort

At our practice, we regularly get together as veterinarians to share educational information.  Sometimes we have a wet-lab, where we can tryout new xray views or learn landmarks for unusual diagnostics etc (Don’t be concerned; no horses are harmed, just … Continue reading

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Technician Continuing Education (NEAEP AAEVT Excellence Symposium & AAEP AAEVT Annual Conference)

Continuing education at MPES is very important for all staff.   By pursuing these opportunities, we are able to offer high end services and skills to our clients and patients.  Personally, I really enjoy going to conferences.  I find them informative, … Continue reading

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American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention 2011

As you know, Mike, Michelle, Maggie, Elise, and myself all traveled to the American Association of Equine Practitioners convention in San Antonio Texas over the last week. Elise and I headed down together on Friday, and a customs guy asked … Continue reading

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