News Article

Current News

Founder Alert!

We have had a mild, wet winter in Central Virginia that will produce higher than average insect populations as well as more lush, sugar laden grass.  This can lead to fatter horses with more potential for laminitis and founder.  If your horse is a pony breed or is prone to obesity (“cresty” neck, fat over ribs, hard to find hip bones) then your horse is in danger of laminitis or founder.  A study is being conducted by the American Association of Equine Practitioners to unlock the causes and treatment of pasture associated laminitis.  Dr. Shane is participating in this study.  If your horse does have a first time bout of laminitis, Dr. Shane may ask permission to take a blood sample and measurements to be sent to a national research center. Of course, the best treatment is prevention.  Keeping your founder prone horse/pony off the green grass or limiting sugar intake with a muzzle is always recommended.  There is a new blood test that can help determine if your horse is “living on the edge” of founder.  When we are at your farm for the spring visit, be sure and ask Dr. Shane about your horse’s risk of laminitis or founder.

Spring Vaccine Discount-

James River Equine will once again be offering a spring vaccine discount.  Horse’s receiving the full recommended set of spring vaccines and a fecal exam will receive the Rabies vaccine free (a $25 value).

Reminder-

The only phone number for James River Equine Services is 434-953-6034. For the past 2 years we have been phasing out our old land line phone number (434-591-1260).  It has finally been disconnected. Please update all your lists in your barn and on your phone contact list to reflect our office number as 434-953-6034.  This is also the emergency phone number to use in case of an emergency. The message at night will always give you the number of the doctor on duty for that night.

Murray’s Corner

Hay Folks, Murray the donkey here.  I’m not sure about your herd but I am scheduled for my spring shots early this year.  As an old fellow, I was glad it stayed so warm this winter but the bugs have been biting me all year!  It’s important to remember that most of our diseases come to us from insects so put your fly spray on early this year and give your human a nudge to call and set up an appointment.  Remember to get your free rabies vaccine as there have been two recent cases of rabies in horses in Virginia in the last six months.