Research shows vets are four times more likely to take their own life than the general public. Long hours, staffing shortages, financial pressures and abuse by clients have all been identified as contributing factors to the crisis.

Opening vents and windows is important for ventilation during travel, although that can also disperse breathable bits further within the trailer. (Use a fly mask or other protective gear to guard the horse’s eye and face from anything that might fly in the window, Dr. Burnley notes.)  Stopping for rest breaks every four hours is the conventional wisdom for long trips. If a safe place can be found to unload the horses, letting them drink or graze with their heads lowered will help them clear their airways.

Stimulating stem cells to heal faster through the use of shock wave therapy is part of the exciting new research being conducted at the OVC by Dr. Koenig.  They were investigating whether shock wave therapy performed after injecting stem cells into a tendon will result in better quality healing.  Then they came up with the idea of pre-treating stem cells with shock wave prior to injection!

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is expanding its offerings of free services to veterinary professionals during the COVID-19 crisis including free certification training, job postings to fill urgently-needed relief positions and online courses to support mental health and wellbeing. 

False: Equine Metabolic Syndrome predisposes a horse to develop Cushing’s Disease (PPID).
True:  There is no solid evidence that EMS predisposes to PPID. However, horses with EMS may be more likely to be diagnosed because PPID exacerbates high insulin levels and laminitis risk.

Living under quarantine, curfews, and learning how to work from home has reiterated how important barn visits are to mental health. As states across the country relax stay-at-home requirements, we have some tips on how to keep your horses, horse people, and your barn as healthy as possible. 

Research suggests 21 percent of horses and ponies 15 years of age and older are affected by PPID. However, more recently, horses as young as 5 years of age (although young age is uncommon), have been diagnosed with PPID.1,2 

The first building at Spur is named Vida and will focus on animal and human health, leveraging CSU’s world-class veterinary medicine program; hosting the second location of CSU’s Temple Grandin Equine Center, which provides equine-assisted activities and therapies to humans with a range of needs; and partnering with the Dumb Friends League to offer a donor-subsidized clinic for companion animals while providing hands-on education for CSU veterinary student