Oregon Performance Equinetics - Meredith C. Pierce, DVM

03/26/2025

Just a friendly reminder that’s it’s now my busy season. Please do not email or send messages through FB requesting appointments. I don’t get time to check those. Call or text (541) 740-8142 for appointments. The schedule is running out 7-10 days currently. Please also be patient on responses because I’m a one person show. Priority is currently breeding clients and long term clients first followed by others. Thanks for your understanding.

Picture of just one of the things I’m doing these days.

03/23/2025

A friendly reminder that Bench Warrant is now at Juniper Ridge Ranch and you must call Gary Martin at (541)-749-8811 to order semen. You must call the day prior to collections to be on the list. You may cancel or confirm by 8AM PST on collection days. They collect on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

11/20/2024

I have heard and seen some chatter on FB in the past day or so about EHV-1 cases. As always, this is a concerning disease when it becomes the neurologic form and horses do die from this disease quickly.

I wanted to share that I spoke with the OR Department of Agriculture last night (11/19/24) just before 5 PM and they confirmed for me that there are reports of a couple of facilities in the Spokane Washington area that have been affected. They have also informed me that there is currently ONE suspected case in Douglas county for Oregon right now. The Oregon property is under quarantine until the testing comes back.

Rather than spreading panic and rumors try to be proactive. If you are planning to attend an event in the coming days or weeks you can temp your horse(s) twice daily. If they have a temp of 102+ they should be seen by your veterinarian. Booster your Flu/Rhino vaccines if it’s been 6+ months. Now before you say the vaccines don’t work remember no vaccine is 100% prevention but they do help reduce the shedding of virus. Also, remember the disease is spread via direct contact and close contact so don’t let your horses be nose to nose with other horses, don’t share equipment and for the love of all things if your horse has a fever, nasal discharge or cough keep them home.

For anyone that wants to learn more here is a great website that discusses EHV.

Equine herpesvirus 1 is a contagious virus in horses that can cause serious illness in horses including respiratory disease, abortion, neurological disease and newborn death.

01/22/2024

Now that the frigid temps are lifting here is a note for anyone who needs a dental done. This week isn’t looking all that bad temperature-wise for sedating and doing teeth. I will preface this with it is not recommended if you don’t have a barn or somewhere off the ice to do so though. Sleepy horses need good footing until completely awake. If you have a horse in need of a dental send me a text at (541)740-8142 to schedule an appt.

A reminder and picture of what’s coming very soon.

01/20/2024

It’s time
To start thinking about foaling and the proper steps that take place. Also, don’t forget those mares need their pre-foaling vaccines 4-6 prior to their due dates.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING (A FOAL) 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated — however, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor, to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!

01/07/2024

It's a new year and there are some exciting new changes happening here at Oregon Performance Equinetics. As some of you may have already seen or heard I have agreed to step in and take over the veterinary care at Northwest Mare Services for Gary Martin. Dr. Trish Kentner has made the decision to slow down and retire, something I know she has been working towards for several years now. I want to congratulate her on her decision as she has been working towards this for several years.

So what does this mean for everyone? First off it means that like every other year the breeding season months will be very, very busy. I am going to ask that all clients please be patient and understanding as this may be a bit of an adjustment for everyone. I will also continue to ask that everyone plan ahead for spring vaccines and dentals as well as all other things non emergent. In the event you have an emergency you are all encouraged to reach out but know that if I am not available you will need to find another provider, such as Bend Equine.

For those of you wondering how this will work my plan is to focus on reproductive clients in the mornings and to fit in others in the afternoons as time allows. Please remember during breeding season I work long hours and at times late into the night but my regular working hours will continue to be Monday through Friday 8 AM-5PM. I still do not schedule appointments on the weekends.

For those who were with me last year that dropped mares off for breeding this will still be an option for you but remember space is limited at my place and I will again ask that you let me know if, when, and how many mares you may want this option for. For those breeding clients with multiple mares I will still offer farm calls to certain areas for some of you. For now enjoy new year and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

12/31/2023

Wow 2023 is almost over and it’s crunch time on year end things.

Anyone who needs information for tax purposes, such as an account statement to show what you spent please send me a message, text or email. Remember OPE is a corporation and I am it’s employee. 1099’s do not apply.

Happy New Year to everyone and I look forward to a wonderful 2024 with all of you. I can’t believe how fast the year went.

11/21/2023

💥Important announcement💥

Coggins tests are taking 5-7 business to be completed currently. If you have an upcoming trip plan ahead and get your Coggins test drawn well in advance. With the holiday shipping schedules the lab cannot guarantee to run samples everyday with delayed deliveries. Stat fees will not be guaranteed to get your tests done as quickly as previously completed.

11/06/2023

If anyone is interested in an emergency kit for their trailer or barn please send me a message. I can make large or small ones depending on your request. The prices are $350 for a large or $150 for a small. These have many of the necessities every horse owner should have. They will not contain any prescription medications, however, they will contain some items that are difficult to find anywhere else.

These also make great gifts for that horse lover who already seems to have everything or you just don’t know what to get them.

Kit orders must be prepaid.

11/01/2023

Someone needs a reminder. Your pregnant mare(s) need their pneumabort vaccines at 5,7 and 9 months. Call to schedule yours or even regular fall boosters and save 10%.

10/31/2023

Since the forecast is looking a bit warmer the remainder of this week and for next let’s continue a dental special. How about $25 off each dental from now until around the 15th if the weather holds. Call or text (541) 740-8142 to schedule an appt.