Hoof and Hearts LLC

11/08/2025

So sad 😞 🙏🙏🙏🙏sending prayers to Ariah 🙏🩷🙏🩷

11/07/2025

On November 5, the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) posted that the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed a case of Equine Parvovirus in a 17-year-old Draft cross gelding used for pleasure riding at a private facility in Stafford County, Virginia.

The horse exhibited elevated liver values on routine blood work but displayed no clinical signs of liver disease. A PCR test confirmed Equine Parvovirus. The gelding is currently recovering, and no quarantine has been issued. One additional horse at the facility is a suspected case.

Symptoms of equine parvovirus (EqPV-H) include lethargy, anorexia, colic, jaundice, and neurological signs.

11/06/2025

🧴 It is Medicine Monday! And it is all yellow. That is right we are talking about Furacin or Fura-zone Ointment (Nitrofurazone). Not all wound products are created equally and may be a detriment to wound healing.

💛 Nitrofurazone is a topical water-soluble ointment with antibacterial properties for superficial wounds. And it is commonly used in combination with DMSO gel as a “sweat” for horses with cellulitis. Nitrofurazone should never be used on open wounds. Research has shown that nitrofurazone inhibits wound healing by as much as 24%.

☣️Nitrofurazone is associated with carcinogenicity, defined as the potential of a biomaterial to promote tumor formation. This has led to many horse owners throwing out their supply due to this risk.

🩺 We always recommend seeking veterinary advise and an exam when it comes to wounds. Wounds may involve important structures including bone, tendon sheaths and/or joints. It is important that wounds be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian so they can recommend appropriate diagnostics, treatment options and possible referral to an equine hospital.

❌ Now, Fura-Zone is no longer available; other nitrofurazone products are still available.

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

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11/02/2025

Discover how to estimate your horse's body weight accurately using weight tapes and measurements. Essential for nutrition and health monitoring.

11/01/2025

Either way you’re feeding in the dark, the horses know when meal time is! 🐎

10/31/2025

🐴Information for horse owners

Here is some great information about colic from American Association of Equine Practitioners

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BemN8CL61/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/31/2025

IS RAIN ROT A FUNGAL OR A BACTERIAL DISEASE?

Rain rot (or rain scald) is the common name for a contagious BACTERIAL skin disease called dermatophilosis. It's caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis," which thrives during wet seasons and in geographical locations with high precipitation and humidity. It can also develop after horses have sweat under blankets or tack, and equines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is very important!

How does rain rot happen?
The bacteria infects the hair follicles and damages the hair follicle and shaft; the hair will then pull out in small clumps leaving pink skin or purulent scabs behind (pro tip: your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!) If you do not address the factors that promote the right bacterial environment (for example, you always leave your horse to stand outside in the rain without shelter or the protection of a waterproof rug), rain rot can keep recurring. If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan based on the severity of your horse's case. While there are a million products that can be found in your local tack store, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action.

10/31/2025

When horses are housed outside, exposure to wind can dramatically lower the ambient temperature. Be sure to take wind chill into consideration when looking at daily temps. The hair coat’s ability to retain heat is reduced when it is windy.

The easiest and most effective way to keep your horse warm when the temperatures drop is to feed additional forage.

A sedentary mature horse will need 2% more high-quality forage for every degree the temperature falls below the lower critical temperature.

Begin feeding additional hay 24 hours before cold temperatures are expected.