Kent Veterinary Center at Glasgow Farms

11/10/2025

Pigeon Fever, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is a fly-borne disease that’s becoming increasingly common across the U.S. Once mostly seen on the West Coast, it’s now emerging in southern and eastern states.

🔍 How It Spreads:
Flies play a major role in transmission, carrying the bacteria (which originally lives in the soil) from draining abscesses or contaminated soil to other horses. Infection can occur through:

• Flies landing on open wounds or scrapes
• Contact with contaminated dirt or pus
• Direct contact with an infected horse

⚠️ Signs to Watch For:
Pigeon Fever can show up in several ways:

1️⃣ External Abscesses (most common)
• Swelling, often on the chest or belly (“pigeon breast” look)
• Abscesses that rupture or drain thick pus

2️⃣ Internal Abscesses on Organs (less common but serious)
• Signs include anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, colic, pneumonia, fever, respiratory tract disease
• Require prolonged therapy and close monitoring with an overall worse prognosis

3️⃣ Lymphangitis/Vasculitis
• Swelling of the limbs (one or more can be affected)
• Inability/difficulty moving limbs
• Fever
• This form can mimic clinical signs of other conditions like cellulitis, purpura hemorrhagica, Strangles associated vasculitis, and lymphangitis

🩺 Diagnosis:
Your veterinarian can confirm the infection through:
• Bacterial culture
• SHI titer (blood test)
• PCR testing (purulent exudate, biopsy of affected tissue, internal abscess exudate)

💊 Treatment:
• Hydrotherapy
• Anti-inflammatories
• Abscess lavage and lancing
• Antimicrobials AT DIRECTION of your veterinarian

🛡️ Prevention Tips:
• Keep fly populations under control
• Isolate horses with draining abscesses
• Dispose of pus and bedding safely to reduce contamination

If you suspect your horse has Pigeon Fever, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Additional recourses:

AAEP Guidelines: https://aaep.org/resource/pigeon-fever-corynebacterium-pseudotuberculosis/

EDCC: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/pigeon-fever

11/06/2025

Have you ever been told that alfalfa makes horses "hot"?

Well, when we take a closer look at this statement, the truth is much more nuanced, and it depends on several factors.

First, it's important to discuss which definition of "hot" you are referring to. The horse's core body temperature? Or, "hot" as in the horse's behavior?

Taking a look at the nutrient content of alfalfa hay vs. grass hay, alfalfa hay has higher digestible energy; meaning it will have more energy per pound, but less fiber. In addition, it also has lower hydrolysable carbohydrates than grass hay, thus lessening its effects on insulin levels.

Alfalfa hay is also higher in protein. This is where an increase in core body temperature comes into play, because protein increases metabolic heat generation when used for energy compared to fats and carbohydrates.

However, protein conversion to energy is less efficient, therefore horses typically aren't utilizing protein in large amounts as their energy source. Excess protein will be excreted through the urine instead of being stored in the body.

In terms of making a horse "hot" in behavior, as mentioned earlier, alfalfa does have more energy per pound than grass hays. So, if alfalfa is introduced to a horse's diet WITHOUT properly balancing for energy (calories), there is a potential for increased reactivity.

In addition, feeding alfalfa alters the gut microbiome compared to grass hay. Alterations in the gut microbiome can be linked to changes in behavior. Therefore, owners may observe behavioral changes that are reactions to the change in the gut microbiome and not the alfalfa itself.

All this considered, IF the diet is balanced properly for energy and protein, there is no evidence that supports that there will be alterations in terms of horses becoming super reactive and "hot" behaviorally when they are on alfalfa hay. However, it can slightly increase their core body temperature due to its high protein content.

If you have questions regarding your horse's diet and feeding alfalfa, contact your veterinarian.

Thank you to the Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

10/28/2025

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious neurologic disease in horses caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system. Most cases are due to Sarcocystis neurona, but Neospora hughesi can also be responsible.

EPM is tricky to diagnose because its signs can mimic other health problems and range from mild to severe. Some of the common signs include incoordination, muscle atrophy (especially along the topline or hindquarters), abnormal gait, and weakness. It can also cause cranial nerve damage (facial paralysis, difficulty swallowing), behavioral changes, and even seizures.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of recovery.

If you'd like addition information about EPM, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/EPM

10/28/2025

❄️🧊🥶 This is how Dougie feels about the chilly mornings🥶🧊❄️

10/21/2025

💚Absolutely gorgeous views💚

10/21/2025

💥💥💥Attention💥💥💥 The clinic is currently experiencing phone line disruptions. To reach us, please call Dr. Tubman directly at 410 708 2325

10/16/2025

It's dental day in the clinic! Contact us to schedule your equine's dental appointment at your farm or in our clinic 410 928 5700

10/13/2025

Dr Tubman has the state of the art equipment to perform your equine dental procedures at the convivence of your farm or you can haul your horse to her clinic. Please call to set up your appointment 410-928-5700

10/06/2025

Retirees and patients all enjoying a spa day❤💛🌞🛁

10/03/2025

IT'S MYTHBUSTERS TIME! 🔎

As we know, our equine companions can be quite accident-prone. Injuries can vary in severity from small surface cuts that can be managed at home to deep wounds that require sutures that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

As a horse owner, it's inevitable that your equine will sustain several less severe wounds throughout the course of its life, and you may be tempted to clean these wounds with products such as hydrogen peroxide in an effort to prevent infection. However, hydrogen peroxide may cause more harm than good to the healing process.

The truth is that hydrogen peroxide is much too aggressive and toxic to the fibroblasts and other healthy cells that aid in wound healing. Therefore, the use of hydrogen peroxide can actually delay wound healing. In addition, its use can be quite painful when being applied to the wound site.

Instead, it's important to use an isotonic solution (similar in pH to the fluids of the body). Ideally this solution will be warmed to limit the amount of constriction of the blood vessels. If you're in a bind and the wound is grossly contaminated, clean tap water is acceptable to clean the injury site but be sure to use gentle water pressure.

Overall, be sure to approach wound care and cleaning with caution so that you do not unintentionally worsen the injury or slow the healing process. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, concentrated antiseptics like Betadine or chlorhexidine that have not yet been diluted, or high pressure when applying water or cleansing agents.

If you have questions or concerns about wound care or are unsure if a wound needs veterinary intervention, contact your veterinarian.

10/01/2025