Management of Wounds in Horses - Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic

Fall 2010
Tim G. Eastman, DVM, DACVS
Alexandra Eastman, DVM, MS
Matt Durham, DVM
Wade Tenney, DVM
Nora Grenager, VMD, DACVIM
Jonathan Hirsch, DVM, DACVS
In this Issue
• Wound
Management by
Dr. Tim Eastman
Pg. 1
• Laminitis West
Conference 2010
Pg. 4
• Monterey Horse
Park Pg. 4
• Vitafloor/Holm
Oostveen Pg. 4
• Ft. Ord War
Horse Museum
Pg. 6
• Central Coast
Equestrian
Association Pg. 7
• Dormosedan Gel
Pg. 8
• Moet SCEC
Employee Pg. 9
• Welcome New
Interns Pg. 10
• Meet the Staff
Pg. 11
• Photo Gallery
Pgs. 12 & 13
• Upcoming Events
Pg. 14
• Local Equine
Transporters
Pg. 14
STEINBECK COUNTRY
EQUINE CLINIC
NEWSLETTER
Veterinary Medicine with Timothy G. Eastman, DVM, DACVS, MPVM
Published in Bay Area Equestrian Network
Management of Wounds in Horses
Horses are “fight or flight” animals and have a great propensity towards skin wounds
which generally occur while avoiding a potential threat, are surprised, or by accident.
Oftentimes horse owners are faced with the dilemma of examining a wound and determining
whether or not a veterinarian needs to be contacted. The aim of this article is to clarify some
differences between wound types with regards to severity and prognosis, as well as provide an
overview of current concepts in wound management.
Abrasions are wounds involving only the superficial layers of the skin. As they are
generally not all the way through the skin, they can not be sutured. They may however be
very painful and can cause a great degree of lameness. If severe, they should be closely
evaluated to make certain that no portion of the abrasion goes full thickness into an important
structure. Generally they respond well to hydrotherapy, sweat-wraps and anti-inflammatories
(“Bute”). Horses do get bruises or contusions, they are just more difficult to see than in
humans because of their thick hair coat. These are treated according to severity.
Puncture wounds typically create a lot of necrosis of
deep muscle tissue and are generally treated by daily lavage
(“flushing”) and antibiotics. Because of the degree of deeper
trauma, oftentimes these are not closed primarily but are
allowed to heal by second intention. One common puncture
wound is nail punctures to the feet. Where the nail goes is of
paramount importance and can be very difficult to determine
once the nail is removed. For this reason, most veterinarians
Radiograph showing a nail puncture
recommend leaving the nail in place until an X-ray can
to the foot that missed all vital
be taken to determine what structures are involved. Most
structures.
donʼt involve vital tissues and are managed similarly to foot
abscesses. Those that involve vital structures (primarily the
navicular bursa) are very important and managed aggressively like infected joints discussed
later in this article.
The most common type of wound in horses is a laceration (“cut”) of the face or
limbs. Most lacerations can be sutured if caught early enough and should be evaluated by a
veterinarian. Most wounds if sutured will heal in 2 weeks with minimal scar formation. As in
people, laceration repairs in horses sometimes fail. If this occurs contact the veterinarian who
performed the repair as he or she may want to re-evaluate the wound and change game plans.
When a laceration is sutured closed, it is said to heal by 1st intention or “direct” healing. A
laceration allowed to heal on its own heals by 2nd intention or “indirect” healing. Sometimes
veterinarians allow a wound to be treated under a sweat wrap for 1 or more days prior to
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closure, this is “delayed primary closure”. Delayed primary closure is sometimes used when a laceration has passed
the “golden period” which is the time (approximately 6 hours for the average wound) in which a wound is likely to be
managed by suturing because contamination and/or infection has not become established.
The BIG thing is that if the wound is over a synovial structure (a joint, tendon sheath or a bursa) it needs to be
treated immediately as wounds involving these structures can be life threatening. Tendon sheaths occur in front of
and behind most joints of the limbs of horses. They serve to provide fluid identical to joint fluid to lubricate tendons
as they glide over bony prominences. A bursa is a synovial fluid filled sac which, like a tendon sheath, serves to
facilitate tendons gliding over bony prominences. The navicular bursa is often treated in navicular disease, distension
of the olecranon bursa is a “shoe boil”, and distension of the calcaneal bursa is a “capped hock”. It can be difficult
to determine if a wound involves a synovial structure (joint, tendon sheath or bursa) but a good rule of thumb is if a
wound is within a hands breadth of the middle of a joint, involvement of a synovial structure is more likely. More on
this later.
So, if you identify a laceration on a horse under your care, the following steps should be taken. First evaluate the
degree of bleeding or hemorrhage. If you can “count the drops” as the wound bleeds, you have plenty of time to treat
the wound. If however, there is a steady stream of blood shooting from the wound under pressure in veterinary school
they preach “Donʼt Panic, Apply Direct Pressure, Clamp, & Ligate”. The first two things, donʼt panic and apply direct
pressure should be performed by the caretaker. Direct pressure will decrease most hemorrhage to a safe level. This can
be accomplished with a towel, gauze or even just a hand until a bandage can be applied. Bandage material should be a
part of everyoneʼs first aid kit at the barn and in the trailer. A bandage of just good thick cotton material and “vet-wrap”
is generally sufficient to maintain pressure on a lacerated vessel until a veterinarian arrives. If hemorrhage is minimal
or it has been controlled the wound should be thoroughly cleaned. Betadyne or Nolvasan are the two anti-septics used
most commonly in horses and both are very effective. Cold hosing a wound is a good first line of defense followed by
thorough scrubbing with an anti-septic. Once the wound has been cleaned, it is generally safe to apply an antibiotic
ointment (Furacin, Nolvasan, Silvadene etc.) and a light bandage if possible.
This is now the time to contact a veterinarian. You have assessed the wound location and can provide a reasonable
description of the wounds proximity to the nearest joint, as well as the thickness of the wound and applied first-aid. It
will be the call of the veterinarian whether or not a visit is indicated. If you can pull the skin edges apart, it is a full
thickness laceration and most veterinarians will recommend an evaluation unless itʼs very small and in a safe spot.
Virtually any equine veterinarian can tell you horror stories of very small wounds in a bad spot that were not properly
managed and led to the horseʼs ultimate demise so they donʼt mind being consulted.
The vast majority of wounds are superficial and do not involve any vital structures. In general, they will be
managed by having the surrounding hair clipped and being thoroughly cleaned, the edges of the skin around the wound
“blocked” with a numbing agent (Lidocaine or Carbocaine) and primary closure will be attempted. Wounds of the
lower limb may not be blocked directly but be desensitized by having their nerve supply temporarily deadened. Some
wounds because of their location or the nature of the patient require general anesthesia. Oftentimes, wound edges will
be “freshened up” by trimming the margins. This makes a traumatic wound more like a surgical incision which tends to
do better. Whether or not they will need to be covered by a bandage generally depends on veterinarianʼs preference as
well as location (most wounds of the lower limb are bandaged). The same is true about indication for antibiotics. All
wounds and circumstances are different and some donʼt mandate antibiotics at all while others require several weeks
of intravenous antibiotics. Most are managed with oral antibiotics administered by the owner under the guidance of
the veterinarian. The lower legs and face are probably the most common sites for lacerations.
Wounds around the face have a very good blood supply and usually heal very well with primary
closure. In many instances, the same wound on a leg would be allowed to heal on its own but on
the face closure is attempted. Typically the sutures will be removed from any of these wounds in
12-14 days.
Wounds involving the foot, especially the heel bulbs are under a lot of tension while
horses walk which is why they are frequently managed by a “foot cast.” This is a cast that
A foot cast extending up you can generally manage at your barn as it does not extend up above the fetlock. Heel bulb
to the mid-pastern area.
lacerations tend to heal much better in these casts and you actually probably save considerable
money in the long run as several bandages typically cost more than one cast. These casts are
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typically removed in 2-3 weeks.
Another way to manage wounds that are under tension, especially those further up the limb, is the use of “stents”.
Stents are just devices that distribute the pressure of the suture over a wider area. This can be accomplished with
plastic tubing placed between the suture and skin, buttons, and a whole host of other ways.
Lacerations involving joints are a whole different thing. Once a wound communicates with a synovial structure,
it is assumed that the structure is infected, and it does not take very many bacteria at all to do
this. Septic arthritis is the result of an infected joint and due to the damage the bacteria cause to
the cartilage and surrounding structures as well as the amount of pressure exerted on the joint
capsule as fluid pressure rises, horses can be as lame as if they had a fracture. The resultant
arthritis can be severe enough to cause permanent lameness. Also, the “good leg” opposite the
wound now has to bear more than its fair share of the horseʼs weight which can lead to laminitis.
Whether or not a synovial structure is involved is the first thing your veterinarian will try to
Sterile fluid being injected
determine. If that assessment cannot be made visually, further precautions are necessary. If a
into a fetlock joint to
wound is near a joint for example, the surrounding area is typically cleaned very thoroughly and determine if the wound
a sterile needle will be placed into the joint away from the wound. The joint is then distended
communicates with the
joint.
with sterile saline and the wound is closely inspected for fluid leakage. If fluid injected from a
syringe away from the wound comes out of the wound, you have communication from the wound
to the joint and a life threatening condition.
The good news is modern medicine has made huge advances in the management of infected
joints. The bad news is it is not always successful and is very expensive to treat. Infected joints
are generally treated by lavaging large volumes of sterile fluid through the joint to flush out the
bacteria and the toxins the bacteria produce. This is typically done under general anesthesia. A
regional limb perfusion is a procedure that can also be of tremendous value. With a regional limb
A regional limb
perfusion the target area of the limb is isolated by one or two tourniquets, and a large dose of a
perfusion of a horse with
very potent antibiotic is placed in a vessel near the wound. The tourniquet holds the antibiotic near an infected joint.
the wound for 20-30 minutes and allows the area to be “supersaturated” with the antibiotic. The
levels of antibiotic achieved at the wound are not attainable by conventional routes.
Systemic antibiotics will also be a big part of the management of these wounds and are typically given by the
intravenous and or intramuscular route as these antibiotics are usually better suited than oral antibiotics. The prognosis
for soundness varies tremendously with wounds involving infected joints and are determined on a case by case basis.
Lacerations involving tendons are another major cause for concern. The tendons of the distal limb
run directly in front and behind the legs. If while examining a wound you notice glistening white tendon
like material in the wound, have a handler hold the horse still until a veterinarian can get there as soon
as possible. The severity of tendon lacerations depends on location and extent of damage. In general,
tendon lacerations of the front of the limb (“extensor tendons”) do well, lacerations involving the tendons
of the back of the limb (“flexor tendons”) are serious. Full thickness involvement is obviously more
serious than partial thickness ones as is multiple tendon involvement more serious than single tendon
A splint
involvement. Hind limbs have a better prognosis than forelimbs with tendon lacerations and infected
supporting the joints because they donʼt have to bear the weight of the head and neck. Flexor tendon lacerations are
back leg of a
generally managed with some form of cast or splint and prognosis for full athletic soundness varies but
horse with a
is not typically great.
severe flexor
tendon laceration.
In summary, most wounds should involve at least a phone call to your veterinarian, especially
if they are near a joint or tendon. Being familiar with basic anatomy will be of tremendous value in
helping describe wound location and how serious they are. Have your veterinarian help put together a first-aid kit for
your barn or trailer and become familiar with its contents. Doing all the initial steps right are the biggest keys to a
successful outcome.
Tim G. Eastman DVM, DACVS, MPVM was raised in Monterey County, California where his family had deep roots in the local horse industry. Like
many veterinarians, he decided to become an equine veterinarian at a very young age. He obtained a degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
and a business minor. He also obtained a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of California at Davis in 1996, as well as a Masterʼs Degree
in Preventative Veterinary Medicine. He performed a one year internship at Littleton Large Animal Clinic in Littleton Colorado and then a 3 year surgical
residency at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas . He met his wife, Alexandra (Alex) in veterinary school and got married during his surgical
residency. They now work together as co-owners of Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic in Salinas, California.
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Laminitis West Conference 2010
September 17-18, 2010, over 140 participants enjoyed the Steinbeck
Country Equine Clinic Laminitis West Conference held at the Monterey
Conference Center. Veterinarians and farriers were able to attend lectures
on Friday about preventing and treating Laminitis with nutrition, exercise,
and shoeing, and on Saturday about rehabilitation of the chronic laminitic
foot, ties between Cushing’s Disease and Laminitis, digital venograms,
metabolic disease, platelets, foot infections, shoeing, hoof wall resection,
new research, and special case presentations. Dr. Tim Eastman and Dr.
Nora Grenager directed this special event which provided continuing
education credits for veterinary participants. Other special speakers
included Dr. Jim Orsini from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Ray Geor
from the University of Michigan, Dr. and farrier Bob Agne from Rood and
Farrier Pat Reilly from the
Riddle
Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, Farrier Pat Reilly from the
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Amy Rucker from Missouri, Dr. Tom Divers
from Cornell University, and Dr. Jamie Textor from UC, Davis. Included in the conference was a special client program
for Saturday which focused on prevention and treatment/healing of laminitis through shoeing, surgery, cryotherapy, etc.
The New Monterey Horse Park Plan
by Anne Warner Cribbs - Executive Director, Monterey Horse Park
The original plan for the Monterey Horse Park has been revised to include compatible land uses that will ensure
the financial viability of the Horse Park. The Horse Park itself has been condensed, but still includes all the features of
the original plan. (MHP will work with the Bureau of Land Management to utilize adjacent BLM land for eventing and
driving courses to the extent necessary.) Approximately six private yards, of about two acres each, will also be available
for lease or purchase. These yards will bring in revenue to build our facilities and allow families to live within the
Horse Park. Additionally, a thoroughbred training facility, a mixed use village known as Country Walk, and a variety
of housing options have all been added to the new plan. The planning area for the Monterey Downs and Horse Park is
approximately 500 acres.
The project has been designed to complement the surrounding communities and public facilities with the
opportunities provided by an equestrian park expected to achieve international stature. Blended with the Horse Park
are compatible land uses designed to provide new jobs, recreational activities, new tourism, workforce, student and
faculty housing, expanded higher education and a mixed-use village with retail/commercial, restaurants and hospitality
venues. Together, these elements will create a park on a world renowned peninsula to provide equestrian training and
competition, expanded tourism, public recreation, jobs and housing.
With our partner Monterey Downs and working with the County of Monterey, we have begun the approximately
18 month process to ensure that all proper permits, studies and entitlements are obtained. We are planning
community tours in the spring (depending upon the timetable of the clean-up), we will continue to update our
www.montereyhorsepark.org, and circulate our newsletter. We very much appreciate the support and interest of the
Steinbeck Equine Clinic patrons and clients.
Vitafloor® Whole Body Vibration Training
(Information shared by Holm Oostveen of Dutch Dreamhorses)
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is rapidly becoming accepted as a stimulant in the development of bone density
and muscle tone. The “Powerplate” is now commonly used world-wide by humans as a means of raising overall fitness
and for the combustion of fat. After much success in Europe, Belebro® has now introduced their equestrian version
called Vitafloor ® onto the North American market. Belebro’s new General Manager for North America, Mr. Holm
Oostveen says: “We are pleased to be offering this unique and proven product to our North American customers and
are proud we can now also manufacture this product in the USA”. Vitafloor ® uses the same well established physical
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and technological principles of whole body vibration and is the only way to give a
horse both versatile physical training and a massage at once. The result is a notable
improvement in blood circulation, especially in the legs and organs, ensuring better
health and injury prevention, as well as accelerating the healing process for injuries,
and helping in colic prevention.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Vitafloor ® is a 5 inch thick floor with a covering of rubber. Vibration motors
enable the floor to gently vibrate at different frequencies depending on the intended
use, whether for maintenance or rehabilitation. To avoid the horse continually resting
one leg, the floor can be made to gently tilt at one minute intervals, causing the horse
Tokan on Vitafloor
to need to slightly shift its balance, thus ensuring that he uses all 4 legs.
RESEARCH & TESTING
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala has carried out extensive research and testing programs on
the Vitafloor ® since 2003, with close attention to the possibility of negative side-effects, of which none have been found to date.
Since becoming commercially available in Europe in 2005, more than 100 professional training barns and rehabilitation
facilities have been using the Vitafloor®. As well as for general training purposes, the product can assist in the recovery from
acute or chronic problems. In all cases, the rehabilitation time was shorter, and the result more successful than with conventional
therapy. Remarkably, even with horses in box rest who used the Vitafloor®, no colic occurred (always consult your vet in case of
colic).
FACTS
1.
Vibration training is the only treatment with a documented positive effect on osteoporosis (brittle bones).
2.
It increases bone density by up to 20% (human study).
3.
Vibration training stimulates the entire blood circulation.
4.
Vibration training uses energy which in turn burns fat.
5.
Vibration training raises the production of testosterone (Useful for breeding facilities).
6.
Significant muscle power increases after only 10 minutes per day for 10 days on the Vitafloor®.
7.
Horses trained on the Vitafloor® can accelerate faster from standstill and develop more spring in their
stride. Also elasticity and flexibility increase.
8.
Tests show it has a positive effect on the warming up, as well causing less energy to be needed for the
transition into trot.
9.
The Vitafloor® improves and shortens the recovery process, especially with tendon injuries.
*The Vitafloor video is the second one on the page at: http://www.belebro.com/index/index.php?option=com_content&v
iew=article&id=95&Itemid=159
In addition, if you would like to see a more detailed website, please go to www.vitafloor.com
Holm Oostveen writes: “We have now been using the Vitafloor for a few months in our barn in Aromas, specifically for
the treatment of Silicosis and Laminitis, with very encouraging results.” For more information about their facilities--Dutch
Dreamhorses see: http://www.dutchdreamhorses.com/our_facility.html
The Oostveen Vitafloor Trailer visiting at Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic
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Fort Ord Warhorse History Rediscovered
by Margaret Davis
The fascinating warhorse history of Fort Ord
has been hidden in plain sight for seventy years.
But thanks to research by historian Greg Krenzelok,
we now know that Fort Ord was intended as a
major Army warhorse installation, home to 1,400
horses and mules on the eve of WWII.
Fort Ord’s hectic buildup in 1940 included
the construction of twenty-one cavalry stables with
blacksmith and saddlers’ shops and a major station
veterinary hospital (SVH) for horses and mules. Waiting for their quarters to be completed, the
men of the 76th Field Artillery lived in tents, and their horses in corrals, at what is now Marina Dunes Shopping Center
by Hwy 1.
Yet, abruptly, after Pearl Harbor, the Army turned about-face. Jeeps
and trucks were the wave of the future. Nevertheless, nearly all the
structures of the horse installation survive, tangible evidence of the pivot
point when the trooper and his “most trusted companion” parted ways.
The Army Veterinary Corps’s duties also
changed radically, from 90% horse doctoring to 90% food inspection and 10% animal
care.
The horse veterinary hospital is located at what is now known as the Marina
Equestrian Center, 5th Ave and 9th St, Marina. This complex is a complete, intact, and
sole example of a WWII-era SVH. Situated on a 35-acre parcel of public land deeded
to City of Marina by the National Park Service in 1998 for the creation of a park and
recreation area, the SVH may prove ideal for housing a future Fort Ord warhorse
museum. Two-hundred yards southwest, twelve of the cavalry stables, now owned
by CSUMB, remain. Together, these parcels constitute a historical district and
provide a trailhead for equestrian, biking, and hiking access to an 82-mile trail
network on federal recreational land. CSUMB is currently planning to demolish the
remaining cavalry barns and support buildings.
A grassroots community group called Friends of the Fort Ord Warhorse has
formed to preserve the history of Fort Ord’s mounted cavalry, quartermaster pack
train, horse-drawn artillery, and veterinary corps and create a history museum where history was made, incorporating
relevant buildings with interpretive events and exhibits. Our goal is to form a nonprofit corporation and raise needed
funds while garnering broad-based community support. To contact,
email fortordhistory@gmail.com. Donations may be made courtesy
of steering-committee member Dr. Tim Eastman, Steinbeck Country
Veterinary Clinic, 15881 Toro Hills Ave., Salinas, CA 93908. **Greg
Krenzelok’s extensive research is at fortordveterinaryhospital.notlong.com.
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Central Coast Equestrian Association
by Vicki Rose and the CCEA Team
We are excited to inform you about the newly formed Central Coast Equestrian
Association, a non-profit organization created to serve the needs of equestrians here on
the Central Coast. Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic has generously agreed to be the Title
Sponsor for our CCEA Hunter/Jumper Medal Finals that will be held this November. We
are so grateful for their donations of our top prizes! The mission of CCEA is to educate,
support, and unite the equine community of California’s Central Coast through:
* Promoting and producing affordable events and competitions that model and
encourage first-rate horsemanship and good sportsmanship
* Providing mentorship and education for riders of all ages and levels
* Fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the equine community and
local businesses
Equestrian Devin Eastman
with Bunky
We held our kickoff event on May 1 and it was a smashing success! We were able
to provide $1000 in scholarship funds for riders who would have otherwise been unable
to attend. These riders took part in either a clinic with 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist Greg Best or prominent Sport
Psychologist Tonya Johnston. Afternoon festivities included lecturers on various equine-related topics (including one
by Steinbeck veterinarian Nora Grenager), a silent auction, a band, and a champagne toast. It was truly a great day had
by all, and we raised over $3500 for our scholarship programs!
Since then, we have hosted two used tack sales and a 4th of July Playday which was a ton of fun. Over $200
in cash prizes was given to the top three in each event, and one of our generous sponsors donated $100 in gift cards
to our local feed store. Way to further CCEA’s mission of supporting our local businesses! We also produced a free
clinic with Anne Polli titled ‘Solving The Mystery of The Horse Show Office’ during the Almaden Farms Horse Show
in Watsonville. Refreshments were provided by CCEA, and it turned out to be a very informative topic. We also gave
$350 in scholarships away for the Linda Allen Clinic in August at Woodmyst Farm in Gilroy-a super fun couple of
days!
The CCEA Youth Awards is in full swing, with over a dozen young riders vying for year end awards. This is a way
for young people, ages 22 and under, to get involved with CCEA and earn some big prizes! Throughout the year, we
keep track of each youth member’s participation at CCEA events, their GPA, and their volunteer hours with CCEA and
other non-profit organizations. The things they can help out with are FUN and will help promote CCEA’s mission. Kids
can win BIG awards like bridles, equitation boots, halters, coolers--someday we hope to get this program sponsored by
a tack store and then the grand prize could be a SADDLE!
If you or members of your family enjoy this wonderful sport, or if you would like to increase exposure of your
business within the equestrian community here on the Central Coast, you might consider becoming one of our
dedicated sponsors. Membership is only $25, and is another great way to show your support of our mission. You
may also consider volunteering at our next event--with your help we will be able to continue to support the equine
community here on the Central Coast with the production of more amazing events! For more information,
see: http://www.centralcoastequestrian.org/
***
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Dr. Nora Grenager
with SPCA Rescue Filly
Dr. Nora Grenager spoke to horse owners at the Central Coast Equestrian
Association kick-off event in Watsonville on 5/1/10 about “New Strategies in
Parasite Management.” Then she gave a talk to the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary
Medical Association (7/14/10) and Fresno Veterinary Medical Association (8/3/10)
about “What’s New in Equine Neuromuscular Disease.”
Dr. Matthew Durham traveled to New England this September to assist with
the ultrasound wetlab for the Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners. He
taught the normal ultrasound technique of the pastern.
Dormosedan Gel
New York, NY (July 26, 2010) – Pfizer Animal Health announced today the launch of its
most recent product offering, DORMOSEDAN GEL® (detomidine hydrochloride), which has
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide minor, standing sedation
and restraint in horses. Available only by veterinary prescription, DORMOSEDAN GEL is an
oromucosal gel formulation of detomidine that can easily be administered by veterinarians and
horse owners.
DORMOSEDAN GEL is available as a one-time use syringe, administered under the
horseʼs tongue, to provide mild sedation and restraint for procedures such as body clipping,
sheath cleaning and hoof trimming or shoeing.
“For years, veterinarians have trusted DORMOSEDAN for reliable sedation, and
DORMOSEDAN GEL provides them with another tool to provide mild sedation without
requiring an injection,” said Bobby Cowles, DVM, MS, MBA, and Area Veterinarian at
Pfizer Animal Health. “DORMOSEDAN GEL has a high margin of safety and can be
used for a variety of equine husbandry procedures that owners may need to perform.”
SCEC’s Rico takes a Ride
Veterinarians should consult with their clients on the nature of the tasks to be performed, but
DORMOSEDAN GEL should allow owners to complete most minor, non-painful procedures.
The 40 minute wait for onset of sedation, the intended use for only non-painful husbandry procedures and the
sublingual administration of DORMOSEDAN GEL should clearly be explained to the horse owner using the Client
Information Sheet in the full prescribing information. Further information, including a video on the science, product
administration and handling of DORMOSEDAN GEL, is available at www.DormosedanGel.com.
DORMOSEDAN GEL has not been shown to provide analgesia and should not be used for painful procedures.
DORMOSEDAN GEL has been demonstrated in horses to be safe and effective in clinical trials when administered at the
recommended dose.2 Appropriate precautions should be taken while handling and using gel dosing syringes, as
DORMOSEDAN GEL can be absorbed following direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth, and may cause irritation.
The use of impermeable gloves is advised. If the product comes in contact with any exposed skin, the user should
immediately wash the affected areas. Following product application, the horse should be kept quiet for 40 minutes
while waiting for sedation to take effect. Food and water should be withheld from the horse until the sedative effect of
the product has dissipated.
DORMOSEDAN GEL is contraindicated in horses with known hypersensitivity to detomidine. Intravenous
potentiated sulfonamides should not be used in anesthetized or sedated horses, as potentially fatal dysrhythmias may
occur. Do not use DORMOSEDAN GEL and DORMOSEDAN Injectable in horses with pre-existing atrio-ventricular
(AV) or sino-atrial (SA) blocks, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions
of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold, fatigue or high altitude. As with other 2 agonists,
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bradycardia and partial AV and SA blocks can occur with decreased respiratory rates. The use of epinephrine should
be avoided since epinephrine may potentiate the effects of 2 agonists. For the DORMOSEDAN GEL full prescribing
information visit www.DormosedanGel.com/PI. For the DORMOSEDAN Injectable full prescribing information see
www.safeandpredictable.com/docs/US_EN_DS_compliance.pdf.
Moet: SCEC Employee Extraordi-Mare
by SCEC Repro Technician Maureen Rock
Moet has been an employee at Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic for about seven
years. She takes her primary duty as the tease mare for our breeding program very
seriously. She welcomes each and every one of her stallions looking beautiful and
helps them get their job done. But, our Moet is a go-getter, always looking for ways
to do more to help the clinic. Recently, she took on the daunting role of adopting a
Moet with Torre
newly orphaned filly, Bella, whose real mom abandoned her. Almost instantly, Moet took Bella as her own: to nurse, to
love and to teach how to be a good horse.
Moet took on this adoptive mother role once before, a couple years ago,
when a newborn colt lost his mom after foaling. With the administration of
some hormonal drugs to assist in milk production and letdown, Moet quickly
became everything that little colt dreamed of and more in just a few days. With
her guidance he has grown up to be quite a nice young colt. Moet accepts this
responsibility of motherhood with such grace and charm. Anyone can see how
much she loves to be a mom. She is truly a star in this new filly’s eyes and we
couldn’t be prouder of her courage.
Moet with Bella
I say, “courage”, because last year, Moet herself had a life challenge with
which to deal. Moet had to have her right eye removed to make her more
comfortable. Although she had come to us already blind in this eye, it had become a source of daily discomfort. Not
wanting our girl to be in pain, the decision was made to remove the eye. The decision has been a good one as Moet no
longer deals with this daily discomfort. The loss, obviously took some adjusting, but she has done wonderfully. Moet
always has a way of accepting and overcoming any challenge that comes her way.
In fact, this morning, Moet wore both her Steinbeck Equine hats as she helped
during a stallion collection, while her baby, Bella, waited in the near distance, as her
mommy performed her “other” job. You are truly an inspiration to us all Moet, teaching
us we can all try a little harder and give a little more to help make Steinbeck Country
Equine Clinic that much better. Thanks for the joy you have given to both of the little
foals you have mothered as well as all of us lucky enough to witness this miracle again.
You are loved Moet as you have so gracefully shown us how with your loving way.
Your Biggest Fan
***
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Welcome New Interns
Sarah James grew up in coastal New Hampshire and attended the
University of Vermont (UVM) for her undergraduate studies. She rode for the
universityʼs equestrian team and took advantage of the mountains by hiking
and snowboarding regularly. While in college, she spent six months studying
abroad in Australia, and also enjoyed surfing and traveling the country. Back in
Vermont, she was a recipient of the Undergraduate
Research Endeavors Competitive Awards and the
Hughes Endeavor for Life Science Excellence
Award for her cancer research. She graduated Cum
Laude from UVM in 2006 with a Bachelors of
Animal and a Bachelors of Biological Science, and
then moved south to attend veterinary school at North Carolina State University. While in
school, she worked in the large animal hospital, was president of the student chapter of the
Society for Theriogenology, and was the class representative for the student chapter of the
American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2007 she was the recipient of a Merck Meriel
Veterinary Scholars research grant focusing on equine podiatry, and now has a pending
publication involving breakover in the hind limbs of horses. In 2010, Sarah became a
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University and headed west to
join SCEC. Her professional interests include theriogenology, sports medicine, surgery,
and diagnostic imaging. Outside of work, she has been enjoying horseback riding and
hiking in beautiful California.
Steven Loncosky and his lovely wife Korina, an elementary school teacher, headed north this summer to join the
staff at SCEC. He received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, College
of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, California in 2010. Originally from southern California, he enjoyed surfing and
water polo, but was happy to move to San Luis Obispo for his undergraduate Bachelorʼs Degree in Animal Science and
a minor in Equine Science from California Polytechnic State University. While at Cal Poly he enjoyed participating
in the National Student Exchange program, attending UMass Boston for a semester and then returning to Cal Poly to
finish his degree. Also at Cal Poly, he enjoyed being a part of Cal Polyʼs Quarter Horses and the hands on courses the
school offers.
During Veterinary School, Steve volunteered in numerous Rural Area Veterinary Service trips with Dr. Eric
Davis, traveling from California to North Dakota and
even into Mexico. These trips provided vital care to the
local community. Such necessary services were routine
castrations, cryptorchid castrations, umbilical hernia
repair, dentistry, vaccinations, de-worming, and hoof
care. Also, while in veterinary school, he was president
of the Student Chapter of American Association of
Equine Practitioners, helping to plan and lead numerous
activities and events.
His professional interests include surgery, lameness,
imaging, dentistry, and rural area volunteer work.
Outside of work he enjoys world travel with his wife,
scuba diving, horseback riding, and snowboarding.
Meet the Staff
Another Mother Daughter Team at SCEC
SCEC long-time employee Giga Cullen has enjoyed
watching the clinic mature over the years from Large Animal
Veterinary Corporation to Steinbeck Equine. She wears many hats
at SCEC, including: Hospital Manager, Radiography Specialist and
X-Ray Records Manager, Lab Technician, and Bilingual Consultant,
not to mention being a huge help in any type of emergency.
Giga grew up in Brazil and Hawaii. She went to the
University of Hawaii and was “imported” to this area in 1978
where she led horse trail rides in Laguna Seca, assisted at an equine
breeding facility, did free lance breaking/training, gave riding
Giga with Baby Carli
lessons at various stables, and was care-taker for a private ranch.
and a Fan
When I first met Giga, she gave riding lessons at Cypress
With her Camera
Stables, where she gave us ladies thorough aerobic work outs with
lots of posting and jumping without stirrups. I got into the best shape ever. Later,
working with her at LAVC and SCEC, I was continually amazed by her
strength (in spite of her petite size), ingenuity, and genius in general.
Giga especially loves to travel and once won a trip to Tahiti
by scootering down Highway 68 for a radio program. She is also a
gifted photographer and jewelry maker (following in the steps of her
grandfather).
Giga Cullen at
On April 16th, 1992 Giga gave birth to her dear daughter,
Nora’s Wedding
Carli, who grew up at the clinic and is now helping in the front office
Schooling a Young Horse
(more about Carli below). Giga has been a very busy mother, making
costumes for her multi-gifted daughter’s performances, and taking her to numerous events
and activities.
Many long term clients may remember her little white, fluffy dog “Bugsy” who was the
Large Animal Veterinary Corporation mascot. Now her dog “Patrick,” another SPCA rescue
pet, is mascot for SCEC, along with her recently inherited “Teddy.” She also enjoys trailriding, music concerts, and ‘being there’ for Carli and all her friends.
Carli Cullen, talented in dance (taking after grandmother
Gisela) and numerous sports, is a recent graduate from Salinas
Patrick
High School. She is interested in the medical field and plans to
become a neonatal nurse. She looks forward to starting college in
the spring. When calling SCEC you may speak with her because
she is helping in the front office as a receptionist. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading,
and spending time with her cat, Kira.
Carli Cullen
Prescription and Supplies: Why wait?
Please call the office ahead to have your prescription or supply order ready for pick-up.
This gives the office the time to get your doctor’s okay and make sure the item is not on back-order.
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Nora and David’s Wedding
Dr. Nora Grenager, David Hansell, and Bridal Party
Sunday, September 5th, under the bluest of sunny skies, Dr. Nora Grenager and David Hansell were married. The
wedding was held in a lovely garden setting on a private ranch in Corral de Tierra. Family and friends came from near and far
to join the couple celebrating this happy event.
Nora’s dog, Delilah,
during the ceremony
Carli and Giga Cullen with Jenn Melius
Dr. Steve and Korina Loncosky, Dr. Sarah James, and Veterinary
Technician Sierra Hightower
Tessa (Baker) Lumley
and Laurel Whisler
Tiffany Durham and Jan
Petersen
The Bride Dancing with
her Father
Michelle Surbeck and
J.R. Harper
Quinn Eastman with Dr.
Hirsch and Ellie
Dr. Alex and Ashton
Eastman
Alex, Tim, and Quinn Eastman
Arthur, Alden, Sabrina, and
Mackenzie Miller
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In Loving Memory of Giga’s Mother, Gisela
S. Kain. We all miss her visits to SCEC.
Baby Photos!
Gisela and her dog, Teddy.
Dr. Erin (Matern) Carey’s son Owen
Ellie Hirsch
Dr. Alex Eastman with Owen and Wendy and
Ellie Hirsch
Quinn and Ellie
The Hirsch Family
Quinn Eastman and Ellie Hirsch
Ellie
* On 8/27/10 Enrique and Erica
Hernandez’s son Jesus was born.
Ellie and Tessa * Former SCEC Vet Tech, Tessa
(Baker) Lumley is going to Veterinary School at
Tufts University in Massachusetts
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Upcoming Events
Please see: http://www.bayequest.com/Event/ and http://www.horsepark.org/calendar.php for more details and links.
10/15 The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program Gala , 415-221-9438, San Francisco, Ca.
10/16 The Horse Park at Woodside Day of the Horse #650-851-2141
10/17 Just Jumping- Super Savers Series, 707-546-4177, (707) 756-2627, Santa Rosa, CA.
10/17 White Rock Ranch Hunter/Jumper Show Series, (Schooling), 408/314-5251, Watsonville.
10/19 CSHA Region 10 Monthly Meeting, 831-905-5450, 831-905-5450, Salinas.
10/20-10/23 Old Buckaroo’s Wild West Show at the Cow Palace, 408-710-1616, Daly City, CA.
10/23-10/25 Gail Hoff-Carmona Clinic, Dressage, 925.487.4529, Morgan Hill, CA.
10/23 Marsha Linden Memorial Pleasure Trail Ride, 842-2619, 842-0777, San Martin.
10/23 Pacific Ridge Pony Club Halloween Horse Show, 650-823-3315, Los Altos Hills, CA.
10/23 HAPPY HALLOWEEN DE-SPOOKY CLINIC presented by Amber Lydic, trainer for SAN JOSE POLICE
MOUNTED UNIT , 408-656-0563, Morgan Hill, Ca.
10/23-10/24 De-spooking clinic with John Lyons certified trainer, 677-6826, San Jose, Ca.
10/30 Livestock and Land Monterey County Workshop Series, 831-424-1036 X 126, 831-801-8776, Salinas, Ca.
10/30 The Horse Park at Woodside Los Altos Hounds #650-851-2141
10/30-10/31 Dressage Clinic with Jack Burns, Half Moon Bay, CA, Send E-mail, http://www.jbequine.com.
10/31 Watsonville Saddlites Halloween Gymkhana, 831 663 4595, Watsonville, CA.
10/31 Games on Horseback - CGA District 9 Gymkhana, Boulder Creek, http://redwoodriders.org, Event Type:
Gymkhana.
11/2 The Equine Center’s Expo, San Luis Obispo, http://www.theequinecenter.com.
11/5-11/7 Dressage and Holistic Horsemanship Clinic w/ Lynn Clifford, 650 851-1717, Woodside.
11/6-11/7 DE-SPOOKING & EQUINE CONFIDENCE COURSE, 925-838-1116, Pleasanton, CA.
11/6 Livestock and Land Monterey County Workshop Series, 831-424-1036 X 126, 831-801-8776, Salinas, Ca.
11/13 Fox ‘n Horn 2010 Year End Championship Show, 831-277-0531, Indoor Arena at Quail Creek Ranch,
Salinas, CA, Send E-mail, http://www.foxnhorn.com, Event Type: Horse Show, Schooling, Breed: Open,
Discipline: English.
11/13 THE TACK ROOM’S Annual Fall Breyer Model Show and Fun Day!!!, 526-6650, Modesto, CA.
11/13 Livetsock and Land Monterey County Workshop Series, 831-424-1036 X 126, 831-801-8776, Salinas, Ca.
11/14 Rescue Ride at the Ranch, 805-235-3834, San Luis Obispo.
12/10 General Meeting and Holiday party--San Martin Horsemen’s Association, 408-842-0777 San Martin.
12/11 Judges Perspecitive on new USEF Dressage Tests - Training to Fourth Level, 510-672-3260, Pleasanton, CA.
Equine Transportation Services
Available for Hauling, including Emergencies
Bob Aker Equine Transport 1st: 831.663.6466 2nd: 831.596.6083
Michael Ducharme Equine Transport 707.753.1850 831.659.2125
Light Star Horse Transportation Terry Konkle 877.254.5112
Arthur Miller Equine Transport 831.277.1389 Late Night: 831-484-7344
Mike Scully Equine Transport 831.236.4305
Tomrich Farms Horse Transportation 831.917.1120 650.714.7529
Wayne Willnauer Transportation 408.761.0054
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