Consider enrolling your horse in our Wellness Program for 2022!
Acupuncture
THE FINEST CARE FOR YOUR HORSE IN MAINE. Judd started studying veterinary acupuncture in 1989 after attending a lecture by Dr. Allen Schoen. Over the last 11 years while receiving regular acupuncture treatments himself, Dr. Judd used acupuncture to treat a variety of different animals, including horses, cattle, cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, and pigs. Animals are usually quite accepting of acupuncture treatment, and when used to complement western veterinary medicine, can be a very powerful healing tool.
Examples of problems that seem to respond especially well to traditional Chinese medicine would be musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis, traumatic injuries like sprains, strains and pulls, back soreness and neck and shoulder injuries. Dermatologic disorders have shown nice responses to acupuncture. Positive results are seen allergic skin disease in both dogs and horses, as well as lick granulomas in dogs (a very frustrating syndrome where the dog will start licking an area, usually on the foreleg, until a non-healing ulcer forms).
Human acupuncture has a high success rate treating asthma, and we see similar results in treating some cases of heaves (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in horses and feline asthma. Dr. Judd has also had some recent experience working with behavioral problems in dogs and horses that has been quite rewarding.
Post operatively, acupuncture is very useful for treating pain, depressing and to speed healing of damaged tissues.
As in human acupuncture, veterinary acupuncture can be used to ease the stress associated with the change of seasons, and to help prepare an athlete for an event, two examples of the prophylactic use of this centuries old discipline.
There is no question that the beneficial effects of acupuncture are starting to be appreciated in modern western society, and that the powerful synergy of the two forms of medicine (eastern and western) has a lot to offer all of us and our companion and working animals.
Vaccinations
Vaccination of horses has become a hot topic among equine veterinarians. There is not one vaccination program that is appropriate for every horse, every time. There is limited research regarding long term efficacy of many of the vaccines we use (due to lack of economic funding and incentive). Therefore, we vaccinate yearly and sometimes more often, as discussed below.
Of course our primary interest is focused on what is best for our patients as far as balancing benefits and risks of vaccination. For the large majority of our patients, side-effects from vaccination are very rare. We are able to give all “spring” shots on one day with little to no negative effects reported.
The following guidelines have been developed through years of experience, as well as through information and consensus reported from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The vaccines will be listed starting from what we consider “core” vaccines to what we see as more “elective” vaccines. These are recommendations for healthy adult horses who have been vaccinated appropriately in the past. If we have a patient with unknown vaccination history, or a new foal or pregnant mare, these guidelines differ significantly. We will coordinate a specific program for your individual horse based on their age, overall health, and risk factors.
Dentistry
One of the primary services offered by Dr. Judd and Equine Veterinary Service is equine dentistry. For many years, Dr. Judd has participated in conferences and working toward certification with the International Association of Equine Dentistry (IAED). Many regard the IAED as the premier organization representing equine dental technicians and veterinarians in equine dentistry. We approach equine dentistry with the goal of balancing the equine mouth.
The Equine Dentistry Article, provided below, was written by Dr. Thomas Judd, and discusses many of the common questions about dentistry for your horse. This article also explains certain terms and conditions in greater detail.