First Aid

Rethinking Safety Culture in Equine Veterinary Practice

Updated:

January 21, 2026

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How injury, overwork, and a culture of endurance are pushing Canada’s equine vets to the limit. With an ongoing equine veterinarian shortage in Canada, there’s a concern that equine vets, already stretched thin, are also being injured at work at alarming rates.

Be Prepared for Horse Accidents

Updated:

January 15, 2026

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First Aid in Equine Emergencies - Almost every horse owner will encounter an equine emergency at some point. Whether it's caused by a horse’s natural curiosity, a mishap on a trail ride, or interactions with herd mates, accidents can lead to cuts, bruises, kicks, and bites. Scrapes, stone bruises, punctures, sprains, and sores can happen unexpectedly, while more serious conditions like abscesses, colic, or bacterial infections can arise without warning.

When Horses Develop Diarrhea During Winter

Updated:

January 6, 2026

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During the switch to a 100 percent hay diet in the fall of the year is when many horse owners first notice that some of their horses are getting loose manure. The situation can quickly evolve into a management mess where one or more horses are so loose they can spray fecal material on the walls of the stall when they pass manure. Winter grooming becomes a major challenge for those who care for these horses as they struggle to keep tails, hocks, fetlocks, and equine clothing clean and free of encrusted manure.

SNM Performance Ultra: Naturally Gentle Relief

Updated:

December 15, 2025

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For over 25 years, Sore No-More (SNM) has been a trusted source of relief for our equine athletes. The demands of showing, training, and travel can lead to soreness, tiredness, and inflammation. Breaking this cycle can be difficult. Our SNM formulas are specifically designed to provide targeted relief, and our Performance Ultra line is the only liniment with university-led clinical research.

Emergency Preparedness for Horses

Updated:

December 9, 2025

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There’s Far More To It Than You Might Think - In November 2021, my wife and I spent four devastating days in Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford, British Columbia assisting with the rescue and evacuation of animals following the disastrous flooding caused by the “atmospheric river” of torrential rain in mid-November that year. It’s one thing to watch it on the news — it’s surreal to be on the ground in the middle of it.

How to Build a Successful Rehab Program for Horses with Undiagnosed Pain

Updated:

November 12, 2025

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When a horse shows subtle signs of lameness or discomfort but no clear veterinary diagnosis, it can be discouraging and costly for owners. These vague issues are unfortunately common and often leave owners uncertain about the next step. This article outlines key principles to guide you through such cases, using the example of Remy — a mare who arrived with back pain and bucking behaviour but no definitive medical findings.

Recognizing Pain in Our Horse and When It's Time to Say Goodbye

Updated:

November 6, 2025

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In an ideal world, every senior horse would pass away naturally and peacefully, having enjoyed a good quality of life with minimal suffering. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, which is why we must be prepared.

Horse Health Lines - Fall 2025 Issue Added to WCVM Newsletter Archive

Updated:

September 14, 2025

Take an inside look into the latest the scientific studies at the University of Saskatchewan's veterinary college, with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's semi-annual newsletter: Horse Health Lines.

Equine Emergency Preplan Checklist

Updated:

September 2, 2025

While one can’t plan for every form of disaster, it’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential risks that could occur in your area and plan for them accordingly. Planning ahead can allow horse owners the opportunity to stay composed and act quickly in an emergency situation.