AAEP Member Log in

E-mail:
Password:
Password help
Facebook

Ask The Vet

Throughout the year, some topics generate more questions than others. Our veterinary experts answer as many questions as possible based on their busy schedules. The AAEP welcomes all of your questions, but recommends that your equine veterinarian be your primary healthcare resource.

Please Note: We can only answer questions for the current month’s topic. QUESTIONS POSED THAT ARE IRRELEVANT TO THE MONTH'S TOPIC, WILL NOT BE ANSWERED.

The opinions and answers expressed by each attending veterinarian during the "Ask the Vet" forum are solely their views and opinions based on their practice and not those of the AAEP, and should not be used as substitution for diagnosis from your local equine veterinarian.

If your horse is currently experiencing a medical emergency (i.e. colic, eye trauma, severe laceration, dystocia, etc.), contact your equine veterinarian immediately for medical attention!

Topic for November 09: Racehorse Health
(Click here for this month's answers)

Whether you own a Thoroughbred, Standardbred or Quarter Horse, veterinary experts on the AAEP’s Racing Committee will answer your questions regarding racehorse health during the month of November.

Click here to submit a question for this month's expert

2009

October - Surgical Treatment for Upper Airway, Reproduction, Bone or Muscle Diseases
If your horse has ever encountered any of these conditions, pose your questions to Dr. Justin Harper. We will answer questions concerning surgical treatment for upper airway, reproductive, bone or muscle diseases.

September - Gastric Ulcers
Is your horse experiencing some of the common signs of gastric ulcers? Pose your questions to this month's expert, Dr. Doug Thal, regarding the topic of equine gastric ulcers.

August - Understanding Equine Insurance
Equine insurance can be confusing and frustrating when deciding what is right for you and your horse. Pose your questions for this month's expert, Dr. Nat Messer, on the topic of equine insurance.

July - Lameness Diagnostic and Treatment
If you own horses long enough, you understand how frustrating it can be when lameness bears its weary head. Pose your questions to this month's expert, Omar Maher, DVM, DACVS from the New England Equine Medical and Surgical Center (NH), on the topic of equine lameness diagnostics and treatment options.

June - General Health and the Pre-Purchase Examination
Interested in purchasing a horse or have a general horse health question? Pose your concerns to this month's expert, Dr. Silvia do Valle concerning general healthcare for the equine athlete and the pre-purchase exam and why it is so important to both you and the horse you are looking to buy.

May - Traveling With Your Horse
With the show season nearly in full swing, make sure that you and your horse are fully prepared for the travels ahead. Pose your questions this month for Dr. John Poe on the topic of traveling with your horse.

April - What to Expect During a Colic
If you have ever had a horse colic, you know that the time between making the call to the vet and waiting for the vet is frustrating. Find out what you should do during this time while waiting for the veterinarian. Pose your concerns regarding the topic of what to expect during a colic, to this month's expert, Dr. Jennifer Schleining.

March - Nutritional Supplements
Concerned about what you might be adding to your horse's diet? Pose your questions for this month's expert to Dr. Lydia Gray concerning equine nutritional supplements.

February - Dental Care
With spring right around the corner and the warm weather to accompany, make sure your horse's dental care is up to date before taking off on those long trail rides. Pose your questions for this month's expert, Dr. Rob Arnott, concerning equine dental care.

January - Saddle Fitting
Having problems with your saddle not fitting your horse? Pose your questions to this month's expert, Dr. Lyn Simmelink, concerning the topic of saddle fitting and your horse.

2008

October - Emergency Care
Has your horse ever been involved in an emergency situation? Pose your questions for Dr. Elisha Dickinson during the month of October regarding the topic of emergency care and what you can do for your horse while waiting for your vet to arrive.

September - Nutrition
Are you concerned that the grain ration you are feeding is enough or that the hay you offer your horse is high enough in protein and digestibility? Pose your nutrition questions for Dr. Judy Marteniuk during the month of September.

August - Colic
Has your horse ever experienced colic? If so, you know it is not a pleasant site or experience. Pose your questions during the month of August for Dr. Nancy Loving concerning the topic of equine colic and how you can help avoid this situation for reoccurring.

July - Upper Respiratory Problems in the Sport Horse
If you have a performance horse that is experiencing current problems or has undergone treatment for upper respiratory concerns, pose your questions during the month of July for Dr. Silvia do Valle concerning upper respiratory problems in the sport horse.

June - Disaster Preparedness
With hurricane season just around the corner and the winds of the west stirring the possibility for fires, pose your questions during the month of June, concerning disaster preparedness, for Dr. Mike Fugaro.

May - Orthopedic Surgery
Has your horse recently undergone surgery or a candidate for surgery regarding lameness? Pose your questions during the month of May for Dr. Mark Haugland concerning equine orthopedic surgery.

April - Reproduction & Dental Care
We are covering both ends of the horse this month! Be sure to pose your reproduction questions for Dr. Ben Espy, or equine dental care concerns for Drs. Lynn Caldwell and Elizabeth Schilling during the month of April.

March - Supplements
Do you have questions concerning your horse's current diet in regards to the addition of a nutritional supplement? Pose your questions for Dr. Lydia Gray from SmartPak Equine, during the month of March, regarding supplements and your horse.

February - Equine Rehabilitation
Has your horse undergone a recent surgical procedure? Pose your questions this month for Dr. Justin Harper concerning equine rehabilitation.

January - Saddle Fitting
Is your horse experiencing back pain? Perhaps it's your saddle. Pose your questions regarding saddle fitting for Dr. Lyn Simmelink during the month of January.

2007

October - Equine Dental Care
Make sure your horse is ready for the winter, which also includes his dental care! Pose your questions concerning dentistry for Dr. Mary Delorey during the month of October.

September - Equine Nutrition
Do you have questions concerning your horse's current daily nutrition program? Pose your questions regarding equine nutrition to this month's nutrition experts Drs. Randel Raub and Karen Davison.

August - Skin Problems
Is your horse a little "itchy" this time of year? Pose your concerns regarding equine skin problems during the month of August for Dr. Elizabeth Callahan.

July - Equine Dentistry
Make sure your horse is on the right path this season with his dental care. Pose your questions for Dr. Richard Vetter during the month of July concerning equine dental care.

June - Alternative Therapies
Questions concerning equine chiropractics and acupuncture can all be answered by Dr. Heather Heiderich during the month of June.

May - Traveling With Your Horse
With summer just around the bend, traveling with your horse can pose a problem if you are not prepared. Questions concerning travel safety, stop-overs, proper papers and trailer prep are all fair game during the month of May for Dr. Heather Hoyns.

April - Deworming
Do you have questions concerning your horse's current deworming program? Pose your question during the month of April for Dr. Laura Chamberlain regarding equine deworming.

March - Ophthalmology
Eye conditions in the horse are certainly not to be taken lightly. Pose your questions regarding equine ophthalomology during the month of March for Dr. Danielle Bercier.

February - Cushing's Disease
Do you have a horse that has Cushing's Disease? Pose your questions for Dr. Emily Graves during the month of February regarding this health condition that affects many older horses.

January - Equine Reproduction
Are you trying to get your mare in foal or is she already expecting? Pose your questions during the month of January for Dr. Pete Sheerin regarding equine reproduction.