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The Hidden Dangers of Barbed Grass Seeds (Foxtails) Foxtails are common grasses in many regions, including Southern Utah. Their barbed seed heads may look harmless, but they pose serious risks to pets and wildlife. The seeds—small, oval, and covered in sharp barbs—readily cling to fur, feathers, or clothing and can penetrate skin, ears, paws, noses,…

IMPORTANT NOTICE to the Equine Community from Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) A multi-state outbreak of neurologic equine herpesvirus infection has been reported, linked to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals held in Waco, TX, from November 5-9. Notably, two horses from this event exhibited neurologic symptoms during the Barrel Futurities…

The big day is upon you. After 11 long months, your mare is ready to foal. Whether this is your first experience with a pregnant mare or your hundredth foaling, here’s a rundown of how to prepare.  The average gestation length for the mare is between 338-343 days, although normal variation may be 320-380 days.…

Colic is a common health concern in horses, often indicating abdominal discomfort that could be linked to the gastrointestinal tract. Recognizing its symptoms is essential for timely intervention and improving the horse’s well-being. Just like people, some horses have a higher pain threshold than others and display various signs of abdominal pain. The most common…

Equine dentistry is more than just floating teeth. The term ‘dental floating’ as related to equine dentistry, denotes the use of tools such as rasps, files, or burrs to perform odontoplasty or ‘specialized tooth reshaping’ of sharp points contained on the buccal or cheek portion of the upper row of cheek teeth and the lingual…

Winter wellness: Has your pet had his/her preventive care exam (wellness exam) yet? Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions, such as arthritis. A veterinarian should examine your pet at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as…

How Serious is Pancreatitis, and How do Vets Treat it? Pancreatitis is a type of inflammation that affects the pancreas, a vital pink organ located between the stomach and small intestine. This organ is extremely important for your pet’s well-being as it performs two essential functions: producing digestive enzymes to help with food digestion and…

In June 2024, a bat discovered by a dog in Kanab, Utah, was confirmed to be infected with rabies. Rabies, a frequently represented topic in pop culture such as The Office’s Fun Run, and a staple in health training activities, is a familiar concept to most. It commonly evokes imagery of frothing dogs, bats in…