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Monday 9am - 6:30pm Tuesday 9am - 6:30pm Wednesday 9am - 6:30pm Thursday 9am - 6:30pm Friday 9am - 6:30pm

http://www.rockymountainvet.ca/

Rocky Mountain Veterinary Wellness Centre, Airdrie, AB (2025)

08/16/2025

Hay & Nutritional Needs: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All 🌾🐴

Not all hay is created equal — and not all horses have the same dietary needs. Two big examples:

1️⃣ Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
For EMS horses, controlling sugar intake is critical to help prevent laminitis and manage insulin regulation. The key number to watch? NSC (Non-Structural Carbohydrates).

-Aim for NSC under 10% to reduce sugar/starch spikes.
-A hay analysis will tell you exactly where your forage falls — looks alone can’t reveal NSC content.

2️⃣ Growing Horses & Young Stock
Young horses have higher mineral demands, especially for bone development. One of the most important ratios to watch is calcium:phosphorus:
• Adult horses: Around 2:1 is ideal.
• Young stock: Can safely go up to 6:1, as long as the minimum phosphorus requirement is met. Too much calcium without adequate phosphorus can cause developmental issues — balance is key!

Takeaway:
The same bale of hay might be perfect for one horse and problematic for another. That’s why forage testing is one of the smartest investments you can make in your horse’s long-term health.

📋 Pro tip: Pair your hay analysis with your horse’s age, workload, and health status to build a feeding plan that truly fits their needs.

08/13/2025

🌾 With hay buying season upon us it’s time to think about the importance of testing your hay!

🐴 Horses are naturally meant to consume a diet based on forages. Pasture and hay should usually make up the majority of the average horse’s diet. When it comes to selecting hay, many people know that good-quality hay smells good, is soft, and has more leaves than stems. But how does this visual inspection match up with the actual amount of nutrients in the hay? How much crude protein or starch is in that bale of hay? To find out, you need to take a sample of hay and do a hay analysis.

A hay analysis will reveal the specific amount of various nutrients that are found in the hay. These days, it is relatively simple to obtain a hay analysis. Using a hay corer, collect samples from 10–20 percent of the bales in a single load (Figure 2). Do not combine loads of hay, even if they are different cuttings from the same field, or the same cutting from different years.

🧑‍🔬Once a sample is collected and placed in a labeled bag, the sample is shipped off to a laboratory for analysis. The results are then sent back in a 1–2-page document.

📊 Results can be hard to interpret as a horse owner but understanding factors such as key nutrient requirements and the moisture levels of the forage you purchase for your horses is ideal!

Please visit https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis

To dive into the ins and outs of Hay Analysis and what it all means!

08/08/2025

🐾🌍 Happy International Cat Day! 🌍🐾

Today we celebrate the purr-fect companions who steal our hearts (and our spot on the couch 😼).

Whether your feline friend is a cuddly lap cat, a mischievous adventurer, or the ruler of your household, we want to see them! 📸✨

📣 Drop a pic of your cat in the comments and tell us their name + one thing that makes them the best cat ever. Bonus points for toe beans, bleps, and attitude! 😻

Let’s fill this feed with whiskers, fluff, and feline love. 💕

08/07/2025

Product highlight: 4cyte Canine/Feline!

4CYTE™ has been developed specifically to help restore the matrix of cartilage and promote overall joint health. Scientific research has demonstrated that the prophylactic use of 4CYTE™ may assist in the joint’s ability to function under stress. 4CYTE™ can be used proactively as a daily supplement or pre/post-operatively as adjunctive support.

Fun fact about 4 Cyte:

The Pellets include green lipped mussels and the Gel has green lipped mussels.

There are many benefits to green lipped muscles for your furry friends including reducing joint inflammation and providing a healthy dose of omega-3s!

Contact Laura for more information!

07/30/2025

🐴 Donkey & Pony Maintenance Matters! 🫏🐎

Donkeys and ponies may be small, but they require BIG care to stay healthy and happy. Here’s what every responsible owner should keep in mind:

🫏 Donkey Maintenance Checklist

✅ Teeth: Routine dental care is essential—donkeys often hide signs of dental pain.
✅ Feet: Their hooves grow slowly but need regular trimming to prevent painful conditions.
✅ Body Condition Score (BCS): Donkeys naturally carry more fat—monitor BCS to avoid obesity and related issues.
✅ Social Needs: Donkeys are deeply social animals and suffer without companionship—ideally, another donkey!
✅ Tetanus Protection: Donkeys are especially vulnerable to tetanus. Keep vaccinations up-to-date.

⸻

🐴 Pony Maintenance & Health Tips

✅ Teeth: Dental issues may not cause obvious weight loss in ponies—regular checks are critical.
✅ Feet: Small but mighty—pony hooves need routine care to prevent lameness.
✅ Endocrine Awareness: Be alert for signs of:
• EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome): Linked to insulin resistance and laminitis.
• PPID (Cushing’s Disease): Common in older ponies; look for changes in coat, energy, and muscle.
✅ Body Condition Score: Ponies gain weight easily—monitor BCS closely.
✅ Grazing Muzzles: Help manage intake on lush pasture, reducing the risk of laminitis.
✅ Nutrition: Feed by need, not habit. Balance forage with minerals; avoid excess sugar and starch.

⸻

✨ Caring for donkeys and ponies takes more than just love—it takes knowledge, observation, and regular preventative care. Keep them thriving with thoughtful maintenance routines.

07/22/2025

Donkey nutrition - It’s important to understand that donkeys are not horses so they have different nutritional requirements!!

Check out the donkey sanctuary website or the below specific link for some great information about the do’s and don’ts of feeding, body score condition and maintaining a healthy weight in your donkeys!

https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/for-owners/owners-resources/feeding-donkeys

07/17/2025

Equine & Canine Behaviour: When It’s More Than Just a Mood

Did you know that sudden changes in your horse or dog’s behaviour could be their way of saying, “I’m in pain”?

Animals don’t always show discomfort in obvious ways. Instead, behavioural changes can be the first clue something is wrong.

As an example a behaviour change in your horse may be one of the only initial indicators that tells you something is off. In horses we have to consider that they are prey animals so they have an amazing ability to transfer discomfort around their body to not highlight to the predators and herd any imbalances or dysfunctions and to alter lameness patterns for a better chance of survival (this still happens in today’s horses - its nature 😉)

Watch for signs like:

In Horses:
• Increased irritability or aggression
• Resistance to saddling or grooming
• Reluctance to move forward, bucking, or head tossing
• Sudden spooking or anxiety
• Changes in herd dynamics or withdrawal
• Changes in eating or drinking patterns

In Dogs:
• Uncharacteristic growling or snapping
• Hiding or avoiding interaction (withdrawal from touch, noise or movement)
• Limping or reluctance to go for walks
• Excessive licking of a limb or joint
• Whining or pacing at night

These changes may point to issues like joint pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, dental disease, or even neurological conditions.

Pain is often mistaken for bad behaviour — but when we shift our perspective, we open the door to better health and understanding.

If your animal’s behaviour changes suddenly or doesn’t feel right, contact your veterinarian. A full physical exam can rule out or identify a medical cause behind the mood.

👉 Compassion starts with observation. Be their voice. 💛

07/14/2025

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Vet + Farrier = Better Horse Health

When it comes to your horse’s wellbeing, communication and respect between your veterinarian and farrier are key!

Both professionals bring unique, essential skills to the table:
- Your vet is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions, lameness, and systemic issues that impact hoof health.
- Your farrier specializes in hoof care, trimming, and shoeing — with a keen eye for biomechanics and long-term soundness.

Together, they can:
✔️ Collaborate on complex lameness cases
✔️ Develop custom shoeing and treatment plans
✔️ Prevent injuries through proactive care
✔️ Catch subtle changes early by sharing insights

Whether it’s a chronic condition or routine maintenance, a respectful and communicative vet-farrier relationship helps ensure your horse stays sound, healthy, and happy.

Horse owners: Encourage open dialogue, share updates, and be the link that keeps the team connected. Your horse deserves a united support system.

07/08/2025

Product Highlight!

Connect with Laura via the text line 1-866-627-9702 or clinic email Leontowich.dvm@gmail.com for more info or to order!

Provide specialized support for your dog by adding Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Probiotic for Dogs to their diet. FortiFlora dog probiotics supplement contains a strain proven to promote intestinal health and balance. Formulated for the management of dogs with diarrhea, these safe and effective digestive probiotics for dogs are simple to administer. Each packet of these dog supplements contains a guaranteed level of live microorganisms to help promote normal intestinal microflora. A proprietary microencapsulation process helps enhance the stability and survival of the probiotics until they reach your dog’s intestinal tract. These probiotic dog supplements also offer immune support and helps reduce gas in dogs. FortiFlora digestive probiotics for dogs are appropriate for administration to both puppies and adult dogs. https://www.proplanvetdirect.com/canine-fortiflora-probiotic

07/03/2025

🌡️ Canine Heat Stroke Awareness 🌡️
Keep your pups safe in the summer heat! ☀️🐶

🔥 What is Heat Stroke in Dogs?
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where a dog’s body temperature rises above 40°C (104°F), and they can’t cool down fast enough. It can cause organ failure, brain damage, or even death if not treated immediately.

🚨 Common Signs of Heat Stroke:
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion or seizures
• Rapid heart rate

🛑 How to Prevent It:
• Avoid walks during peak heat (10am–4pm)
• Always provide access to shade and fresh, cool water
• Never leave your dog in a vehicle, even for a minute
• Use cooling mats, vests, or a kiddie pool for relief
• Be cautious with flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs) and seniors — they overheat faster!

🩺 What to Do If You Suspect Heat Stroke:
1. Move your dog to a shaded, cool area immediately
2. Cool them with lukewarm water (NOT ice-cold — this can cause shock)
3. Use a fan to help with evaporative cooling
4. Offer small amounts of water
5. Get to a vet ASAP — even if they seem better, internal damage can continue

⚠️ Heat stroke is an emergency — don’t delay!

For more information! Resource Link: https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs

Share this to help save a dog’s life this summer. 🐕💙

06/30/2025

HEAT STROKE IN HORSES ☀️🐴

A horse’s body maintains its normal temperature in hot weather by moving heat through the muscles and out through the skin. Exercise is a major source of body heat, and horses that cannot sweat will usually overheat very rapidly, even in cooler weather with a small amount of exercise.

When outside temperature + relative humidity = 150 or above, it’s hard for a horse to keep cool because their ability to sweat is compromised — especially if the humidity contributes over half of the 150.

Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will have more problems. Keep in mind that strenuous exercise on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and signs of heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion can advance to heat stroke quickly. Above all, be kind and attentive to your equine partner’s need. If you feel hot, they feel hotter. So if they look tired, it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.
•
Source: Heat Stroke | https://aaep.org/horsehealth/heat-stroke

06/25/2025

Did you know not all hay is created equal? Whether you’re feeding horses, cattle, sheep, or goats, knowing exactly what’s in your forage is key to animal health and performance.

Why Hay Analysis is Important in Alberta:

✅ Variable Growing Conditions – Drought, soil quality, cutting time, and curing all affect nutrient levels. Two bales from the same field can differ!

✅ Balanced Nutrition – Helps prevent deficiencies or excesses, especially with protein, energy, and minerals.

✅ Informed Feeding Decisions – Avoids over-supplementing or underfeeding. Saves money and keeps animals in optimal condition.

✅ Supports Veterinary Care – Great tool for vets and nutritionists to troubleshoot issues like weight loss, poor coat condition, or reproductive problems.

What Does a Hay Test Tell You?

🔍 Moisture & Dry Matter
🔍 Crude Protein
🔍 Acid & Neutral Detergent Fiber (ADF/NDF) – Indicators of digestibility and intake potential
🔍 Energy Values (TDN/DE)
🔍 Minerals – Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and trace minerals

💡 Tip: Testing is simple. Grab a hay probe, sample from several bales, and send it to a certified lab like A&L Canada Labs, Central Testing, or through Alberta Agriculture-supported programs as a few examples.

🧪 Investing in a hay analysis now can mean healthier animals and fewer headaches later.

Resource Links:

https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis

Burwash Equine Services video on hay analysis
https://youtu.be/gs6u6t_Sj5g

Rocky Mountain Veterinary Wellness Centre

08/16/2025

08/13/2025

08/08/2025

08/07/2025

07/30/2025

07/22/2025

07/17/2025

07/14/2025

07/08/2025

07/03/2025

06/30/2025

06/25/2025

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Monday	9am - 6:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 6:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 6:30pm
Thursday	9am - 6:30pm
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