Rugged Hills Ranch SoCal - Equine First Aid

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

06/11/2025

2 Horses in Cochise County in Arizona tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis. About Vesicular Stomatitis

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease of horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, swine and New World camelids that occurs in the Western Hemisphere. It is named for the characteristic vesicular lesions it causes in the form of blisters, crusts and ulceration of the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats and/or coronary band. The virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal.

Clinical Signs for vesicular stomatitis include:

Vesicle formation leading to ulcerative lesions on the lips, muzzle, nostrils and tongue. The tongue is often the most severely affected area.

Ulceration of the inner surface of the lips.
Crusting of the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears.
Excessive salivation secondary to the oral lesions.
Difficulty picking up and chewing feed.
Lameness due to painful erosions on the coronary band.
Lesions can occur on the udder, sheath and inside of the ear.
Lesions can develop secondary infections resulting in slow-to-heal wounds.
Animals on pastures are at increased risk of vesicular stomatitis.
Initial diagnosis is based on recognition of characteristic vesicular lesions. Infection is confirmed via laboratory testing for serum antibodies and/or virus identification in fluid samples from active lesions. Veterinarians are required to report suspected cases to state/federal animal health officials who will direct sample submission to an approved regulatory laboratory for diagnostic testing.

There is no specific treatment for vesicular stomatitis. Best practices include implementing good biosecurity and treating affected horses with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and supportive care as recommended by a veterinarian.

Isolating all affected animals and placing the premise on immediate quarantine is required until all horses have fully recovered and no active lesions are present. The State Veterinarian will work with the local veterinarian to determine and implement necessary quarantine procedures.

Also- this will affect interstate travel and health certificate timeframes for some states and may be as short as 7 days instead of the usual 30 days.

04/11/2025

Reminder to clean your horse’s sheath!!

Sheath cleaning is an important part of routine horse care that helps maintain your gelding or stallion’s comfort and hygiene🙌🏼

The sheath— the fold of skin that can accumulate dirt, dead skin, and a waxy substance called sm**ma.

If left unchecked, this buildup can cause irritation, swelling, or infection😦

🐴Most horses only need a thorough cleaning once or twice a year, but some may require more frequent care depending on how much buildup they produce.

What you’ll need:
👍🏼Mild, unscented sheath cleaner, gentle soap or chlorhexidine
👍🏼Warm water
👍🏼Clean sponges, rolled cotton or soft cloths
👍🏼Gloves (optional but recommended)

How to clean:
🩵Gently rinse the area with warm water to loosen debris.
🩵Apply a small amount of sheath cleaner and work it in with your fingers or sponge.
🩵Carefully remove any sm**ma, including the “bean” that can form inside the urethral opening.
🩵Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

HAPPY SHEATH CLEANING SUNDAY🤓

29/10/2025

It’s BLANKET SEASON!! (Well for some of us!)

Here are some safety tips for when/if you decide to blanket your horse:

❄️Make sure the blanket FITS properly
❄️Cross all surcingles!
❄️Make sure your horse & blanket are clean.
❄️Turn all clasps INWARD
❄️Always inspect for damage, DAILY
❄️Belly straps should be snug enough so a hoof cannot get caught, but loose enough where the horse can lay/roll comfortably

Happy Blanketing!☃️☃️☃️

26/10/2025

Because YOU are their first responder

18/09/2025

17/09/2025

We do not talk about it enough, but loss is something all horse owners eventually face. Learning about end-of-life options, such as horse mortality composting, can ease decision-making during an emotional time.

For those considering composting, understanding the process in advance allows for thoughtful, prepared choices when they matter most.

Learn more about composting at: https://extension.umn.edu/preparing-livestock-emergencies/horse-carcass-compost-pile

28/08/2025

28/08/2025