Acadiana Equine Hospital

11/19/2025

🔴 EHV Alert: Recent Outbreak in Texas & Oklahoma

Important Biosecurity & Prevention Guidelines

There have been confirmed EHV-1 and EHV-4 exposures linked to recent events in Texas and Oklahoma, including the WPRA Finals, the 377 Arena (Nov 15–16), and the BFA in Oklahoma.
If your horse attended any of these events, strict quarantine for 14–21 days is strongly recommended.

EHV spreads easily through nasal discharge, aerosol droplets, shared equipment, contaminated stalls/trailers, and even human hands and clothing.
Horses can shed the virus before showing symptoms, making quarantine absolutely essential.

Once infected, horses can become lifelong carriers. Even healthy-looking horses may intermittently shed the virus when stressed — traveling, competing, or changing environments — which explains why outbreaks spread so quickly after large events.

⚠️ What to Watch For

• Fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Late-term abortion or foal loss
• Neurologic signs (EHM): hind-end weakness, stumbling, urine dribbling, difficulty rising

Incubation: 2–10 days
Testing: PCR on nasal swabs and whole blood
Treatment: Supportive care, anti-inflammatories, antivirals for EHM cases

🛑 Quarantine Guidelines for Exposed Horses

• House at least 30 feet away from all other horses
• No nose-to-nose contact
• Separate halters, buckets, pitchforks, grooming tools
• Change clothes or use protective gear before and after handling
• Take temperatures twice daily
• Monitor closely for respiratory or neurologic changes

Disinfection: Clean organic debris → disinfect with a 1:10 bleach solution → let dry completely.

Routine vet appointments should be postponed for 14–21 days. Emergencies can be evaluated in a designated quarantine area.

Vaccination:
• Not recommended for exposed horses
• Horses without any known exposure should receive a booster if not vaccinated in the past 3 months.

We’re Here to Help

If you have horses returning from these events or want help setting up proper quarantine and biosecurity protocols, we are available to assist.
Your prompt action protects not only your animals, but the entire equine community.

Feel free to message us or call if you have questions or need guidance.
(337) 407-9555

11/18/2025

Happy Birthday 🎉, Dr. Travis Miller !

11/14/2025

🍂 Tonsillitis in Horses – Is It More Common in Fall?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils located deep in the throat.
While it can happen any time of year, we often see a slight increase in fall due to:
• Weather changes causing mild respiratory irritation
• Dust, dry hay, and seasonal allergens
• Horses spending more time in barns with less ventilation

Signs to Watch For:

* Difficulty swallowing
* Decreased appetite
* Coughing
* Nasal discharge
* Swollen or painful throat
* Fever
* Performance decline (especially in young or athletic horses)

Common Causes:
• Bacterial infections
• Viral respiratory infections
• Inflammatory response to allergens
• Irritation from hay, dust, or poor air quality

When to Call the Vet:

If your horse has trouble swallowing, persistent cough, fever, or throat swelling, a veterinary exam is important to determine the cause and start treatment early.

📞 Acadiana Equine Hospital is here to help keep your horse healthy this fall.
(337) 407-9555

11/11/2025

! 🇺🇸

11/10/2025

11/04/2025

EQUINE INFLUENZA🐴🌡️

11/03/2025

10/28/2025

Mark your calendars now, for our annual stallion showcase! Saturday, December 20th! We hope to see everyone there! Be sure to hang around afterwards for closing night at Evangeline Downs with the running of the RG1 $1,000,000 LQHBA Louisiana Million along with numerous other stakes that night

10/28/2025

Have you ever heard about EPM in horses?

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis can affect the nervous system and often the first signs are subtle.

Here are some common red flags to watch for:

• Incoordination
• Muscle atrophy
• Weakness
• Abnormal gait
• Behavioral changes
• Cranial nerve issues (drooping face, difficulty swallowing)
• Seizures in severe cases

If your horse shows any of these signs, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

📞 Contact us: (337) 407-9555

10/27/2025

Monday mood activated.

A few days ago, this sweet mare received a tiny treat from our amazing veterinarian… and we are pretty sure she wouldn’t mind if that moment happened again today.
After all, it is Monday, and a candy can definitely make the day better. 😄🍬

We care deeply about the comfort and happiness of our patients, even in the small things.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and “sweet” week ahead!💙🐴✨

Acadiana Equine Hospital🐴

10/24/2025

10/22/2025

Colic can happen to any horse - but small daily habits can make a big differ🐴

➖Here are 10 simple ways to help keep your horse's gut happy and healthy.

1️⃣ Provide constant access to clean, fresh water
2️⃣ Feed good-quality hay and avoid sudden feed changes
3️⃣Maintain a consistent feeding schedule
4️⃣Keep grain meals small and divided throughout
the day
5️⃣Allow plenty of turnout and regular exercise
6️⃣Deworm regularly and manage parasites
properly
7️⃣Schedule routine dental care
8️⃣Avoid feeding on sandy ground — use feeders or mats
9️⃣Reduce stress during travel and changes in environment
🔟Monitor manure output and appetite daily

• Prevention is always easier than treatment!
👉 “If you notice signs of discomfort, contact us immediately.”
Our team at Acadiana Equine Hospital is always here to help.

📞 (337) 407-9555