https://desertmountainequine.com/

Desert Mountain Equine, 24760 S Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ (2026)

02/20/2026

🥁 Mark Your Calendars 🗓️
SUNDAY, APRIL 26th 9am-2pm

Join us for a Lower Limb Dissection Clinic!!

FREE CLINIC w/ Dr. Scott Meyer, DVM & Eddie Palacios, CJF

**If you would like to dissect your very own horse leg, please reserve for $50**

Reserve Lunch/Leg ☎️ 480.855.7963

📍 Location:
Desert Mountain Equine
24760 S Ellsworth Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85142

02/20/2026

⚠️ GRAPHIC PHOTOS – Surgical Images Included ⚠️
(For our “show me the cool cases” crowd… this one’s for you.)

This eye has been keeping us humble since October.

We truly threw the book at this case — medications, rechecks, treatment changes, more rechecks… and then a few more for good measure. Our goal from day one was to save the eye and keep this mare comfortable.

The first three photos show the progression over the past several months. Despite aggressive treatment, the eye remained swollen, irritated, and painful. Eventually, this wasn’t about saving an eye anymore — it was about protecting her comfort and quality of life.

After thoughtful conversations with her owner, we made the difficult but necessary decision to perform an enucleation (surgical removal of the eye).

Is it our first choice? Never.
Is it sometimes the kindest choice? Absolutely.

The good news? Horses adapt incredibly well to having one eye. Once that chronic source of pain is gone, they’re often brighter, happier, and far more comfortable — which is exactly what we’re already seeing with this girl.

We’re sharing this case for two reasons:
👀 Because we know some of you appreciate the real, behind-the-scenes medicine (fair warning — these are true surgical photos).
📣 And because eye issues in horses can escalate quickly.

If your horse shows:
• Squinting
• Excess tearing
• Swelling
• Cloudiness
• Light sensitivity
• Sudden behavior changes

Don’t wait. Eyes are always urgent.

Hard decisions are never easy — but doing what’s best for the horse always comes first. And this mare? She’s already on the road to a much more comfortable life. 💙

02/18/2026

🌸 Foaling Season is Here! 🐴💙

There’s nothing better than welcoming healthy new life into the barn. We’ve been lucky to meet some adorable newborns already this season — and we know many more are on the way!

As foaling season picks up, here are a few important reminders to help set your mare and foal up for success:

🔹 The 1-2-3 Rule
• Foal stands within 1 hour
• Foal nurses within 2 hours
• Mare passes the placenta within 3 hours
If any of these milestones are delayed, call your veterinarian.

🔹 Dip the Umbilicus
Dip the navel in dilute chlorhexidine or iodine solution 2–3 times during the first 24 hours to help prevent infection.

🔹 Watch for Normal Nursing & Behavior
Foals should be bright, curious, and nursing frequently (every 30–60 minutes early on). Weakness, lethargy, or not nursing well are red flags.

🔹 Schedule a Newborn Exam
A veterinary exam within the first 12–24 hours allows us to:
✔ Perform a full physical exam
✔ Check IgG levels to ensure adequate colostrum intake
✔ Evaluate the mare post-foaling

🔹 Save the Placenta
Keep it for your veterinarian to examine — it provides valuable information about the pregnancy and foal’s health.

Foaling can go from routine to urgent quickly. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and call. We’re always happy to talk through concerns.

Here’s to a safe and healthy foaling season! 💙🐎

02/15/2026

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Dr. Chase! 🎂🎉

Today we’re celebrating someone who truly embodies what Desert Mountain Equine is all about.

Dr. Chase has a gift for taking the time to really get to the root of the problem. He’s thoughtful, thorough, and never rushes the process — because he genuinely cares about doing what’s best for every horse and every client. That level of dedication makes a difference you can feel.

He may be a little quiet at first, but once he opens up, you quickly see his super funny, incredibly sweet side. Behind that calm and steady presence is someone who is deeply passionate about learning as much as he can and sharing that knowledge with others. Whether he’s diving into a challenging case or teaching along the way, he’s always striving to grow — and to help everyone around him grow too.

We’re so grateful to have you on our team, Dr. Chase. Wishing you a birthday filled with laughter, celebration, and maybe even a little well-deserved relaxation! 🐴🎈

02/14/2026

💘 What makes a horse’s heart special? 💘

A horse’s heart weighs around 8–10 pounds and beats approximately 28–44 times per minute at rest — but it works overtime when they’re doing what they love.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that strong hearts aren’t just physical — they’re built on trust, partnership, and care.

Give your Valentine an extra hug today, and if you ever have questions about your horse’s heart health, we’re here to help. 💙🐴

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Desert Mountain Equine!

02/12/2026

Now Available: A Generic Option for PPID (Cushing’s) Treatment 🐴

We want to let our clients know that a generic version of Prascend® (pergolide) is now available.

Zygolide® (pergolide tablets), manufactured by Dechra, contains the same active ingredient used to treat Equine PPID (Cushing’s Disease). It is an FDA-approved pergolide product specifically labeled for horses.

What this means for you:

✔️ Same active ingredient — pergolide
✔️ FDA-approved for equine PPID
✔️ Produced by a trusted veterinary pharmaceutical company
✔️ A more cost-conscious option for long-term management

PPID is a lifelong condition that requires consistent daily medication and periodic bloodwork monitoring. Having a generic option gives owners more flexibility while maintaining appropriate medical management.

If your horse is currently on Prascend® and you’re interested in discussing whether switching to the generic is appropriate, we’re happy to talk through it with you.

As always, please consult with us before making any medication changes.

📞 Call the clinic with any questions about your horse’s PPID management plan.
480-294-7403

02/05/2026

✨ Success Stories Like This Are Why We Do What We Do ✨

We received the most incredible update from one of our clients — and we couldn’t be prouder of Tom-E (Tommy)!

After surgery and recovery, Tommy walked into the cutting pen for the first time since his procedure… and not only did he return to doing what he loves, but he and his rider went on to score a 73 and WIN the $25K Amateur class! 🏆🐴

Here’s what his owner shared:

“I was more nervous about it than Tommy, but he remembered his job… I cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Meyer and the whole staff at Desert Mountain Equine.”

Tommy and his team are now headed to the International Circuit Championships this April, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!

Thank you for trusting us with Tommy’s care — it’s an honor to be part of journeys like this. 💙❤️

02/03/2026

🚨EHV-1 (Neurologic Form / EHM) — State-Confirmed Update 🚨

The Arizona Department of Agriculture has confirmed two cases of neurologic Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHM) involving horses from Pinal County. One of the affected horses was humanely euthanized due to progressive neurologic disease.

Several Arizona events between January 18–27, 2026 have been identified where potential exposure may have occurred.

If your horse attended any of the following events, please take precautions immediately:

• Jan 18 & Jan 24 – Horseshoe Park Extreme Barrel Race
• Jan 20 – ICE Wittmann Breakaway Roping
• Jan 21 – Roper Nation Breakaway Roping
• Jan 21 – John Volken Academy Ranch
• Jan 23 & Jan 27 – TACC Thunderbird Farms Arena

What horse owners should do right now

✅ Take re**al temperatures twice daily and log them
A fever is often the first sign of EHV-1.

Watch closely for:
• Fever (over 101.5°F)
• Nasal discharge or cough
• Lethargy or decreased appetite
• Wobbly gait, weakness, difficulty standing
• Urine dribbling or difficulty urinating

⚠️ Voluntary self-quarantine
If your horse attended any of the events listed above, avoid hauling, shows, lessons, or shared facilities for the next 14 -21 days, as recommended by the State Veterinarian.

⚠️ Increase biosecurity
• Do not share buckets, tack, or grooming tools
• Wash hands and change clothes between horses
• Disinfect stalls, trailers, and equipment

📞 Contact your veterinarian immediately
If your horse develops a fever or neurologic signs, early intervention and testing may be recommended.

We understand this is concerning. Prompt monitoring, biosecurity, and limiting movement are the best ways to protect your horse and the wider equine community.

🐴 Desert Mountain Equine
📞 480-294-7403

01/26/2026

🌸🐴 SPRING DENTALS & VACCINES — SPECIAL IS LIVE! 🐴🌸

Spring is your sign to get caught up on wellness — and save while you’re at it 😉

Our Spring Wellness Special includes:
🦷 Dental exam & float
💉 Core 6-way vaccination
💊 Sedation
🔬 F***l egg count test
🏥 Office visit

✨ Receive 15% off when these services are completed together.

📅 Special Details:
• Available February & March
• Farm calls welcome (3+ horses required for discount)

💡 Why we paired this with Platinum Colic Coverage®:
Platinum Performance Colic Coverage® is a complimentary program that reimburses eligible colic surgery costs up to $15,000 — and the wellness requirements line up perfectly with this spring package.

✅ This Spring Special helps satisfy the required wellness care, including:
• Annual dental exam performed by a veterinarian
• Veterinary-administered vaccinations following AAEP guidelines
• Veterinary-directed deworming, including:
– 1 f***l egg count
– Deworming based on results

📋 To fully qualify for Colic Coverage®, owners must also:
• Enroll in Platinum Colic Coverage®
• Order Platinum supplements on autoship

📞 Spring books fast — call or text us to get your horses scheduled!

01/01/2026

🎆 Happy New Year from all of us at Desert Mountain Equine! 🐴✨

We’re so grateful for our amazing clients and the horses we get to care for each day. Here’s to a new year filled with good health, soundness, and success—both in and out of the arena.

Thank you for trusting us with your horses. We look forward to another great year together! 🐎💙

12/30/2025

🎆NEW YEAR’S + FIREWORKS = PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR HORSE! 🎆
As we head into the New Year, remember that fireworks can be especially stressful for our equine friends. A little planning can make a big difference in keeping them safe and comfortable!

🐴 Firework Safety Tips
• Bring horses inside before fireworks begin
• Close barn doors and windows, and turn lights on
• Use music or white noise to help muffle loud noises
• Offer plenty of hay (slow feeders or hay nets work great)
• Consider ear plugs or calming supplements ahead of time
• Double-check fencing and gates earlier in the day
• Avoid turnout during peak firework hours
• Horses with a history of panic or injury risk may need vet-prescribed sedation — plan early!

📅 Holiday Clinic Hours
• Wednesday (Dec 31): No appointments — open for medication pick-up, scheduling, and questions
• Thursday (New Year’s Day): Closed all day

📞 Our emergency line is available 24/7 if you need us.
🚨 Emergency Line: 480-848-5240

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! 🐎✨

12/30/2025

🌸🐴 Foaling Season Is Almost Here! 🐴🌸
With spring around the corner, many mares are getting close to the big day. Being prepared can make all the difference for both mare and foal. Here’s a quick foaling-season refresher ⬇️

✨ Signs Your Mare Is Getting Close
• Udder filling or waxing
• Relaxation around the tail head
• Restlessness, pacing, or lying down more than usual
• Dripping milk (can mean foaling is imminent!)

🛠️ Things to Do Before Foaling
• Make sure your mare is up to date on vaccines
• Prepare a clean, quiet foaling area with deep bedding
• Have a foaling kit ready (towels, thermometer, iodine/chlorhexidine for the navel, watch/clock)
• Know who to call if something doesn’t look right ☎️

⏱️ After the Foal Arrives — The 1-2-3 Rule
✔️ Foal should stand within 1 hour
✔️ Foal should nurse within 2 hours
✔️ Mare should pass the placenta within 3 hours

🚩 Call Your Vet If You See:
• Strong labor lasting more than 20–30 minutes with no progress
• Red bag delivery
• Foal not standing or nursing
• Placenta not passed
• Excessive bleeding or abnormal behavior from mare or foal

💙 Pro Tip: Early intervention can be life-saving. When in doubt, it’s always better to call.

Foaling season is exciting—but preparation is key! If you have questions, want to schedule a pre-foaling exam, or need help making a plan, we’re here for you and your mares every step of the way 🐎💫

Desert Mountain Equine

02/20/2026

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