Flat River Veterinary Hospital

09/06/2025

08/24/2025

Please refollow The Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary ! Their page was hacked and they lost all of their followers!

The Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary in Rougemont said it is struggling to recover its tens of thousands of followers after its page was hacked.

02/20/2025

Unfortunately we must remain closed today due to weather and road conditions. Please email the office for medication refills or appointments. For emergencies, please call the office and follow phone instructions! Stay safe and enjoy the weather!

02/18/2025

Along with your milk and bread, make sure you have Banamine on hand! We're open today until 4:30 if you need to pick some up! (active clients only)

02/13/2025

12/22/2024

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

11/21/2024

EPM is widely considered the most important infectious neurologic disease of horses in North America and is caused by protozoal infection of the central nervous system. Horses are infected by consuming food or water contaminated with opossum s**t containing sporocysts.

Horses with EPM do not present a biosecurity risk to other animals because the disease is not transmissible between horses. An effective vaccine has yet to be developed, so the best preventative approach includes eliminating access of opossums to feed and water in order to minimize contact with opossum s**t and improving your horse's immune defenses by decreasing stress and optimizing health.

To learn more about EPM, visit the following resources:
https://aaep.org/resource/equine-protozoal-myeloencephalitis-epm/
&
https://www.equinediseasecc.org/EPM

As always, consult your veterinarian for more information and for advice tailored to your horse's specific circumstances.

10/05/2024

We have received multiple inquiries about reputable places to donate to help our friends out west. Many feed stores in the area are collecting donations, as well as the NC Veterinary Medical Board, and Dept of Ag. One example is seen here, as fencing is of vital important currently!

Troxler makes urgent plea for fencing supplies for WNC livestock producers

“We have seen time and time again our agriculture community support one another in times of need, and this is no different,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We are seeing an outpouring of support with hay, animal feed, fencing and other supplies that are going out to those needing these resources. In the days ahead, we know we are going to need even more fencing supplies, especially solar fence chargers to help livestock producers. If you have resources to donate, please go to our website to let us know.”

The direct link to the Disaster Hay and Livestock Assistance Portal is https://go.ncsu.edu/livestockdisasterhelp. The form asks if you need help or want to help. To donate click on the ‘Want to Help’ button, then you will be asked for contact information and items you have to donate.

Various donation collection sites have been set up in and around Western North Carolina. For a list of these sites that are being continuously updated, go to: https://www.ncagr.gov/emergency-programs/disaster-information/agsupplydonation

Photos by Sarah Clayton, courtesy of North Carolina Farm Bureau

03/14/2024

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to face a medical emergency.

On March 20, join AAEP members Drs. Allie Catalino, Racquel Lindroth, and Nikki Scherrer for a one-hour webinar discussing how horse owners can prepare themselves for equine veterinary emergencies. Learn to identify problems requiring immediate attention and take appropriate action while awaiting veterinary care!

Attendance is FREE but registration is required; attendees are also encouraged to submit their questions in advance through the registration form. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register now at https://aaep-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7L6QaXs_RI6UymQgAWBuvg #/registration

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

03/07/2024

FOUND at intersection of E.Geer st and E. club blvd in Durham. Young female gray/white with magenta collar. Microchipped, but no response from phone assoc with it so far. Please share!