For a few more details, click here.

(click on an image to enlarge)

The first image: A report generated today using the Equinosis Lameness Locator showing a significant right front lameness (also a right hind lameness). The reports indicates this right front lameness by: a distribution of rays almost exclusively in the “RF beginning” quadrant; an A1/A2 ratio well above the .5 threshold for the right front; and significant head diff max and min values.

The second image: A report generated today using the Equinosis Lameness Locator on the same horse after a High Two Point block of the right front. You can see the right front lameness resolves significantly after this block: a more equal distribution of rays in all quadrants; A1/A2 ratios below the .5 threshold; and significantly decreased head diff max and min values compared to baseline. The exact meaning of each of these values takes some amount of explanation, but the exciting point here is the demonstration of the quantifiable nature of lameness using the Lameness Locator technology — the ability to objectively evaluate the effect of the block. In this horse, after blocking her out using the High Two Point block, an ultrasound revealed pathology of the RF suspensory ligament.

“The horse-owning public demands a high level of competency in the care and treatment of their animals,” says James Ruder, CEO of the company. “New digital radiography, stem-cell therapy and the like have elevated the to-market services the horse owner has come to expect; lameness evaluation is no exception. Lameness Locator® delivers measurable, quantifiable results, allowing the equine practitioner the opportunity to focus on identifying the cause and treatment of the lameness.”

More information on the system can be found at www.equinosis.com. The technology is somewhat difficult to grasp in the abstract. To that end, Eggleston Equine is putting together several clinics demonstrating the technology. We will post more information as it becomes available. If you are interested in hosting a demonstration clinic or simply wish to schedule an appointment to have your horse evaluated with the Lameness Locator®, please email dr@egglestonequine.com.

The Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners (NEAEP) is hosting a “Horseman Day” symposium on Sunday, September 26th at the Mystic Marriott in Mystic, Connecticut. The symposium is a day-long event consisting of well-known veterinary specialists speaking on a variety of topics of interest to the horse owner.

The Horseman Day is meant to cultivate interactive discussions between horse owners and the equine veterinary professionals presenting the topics. Topics will include what to do if your horse suddenly becomes lame, in-depth discussions of parasite control, optimal nutrition for your horse, breeding issues, and how to best care for your horse in an emergency situation.

Complete details on the event (schedule, registration, more information on topics and speakers) can be found at:

http://www.neaep.net/horseman_day.htm

I highly encourage you to attend. It should be a great day.

Dr. Aimee

As an aside, we know that it’s been a long time since we’ve updated our web site. We hope to do better in the near future.

We were speaking to a client at a recent appointment about her Thanksgiving plans. We asked the normal questions: Are you traveling for Thanksgiving or cooking at home? Do you have a big family dinner? My client’s answer was humbling: her and her daughter volunteer on Thanksgiving Day at a local soup kitchen, feeding the needy and hungry of Connecticut. My client continued, that she felt it was important to instill in her teenage daughter that she is to give selflessly to those less fortunate.  She went on to say that if she did not instill this sense of service and obligation in her daughter, she would have failed as a mother.

We are trying to keep this client in our mind as Thanksgiving approaches. We have much to be thankful for: a successful business; wonderful clients who care deeply for their horses; family who support us zealously. We are blessed in our personal and professional lives. Because we have been blessed, it is even more important that we follow our client’s example and fulfill our obligation to those less fortunate.

The worsening US economy also informs this discussion of charity. The difficult economic landscape makes our client’s example an imperative, for those that are able — financially, psychological, physically. As our economy worsens, those that are most in need will become more so. Our collective need expands and it will take more of us to give and fill this need.

This year we have chosen Heifer International for our holiday charitable giving. Heifer International is an organization that’s mission is to end world hunger and poverty. We have chosen Heifer because of its focus on the developing world and because its agriculture focus relates in a small way to the agricultural nature of our daily work. You donate to Heifer by purchasing one of their many “products,” a cow, water buffalo, ducks, rabbits, and many more. We have bought a cow and a sheep.

We are asking our clients to also donate to Heifer, if they are able. Please go to our gift registry at www.heifer.org/myregistry/egglestonequine and donate by purchasing a cow, or a “share” of a cow, or whatever you can afford. There are donation items both large and small. When you donate, from now through Christmas, and you are a client of Eggleston Equine, we will discount the ambulatory farm call fee of your next appointment (up to half the value of your donation).

Aimee Eggleston & Tim Ahearn

With our new logo, we’ve also launched our new cafepress.com shop, where you can buy spiffy stuff (shirts, hats, totes) with the new logo. Click here to go to the shop now. Just in time for Christmas! Who wouldn’t love a t-shirt with our logo under the tree?!?

At a routine appointment 3 weeks ago, Johanna Johnston explained to me how her 7 year old Thoroughbred mare, Angel, could fetch sticks.  I didn’t believe it as I had never heard of such a thing, never mind witnessed it — to make sure it wasn’t some doctored “You Tube” video!

But today, I saw it with my own eyes.  Johanna threw out Angel’s stick and said, “Go Fetch.”  Angel walked out, picked it up gently between her teeth, and brought it directly back to Johanna. Angel held it for her until Johanna gently grasped it from her.  Amazing!  At one point Angel even dropped the stick in front of Johanna. Most dog owners can’t get their fetch in this way! And then Angel, per Johanna’s request, actually picked the stick back up to hand to Johanna!

Johanna threw the stick another time and this time Angel didn’t see exactly where the stick landed.  Much to my wondering eyes, Angel snaked and circled the paddock until she could smell/see the stick — just like a hunting bird dog would do.

I told Johanna that she should tape Angel in action and send it to the Ellen Degeneres Show. They will be famous!  Maybe I could be their agent . . .