**A “Pull” in this article refers to all tears, strains, sprains, etc. resulting in lameness. The tall bay horse waited for me in the cross-ties, and I hustled down the aisleway to meet Katya, her owner. “I’ve been so looking forward to our appointment,” Katya said. “But I don’t know if you can help me now. Bailey has pulled … Read More
GUEST Post: The importance of assessment
So often when we hit a problem with our horses training, we feel blind, unable to see or find a way forwards. There’s advice coming from all sides, but we’re not sure who to turn to, or who to trust. Our horses are much loved and precious to us, and all we want is the best for them. Education is key, … Read More
The dog broke my wrist
Ever have a problem that keeps coming back? Are you suspicious that the real underlying cause may be eluding you (or your vet)? The following is an example of just such a thing. The dog broke my wrist One time I fell forward while playing tug with a Great Dane. Yep, he won. But after I fell forward … Read More
When and WHY to IGNORE bone scan results
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Hi, this is Dr. Renee Tucker. I’m here today to tell you about when and why you should completely ignore bone scan results. I know that sounds crazy, but, hey, I’ll tell you all about it and you can judge for yourself. I am Dr. Renee Tucker. I’ve been an equine veterinarian for over 20 years, and I … Read More
Horse Fat vs. Fluid
This sweet Shetland pony, “Orangy” was on a diet. Her owner, Jason, explained he rescued her two months ago. “And dang was she fat!” It’s incredible that people let their ponies get so fat. She could have foundered or died!” Jason went on to say, “We’ve had her on a diet. She’s lost some weight, but we can’t get rid … Read More
Broodmare shockingly goes Grand Prix
The whispers blew through the crowded stands like wind over fields of wheat. Each head bobbed and turned and spread the hushed words, “I heard he bought that mare for $1000!” And replies of, “No! I heard it was only $750.00.” The Grand Prix mare in question flicked an irritated ear as she passed by the grandstands. Only the girl … Read More
The Bladder Stone Ghost
The email started off well enough… “The first day after you adjusted him, he was perfect! Moving forward, lifting up, head stretching down easily. It was an amazing ride.” Courtney’s email read. I love to see happy stories in my inbox. But I was surprised to see the story take a down-turn. “But after a couple of days, the problems … Read More
Lightbulbs about Horse Teeth
A beautiful Warmblood mare (whom I’ll call Black Damsel) continuously had problems. I had been doing chiropractic and acupuncture work on her for over a year . Yet her neck was stiff, and she would grind her teeth when being ridden. Black Damsel constantly had neck and lumbar subluxations. The same chiropractic pattern would reappear every single month. This is … Read More
The Peg-Leg
The Peg-leg horse The Johnston’s texted me that they needed Uri checked because he had come down funny off a jump. The next day he had been off with swelling around his coffin bone area (left rear leg). The ligaments had been ultrasounded and were fine, and in a week the swelling was gone. But now Katie texted that, “He’s … Read More
Did you know “old-age stiffness” can be fixed?
I walked up to Joyce’s barn and saw her gelding, Thomas, in the cross-ties. I had thought Joyce said Thomas was about 14 years old. But I must be wrong. Thomas had that ‘old horse’ look. His head hanging down, not engaged with his surroundings, and not moving much. So I figured Thomas was more like 20. Joyce said Thomas was just not … Read More
