Services

General Wellness

• General health and prevention are the biggest keys to providing your horse a long and healthy life! Yearly exams with vaccines, dental, and Coggins may not seem like much but they go a long way towards keeping your equine on the right track!

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture is the placement of small, sterile needles in specific points along different channels or “meridians” that course through the body. The aim of acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is to restore and balance energy or “qi” to promote healing and maintain homeostasis. From a Western thought, these points interact with local nerves, myofascial planes, blood vessels, etc. that influence endorphin and neurotransmitter release and improve circulation.

• Acupuncture can be a great adjunct therapy for your horse; whether it be to keep your athlete in top shape, or to reduce pain and inflammation or aid in certain metabolic issues or anhidrosis (non-sweating).

• Dr. Morton became certified in equine veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute in Florida at the beginning of 2021. She truly believes acupuncture is a useful tool to be implemented along with traditional Western Medicine!

• What to expect during an acupuncture exam with Dr. Morton?

  • Dr. Morton will obtain a thorough history about your horse, then may complete a brief exam in movement. After that, she will perform an acupuncture “scan” to see where your horse is most sensitive along its meridians and what issues need to be addressed.

• Acupuncture therapy includes dry-needling (placement of sterile needles), and typically involves electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, hemoacupuncture, or Moxa to increase stimulation as needed.

• Acupuncture is not a “one and done” treatment! While some positive improvements may be transiently visible after the first session, it typically takes 2-4 to see actual lasting results.

• Have more questions? Feel free to reach out on our FB page or call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Morton today!

Dentals

• Having your horse's "teeth floated" properly is a vital practice to ensure your horse makes the most of every meal! A thorough, sedated oral exam by your veterinarian allows them to evaluate and float appropriately. This is the best way to make sure the sharp points on the hard-to-reach cheek teeth are taken down, any ramps or waves addressed, etc! Taking off just what's needed will keep your horses teeth the healthiest for as long as possible as they age. ​

Pre-Purchases

• A pre-purchase exam gives you a good idea of what you're getting before you buy your next horse! Although this isn't like a "carfax," this exam does allow you to get a good glimpse of typical soundness, athleticism, and ability of your prospect. A lameness exam with full flexions, an in-depth physical, and potential radiographs are all things you can expect to see during this process! A veterinarian's job is not to pass or fail a horse during this exam, but rather to let you know what you're buying and potential maintenance you'll expect for your new athlete. ​

After-Hours Emergencies​​

• Dr. Morton is available 24/7 for your emergency needs! She will evaluate your horse and determine if on-farm treatment is sufficient, or recommend taking your horse to a referral hospital if necessary. She has spent years in both ambulatory and hospital settings, so will help you make the best decision possible for your horse in its hour of need. ​

Breeding

• Dr. Morton has taken several continuing education courses in reproduction, and has been responsible for breeding and foaling out mares on several large farms during her career! ​

• Services include: breeding with shipped or frozen semen, embryo transfer, or cycle checks to help you decide when to take your mare to the stud if breeding via live cover. 

• Be prepared for a thorough following of your mare's gestation!

• Ultrasounds at 15, 30, and 60 days is common protocol as this is the point where fetal loss most commonly occurs. After that, a Pneumabort vaccine should be administered by your veterinarian at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation to help prevent abortion due to equine herpesvirus. Her full yearly vaccines should then be given 4-6 weeks before her due date so she can pass on immunity to her foal! 

• Once your new little one has arrived, a new foal exam should be completed! 

• Please call with any questions about breeding or foaling, or to schedule your appointment today!