Foundered horses being fitted with"clogs".

Recedently farrier Bill Parsons has been applying wooden clogs to treat laminitic (foundered) horses.  These have been chronically laminitic horses that in some cases have had the coffin bone penetrate the sole, resulting in having the foot become infected.  There is no one way to treat foundered horses, but this innovative way is one method that has proven successful in a few tough cases.

Santa coming to Ortonville on Saturday

John Balhorn and Linda Henry of Top Hats & Tails Carriage Company of Ortonville will be bringing Santa into Ortonville during the Village Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3.  The parade will be starting at 3:00 p.m. beginning in front of the Edna Burton Senior Center at the corner of Ball and Cedar Streets.  It will go down Church Street, right on Mill Street, left on South Street and ending downtown at the Brandon Township Fire Station.

West Wind Equestrian fund raiser

On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. West Wind Equestrian in New Hudson, in cooperation with C.A.N.T.E.R., will be hosting a fund raiser for the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses.  Sue Pelto and Ron Gardner, owners of The West Wind Equestrian in New Hudson, will be welcoming guests into the Christmas event.  Tickets for the event are $45.00 per person.  RSVP to 248-672-3593 or email CanterintoChristmas@aol.com.

Equine Cushings Disease

As your horse ages he/she will be fighting "old age" diseases more and more.   For those who encounter their older horse not shedding out, losing weight, drinking more water and urinating more might be dealing with Cushings Disease.  With the recent release of an FDA approved drug (Prascend) a web site address is available giving a complete and concise description of the problem. The address is : http://www.prascend.com/.
It might be worth checking out.

Unusual practice activity

On a recent day one Dr. Ryker's friends had special request.  Dr. Ryker gets his meat from him and he wanted his cows pregnancy tested.  On  that day Drs. Ryker and Dewitt went out and checked 30 cows.  All but 2 were pregnant!  It was quite a setting where the checks were performed.  Dr. Dewitt looked like she was having quite a good time.

John Lyons at Puddingstone Manor

John Lyons is putting on a three day dlinic at Puddingstone Manor located in Davisburg, Michigan. The clinic will run Nov. 18th, 19th, and 20th. More information concerning this clinic can be located on: www.PuddingStoneManor.com or phoning 248-535-8145.

MSU seeking horses with bad ankles

MSU is considering a research project seeking non-invasive and more precise techniques for evaluating arthritis and cartilage deterioration in fetlock joints. Twelve to fifteen horses would be required for this project. Donated horses may be of any age, but must have obvious symtoms of fetlock pathology. Donors can earn a tax deduction for including their horses in the project. As part of the research, horses will have to be humanely euthanized to compare imaged results with actual pathology of the joint. For more information or to offer a horse, contact Dr. John Caron at (517)353-9710.