NEWSLETTER
Summer 2009
If you’ve been around the clinic lately, you may have noticed some new smells, called "moxa," and heard talk about qi and blood stagnation, meridians and points. You’ve just been introduced to the newest and the oldest of medical treatment modalities, acupuncture.
Dr. Fran May, from Ocean Shores, WA, is now consulting with the doctors at Rocky Bay Equine. Dr. May is a retired chiropractor and acupuncturist having over 20 years of experience treating both animals and people.
While acupuncture in the west has primarily been used to treat musculoskeletal pain, here at RBE we are exploring its potential for use in other conditions such as; to improve healing of infected tissues, to treat manifestations of chronic respiratory disease such as "heaves", and for treatment in select reproductive situations. Dr. May owns 2 Tennessee Walking Horses and enjoys riding on the coastal beaches.
Beth and Mark Ness had a new “foal” of their own this year. Bailen
Scott Ness, was welcomed into the world on February 26th,
2009.
Bailen is a wonderfully good natured soul. He is already busy helping mom as the youngest trainer in residence at his parents fabulous Starr Valley Farm. You can freqently find him the center of attention in the middle of the arena coaching riders and entertaining the horses. Mom says; “Bailen loves being outside, loves any and all animals, baths and water. When he is around the animals he laughs and squeals and reaches out to give them a pat. He has already sat on a few horses and loves to play with their manes (of course…trying to figure out how to get it in his mouth!). Five months old now, he already has two bottom teeth and is working on the top ones, as well as almost crawling! Mark and I are in trouble because now we need to baby proof the house!!”
Not to be outdone, the Weeks also added to their family with a new Norfolk Terrier puppy named Isabel, Izzy to her friends. OUR FEATURED SPEAKER this year, Dr. Bo Brock, hails from west Texas. Educator, author, equine practitioner and popular speaker, he has tickled folks’ funny bones‘ in print and in person all over the country. Dr. Brock promises both an entertaining and educational look at veterinary medicine. We think that his enthusiasm and sense of humor will fit right in around here. Join us in welcoming Dr. Brock and his wife Kerri here on September 19th.
The barbecue and seminar will commence at 1 o’clock in the afternoon at Rocky Bay Equine Clinic (go online to for directions). As in past years, it’s a potluck with folks whose last names start with A - L bringing desserts and M - Z asked to bring a side dish. A sincere thank you to all of our sponsors, whose generosity makes it possible to host Dr. Brock for this fun and informative event.
A BIG THANKYOU TO THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS INCLUDING; American Party Place, Belfair Safeway, Blondies, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cenex, Del’s Farm Supply, Drive Thru Feed, Farm Land Feed, Fort Dodge, Idexx, Lennard K’s, Lou Hammond & Son Hay,Luitpold, Merial, MWI, Nayer Paint & Decorating, Nutrena, Pala Tech, Pet Land Cemetary, Pfizer, Phoenix, Precision Pharmacy, QAR, Stroh’s Feed & Garden Supply, Valley Feed, Eve Willett.
The much anticipated delivery of the Sinhgh’s mare, Tilly’s, two embryo transfer babies occurred on April 1st and April 4th of this year. The well traveled babies arrived without difficulty. Both are dark bay fillies with similar markings.
Their surrogate mothers are quarter horse types and they have been fantastic mothers. Tilly has been proudly showing pictures to all of her horse buddies back at the training barn. The photo on the left shows working mother, Tilly, in action and her two embryo transfer fillies on the right.
Both foals are involved in an OCD preventive program utilizing the medication known as Adequan. Recent studies indicate the use of Adequan during the first year of life reduces the overall incidence of OCD. OCD, osteochondrosis desicans, is a complex disease in young horses that presents itself as focal cartilage damage in one or more joints. The damage can be clinically significant and create long term unsoundness. The exact cause of OCD is unclear but diet, growth rate, trauma and genetic predisposition all play a role. OCD is detectable in foals as early as one month of age, but more often it will present itself in the weanling or early yearling. The typical presenting signs are the development of sudden lameness along with focal joint swelling.
Adequan, a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, has been shown to help affected joints by improving the activity and health of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and soft tissue cells (synoviocytes) as well as by reducing inflammation within the joint.
Researchers in Kentucky decided to look at the prophylactic use of Adequan for the prevention of OCD in young Thoroughbreds. They used a large group of Thoroughbred foals from one farm in central Kentucky and treated them with Adequan at intervals during their first year of life. Their findings were tabulated and compared to historical data regarding OCD incidence on the same farm. The findings showed a significant reduction of OCD in the treated group versus the incidence of OCD in age matched foals from the farm’s historical data base.
If you would like more information regarding Adequan and its use in young horses, please visit the clinic or talk with one of the doctors.
Eastern medical philosophy has gained acceptance throughout the United States in both the human and veterinary fields over the past several decades. Historical records from China dating back to 2697 B.C. describe the early application of acupuncture for the treatment of various ailments. Some people debate the lack of scientific basis for Eastern medical techniques, but the weight of thousands of years of practical application gives strong support to the Eastern approach to wellness. Indeed, Eastern medicine is based on a belief in wellness and prevention. The core of each individual is energized by a force referred to as ‘Chi’. When a person or an animal is ‘well’ it means that their ‘Chi’ is in balance. When illness or disease occurs, ‘Chi’ is unbalanced. The application of techniques such as acupuncture can help to re-direct the flow of ‘Chi’ and assist in stabilizing the disease process.
At Rocky Bay Equine, we have been working to include the use of acupuncture as one of our treatment options. A recent case helps to illustrate the use of traditional Western techniques along with the application of Eastern medicine.
Boomer is a 25 year old miniature horse gelding, suffering from chronic nasal discharge and focal swelling of the maxillary bone just in front of his left eye. The initial work up by Dr. Ness revealed a sagittal fracture of the upper first molar on the left side and associated purulent nasal drainage also from the left side. A similar fracture of the upper right first molar was also discovered, but no associated sinus infection was identified. The molar fragment on the left side was loose, but it could not be removed from inside the mouth. The root of the first molar is associated with the rostral (towards the nose) portion of the maxillary sinus. Bacteria entering through the mouth probably worked their way along the damaged tooth and crossed into the maxillary sinus creating an abscess-like infection. The decision was made to anesthetize Boomer and open the maxillary sinus to facilitate removal of the affected tooth and to flush the infected sinus. The procedure was successful and Boomer’s general condition improved over the next several weeks. The incision over the surgical site healed beautifully but infection remained within his maxillary sinus in spite of extended antibiotic therapy. Focal swelling in front of his left eye slowly increased and Boomer became more uncomfortable to digital palpation of the area. An option for treatment of the persistent infection included surgically re-opening the sinus to allow repeated flushing and application of medication directly into the sinus space. Acupuncture was also considered, and a consultation with Dr. Fran May was scheduled to determine the validity of this treatment modality for this challenging case. Dr. May is a retired human acupuncturist from Ocean Shores, Washington. (See the article about Dr. May in this newsletter) She has gained extensive experience over the years with equine patients evaluating them for chiropractic as well as acupuncture therapy. In her opinion, acupuncture therapy was an appropriate approach. Treatment would include stimulating points immediately around the area of concern as well as stimulating relevant points along defined meridians or pathways that channel energy through the body. The intent was to increase the flow of energy, or Chi, thereby reducing the stagnation around the infected sinus and stimulating Boomer’s own immune system. Boomer was treated by Dr. May at Rocky Bay Equine on a weekly basis for four weeks. He immediately responded with gradual improvement of the swelling around his eye. At his last check up, one month after the last treatment, the swelling is noticeably reduced, his weight and general appearance are better and the nasal discharge, while still present, is now intermittent and less foul smelling. Boomer will continue to be monitored and treated as needed to support his recovery.
Dr. Fran May, from Ocean Shores, WA, is now consulting with the doctors at Rocky Bay Equine. Dr. May is a retired chiropractor and acupuncturist having over 20 years of experience treating both animals and people.
While acupuncture in the west has primarily been used to treat musculoskeletal pain, here at RBE we are exploring its potential for use in other conditions such as; to improve healing of infected tissues, to treat manifestations of chronic respiratory disease such as "heaves", and for treatment in select reproductive situations. Dr. May owns 2 Tennessee Walking Horses and enjoys riding on the coastal beaches.
Bailen is a wonderfully good natured soul. He is already busy helping mom as the youngest trainer in residence at his parents fabulous Starr Valley Farm. You can freqently find him the center of attention in the middle of the arena coaching riders and entertaining the horses. Mom says; “Bailen loves being outside, loves any and all animals, baths and water. When he is around the animals he laughs and squeals and reaches out to give them a pat. He has already sat on a few horses and loves to play with their manes (of course…trying to figure out how to get it in his mouth!). Five months old now, he already has two bottom teeth and is working on the top ones, as well as almost crawling! Mark and I are in trouble because now we need to baby proof the house!!”
Not to be outdone, the Weeks also added to their family with a new Norfolk Terrier puppy named Isabel, Izzy to her friends. OUR FEATURED SPEAKER this year, Dr. Bo Brock, hails from west Texas. Educator, author, equine practitioner and popular speaker, he has tickled folks’ funny bones‘ in print and in person all over the country. Dr. Brock promises both an entertaining and educational look at veterinary medicine. We think that his enthusiasm and sense of humor will fit right in around here. Join us in welcoming Dr. Brock and his wife Kerri here on September 19th.
The barbecue and seminar will commence at 1 o’clock in the afternoon at Rocky Bay Equine Clinic (go online to
A BIG THANKYOU TO THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS INCLUDING; American Party Place, Belfair Safeway, Blondies, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cenex, Del’s Farm Supply, Drive Thru Feed, Farm Land Feed, Fort Dodge, Idexx, Lennard K’s, Lou Hammond & Son Hay,Luitpold, Merial, MWI, Nayer Paint & Decorating, Nutrena, Pala Tech, Pet Land Cemetary, Pfizer, Phoenix, Precision Pharmacy, QAR, Stroh’s Feed & Garden Supply, Valley Feed, Eve Willett.
Both foals are involved in an OCD preventive program utilizing the medication known as Adequan. Recent studies indicate the use of Adequan during the first year of life reduces the overall incidence of OCD. OCD, osteochondrosis desicans, is a complex disease in young horses that presents itself as focal cartilage damage in one or more joints. The damage can be clinically significant and create long term unsoundness. The exact cause of OCD is unclear but diet, growth rate, trauma and genetic predisposition all play a role. OCD is detectable in foals as early as one month of age, but more often it will present itself in the weanling or early yearling. The typical presenting signs are the development of sudden lameness along with focal joint swelling.
Adequan, a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, has been shown to help affected joints by improving the activity and health of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and soft tissue cells (synoviocytes) as well as by reducing inflammation within the joint.
Researchers in Kentucky decided to look at the prophylactic use of Adequan for the prevention of OCD in young Thoroughbreds. They used a large group of Thoroughbred foals from one farm in central Kentucky and treated them with Adequan at intervals during their first year of life. Their findings were tabulated and compared to historical data regarding OCD incidence on the same farm. The findings showed a significant reduction of OCD in the treated group versus the incidence of OCD in age matched foals from the farm’s historical data base.
If you would like more information regarding Adequan and its use in young horses, please visit the clinic or talk with one of the doctors.
Eastern medical philosophy has gained acceptance throughout the United States in both the human and veterinary fields over the past several decades. Historical records from China dating back to 2697 B.C. describe the early application of acupuncture for the treatment of various ailments. Some people debate the lack of scientific basis for Eastern medical techniques, but the weight of thousands of years of practical application gives strong support to the Eastern approach to wellness. Indeed, Eastern medicine is based on a belief in wellness and prevention. The core of each individual is energized by a force referred to as ‘Chi’. When a person or an animal is ‘well’ it means that their ‘Chi’ is in balance. When illness or disease occurs, ‘Chi’ is unbalanced. The application of techniques such as acupuncture can help to re-direct the flow of ‘Chi’ and assist in stabilizing the disease process.
At Rocky Bay Equine, we have been working to include the use of acupuncture as one of our treatment options. A recent case helps to illustrate the use of traditional Western techniques along with the application of Eastern medicine.
Boomer is a 25 year old miniature horse gelding, suffering from chronic nasal discharge and focal swelling of the maxillary bone just in front of his left eye. The initial work up by Dr. Ness revealed a sagittal fracture of the upper first molar on the left side and associated purulent nasal drainage also from the left side. A similar fracture of the upper right first molar was also discovered, but no associated sinus infection was identified. The molar fragment on the left side was loose, but it could not be removed from inside the mouth. The root of the first molar is associated with the rostral (towards the nose) portion of the maxillary sinus. Bacteria entering through the mouth probably worked their way along the damaged tooth and crossed into the maxillary sinus creating an abscess-like infection. The decision was made to anesthetize Boomer and open the maxillary sinus to facilitate removal of the affected tooth and to flush the infected sinus. The procedure was successful and Boomer’s general condition improved over the next several weeks. The incision over the surgical site healed beautifully but infection remained within his maxillary sinus in spite of extended antibiotic therapy. Focal swelling in front of his left eye slowly increased and Boomer became more uncomfortable to digital palpation of the area. An option for treatment of the persistent infection included surgically re-opening the sinus to allow repeated flushing and application of medication directly into the sinus space. Acupuncture was also considered, and a consultation with Dr. Fran May was scheduled to determine the validity of this treatment modality for this challenging case. Dr. May is a retired human acupuncturist from Ocean Shores, Washington. (See the article about Dr. May in this newsletter) She has gained extensive experience over the years with equine patients evaluating them for chiropractic as well as acupuncture therapy. In her opinion, acupuncture therapy was an appropriate approach. Treatment would include stimulating points immediately around the area of concern as well as stimulating relevant points along defined meridians or pathways that channel energy through the body. The intent was to increase the flow of energy, or Chi, thereby reducing the stagnation around the infected sinus and stimulating Boomer’s own immune system. Boomer was treated by Dr. May at Rocky Bay Equine on a weekly basis for four weeks. He immediately responded with gradual improvement of the swelling around his eye. At his last check up, one month after the last treatment, the swelling is noticeably reduced, his weight and general appearance are better and the nasal discharge, while still present, is now intermittent and less foul smelling. Boomer will continue to be monitored and treated as needed to support his recovery.
Boomer before (left) and after (right) acupuncture treatment for an infected maxillary sinus (see story above, “A Case for Acupuncture”).
Acupuncture treatment for Boomer consisted of four ear needles placed at the four compass points (circling the dragon) at the margin of the swelling, pointing inward towards the highest point of the swelling. Needles were also placed at GB 1, UB 13, Du 14, Du 4,`and ST36. Moxa was used on all points.
