Veterinarians successfully repair a rare C6 fracture using advanced imaging and computer-assisted navigation.Dr. Christoph Koch performed surgery to repair the neck fracture itself. | Courtesy Dr. Christoph KochOn a lightly drizzly January morning Emilie Martorell could barely make out the distant snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps through the winter haze. Not that it mattered; she knew her horses would still enjoy their daily turnout, even on a wet morning, after a night tucked into their warm barn.And they did. Like every morning, Martorells horses frolicked in their individual paddocks, throwing a few kicks and bucks as they galloped about in their winter sacrifice spaces.That morning, though, DavidOr took a bad leap. Just a few feet in front of Martorell, the 17.3-hand bay Warmblood bounded high into the air and came down on his forelimbs with full forceright onto a patch of thin mud. He slipped sideways and came crashing down on his left side, smashing his head and neck into the most horrific of positions.Martorellin complete shocksaw the whole scene unfold. Even worse, she heard it.There was a crack, she says. Suddenly, all the worst scenarios were running through my head at that moment. I dont know if I screamed but in my head I did. It was awful.DavidOror, more affectionately, Doudou (literally Soft-Soft, a typical French nickname for plush animal toys)had been Martorells heart horse his entire life. Shed fallen in love with him as a weanling and snatched him up, bonding with him and building an athletic career based on show jumping, eventing, andmost recentlyfull-time dressage.But now, her Soft-Soft lay groaning in the light clay mud, unable to even try to get up. Martorell remained at his side.But then I told myself, No, you have to pull yourself together! she recalls. You have to get a grip and call the vet. Youve got to get help. After that, I didnt really have time to panic or cry.DavidOr finally managed to stand after about 15 minutes prostrate, just before the treating veterinarian arrived. The vet found no fractures in the back or pelvis but recommended immediate assessment of the neck and chest at a referral clinic. Martorell promptly loaded the gelding into the trailer and headed for the Equine Clinic at the Vetsuisse Faculty of the University of Bern.Initial Diagnosis and Treatment ApproachesThere, through heavy clouding caused by all the inflammation, vets could make out hints of a fracture in the bones of the neck on X ray. But the prognosis was unclearespecially since some of these fractures heal well on their own, says Christoph Koch, DrMedVet, Dipl. ACVS, ECVS, a senior clinician and surgeon at the Equine Clinic Bern. After three days DavidOr was less ataxic (incoordinated) and moving his head and neck better, so the team sent him home on stall/paddock rest, with plans for follow-up evaluations five weeks later.During that recovery time DavidOr moved around normally and seemed mostly fine except for restricted range of motion in the neck. I thought, if hes doing that, he cant be in pain; he must feel good, Martorell says.Unfortunately, though, that wasnt the case. His follow-up exam revealed ongoing neck pain and limited range of motion. Imaging now showed a clearly defined fracture in the cranial articular process of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6, the second-to-last bone in the lower neck). The vets suggested either monthslong stall rest or a standard surgical approachfusing two vertebrae together. Fusion helps prevent the formation of bone callus as the fracture heals, which can impinge on the spinal cord and cause neurologic problems such as lifelong ataxia, Koch says.Martorell didnt want to pursue either of those options. Koch explains that fusion comes with the risk of incidental damage to the vertebrae and surrounding tissues, causing disease processeswhich can be debilitating or even fatalin the horses bone, larynx, trachea, esophagus, or spinal cord. Its not a procedure without risk by any means, he says.As for months of stall rest, that was inconceivable, Martorell says. This is a very energetic horse who needs a lot of movement. Even one week on stall rest was very complicated, and he had to be on sedatives. So, keeping him locked up in a box for three months, I couldnt imagine him living like that. Thats not a life.Fortunately, her surgeon told her he had a third option in mind: repairing the fracture itself. While that might seem obvious, the reality is fixing a vertebral process fracture in a horses neck comes with such high risks that veterinarians generally decline. Thats because the repair involves placing screws into thin, fragile bone structuressurrounded by numerous tiny but critical blood vessels and nerveswith meticulous precision. That leaves really little room for error, Koch says.Computer-assisted surgery combines CT scans with camera tracking systems. | Courtesy Dr. Christoph KochStill, he says he was confident this would be possible with computer-assisted surgery. After all, human patients were already getting their spinal fractures repaired thanks to this technology.Computer-Assisted Equine Surgery as an OptionThe computer-assisted surgery system veterinarians use at the Equine Clinic Bern combines intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scans with camera tracking systems. Together they provide 3D imaging, virtual models, detailed surgical planning, and real-time orientation for controlled hole-drilling and highly refined screw placement, even in the most delicate areas, says Koch.The cone beam offers rapid imaging and reduced radiation for the patient compared to helical CTs, he adds. Clinicians and staff leave the room during image acquisition and are not exposed to radiation.Kochs team has used computer-assisted surgery on a routine basis for many years and for nearly all procedures requiring intraoperative image guidance. Theyd performed more than 180 computer-assisted surgeries on live horses, countless practice experimental surgeries on cadaveric specimens, and more than 30 on food animalsalthough, up to this point, never on cervical vertebrae, he says.Basically, it allows us to be very confident whenever it comes to intraoperative image guidance, Koch explains. It gives us all the information we needand that we can get from a CT scan during the operation, if things change. So, its a great system.Still, before offering the option to the owner of his newest patient, Koch reached out to a group of surgeons at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, headed by Jeremiah Easley, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, and Brad Nelson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, for advice. Their team has both the same computer-assisted surgery equipment and considerable knowledge about equine spinal surgery.They reminded me of the complications and risks associated with that procedure, Koch says. But then they said, On the other hand, if youre confident that you can do a good job of it, because you have this navigation system, we think its something you could propose to the owner. And thats exactly what we did.For Martorell, accepting the experimental surgery carried significant uncertainty. It wasnt really a question of confidence, she says. For me, I didnt really have a choice. I told myself it was basically the only solution to save my horse.Eight weeks after his accident, DavidOr underwent surgery in Bern. Imaging showed a 3-millimeter-wide fracture and a small triangular bone fragment. In an operation lasting more than three hours, Koch and his colleagues followed their computers guidance for the successful placement of two screws.Surgery involved placing screws into thin bone surrounded by numerous blood vessels and nerves. | Courtesy Dr. Christoph KochSurgical Recovery and RehabWhile the operation went well, DavidOr struggled with the lengthy anesthesia, and it took him an hour and a half in recovery to stand. He needed respiratory assistance for more than an hour after the surgery and appeared to have some brain swelling, which eventually resolved without complications.Swelling at the surgical site, meanwhile, led to temporary ataxia. Overall, the complications resulted in a tense wait-and-see period for veterinarians and the owner. It was extremely stressful, because even though one part had gone well, there was a whole other series of problems afterward, Martorell says.Two months later, results remained questionable. Despite no more ataxia, DavidOr was experiencing ongoing reduced range of motion and shoulder muscle atrophy. The atrophy likely resulted from suprascapular nerve compression associated with surgical limb positioning.The good news, though, as Koch reminded everyone, was the screws were in place without any signs of callous formation. Because of that Martorell got the green light to start longeing the gelding lightly.By four months post-procedure, the atrophy had improved and range of motion had returned. From that point, Martorell says, she slowly started riding againhacking him out at first, once the ataxia was gone.And things only went uphill from there. Today, DavidOr and Martorell are back at the same competitive dressage level as before the accident. Hes regained full mobility of the neck in both directions. At this point he has absolutely no aftereffects; he can do everything like before, Martorell says.As for the muscle atrophy, she reports just a tiny superficial leftover spot. If I dont point it out, people dont even notice it, she says.A year following the surgery Martorell and DavidOr were back in the show arena. | Courtesy Emilie MartorellWhat This Outcome Could Mean for Future SurgeriesDavidOr represents a success story Koch attributes to refined human-machine collaboration. Youve got the tracking equipment, which is great, but you still have people drilling the holes, he explains. Its a whole separate skill set, where you have to kind of work like in a computer game on a screen. Youve got to concentrate and know your aim, and focus on whats going on with the incision.Would he have even attempted the fracture repair without this system?Kochs answer is clear. No way, he says. Far too risky. Martorell admits she finds the results with DavidOr nothing short of miraculous. They saved his life, she says. Without those people who truly did everything for this horse, he wouldnt be here today. I cant thank them enough.This article is from the Spring 2026 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

Nutritional supplements do not replace a high-quality diet. | The Horse StaffNutritional supplements dont replace a high-quality diet and appropriate feeding program, yet many owners use multiple products daily. During his presentation at the 2026 EquiSUMMIT Equine Nutrition & Health Conference, hosted by Kemin Industries, Randel Raub, PhD, of Kent Nutrition, raised several important questions for owners to consider when choosing nutritional supplements.Who Regulates Equine Nutritional Supplements?Unlike drugs used to treat or prevent specific health conditions, the industry defines dietary supplements as substances for oral consumption intended for specific benefits other than provision of nutrients beyond normal nutritional needs.Nutraceutical supplements, however, are sold under the premise of being a dietary supplement, but for the expressed intent of preventing or treating disease but that definition now makes them sound like drugs, but unlike drugs these products are not regulated by the FDA, explained Raub.In humans the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) regulates manufacturing operations such as quality control and manufacturing standards. The DSHEA does not apply to animal dietary supplements. Instead, the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), an industry organization, provides some guidelines to animal supplement manufacturers regarding safety and efficacy; however it has no regulatory authority over the manufacturers. Companies that meet NASC standards can use its quality seal on product packaging and advertising.NASC is essentially trying to improve the quality and integrity of nutritional supplements and work with government officials that try to create an environment that is fair, reasonable, responsible, and nationally consistent, Raub said.How Many Supplements Does Your Horse Need?There is no lack of supplements available to consumers, and they are marketed under a lot of different premises and promises, said Raub. Oftentimes owners oversupplement, resulting in the most expensive urine and manure on the planet.In 2008, researchers looked at feeding management practices of top-level eventing horses. They found owners were oversupplementing to the detriment of performance.There is a bell curve ranging from deficient to optimal to toxic, said Raub. Each supplement typically has a laundry list of other ingredients, and when you start stacking supplements you can get a toxic situation.Electrolytes, for example, can be important, especially for horses exercising in hot, humid environments. Some of these products, however, contain excessive added sugars. If the electrolyte supplement you use does not utilize slow-release technology, the horse might respond to a sudden increase in electrolytes by excreting some of them. Repeated electrolyte use over time can exacerbate gastric ulcers, so the form and timing of administration are also important factors to consider, said Raub. Talk to your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about which electrolyte supplement is appropriate for your horse.Is Your Supplement Cost-Effective?Using biotin as an example, Raub presented three distinct products:Product A, which costs $95.99 for 11 pounds; Product B, costing $64.99 for 9.3 pounds; and Product C costing $140 for 1 pound.Raub recommended considering cost per day per active ingredient when selecting a product. In looking at these options, he found the cost per day per active ingredient was $2.35, $1.09, and $0.75, respectively. So even though the third supplement is expensive for a small amount, it only contains seven ingredients and is only given at small amounts, he said. The initial price doesnt tell you anything.He also warned that some water-based supplements contain mostly water with only small amounts of active ingredients and recommended choosing non-water-based alternatives when possible. Take-Home MessageRegulatory oversight of equine nutritional supplements remains limited. When buying a supplement for your horse, look for a guaranteed analysis, which is different than label claims, said Raub. For example, if it is a biotin supplement, make sure it has biotin on the ingredient list, not just claims or advertising about biotin.Avoid excessive supplementation, which can be detrimental to your horse, Raub said. The better the quality and management of the feeding program, the less reliant owners need to be on supplements.

One horse at a boarding facility in Douglas County, Nebraska, has tested positive for strangles. One additional horse is suspected to be positive, and 50 horses have been exposed. The sick horse is quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On April 27, a 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare in San Bernardino County, California, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). The mare has been quarantined, and there are no additional exposed horses on the property.Epidemiological tracing is ongoing, but transmission is suspected to be iatrogenic.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

Having the same rider and handler can help reduce a horses risk of glandular disease. | Adobe StockTo understand and, therefore, prevent equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS), horse owners need to understand it encompasses two distinct conditions: equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).Theyre like the odd couple: They both exist in the stomach but dont really have anything to do with one another, said Ben Sykes, BVSc, BVMS, MS, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, FHEA, during his presentation at the 2026 EquiSUMMIT Equine Nutrition & Health Conference, hosted by Kemin Industries.How do ESGD and EGGD Differ?Squamous disease affects the lining of top half of the horses stomach, called the squamous mucosa. This tissue, like human skin, doesnt tolerate acid well. Yet the highly acidic gastric juice floating in the lower half of the stomach can splash on the squamous mucosa, causing a chemical burn.In contrast, EGGD occurs in the bottom half of the stomach. Researchers know much less about this disease, but it appears to be stress-based. It is a much more horse-centric disease how the horse perceives and interacts with its environment, said Sykes.Squamous disease occurs very frequently, in up to 90-100% of racehorses. Glandular disease also occurs frequently, in about 50-75% of competition horses, particularly Warmbloods.Understanding and Preventing Squamous Disease in HorsesUnder normal conditions a basketball-sized ball of food floats on top of the highly acidic gastric juice within the horses stomach. The ball stops the splashing effect, decreasing the chances of a chemical burn on the squamous mucosa.The three most important factors that contribute to squamous disease are roughage, nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) consumption, and exercise, said Sykes.1. Roughage All horses should have sufficient hay available to meet a minimum intake of 1.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis or closer to 2% of body weight on as-fed basis.But we need to appreciate that eating behavior is a complex social behavior for horses, said Sykes. So even horses with unlimited access to hay need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable to eat. So even if they are fed ad lib, measure how much hay theyre actually consuming.While horses benefit from grazing on turnout, Sykes says he prefers for ESGD prevention. Because of the high water content, grass can create a grass soup rather than the roughage ball we want on top of the gastric juice, he said. So even horses on pasture may still need hay and can have squamous ulcers.He also noted that spreading hay in multiple locations, whether in a pasture or a stall, can help reduce overnight fasting and encourage movement that mimics the horses natural grazing behavior.Allowing horses to be social can also influence how much they eat. Horses in groups consume 40% more than horses housed in isolation, speaking to the concept of friends, forage, and freedom.2. Nonstructural Carbohydrates Limit NSCs to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per meal. If the horse needs more NSCs per day, Sykes recommended providing more frequent, smaller meals. You can also add calories by feeding more fat in the diet. Soaked beet pulp can also help reduce the risk of squamous disease.3. Exercise As horses exercise, the abdomen contracts, causing the acid level in the stomach to rise and allowing it to splash on the squamous mucosa. But its the duration of exercisemore than 30-40 minutes per daynot the intensity, that increases squamous disease risk.In addition, when horses are exercised first thing in the morning, there is no roughage ball on the gastric acid in the stomach, so were going to get a lot of splashing on the squamous mucosa, said Sykes. Feeding alfalfa in the morning will help soak up the acid so it cant splash around.Understanding and Preventing Glandular Disease in HorsesFor most horses, diet is not the driver of glandular disease, but we will still want to reduce NSCs, include alfalfa in the diet, and use oil as an energy source, said Sykes.Overall, a horses environment, along with handling and riding practices, can increase the risk of glandular disease. Affected horses need a limited number of handlers/riders and two to three complete rest days scheduled per week. Also address all confounding stressors such as lameness and saddle fit. We have to treat the whole horse, Sykes said.Reducing stress is also key. Horses benefit from social contact, including the ability to groom one another, he added. Massage and music also benefit horses at risk for developing glandular disease. A decrease in stress-related behaviors translates to increased performance.Take-Home MessageEquine gastric ulcer syndrome consists of two unique conditions, each with its own risk factors. Environmental factors largely drive squamous disease, with prevention centered around optimizing roughage, limiting NSCs per meal, and reducing exercise quantity. In contrast, EGGD reflects internal horse factors; environmental enrichment in the form of friends, forage, and freedom, combined with other stress-relieving measures, might help prevent disease.

According to the State Department of Agriculture, one horse in Benton County, Oregon, has tested positive for pigeon fever. The horse was imported to Oregon from California two weeks before diagnosis. One additional horse has been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Pigeon FeverPigeon fever is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and horses. It can cause large abscesses, most commonly on the chest and under the belly. Horses become infected when bacteria enters through broken skin, such as small scrapes or wounds. Peak season for infection is late summer through fall.Good horse health safety practices are key to limiting the spread of pigeon fever. These practices include:Fly control;Not sharing water buckets or equipment; andAvoiding tying horses in high-traffic areas.If a horse owner suspects that their animal is affected, they should contact their veterinarian.

On April 22, a 13-year-old Lusitano gelding in Washtenaw County, Michigan, tested positive for strangles. The horse developed a fever and nasal discharge on April 16. He is recovering, and two additional horses have been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On April 21, a 10-year-old draft-cross mare at a boarding facility in Simcoe County, Ontario, tested positive for strangles. The mare presented with a draining submandibular abscess on April 18. Four additional horses have been exposed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

On April 22, a 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, tested positive for equine influenza. The horse is being quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.

Veterinarians can monitor equine osteoarthritis progression through regular physical exams, gait evaluations, and imaging or diagnostic tests when needed to assess changes in the joints. Many horses benefit from periodic reevaluation so veterinarians can adjust treatment and management as the disease progresses. Howland Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, technical services veterinarian with American Regent Animal Health, explains how often veterinarians reevaluate horses with joint disease.ThispodcastisanexcerptfromourAskTheHorseLiveQ&A.Listentothefullrecordinghere.About the Expert: Howland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMPHowland M. Mansfield, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, of Summerville, South Carolina, received her DVM from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama, and completed internships in both general equine medicine and surgery and in advanced equine reproduction. She is certified in both veterinary acupuncture and veterinary medical manipulation. She has practiced along the East Coast over the course of 14 years, in addition to time in Germany providing veterinary care for some of the most elite show horses in Europe. In 2012 Mansfield was named by the South Carolina Horsemans Council as the Horse Person of the Year for her efforts in equine rescue and in combating animal cruelty. She joined American Regent in 2023 as a technical services veterinarian where she can support the welfare of and improve health care for horses and small animals throughout the U.S.