Veterinarians in Lexington

[Barcaldine]

I want to alert horsemen here about a new vet clinic--LEXINGTON EQUINE SURGERY--which I have patronized and consider the best practice that I've encountered in my 50 years in the horse business.

I sent a filly of mine which had slab fractured to them last summer after my farm vet opined that her chances of recovery were nil. Because she was a 1/2 sister to a good G1 stakes winner I wanted to try to save her for a broodmare. Dr. Wes Sutter completely explained the situation to me, gave me a realistic prognosis, and spent over six hours operating on her. I watched the entire surgery and was very impressed by his attention to detail and willingness to explain his maneuvers to me. I was also impressed by the anaesthesiologist, who is also a DVM---which is very rare in vet clinics, as well as the complete staff.

The filly came through the surgery well and was returned to my farm several days later. Total cost was $2,500---about 50% of what Hagyard and Rood/Riddle would have charged.

Unfortunately the filly developed a very bad infection in the joint and I decided to euthanize her. But I know that she received the very best care available.

These are good people whom I highly recommend, not just for surgeries, but also for reproduction and general vet work.

Here is their website: http://www.lexingtonequine.com/

[LB]

Thanks for the heads up.

[CountRaja]

It took 6 hours to repair a slab fx???!!!

[Barcaldine]

Yes, it was a multiple slab with a lot of displaced soft tissue. Watching Dr. Sutter remove the tissue and insert the screws on the close-up monitor was a fascinating if not disheartening experience.

[Barcaldine]

First two mares checked in foal today, both on first covers. Thus far Ive bred 15 mares, all but one ovulated within 24 hours of breeding. I am very impressed with Dr Lyman's accuracy in predicting the best time to breed my mares. Any KY breeder who is unhappy with their repro vet may want to check out this new clinic.

BTW, palpations are only $21~

[da hossman]

I also highly recommend Lexington Equine Surgery. I have used them for my own horses as well as clients' horses. As they do only outpatient surgeries, the risk of infectious disease is almost non-existent. Also their pricing is all-inclusive; one does not receive a verbal price and then an invoice with meds, bandages, etc added on to the original figure as happens at other clinics. The price is as stated with no add-ons and is typically less than that charged by Rood & Riddle or Hagyard.

Dr. Bill Bernard was a partner at Rood & Riddle, and Dr. Wes Sutter was "the" surgeon at Ocala Equine. Experienced and professional with a brand new (2011) state of the art facility.

[Barcaldine]

deleted

[ratherrapid]

nice story. keep us informed. I was impressed by an experience with Haygard back in 1998 btw, although it was fairly expensive.

[Barcaldine]

deleted

[Shammy Davis]

Barcaldine wrote:

. . . as a small breeder, I appreciate the down-to-earth attitude of all it's vets. For example, today I needed help bringing in one of the yearlings (this one has s (this one has LITTLE CURRENT in his pedigree and can be a little bastard at times). The colt just refused to budge. Yesterday he hurled me to the ground from which I am still aching. Dr. Lyman volunteered to help me bring in the colt when I really needed the assist (I do all the farm work myself). . .

You know, in over 40 plus years of handling horses (either my own or other owners) professionally, I've never had a problem like that and I've always worked alone. I guess this goes to show that being a good horseman or woman is more involved than knowing what horses to breed and blaming the pedigree for an unruly colt doesn't excuse or correct the problem. Try Capsaicin Cream 0.025% for those aches and pains and find yourself a good groom. Leading a young colt or filly is horsemanship 101 particularly if you are a breeder. If you do decide to keep working on your own, wear a protective vest, protective boots, and a helmet, learn to round-pen, and keep your cell speed dial on 911. We certainly don't want to hear about you getting seriously injured.

[Barcaldine]

Shammy, I really dont know what your problem is, whether it be jealousy, poor self-esteem, or just plain old rudeness, but you are decidedly an unpleasant chap. I suggest you rid yourself of the worthless steeds you've confused with Thoroughbred breeding stock and find yourself a position in which your toilet-obsessed mind is best put to use.

Peace until then.

[Shammy Davis]

Barcaldine wrote:

Shammy, I really dont know what your problem is . . .

I know you don't.

. . . find yourself a position in which your toilet-obsessed mind is best put to use.

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm retired.

[Mood Swings]

Barcaldine wrote:

. . . as a small breeder, I appreciate the down-to-earth attitude of all it's vets. For example, today I needed help bringing in one of the yearlings (this one has s (this one has LITTLE CURRENT in his pedigree and can be a little bastard at times). The colt just refused to budge. Yesterday he hurled me to the ground from which I am still aching. Dr. Lyman volunteered to help me bring in the colt when I really needed the assist (I do all the farm work myself). . .

You know, in over 40 plus years of handling horses (either my own or other owners) professionally, I've never had a problem like that and I've always worked alone. I guess this goes to show that being a good horseman or woman is more involved than knowing what horses to breed and blaming the pedigree for an unruly colt doesn't excuse or correct the problem. Try Capsaicin Cream 0.025% for those aches and pains and find yourself a good groom. Leading a young colt or filly is horsemanship 101 particularly if you are a breeder. If you do decide to keep working on your own, wear a protective vest, protective boots, and a helmet, learn to round-pen, and keep your cell speed dial on 911. We certainly don't want to hear about you getting seriously injured.

I must say Shammy I do enjoy your sense of humour and your posts but I even took offence to this. I also work alone and have up to twenty five yearlings in my care at any given time. I was injured by a bratty colt a month ago and I am very confident in my horsemenship. Sometimes they are little $hits or big $hits even and sometimes $hit can happen

[Shammy Davis]

Mood Swings: I am sorry if I offended you or (with one exception) anyone else. I really should have expressed myself better. I was referring to the comment about having a Vet come out to help handle an unruly colt as was posted by Barcaldine. There have been numerous occasions in the past 40 years when I've needed assistance handling a horse while shoeing, floating, or working with all ages of horses, but I would beg, borrow, steal, sell my wife, and groveled on my knees before calling a Vet to assist me bringing in an unruly horse. Even with my borderline personality, anger management issues, and toilet bowl thinking, I have some pride.

Like everyone in the horse business, I learned early on that I was at distinct disadvantage by weight and strength when handling horses of all ages and breeds. That's how I know about all these wonderful pain relievers. I will say with pride, I've never be out a day because of an equine inflicted injury. My tractor has done me more physical harm than any horse.

Also, as I am sure you know I'm hard pressed to suppress a good snipe when there is a "target rich" post before me. Sadly for some, I can be a "decidedly unpleasant chap" when certain opportunities arise.

I apologize if I offended you.

Best wishes.

[pfrsue]

But Shammy...the Vet volunteered to lend a hand, which means he was probably already there for an unrelated matter.