Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about the different ways people try to show love to their horses, and what the horses actually consider signs of love. Topics include buying things vs. spending time with them, tips for keeping retired horses happy, and much more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long look at Bute, Banemine, and Equiox and what they do for horses. Topics include the role of each drug in the inflammatory cascade, how they differ from one another, risks and side effects, and much more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about each of the core vaccines as well as some of the lifestyle vaccines that horses need. Topics incude the diseases and how they operate, the vaccines themselves, schedules and timeframes, location, side effects, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview Cindy Harrington Ph.D. of Elvation USA, distributors of the Piezowave Shockwave System. Topics include what shockwave is, how it works, and what it does and doesn't do for horses. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss a wide variety of aspects of hauling horses in trailers. Topics include choosing a tow vehicle, trailer types, hauling sick horses, hauling healthy horses, short hauls, long hauls, shipping boots, trailer wrecks, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long take a deep dive into the processes for diagnosing lameness in horses. Topics include physical exam, tools and technology, human resources, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long take a closer look at all the different imaging modalities available to veterinarians, and how they are used. Topics include digital radiograh (x-ray), ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long take a deep dive into the mythos of Kissing Spine. They discuss what radiographs show and don't show, the diagnostic process, treatment without surgery, and weighing the risks/problems of surgery, along with a lot of rehab tips.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long sit down with Philip Guenther, co-founder of Equine Saddlefit (https://equine-saddlefit.com/) to talk all things saddle fit. Topics include what to look for in a saddle fitter, how proper saddle fit is achieved, saddle pads, and a whole lot more! Make sure to watch the cooresponding video on our YouTube channel for some helpful visual markers.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss skinny horses, and the variety of things that can contribute to their condition. Topics include diet and nutrition, exercise, and illnesses. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview returning guest Dr. Erika Machtinger, an associate professor of entomology at Penn State. They discuss the types of ticks that are typically problems for horses (and dogs and people!), the disease risks associated with each, pasture management, effective tick repellents, and much more! 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about overweight horses. Topics include identifying fat deposits in horses, body condition score, methods of weight loss, nutrition, exercise, negative impacts of excessive weight, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and Justin Long discuss skin issues such as rain rot, insect allergies, tail rubbing, and more. Topics include diagnosing, treatment options, prevention, and things to avoid.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss proper deworming protocols, why they've changed over time, and why it's so important to stay up to date with the latest research. Topics include deworming drugs, drug resistant parasites, best practices, and why once a year is all most horses need.

In this episode, Dr. Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss neuro behavior in horses, and how EPM is different from other types of neuro behavior. Topics include the dangers of treating EPM without a proper diagnosis, the process for getting a diagnosis for EPM and other neuro diseases, treatment options for a variety of conditions, rehab, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Lacher details the journey she has taken through Cahira's intermittant lameness since December 2024. Details include her difficulties in diagnosing the problem, settling on a treatment plan with the help of her team, and trying to ignore the urge to do all the wacky stuff that won't help but might make her feel better for trying. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss a wide variety of aspects surrounding the horse buying experience. Topics include pre-purchase exams, involved professionals like agents, trainers, brokers, dealers, and importers, considerations for horses of various ages, acceptable issues and unacceptable issues, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the wide variety of products that are used in joint injections, all of which fall under the three categories of steroids, ortho-biologics, and polyacrylamide gels. Topics include what each category of product does and doesn't do, and how veterinarians determine which one is appropriate for specific situations. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview independant equine nutrition consultant Dr. Rachel Mottet, who has a graduate degree in equine nutrition and is the founder of Legacy Equine Nutrition. Topics include an introduction to the various categories of equine feed and hay, the difference between large and small feed companies, how to understand your horse's needs, and much more! Make sure to find Dr. Mottet at LegacyEquineNutrition.com to learn more about how she can help you improve your feed program.

In this episode, physical therapist Dr. Michelle Correia returns to the show for an in-depth discussion of equine rehab with Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long. Topics include the philosophy of rehab process (exercise, load, & dose), transitioning from recovery to rehab, and from rehab to work, and much more! You can find Dr. Correia at StableBodyPT.com. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview accountant, business coach, and training barn owner Molly Cobb about the logistics of running a successful barn and providing proper healthcare and nutrition for the horses. All horse owners will benefit from this insightful discussion. Topics include recognizing all of the actual costs of farm operations, planning herd health with a veterinarian, charging appropriately based on your operating costs, and much more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long address a number of common myths regarding horse teeth and equine dental care. Topics include power tools, young horse teeth, old horse teeth, lay floaters, drugs, equipment, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about the variety of winter ailments that horses encounter. Topics include symptoms and severity, treatment, bio-security, and prevention. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about the best ways to improve your horse's quality of life. Topics include physical health, mental health, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview Dr. Michelle Correia, a doctor of physical therapy and graduate of the Univ. of Tennessee Equine Rehabilitation Certificate program, about the complex relationship between rider and horse fitness and injury prevention. Topics include key fitness indicators, common causes of injury, proper fitness programs for both horses and riders, and the role of equine physios in the veterinarian/owner/trainer relationship. You can find Dr. Correia at https://StableBodyPT.com .

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss hocks and what makes them different from other joints in the equine leg. Topics include what goes wrong, what doesn't, mythbusting, injections, treatment options, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the severity of lacerations, do's and dont's for first aid, and post-veterinary care treatment tips. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the role of starches and sugars in horse feed, grass, and hay. Topics include diet formulation, feed production, and forage management for easy keepers, hard keepers, and horses with special dietary requirements.

In the final episode of the Vague Sense of Unease mini-series, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about environmental factors that can impact horses. Topics include bedding, noise, light, herd dynamics, and more. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long continue the Unease series with a discussion about equipment. Topics include bits, bridles, saddles, pads, and more. 

In this esisode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk to Dr. Kelly Vineyard, the senior equine nutritionist at Purina Mills, about their research on the equine gut microbiome. Topics include the Purina MQ Kit, which allows horse owners to map the DNA of their horse and get a custom nutrition plan based on their horse's particular needs, probiotics, and more! You can find more information and links to order the MQ kit here: https://mq.purinamills.com/product/mqkit

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk with Autumn Miller, the equine representative for Care Credit, about how they are helping horse owners provide better care for their horses through healthcare financing. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss a variety of lameness issues that are very difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. Topics include imaging, blocks, false positives, and complex and compound lameness cases.

In this first in a series of related episodes, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin long discuss a variety of muscle disorders that can present as a vague sense of unease. Topics include PSSM 1 & 2, MFM, and other muscle issues.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the array of professionals available to horse owners, how to find and use them, and what each brings to your horse. Topics include veterinarians, farriers, nutritionists, physical therapists, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss managing horses in the heat of summer. Topics include hydration, cooling after riding, electrolytes, and busting some popular myths.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss Cushing's/PPID in horses between 12 - 20 years old. Topics include causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and other factors such as laminitis and body condition score. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the internal structure of the horse foot. Topics include bone, tendons and ligaments, bloodflow, the mechanism of motion, and how the shape of the hoof impacts the entire body. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss summer sores in horses. Topics include symptoms, diagnosing, treating, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss ringbone in horses. Topics include symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss gaited horses. Topics include the physical differences between gaited and non-gaited horses, farriery, exercise, and care.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss tumors in very sensitive areas. Topics include summer sores, squamous cell carcinoma, melanomas, and other tumors. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about colitis, and why it's such a big deal for horses. Topics include symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, potential outcomes, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the concept of supporting joint health, what can and can't be done, and how it actually works. Topics include mythbusting on supplement advertising claims, injections, diet and weight, exercise, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss Fecal Water Syndrome in horses. Topics include symptoms, diagnosing, treatment, and prevention. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss common eye problems in horses. Topics include signs and symptoms of problems, diagnosing, treating, and preventing. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss Strangles in horses. Topics include symptoms, diagnosing, treating, and prevention. 

In this episode, show host Justin Long sits down with reknowned veterinary business consultant Marci Bunn to talk about money and horse care. Topics include the psychology of spending, tips for recognizing our trends, prioritizing our horse expenses, and ways to improve our emotional spending habits to maximize the value that our horses receive. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss miniature horses. Topics include differences from full-size horses, special considerations in health challenges, nutrition, training, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long make a list of all the supplements your horse needs for the coming year, and why. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long have a conversation with Dr. Martin Nielsen of the University of Kentucky, the leading expert on equine parasites in North America. Topics include the current state of dewormers, current best deworming practices, and the current state of research on parasites in horses. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss vesicular stomatitis in horses. Topics include symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long deconstruct a lot of the hype surrounding EPM. Topics include what EPM symptoms are (and aren't!), why treatment without diagnosis is bad for the horse, and much more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long have an in-depth discussion on the challenges and considerations of bringing a horse home to your property for the first time. Topics include housing and property prep, fencing, feed and hay storage, support team, and more. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long are talking foot abscesses in horses. Topics include what they are, how they form, what helps (and what doesn't), and prevention tips. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long sit down with Kyle Carter, a very accomplished eventer and co-founder of Ride IQ, to talk horses. Topics are many and varied but include fitness and conditioning, relationship with the horse, the challenges of showing horses at the highest levels (spoiler alert: they're a lot like the problems we face at the lower levels), philosophy of sport, Ride IQ, and much more. Horse owners of all disciplines will want to listen to every minute of this fantastic discussion!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss a variety of common skin ailments in horses, and how to treat and prevent them. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview veterinarian and professor Dr. Ben Sykes, one of the world's leading researchers on equine gastric ulcer syndrome. Topics include squeamous and glandular ulcers, causes, treatment, and prevention. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the many complexities of asthma in horses, which has gone by a variety of names over the years. Topics include symptoms, treatments, and management of asthmatic horses.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about the sacro iliac joint in horses. Topics include what it is, what it does, and what can go wrong, along with treatment options and a healthy dose of mythbusting. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about all the aspects of a wide variety of fence types. Topics include types of horse injuries common with each kind of fence material, pros and cons, and how to utilize electricity effectively. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about the ins and outs of two popular modalities in equine healthcare: acupuncture and equine spinal manipulation, or "chiro" as it is commonly called. Topics include what they do, what they don't do, and how best to utilize them.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss a variety of aspects of dental care for horses. Topics include how horse teeth are different from human teeth, what happens in normal wear, and why intervention is critical for the longevity of the horse.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the nature of horse emergencies, time frames for responding to various things, and scary things that aren't actually an emergency. Topics include illnesses, injuries, and neuro behavior, among others.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the lameness scale that veterinarians use to identify lameness issues in horses. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss what's actually happening when a horse trips. Spoiler alert: it's a bigger deal than you think! Topics include hoof confirmation, neurological disorders, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss equine nutrition. Topics include hay, grass, and other forage, as well as concentrates (grain), and how they impact horses at various stages of life. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview Sara Cunningham, an independent equine insurance broker and agent. Topics include how equine insurance is structured, available add-ons, all the ways it Doesn't work, and what you need to know going in. Sara is very open and candid about the problems and pitfalls in the equine insurance industry, and every horse owner should listen to this conversation!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about the big wide world of equine sarcoids. Topics include identification, sources, treatment options, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long are joined by Tony Olson, a doctor of physical therapy and equestrian movement mechanic, and the founder of Move Like A Rider (movelikearider.com). They discuss the common challenges of riders lacking body awareness, and the impact that can have on the horse, as well as tools for improving fitness, awareness, and body control. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss back and neck pain in horses. Topics include bone, muscle, and nerve problems of the back and neck, causes, and treatment options. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about strategies for managing lacerations, abrasions, and puncture wounds in horses. Topics include first aid, cleaning, and longterm management.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss hydration in horses. Topics include water sources, requirements, usage, and tips and tricks to help your horse drink more water. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss a wide variety of issues that older horses face in cold weather. Topics include signs of changes in horses' ability to manage weight, coat quality, and changes in forage, as well as nutrition and other things.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss all the things that contribute to a good - or bad - vet visit, and how you can optimize the experience for your horse as well as your veterinarian. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long tackle a wide variety of pervasive myths about equine health care. Topics were provided by Official Patrons of the podcast. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss overweight horses. Topics include nutrition and diet, health problems, insulin resistance, weight loss techniques, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss Poll Evil and Fistulous Withers. Topics include causes, symptoms, diagnosing, treatment, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long explore the complex world of drug rules in equine sports, and how to navigate everything with the help of your veterinarian.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss pre-purchase exams. Topics include what they cover, what they don't, and why every horse (including "cheap" and "free" horses!) should get one. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about body condition score in horses. Topics include how the systems work, how to determine the BCS of a horse, and the health risks of high and low scores.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss equine stomach ulcers. Topics include symptoms, diagnosing, treament, and prevention, along with some mythbusting of common misunderstandings. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long explore the old axiom, "no hoof, no horse," and the myriad of ways that manifests itself. Topics include bone structure, tendons and ligaments, lamina, trimming and shoeing, and much more. Along with good nutrition and dental care, proper hoof care is one of the most important parts of horse ownership.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview entomologist Dr. Erika Machtinger of Penn State about a variety of bugs that are problematic for horses. Topics include houseflies, stable flies, horse flies, gnats, mosquitos, and more, what works on them, and what doesn't.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long interview Sally Denotta, DVM, Ph.D. of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine about Lyme Disease in horses. Topics include symptoms, the difficulty in diagnosing it, and treatment options.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss thre state of veterinary medicine. Topics include the reducing number of equine veterinarians, how to improve your relationship with your vet, and why it matters so much.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the three classifications of Drugs, Medical Devices, and Supplements. This is arguably one of the most important distinctions to understand as a horse owner, and by the end, listeners will know why most veterinarians have a healthy skepticism of most supplements. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long take a close look at runny eyes in horses. This can be an indicator of several different things, all of which are discussed, as well as treatment and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the basic healthcare things that every horse needs each year. Topics include vaccines, dental care, deworming, foot care, and nutrition, among others. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk about Pigeon Fever. Topics include symptoms, cause, treatment, and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss EHV 1, 4 and 5. Topics include the not-so-bad, the really, really bad, and everything in between.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long take a look at the challenges of diagnosing horses with ailments that can't be positively identified by a simple test, or in many cases, at all. 

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the last thirty days of pregnancy and the first thirty days post-foaling. Topics include vaccines, development, early warning signs, and things to watch out for.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long examine the harder-to-identify challenges of horses and their movement.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long explore the equine guttural pouch and all its mysteries and problems.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss various aspects of colic. Topics include different kinds of colic, symptoms of problems, things to avoid, and treatment options.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long have an in-depth discussion on the wide variety of problems that can occur in young, growing horses. OCD's might be the most well known, but there's more to it than that!

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long discuss the common (and less common) problems that older horses develop in their teeth and gums. Topics include cracked and broken teeth, EOTRH, side-effects of lack of dental care, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long debunk the young horse myth. Topics include bone growth, emotional maturity, and data from studies of young horses.

In this episode, Dr. Erica Lacher and show host Justin Long talk all things leg care. From washing and trimming to after-work treatments and swelling, they cover all the basics!