S8E14 Horses and Ticks w Dr. Erika Machtinger

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.