Two 'golden girls' from Virginia Beach make their way to Leesburg for treatment at Equine Medical Center

Due to ongoing clinical research, improved diagnostic options, and better management practices, horses are living healthier, longer lives – but our “golden oldies” often have specific health and management needs.  

Kathy Buhrer from Virginia Beach, under the guidance of her primary care veterinarian Tyler Sweeney, from Coastal Equine Veterinary Services in Chesapeake, has hit the road to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) in Leesburg twice this year for care of her own “golden girls,” 29-year-old thoroughbred mare Whoopi and 21-year-old Welsh cross pony mare Petunia Mae.

The EMC is a full-service equine hospital and one of three Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine teaching hospitals and healthcare facilities. 

“At 21 and 29, my older girls deserve the best care possible, and both Dr. [Elizabeth] MacDonald and Dr. [Megan] Marchitello gave them the expert care you expect from a place like the EMC,” Buhrer said. “Most importantly, they both took the time to listen to my concerns, diagnose with a well-planned systematic approach, and communicate in a manner that made me feel like my retired pony and horse are just as important in their elder years as when they were in their younger years.”

Buhrer has owned both Petunia Mae and Whoopi since they were born. Petunia Mae was Grand Champion Hunter Pony of Virginia, twice USHJA Zone 3 champion, and had won ribbons at the Washington and Pennsylvania indoor horse shows! Whoopi also has an extensive show career and has raised several healthy foals.

In January, Whoopi experienced multiple episodes of abdominal pain (colic) which resolved at home with antispasmodic medications and restricted feedings. Despite the resolution of her colic signs, Whoopi experienced severe weight loss from January to May which led to the decision to refer her to the EMC. 

At the ripe old age of 29, Whoopi visited the EMC in May this year to address her weight loss. When Whoopi arrived, Megan Marchitello, clinical instructor of equine medicine, and her clinical support staff carefully reviewed her pertinent medical history including her deworming regimen, diet, and dental records to help make the best diagnostic plan.  

First, a gastroscopy was performed to visualize the two distinct linings of the equine stomach: the squamous and the glandular. This scope identified grade 4 squamous ulceration. The grading scale of squamous ulceration is a 0-4 system, with 4 indicative of large, deep, and bleeding ulcers. 

Although this alone was a reason for Whoopi’s weight loss, Marchitello continued with the evaluation to ensure no other underlying pathologies were missed.  

Abdominal radiographs revealed a mild to moderate accumulation of sand in the colon, called sand enteropathy, a syndrome that can also lead to colic and weight loss. 

Lastly, a biopsy of the duodenum (first portion of the small intestine) was performed through the gastroscope. Samples were sent to a board-certified pathologist at the Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services (ViTALS) at the veterinary college in Blacksburg. 

Microscopic changes in the duodenum indicated a severe increase in eosinophils, an inflammatory white blood cell. This finding definitively diagnosed Whoopi with inflammatory bowel disease as the third and final cause of her recent colic and weight loss. 

After a 24-hour visit to the EMC, Whoopi was on her way back to Virginia Beach with a comprehensive diet plan, medication, and exercise instructions. In addition, Marchitello recommended that Whoopi stay on a consistent daily schedule, with as much turnout as possible to reduce stress.  

Welsh cross pony Petunia Mae visited the EMC in August this year for evaluation of mild abdominal discomfort. For three days paw marks were noticed in her stall and flattened areas of bedding indicating that she had been lying down, which was not normal for her. At that time, she was bright, with a good appetite but several years prior similar symptoms indicated a gastric impaction that required lengthy hospitalization.

When Petunia Mae arrived at the EMC for treatment, she was bright, alert, and responsive. She was in good body condition and very hungry after being fasted for evaluation! 

Gastroscopy revealed diffuse hyperkeratosis (yellow and thickened tissue) of her squamous mucosa. The squamous mucosa is the lining of the upper portion of the stomach. This mucosa is very susceptible to injury from the splashing of gastric acid, and it has limited ability to protect itself. The glandular mucosa covers the lower portion of the stomach. It contains glandular cells that secrete stomach acid and other factors to protect itself in the acidic environment. Petunia Mae’s glandular mucosa was reddened and inflamed near the pylorus (exit of the stomach). An abdominal ultrasound was performed to rule out any other abnormalities that could be contributing to her discomfort which was unremarkable. 

Elizabeth MacDonald, clinical instructor of equine medicine diagnosed Petunia Mae with grade 2 out of 4 equine gastric squamous ulcer disease and multifocal raised erythematous lesions of the glandular mucosa. MacDonald recommended treating her stomach to Buhrer to see if her clinical signs resolved. If treatment proved unsuccessful, then further investigation would be required. 

Petunia Mae was started on her treatment and had 24 hours of surveillance in the hospital. During her stay she was bright, responsive, and had a great appetite, with no signs of discomfort.

Petunia Mae returned home with her own set of feeding instructions, medication to treat her ulcers, and a recommendation to book a recheck gastroscopy in six to eight weeks to evaluate her response to treatment and the need for additional medication. 

Buhrer reports that Petunia Mae is doing fabulously well; her attitude is back to normal, and she is enjoying retirement to the fullest.

“I can’t thank you all enough for what you’ve done for my two older girls,” Buhrer said. “’Tootie Mae’ is 21 and I feel so blessed to have such great resources as Coastal Equine Veterinary Services here in Virginia Beach, and the EMC in Leesburg keeping her healthy and happy.” 

Paying particular attention to signs of discomfort, unusual herd dynamics, stress levels, diet, and barn management is important when caring for older horses. Often these horses have devoted much of their lives to their caretakers, and it only seems right to help them safely and comfortably navigate their golden years.

“Checking out even the slightest change in daily habits is key to keeping the older ones healthy and circumventing problems before they become possibly life-threatening,” Buhrer said.

“Thank you again for your expertise, compassion, and wonderful communication!”