Dr. Garfinkel's September Update

Greetings my friends!

We’ve come to the unofficial end of our summertime season. Labor Day has passed, Del Mar racing season has come and gone, vacations have been taken, the kids are back in school, and, I think it’s safe to say we’re all anticipating the return of cooler riding weather and crisp fall evenings!

I am eagerly awaiting final approval to get back to work. My doctor has ordered a custom knee brace which is being made as I speak/type. This should allow me to play in the NFL…oh wait!, no…I’m not a NFL player!! But, it is the same kind as those big guys wear to protect them during play, so I suppose it should keep me relatively safe 🙂 I’m having mine made with tiger-stripe graphics…Fun!! Once the brace is completed and I have the final fitting, I should be able to start taking some appointments again! At this time, we’re thinking that should be around the 20th of September or so. I expect the first couple of weeks will be an “easing-back-into-it” period, and there will still be some limitations, but I truly hope to be back to 100% in very short order!
Your patience with my recovery has been remarkable and for that I am so very grateful. I am excited to get back into my normal routines and get caught-up with everyone!

As for our horse friends, most of them have already begun to shed their sleek summer coats and are starting to grow theiw winter coats even though our temperatures can still hit into the 90’s and above. Be aware that they may be more prone to heat stresses during this time. Always check their water sources to make sure they have plenty of fresh cool water available, make sure they have a way to get out of the heat if possible, and try not to exercise during the hottest part of the day. Electrolyte supplements may also be necessary, especially if your horse is sweating more than usual.

Also, we are still in the thick of “fly season”, and I have heard many reports of summer sores. Good management practices should include some form of fly control (even if it’s “only” a daily spritz of fly spray) and special care should be taken around any open wounds, abrasions or sores to prevent summer sores. Please call if your horse has a non-healing wound, as this is often a symptom of summer sores.

Until we meet again, Cheers and Happy Trails 🙂
Christi Garfinkel, DVM
Gary Garfinkel, office manager