Equiconnect Equine Podcast

Why is your sport horse not performing at its best? In this insightful round table discussion, Dr. Mike Pownall and the veterinary team at McKee-Pownall break down the multi-layered causes of poor performance in equine athletes. From subtle lameness and dental pain to ulcers and metabolic disease, this episode explores the interconnected systems that influence your horse’s health and rideability.Joined by Drs. Esther Millares, Natalie Sanza, and Katelyn McNicol—with lead vet assistant Karen Foell—this episode emphasizes the importance of early detection, diagnostic precision, and a collaborative care approach. Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or passionate owner, this episode will change the way you think about what’s really going on when your horse feels “off.”Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to the EquiConnect Podcast01:20 – Why poor performance isn't just lameness03:00 – Most common causes of lameness in sport horses05:20 – When it’s not the limbs: other sources of poor performance07:00 – Dental healt

In this episode of the EquiConnect Podcast, Dr. Mike Pownall and co-host Karen Foell dive into the crucial topic of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) with veterinarians Dr. Rafael Gomez and Dr. Natalie Sanza. They explore the different types of ulcers, common causes, and cutting-edge treatment approaches. Listeners will gain valuable insights into diagnosing and managing this prevalent condition in horses, as well as key strategies for prevention. Plus, get an exclusive look at the upcoming Gastroscopy Open House Event—a must-attend opportunity for horse owners to see gastroscopy in action. Whether you're a competitive rider, trainer, or dedicated horse owner, this episode is packed with expert knowledge to help keep your horse healthy and happy.Timestamps: [00:00:00] – Introduction to the EquiConnect Podcast and episode overview [00:01:00] – Meet the experts: Dr. Rafael Gomez & Dr. Natalie Senza [00:02:00] – What is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)?[00:03:00] – The two types of gast

In this episode, we explore the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian veterinary goods. While tariffs are often expected to disrupt industries, the veterinary field may be more insulated than anticipated. We discuss how tariffs might (or might not) affect medication prices, service fees, and product availability for horse owners. Additionally, we dive into the challenges of sourcing equine medications in Canada—an issue that goes beyond tariffs. Dr. Mike Pownall sheds light on what equestrians can expect in the coming months.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction to the Episode[00:01:00] Overview of U.S. tariffs and their potential effects on veterinary products[00:02:00] Will tariffs impact the cost of equine medications? (Prevequine, Prascend, Bute, Banamine)[00:03:00] What products are currently affected? (Saddlery, blankets, and some supplements)[00:04:00] Will service fees increase at McKee-Pownall?[00:05:00] Broader economic concerns for horse owners (inflation, rising costs, consumer spending)[00:06

In this episode, Dr. Mike Pownall interviews Marnie Raymond, a newly certified Equine Diplomat of Osteopathy (EDO), and Dr. Kate Robinson about McKee Pownall's new osteopathy service. They discuss the foundations of equine osteopathy, its benefits, and how it complements traditional veterinary care.Key Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction and welcome[00:01:00] Marnie's background and new osteopathy certification[00:02:00] Definition of osteopathy and its three main systems[00:04:00] Discussion of Vluggan Institute training program[00:07:00] Dr. Robinson's visceral module training[00:11:00] Whole horse approach and system interconnections[00:14:00] When osteopathy is recommended[00:16:00] Explanation of visceral assessment and manipulation[00:18:00] Typical appointment structure and duration[00:21:00] Follow-up recommendations and treatment frequency[00:23:00] Impact on existing bodywork approaches[00:28:00] Key learning moments and insightsKey Takeaways:Equine osteopathy focuses on three main systems: musculosk

In this special holiday episode, host Karen Foell and the McKee Pownall Equine Services team reflect on their memorable moments from 2024, sharing stories of triumph, learning, and community impact in veterinary medicine.Episode Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to EquiConnect Podcast00:31 - Holiday Reflections and Highlights00:56 - Memorable Cases and Experiences03:57 - Community and Charity Initiatives05:17 - Special Cases and Client Stories10:14 - Team Highlights and Personal Achievements10:43 - Looking Forward to 2025HighlightsThis special edition celebrates the achievements and memorable moments of 2024, featuring:Challenging medical cases and their successful resolutionsImplementation of new behavior modification servicesTeam collaboration successesCommunity support initiativesPersonal growth and professional development storiesBrought to you by McKee Pownall Equine ServicesDisclaimerThis podcast content is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional veterinary care.

Join EquiConnect's latest episode where Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell team up with dental enthusiast and McKee-Pownall associate veterinarian, Dr. Katelyn McNichol to get the whole tooth (and nothing but the tooth) about equine dentistry. From tooth anatomy and prevalent dental issues to the critical role of preventive care in horses they explore why your horse's smile matters more than you might think. Plus, hear the fascinating tale of Teddy, a horse whose toothache turned into a much bigger headache - literally! Dr. McNichol walks us through the diagnosis and treatment of a sinus infection secondary to a tooth root infection. While this episode may make you the most informed person at the barn when it comes to dental care, remember: this podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care.00:00 Introduction to EquiConnect Podcast00:31 Meet the Hosts and Guest01:08 Dr. Katelyn McNichol's Background03:54 Equine Dentistry Insights17:32 Commo

In this episode of the EquiConnect podcast, hosts Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell, along with guest Dr. Kate Robinson, discuss the timely topic of fall laminitis in horses. They explore what laminitis is, why fall presents a higher risk for this condition, and the factors like cool nights and high sugar grass that can contribute to it. The conversation covers the impact of conditions like metabolic syndrome and PPID (Cushing’s disease) on laminitis risks, particularly in older horses. The discussion also highlights how managing diet, exercise, and grazing habits can mitigate these risks. Dr. Kate Robinson and Dr. Mike Pownall share insights on recognizing symptoms, testing for PPID, and specific hoof care strategies to help afflicted horses.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to EquiConnect Podcast01:01 Welcoming Dr. Kate Robinson01:38 Understanding Laminitis02:55 Fall Laminitis Risks07:04 Managing Laminitis in Horses11:47 Symptoms and Testing for PPID14:58 Preventative Measures

In this episode of the EquiConnect Podcast, host Dr. Mike Pownall welcomes Dr. Esther Millares from McKee Panel Equine Services - Campbellville to discuss the emerging field of orthobiologics. The conversation delves into the definition, applications, and benefits of orthobiologics like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), IRAP, and ProStride for treating equine musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Millares explains how these regenerative therapies work, their advantages over traditional treatments, and common misconceptions. The episode emphasizes the importance of consulting veterinarians for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.Dr Esther Millares started her professional career after graduating in 2012 in Madrid, Spain where she did an equine rotating internship at the Alfonso X El Sabio Veterinary Teaching Hospital. During this time, her interest in sport medicine and equine surgery increased and she decided to pursue a career in sports medicine.She then started a second internship at Paton & Martin Veteri

In this episode, Karen Foell hosts Dr. Marisa Markey as they introduce a new fear-free behavioral service for equine patients at McKee-Pownall. Dr. Markey, a seasoned associate at the clinic, recently obtained a fear-free equine certification and discusses the importance of using positive reinforcement and behaviour modification techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in horses during veterinary visits. The episode wraps up with valuable resources for further understanding and implementing equine behaviour modification so take a listen to learn more! Visit www.mckeepownall.ca for more details.

Join Dr. Mike Pownall, Karen Foell, and McKee-Pownall associate veterinarian, Dr. Alejandra Garza as they share valuable tips for ensuring your horse is prepared to perform at its best during the summer months. From preseason examinations to personalized care tailored to your horse's unique requirements, this episode covers a comprehensive range of topics. Gain insights into joint injections, equine asthma treatments, and the importance of avoiding steroids for metabolic horses. Grab your earbuds and tune in to get informed and prepared for a successful summer riding season.Visit www.mckeepownall.ca for more information or email info@mpequine.comTime Stamps:00:00 Welcome to EquiConnect: A Podcast on Equine Health00:51 Summer Riding Prep: Getting Your Horse Ready02:59 Deep Dive into Preseason Exams and Horse Health04:34 Mid-Season Check-ups: Ensuring Ongoing Equine Wellness15:21 Addressing Equine Asthma: Tips and Treatments18:19 MythBusters: Debunking Equine Health Myths24:19 

In this exciting episode of the Equiconnect podcast, join hosts Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell as they welcome guest veterinarians Dr. Kate Robinson and Dr. Marisa Markey for a deep dive into the world of Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT). Get ready to uncover the secrets of VSMT as the episode introduces its significance and all the amazing benefits it brings to equine health. You'll hear inspiring stories of how VSMT transformed the lives of horses, improving their performance and overall well-being. Don't miss out on the exclusive prepaid VSMT package offers from McKee-Pownall Equine Services. Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction00:34 Introducing the Hosts and Guests00:48 Understanding Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT)02:03 The Process and Benefits of VSMT05:37 Real-life Experiences with VSMT11:19 Mythbusters: Debunking Common Misconceptions about VSMT15:40 Special VSMT Packages and Offers16:47 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Welcome to a special edition of the Equiconnect podcast! Join Dr. Mike Pownall, Dr. Melissa McKee, Dr. Maggie Turner, and Stephanie Keeble as they share news about the new partnership between McKee-Pownall Equine Services and the Altano Group. The collective goal of this partnership is to make a positive impact and secure the future of equine medicine.During this discussion, they delve into the many benefits of being a part of the incredible Altano Group. At McKee-Pownall we value transparency and want to address any misconceptions that might arise about this partnership. Rest assured, the McKee-Pownall team believes that this collaboration will only strengthen our practices. Increased collaboration, specialization, and educational opportunities will propel us forward.We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@mpequine.com. We're excited to embark on this journey together!00:07 Introduction to the EquiConnect Podcast00:34 Announc

Get ready to saddle up for an exciting episode of the EquiConnect podcast! Our hosts, Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell, are joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Rafael Gomez who is passionate about the fascinating world of equine reproduction. During this conversation, they highlight the importance of careful planning and consideration when it comes to horse breeding. They also shed light on the surprising influence of daylight on mares' reproductive cycles and various breeding methods.And that's not all! Get ready to have your mind blown as they bust some common myths about equine reproduction. This episode is both educational and entertaining, so join us for a delightful journey through the world of horse breeding!Find out more at www.mckeepownall.ca

Join hosts Karen Foell and Dr. Mike Pownall on this episode of the Equiconnect podcast as they delve into the topic of gut health in horses. They are joined by Dr. Claudia Cruz and Dr. Kate Robinson from our Caledon practice, as they highlight the vital role that gut health plays in a horse's overall well-being. When gut health is compromised a wide range of issues can develop like infertility, eye problems, allergies, performance issues, and body condition score. Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn more about this crucial topic.Learn more at www.mckeepownall.ca

In this episode of the EquiConnect podcast, Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell are joined by Dr. Jim Welsh to discuss the importance of pre-purchase exams. The three delve into the value of pre-purchase exams and how they can help horse owners make informed decisions when buying a horse. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of pre-purchase exams in ensuring the health and well-being of your equine companion. Learn more at www.mckeepownall.ca

In this episode of the EquiConnect podcast, equine sports medicine experts Dr. Alejandra Garza and Dr. Viviana Hernandez join hosts Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell to talk about lameness exams. Dr. Garza and Dr. Hernandez share their personal and professional backgrounds in high-performance equestrian sport and equine sports medicine. Hear their perspectives on the importance of equine lameness exams for the most accurate diagnosis to treat lameness issues most effectively.

On this episode of EquiConnect Podcast, hosts Dr. Mike Pownall and Karen Foell welcome resident bodyworker, Marnie Raymond. She shares her journey in equestrianism starting with her days as a full-time FEI show groom in Toronto more than twenty years ago. Marnie expresses her passion for providing massage therapy services for horses she groomed which, in time, led her to become a massage therapist. She delves into the importance of being in touch with the horses and their bodies and the many benefits that regular massage therapy can bring to them. Listeners will gain insight into the emphasis of maintaining equine health and the main roles of various equestrian professionals in providing such. For more information, visit www.mpequine.comTimestamps[00:01:06] Marnie’s voyage through the horse world.[00:04:49] Equine massage therapy.[00:08:15] PEMF therapy explained.[00:11:43] The magic of equine physiotaping.[00:15:19] Osteopathy and horse health.[00:18:50] Collaborating with Veterinarians.[00:23:46]

In this episode of the EquiConnect podcast, Dr. Mike Pownall is joined by esteemed colleagues Dr. Marissa Markey and Dr. Claudia Cruz-Villagran to discuss the importance of vaccines for horses. They provide an informative overview of the science of immunology and explain how vaccines work to train the immune system to recognize and fight off specific viruses and bacteria. They go on to discuss the recommended vaccines for horses in Ontario, and why they're so important for equine health. Horse owners and anyone with an interest in equine health should be sure to tune in to this invaluable episode. Timestamps:[00:01:49] Immunology and vaccines.[00:04:18] Choosing the Best Vaccines.[00:07:46] Core vaccines for horses.[00:11:28] Multivalent versus Monovalent Vaccines.[00:15:00] Vaccinating horses against diseases.[00:21:25] Tetanus and rabies vaccine.

There have been a lot of additions to the veterinary team at McKee-Pownall, with most of them coming from other countries. We have been fortunate as there is a global shortage of equine veterinarians so for us to find so many excellent new vets is a real rarity.We thought our clients would be interested in hearing about the challenges facing the equine veterinary profession and some of the stories from our newer vets of how they came to MPES and their immigration and licensing hurdles so that they could practice in Ontario.

In today’s episode, Dr. Mike Pownall welcomes Drs. Kate Robinson and Melanie Pfeffer from McKee-Pownall Equine Services as they discuss winter care tips for your horse. Having spent her previous years working in Saskatchewan, Dr. Robinson has dealt with winters perhaps worse than Ontario. As for Dr. Pfeffer, having grown up in Bavaria, Germany, she also has experience in a very wet, cold climate. They discuss important topics such as hydration, feed and blanketing, dental care, how to manage temperature fluctuations and more.