We are actively engaged in our own continuing education here at RBE.  That's one way we fulfill our commitment to you and your animals toward being the best health care team around.  Recently Dr. Crystal attended the WA state Vet Med Conference in Spokane.  She is one of a select group in the Power of 10 Leadership Academy.  Dr. Bo and Cori digested the most current information on equine nutrition, including a tour of the Purina manufacturing plant in St. Louis, MO.  The digestive tract of a full size horse is approximately 70 feet in length.  Longer than a tennis court or a gray whale, (but not a narwhal) that's a lot of territory to get into problems. Did you know that feed change is the number one cause of colic in the horse? 

Here at home, the recent Anatomy Lab held at RBE was a terrific CE success for everyone involved.  Following a brief lecture by Dr. Crystal on forelimb anatomy & common problems and by Dr. Jen on foot anatomy & conditions, we broke up into small groups and got right into dissecting horse limbs.  Nothing better than hands on dissection, utilizing all our learning tools including touch and visual discovery to help us appreciate structure and function.  Apparently we have several budding surgeons in our midst, based on the scalpel handling skills we observed.  Today a chance to cut was a chance to learn.  Where is the annular ligament?  Wow, that inferior check ligament is really thick!  Look at how the superficial flexor tendon wraps around the deep flexor.  Wait, what's the difference between a tendon and a ligament anyway?  (do you know?)  Investigating the splint bones, we noticed how the top parts are an integral part of the carpus and how the lower, thin parts are more flexible. Rotation of the coffin bone with severe laminitis makes more sense when you see where the deep flexor attaches to it's posterior surface.  The lab was also a great opportunity to see and discuss structural anatomy as it applied to real life lameness challenges that some attendees were experiencing with their horses.  We sent everyone home with a few anatomical illustrations for reference when looking at their own horses legs and we look forward to some great anatomy questions on our next visit.  If you missed the fun this time but would be interested in having us repeat or expand on CE anatomy labs, please let us know.  

During the month of November we will waive our normal haul in clinic fee, a $21.60 value, if you bring your animals to RBE.  Don't forget to call first, you must still have an appointment on the books!  This includes our weekday 9 to 5 hours plus Saturday, 9 to 5 PM and Sunday 9 to 2 PM.  Appointments are based on doctor availability so call now,  (253) 858-4529, (360) 876-1544

Speaking of emergencies and the upcoming holiday season.... RBE emergency kits are available now.  We strongly recommend that every stable have some kind of emergency kit and this one gives you all the basics at a very good value. Come to the December seminar and we'll show you how to use all the tools.  Plus, an RBE emergency kit will make a terrific and practical gift!  Call the office for more information. (253) 858-4529