Bradford G. Bentz, VMD, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, ABVP (equine)
Brad Bentz, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, ABVP, ACVECC, owns Bluegrass Equine Performance and Internal Medicine in Lexington, Ky., where he specializes in advanced internal medicine and critical care focused on helping equine patients recuperate at home. He’s authored numerous books, articles, and papers about horse health and currently serves as commission veterinarian for the Kentucky State Racing Commission.
Articles by Bradford Bentz
Equine Herpesvirus: Valtrex Treatment Appears Successful
February 18, 2007
Can antiviral drugs be used to successfully treat horses with equine herpesvirus? Recent research into the drug Valacyclovir (trade name Valtrex) seems to indicate it has a place in treating horses exposed to--and diagnosed with--equine herpesvirus Read More
Lame or EPM?
November 01, 2006
About a year and a half ago, my horse was diagnosed with EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis), which he was treated for, and I haven't seen any signs since. Now he's having hock issues. My veterinarian injected him with pure acid (he didn't Read More
Clinical Signs of Colic in the Horse: Book Excerpt
July 26, 2006
Clinical signs of colic are those changes in behavior or activity that indicate abdominal pain. Although these signs are relatively universal, individual horses may exhibit slightly different cues and different intensities to the same cause Read More
Defining Colic (Book Excerpt)
May 10, 2006
The term colic actually means, in the broadest sense, abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is relatively common, even in people. We tend to refer to our abdominal pain as "stomach aches." Read More
Book Excerpt: Feeding During Pregnancy and Lactation
March 24, 2006
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. This book is available from Read More
Feeding the Growing Horse (Excerpt)
January 11, 2006
Feeding young, growing horses means providing more digestible energy and paying close attention to nutrients. Read More
Book Excerpt: Keeping Records on Your Horse
December 28, 2005
An important component of practicing preventive medicine and care for your horse(s) includes maintaining complete and accurate records on their health care and their treatment and management practices. Read More
Chronic Joint Diseases (Book Excerpt)
December 14, 2005
Horses with chronic musculoskeletal disorders may benefit from periodic administration of analgesic medications such as NSAIDs to help control pain when it is at its worst. Read More
Supplements of Benefit to the Performance Horse (Book Excerpt)
November 30, 2005
A balanced vitamin supplement may best provide the additional needed vitamins. However, once again, it is important not to overestimate the intensity of exercise and competition your horse performs so that you do not oversupplement with potentially h Read More
Laminitis (Book Excerpt)
November 16, 2005
Maintaining health and comfort of horses that have been diagnosed with laminitis can be a large undertaking, but it is imperative in order to maximize the overall quality of life for these animals. Read More
No Rotation Deworming (Excerpt)
November 02, 2005
Programs that use no rotation involve the continued use of one effective drug until it no longer reduces small strongyle numbers as indicated by fecal egg counts. The intervals of administration depend on the dewormer used, but this program is limite Read More
Hoof Supplements (Book Excerpt)
October 19, 2005
A number of nutritional factors are promoted as hoof growth aids. Such products may include gelatin, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other dietary supplements. Read More
Botulism (Book Excerpt)
October 05, 2005
Botulism is the most potent biologic toxin known, and horses are highly sensitive to its presence and effects. The clinical effect on the horse may become severe enough to cause the horse to become recumbent and eventually to die from paralysis Read More
Housing, Bedding, and Pasture (Book Excerpt)
September 21, 2005
Stabling, pasturing, bedding, and other aspects of a horse's living environment have major implications on the potential for health problems. Read More
Deworming Principles (Book Excerpt)
August 30, 2005
A thorough parasite control program involves a complete understanding of helpful management practices and knowing how different types of dewormers work. Read More
Feeding Horses: General Principles
August 16, 2005
Feeding programs should meet the individual horse's needs, as these requirements vary with the amount and type of forage and grains fed, amount of pasture available, use of the horse and amount of exercise, and individual metabolism Read More
Joint Supplements as Preventative Medicine
August 03, 2005
In the past several years there has been an explosion of supplements marketed as protecting and maintaining joint health. Early in the development of these products, information regarding their labeled usage was limited. However, increasing Read More
Influenza in Horses
July 26, 2005
Editor's Note: This is from Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by author and veterinarian Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. The book is available from Read More
Vaccination Side Effects
July 12, 2005
Vaccination may be associated with a limited number of adverse effects. Muscle swelling, stiffness, mild fever, anorexia, and lethargy are all potential side effects. Read More
Principles of Vaccination
July 06, 2005
Editor's Note: This is Chapter 1 of Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by author and veterinarian Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. The book is available from Read More
Principles of Disease Prevention
June 28, 2005
Editor's Note: This is Chapter 1 of Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by author and veterinarian Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. The book is available from Read More
Joint Maintenance (Book Excerpt)
October 20, 2004
Equine athletes are really no different than human athletes in regard to the effects of aging, exercise, and other use on the joints. Because this is the case, if a horse is used for regular performance, competition, or other exercise activity Read More
