Medically evaluating and caring for horses is a challenging profession. Veterinarians must rely on training, intuition and experience to correctly monitor, diagnose and treat horses of all breeds and ages. Although a variety of physical equipment is also utilized, one device is of the utmost importance: an accurate weighing system. However, it is often overlooked in the industry. At Leading Edge Veterinary Services in Springbrook, Wisconsin, large animal veterinarians Dr. Abagail Mickelson, DVM, and Dr. Ed Metcalf, DVM, rely on a Rice Lake equine scale and digital weight indicator to weigh equine patients.

Dr. Mickelson explains the importance of weight as it relates to animal wellness. “There are a number of health issues associated with obesity in horses, aside from the typical orthopedic problems. One of the major diseases that has a direct correlation to obesity is equine metabolic syndrome [EMS]. When EMS is present, horses will have excessive fat deposits which are not stagnant. Rather, these deposits are metabolically active and eventually lead to laminitis. The worst part is the pain factor for these horses. Unlike humans, we cannot put them in a wheelchair. Laminitis is typically and unfortunately the end of the line.”

Durability and repeatability are additional factors that should be considered when choosing an equine scale. A weighing system may be accurate when initially installed but fall out of tolerance as it is used. After all, horses are not always well-behaved during the weighing process—especially when they are not feeling well. Selecting a scale that can handle reluctant patients’ antics, including hoof stomps, and still deliver consistent, stable weights is key for long-term use. Hermetically sealed load cells are ideal so the system can be washed down without damage. Regular inspections and calibrations should also be performed by a local, authorized scale service technician.

For Leading Edge Veterinary Services, Rice Lake’s RoughDeck® EQ equine scale perfectly complements their recently built cutting-edge facility. Prior to 2020, they focused on ambulatory care and worked primarily from a farm. Having a centralized building rather than performing the bulk of services in the field allows their doctors to deliver a higher quality of care for animals throughout northwest Wisconsin. In addition to a veterinary center, the location is home to stables and an arena for equine events.

With all these services onsite, Leading Edge Veterinary Services has separated themselves from the pack in terms of premier animal care and services. By implementing the latest technology, they have ensured the company will be a frontrunner for years to come.