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 Foe...
Apr 30, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 49
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 ...
Mar 12, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 48
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 equest...
Mar 07, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 47
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] Discussio...
Jan 24, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 46
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 Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to EquiConnect Podcast 00:31 - Holiday Reflections and Highlights 00:56 - Memorable Cases and Experiences 03:57 - Community and Charity Initiatives 05:17 - Special Cases and Client Stories 10:14 - Team Highlights and Personal Achievements...
Dec 16, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 45
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 bigge...
Nov 12, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 44
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 discu...
Oct 07, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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 mi...
Sep 06, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 42
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 implementin...
Jun 17, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 41
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 earbud...
May 13, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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 an...
Mar 11, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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 ...
Jan 11, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 38
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 no...
Dec 04, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 37
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 opportun...
Oct 18, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 36
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
Sep 05, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 35
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.
Jul 27, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 34
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 ben...
Jun 26, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 33
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 o...
Apr 14, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 32
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 t...
Mar 08, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 31
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 tem...
Jan 11, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Please enjoy the latest episode hosted by Dr. Mike Pownall! In this episode, he is joined by Dr. Rafael Gomez and they discuss everything you need to know about breeding your mare/ WATCH: Estrus Cycle of the Mare Webinar Everything You Need To Know About Breeding Your Mare Webinars With Dr. Rafael Gomez Breeding the Problem Mare Register Here Jan 16th, 2023 at 7 pm · Infertility vs subfertility · Principal causes of subfertility · Diagnosing the problem mare · Overview of treatment plans Insemin...
Dec 07, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In today's episode, Dr Kathryn Surasky and Dr Kate Robinson sit down with Dr Ruby Chow for a discussion about her upcoming internship with McKee-Pownall! Dr. Ruby Chow will be joining our practice for a 13-month internship. Dr. Chow previously worked with us in the summer of 2020 as a technician in our Uxbridge practice and we are delighted to welcome her back as our first intern after her recent graduation from The Ontario Veterinary College. We are excited to start this program at a time when ...
May 30, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Please enjoy today's episode with, McKee-Pownall associate veterinarian, Dr. Viviana Hernandez. She talks about relationships with horses, her background in horses, her thoughts on physiotherapy and her experience since coming to Canada. She is an amazing storyteller and we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Dr. Viviana Hernandez graduated in 2012 from the Veterinary Faculty at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Since graduating, Dr. Hernandez has worked with differen...
Feb 23, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In today's episode, we talk to Dr Kathryn Surasky, a long-time associate veterinarian with McKee-Pownall. We have a case-based discussion surrounding a common theme in our industry "Spooky Horses!" Also, we have some promotions happening soon. Check out our 2022 Wellness packages. Purchase in full before December 31, 2021 to get 2021 prices. December, January and February we will be once again having our No-Call Fee on Dentistry promotion. Book your horses dentistry, in our regular call areas, a...
Nov 24, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode, Karen Foell takes to Dr. Melanie Pfeffer who joined our team in April 0f 2021. Dr. Melanie Pfeffer grew up in a small town in Bavaria, Germany. Melanie worked and travelled through Canada for a year after high school, where she landed at an Ontario horse farm for three years raising, racing and training Standardbreds. She has been involved in one way or another with horses ever since. Dr. Pfeffer spent time in Canada for her externships at Milton Equine Hospital, Henderson Equin...
Nov 02, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Dr. Sara Stewart is the newest associate veterinarian to join the McKee-Pownall team however she has been part of the family for many years. Join Karen Foell as she catches up with Dr. Stewart.
Sep 24, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, Dr Kyle Goldie talks to board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr Tara Richards. We are fortunate to have Dr Richards consult and work on horses at our Rehab Facility in Schomberg, Ontario. She gives some great insights into equine eyes. Listen to the end to learn some super interesting facts! Dr. Tara Richards is a board-certified ophthalmologist with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). She grew up in northern Ontario and has been involved with horses since sh...
Jul 23, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 23
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Mike Pownall, DVM has been nominated as an Ontario Equestrian Board of Directors Candidate. If you are a member of Ontario Equestrian and plan to vote, we would be honoured if you would listen on to see if Dr Pownall represents the best candidate for you. Sincerely, The McKee-Pownall Team "The health of the Ontario equestrian industry is something I am particularly interested in and would value the opportunity to work with this organization to ensure...
Jun 05, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Your horse benefits from the knowledge and experience from a team approach by equine health care workers. We would like to welcome Marnie Raymond to our team and to this podcast episode to introduce new Equine Body Work services offered by McKee-Pownall Equine Services: Equine Massage PEMF Equine Physio Taping Marnie has been a Certified Equine Massage Therapist for 16 years and adds PEMF and Equine Physio Tape to her modality toolbox. Our veterinarians and Marnie work closely to ensure your hor...
Apr 14, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In today's episode, Dr. Goldie and Karen Foell welcome Dr. Kate Robinson to the show. Dr. Robinson joined our ambulatory team working out of our Rehabilitation Farm in Schomberg in the Fall of 2020 and sees patients at their home farms and at our farm. Dr. Robinson grew up in Bracebridge and is a 2009 graduate of St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (Grenada, West Indies). Following graduation, Dr. Robinson completed an internship in equine ambulatory practice at the Western Col...
Mar 15, 2021•36 min•Season 1Ep. 20
