Kremer Equine & Canine Therapy

05/27/2026

Soo funny

27 likes, 3 comments. “If saddles fit the way excuses make it sound like they do… 🤨 Saddle fit is a nonnegotiable component of welfare for ridden horses. Just like us, no two horses are built exactly the same, so we can’t expect one saddle to work for every horse, or even for the same horse...

05/26/2026

One Tick. One Bite. One Very Sick Horse.

Anaplasmosis in horses is one of those diseases that can look terrifying at first — high fevers, swollen legs, jaundice, lethargy — but thankfully with prompt treatment, most horses recover very well.

Anaplasmosis is caused by a bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is spread primarily through tick bites. Deer ticks (the same ticks associated with Lyme disease) are the main culprit. Horses become infected when an infected tick feeds on them and transfers the bacteria into the bloodstream. Cases are most common in spring and fall when ticks are especially active, but they can occur anytime ticks are present.

One important thing to understand is that there is typically an incubation period between the tick bite and when the horse actually starts showing symptoms. The incubation period for Anaplasmosis is usually around 6-12 days after exposure to an infected tick. This means horses can appear completely normal for days or even weeks before suddenly becoming sick. Because of this delay, owners often never actually see the tick responsible for the infection.

Once inside the body, the bacteria infect white blood cells and trigger a widespread inflammatory response. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the horse’s age, immune system, and how quickly treatment is started.

Common symptoms include:
• Sudden high fever
• Depression or extreme lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Reluctance to move or stiffness
• Swollen legs (especially hind legs)
• Ataxia/incoordination in more severe cases
• Yellowing of the gums or eyes (jaundice/icterus)
• Petechiae (small red pinpoint hemorrhages on gums)
• Increased heart rate
• Colic-like discomfort in some horses

Many horses look profoundly sick very quickly. Owners often describe them as going from “normal” to “seriously ill” in 24–48 hours.

Bloodwork is extremely helpful in diagnosing Anaplasmosis. Typical findings often include:
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• Low white blood cell count
• Mild anemia
• Elevated inflammatory markers such as SAA or fibrinogen
• Elevated bilirubin causing jaundice

Veterinarians can sometimes actually see the bacteria inside white blood cells on a blood smear, but the most accurate diagnostic test is usually a PCR test run on blood. This detects the DNA of the bacteria and confirms infection.

The good news is that Anaplasmosis generally responds very well to treatment. The antibiotic of choice is usually oxytetracycline given intravenously. Many horses improve dramatically within 24–48 hours of starting treatment. In milder cases or after IV treatment, horses may also be placed on oral doxycycline.

Supportive care is also important and may include:
• Anti-inflammatories to control fever and discomfort
• Fluids if dehydrated
• Careful monitoring of appetite, hydration, and temperature

Recovery expectations are generally excellent when treatment is started early. Most horses recover fully within a couple of weeks, although some may take longer to regain full energy and muscle condition after being very sick. Severe untreated cases can occasionally become life-threatening, particularly in older horses or horses with complications, which is why early veterinary intervention is so important.

One important thing to know is that horses do not directly spread Anaplasmosis to each other. The disease is transmitted through ticks, not horse-to-horse contact.

The best prevention is good tick control:
• Daily tick checks
• Keeping pastures trimmed
• Reducing brush and wooded overgrowth
• Using veterinarian-recommended tick repellents or prevention products
• Monitoring horses closely during heavy tick seasons

If your horse suddenly develops a high fever, swollen legs, depression, or jaundice — especially during tick season — Anaplasmosis should absolutely be on the list of possibilities to discuss with your veterinarian. The earlier it’s caught, the smoother recovery usually is.

I’d love to hear of other symptoms you’ve experienced with your Anaplasmosis positive horses.

05/18/2026

05/17/2026

Merch has arrived! Sooo happy with it 😊. Check out Hannah’s page for the amazing work she does.

05/05/2026

PBR London Classic

04/26/2026

Our Southwest London FC 2011B would like to thank Kremer Equine & Canine Therapy for their generous sponsorship this season!

Kremer Equine & Canine Therapy offers canine massage, equine sport massage, saddle fit and photography. Contact Krista Kremer at 519-444-0322 or [email protected] for more information!

Kremer Equine & Canine Therapy can also be found on both instagram and Facebook!
https://www.instagram.com/kremerequinecanine
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CZy1B7mAL/

04/25/2026

BBQ is on, pulled pork is ready and the smoker is working on some more! Come see Alex for all your hunger needs 🤩

04/25/2026

Kremer Equine & Canine Therapy is all set up!

02/20/2026

A little bit about me:
Originally from the Netherlands, born and raised on the farm, Krista had a passion for animals early on in her life. She understands the importance of health and welfare and how they are one of the most important aspects of raising any kind of animal.

She became interested in horses later on in her adult life, always thinking that she was a few steps behind with people that grew up with horses. “I started a few riding lessons in 2013 but didn’t continue with them. I really enjoyed working with the horse on the ground as well. Putting my hands on their backs, feeling the many muscles, feeling their skin, and connecting with the horse on an energetic level”.

She boarded horses on her farm for many years and that taught her much more. Not just from the owners but from the horses as well. Getting to know the different behaviors, attitudes etc of each individual horse. “I love the smell of horses, it’s very therapeutic. I could never have imagined that my hands could heal a horse. It’s amazing to see how massage can help a horse”.

After completing her CCBW Certified Canine Body Worker certification in Calgary in 2015 she knew right away that she wanted to get the Equine course done as well. Unfortunately, life got in the way and it was pushed back year after year. Moving to Sask in 2023, she finally decided it was time to do it and became a Certified Equine Sport Therapist in 2025, a 2 year program, where she learned about a lot of different therapies: Massage, Applied Kinesiology, Saddle Fit, Acupressure, Magnetics and lots more.
To graduate, she had to complete 390 case studies in those 2 years, along with many other assignments. “An amazing program, Natural Touch Therapy Institute in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan, I would recommend to anyone interested in Equine Therapy”.

To many, Krista is known as “a lifelong learner”. Always picking up another course somewhere to broaden her knowledge in the equine industry.
After researching for a saddle fit assignment, Krista became more interested in what saddle fit does and wanted to learn about how to fit a saddle to the horse and rider. “We touched briefly on saddle fit in the CEST program, but I wanted to know more”. Krista is currently enrolled in the Certified Equine Ergonomist course, diving deep in the field of saddle fit.

Krista currently lives in London, Ontario with her dog Jax and her horse Big Momma where she has picked up riding lessons once again to better understand the world of saddles.

“My goal is to help horses and their riders. Therapeutically and through effectively evaluating saddles. No one wants to intentionally hurt their horses”.

Kremer Canine Bodywork and Kremer Equine Sport Therapy were merged and
Kremer Equine & Canine Therapy was born in 2026 offering Canine Massage, Equine Massage and Saddle Fit.

02/20/2026

What is dog and horse massage?

Massage is manipulating the soft tissues of the body, used to bring about positive changes in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage in canines is used for relaxation, pain management, and to increase the range of motion in joints.

It is also used with acute and chronic medical conditions, to help with emotional problems due to trauma or poor socialization, and to work with the effects of aging.

Who is a good candidate for canine massage?
- Athletic or highly active dogs
- Geriatric or arthritis dogs
- Dogs with immune disorders
- Dogs with joint or muscle issues
- Dogs with chronic pain or discomfort
- With digestive issues
- Anxious or fearful dogs
- Rescue dogs, foster dogs or dogs in training.

What are the benefits of canine massage?
- Improved circulation,
- Release of toxins,
- Relaxation and tension relief,
- Reduction of stiffness, restoration of mobility to injured areas,
- Injury prevention (by increasing range of motion and enhancing muscle tone),
- Improved performance and endurance, posture maintenance and balance, improving mental focus and attitude
- Healthy skin and coat promotion by distributing natural oils.

What are the benefits of Equine Massage?
• Relieves soreness and pain
• Reduces tension and stress
• Improves circulation
• Helps with lymphatic drainage
• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes healing
• Increases range of motion
• Strengthens immune system
• Prevents injury

What does a Certified Equine Ergonomist (CEE) do?
- Evaluate saddle fit to horse and rider (Static)
- Evaluate saddle fit to horse and rider (Dynamic)
- Using an 80-point saddle fit evaluation
- Measure and Map the horse
- Measure the rider
- Identify possible behaviour issues and damage caused by the saddle
- Identify lameness and postural issues that could impact saddle fit
- Recommend saddle purchase and guidance to clients.