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Laramie Winfield DVM, DACVIM, cVA, CVMMP Director of Internal Medicine - Salinas Primary Clinic: Salinas Laramie grew up in the Salinas Valley, riding horses with her mom and sisters. Although most of her family is involved in the art business, Laramie fell in love with veterinary medicine at the age of seven. Board certified in Veterinary Internal Medicine, Laramie’s professional interests are equine internal medicine, emergency and critical care, neonatology, acupuncture, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. Dr. Winfield is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also a Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner, having completed her training at the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute in Reddick, Florida. In integrating her riding background with her training in internal medicine, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation (which is the term veterinarians use for doing chiropractic adjustments on horses), Dr. Winfield strives to offer a comprehensive view of your horse's health and performance. Dr. Winfield is an equity partner at Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics. Laramie enjoys spending time with her husband Dr. Nick Carlson (also on our veterinary staff), and their children. She loves horseback riding and 3-Day Eventing with her horse Franky. ​ Background: 2017 completed Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation Course from Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute (IVMI) 2014 completed Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course and became certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture ​ 2012 joined SCEC ​ 2009-2012 UC Davis, Internal Medicine Residency ​ 2008-2009 Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic, Internship 2008 UC Davis, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine 2004 UC Davis, BS Biotechnology Publications: Lipid peroxidation biomarkers for evaluating oxidative stress in equine neuroaxonal dystrophy , Finno CJ1, Estell KE2, Winfield L2, Katzman S2, Bordbari MH1, Burns EN1, Miller AD3, Puschner B4, Tran CK5, Xu L5, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2018 Sep;32(5):1740-1747. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15241. Epub 2018 Aug 22 ​ Sialolithiasis in horses: A retrospective study of 25 cases (2002-2013) , Carlson N1, Eastman T1, Winfield L1; The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2015 Dec;56(12):1239-44 ​ Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid α-Tocopherol and Selenium Concentrations in Neonatal Foals with Neuroaxonal Dystrophy , Finno CJ1, Estell KE2, Katzman S2, Winfield L2, Rendahl A3,4, Textor J5, Bannasch DL1, Puschner B6, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2015 Nov-Dec;29(6):1667-75. doi: 10.1111/jvim.13618. Epub 2015 Sep 22 ​ Review of gastric rupture in the horse , J. E. Dechant, L. S. Winfield, British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), first published: 20 November 2015 ​ Hemorrhage and blood loss induced anemia associated with an acquired coagulation factor VIII inhibitor in a Thoroughbred mare , Winfield LS, Brooks MB, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2014 Mar 15;244(6):719-23 ​ Factors associated with survival in 148 recumbent horses , LS Winfield, P H Kass, KG Magdesian, JE Madigan, M Aleman, N Pusterla, Equine Veterinary Journal, 2014 Sep;46(5):575-8. doi: 10.1111/evj.12147. Epub 2013 Dec 5 ​ Pemphigus vulgaris in a Welsh Pony stallion: case report and demonstration of antidesmoglein autoantibodies , Winfield LD, White SD, Affolter VK, Renier AC, Dawson D, Olivry T, Outerbridge CA, Wang YH, Iyori K, Nishifuji K, Veterinary Dermatology, 2013 Apr;24(2):269-e60 ​ Electrophysiological studies in American Quarter horses with Neuroaxonal dystrophy , Finno CJ, Aleman M, Ofri R, Hollingsworth SR, Madigan JE, Winfield L, Bannasch DL, Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2012 Sep;15 Suppl 2:3-7 Back to Veterinarians... >

Nick Carlson DVM, DACVS Director of Surgery Primary Clinic: Salinas Nick met his wife, Dr. Laramie Winfield (also on our veterinary staff) while they were both in the UC Davis veterinary program. They were married in Carmel Valley in 2009. Board certified in Veterinary Surgery, Nick’s professional interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, with specific interests in advanced equine dentistry and diseases of the skull and upper airways. Dr. Carlson is an equity partner at Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics. ​ Background: 2012-2015 Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic, Surgical Residency, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) 2012 joined SCEC 2009-2012 Private practice including Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center 2007-2009 Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic, Internship and additional year ​ 2007 UC Davis, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine ​ 2003 San Diego State University, BS Cell and Molecular Biology Back to Veterinarians... >

Back to Ask Our Vets... Equine Coronavirus and Humans QUESTION: I just read your 2019 article on equine coronavirus and I have a few questions as I continue to care for our horses and livestock through the current novel coronavirus outbreak: First and foremost — What is the connection between equine coronavirus and novel coronavirus? Is it possible for humans to develop some immunity to the new strain through long term contact with horses and other animals who may have themselves developed immunity to the virus? What are the risks of novel coronavirus living on horses if an infected person grooms or touches them? ANSWER BY: Dr. Jacquelyn Dietrich Thank you for your question. The links below answer your questions to the best of anyone’s knowledge at this point in time. COVID-19 and Equine Coronavirus are two separate diseases, with COVID-19 infecting humans (human - to-human spread), and Equine Coronavirus being specific to horses (horse-to-horse spread, can not be given to humans). Infectious disease experts and multiple international and domestic human and animal health organizations agree there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they can spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people. Transmission primarily occurs when there is contact with an infected person's bodily secretions, such as saliva or mucus droplets in a cough or sneeze. Transmission via touching a contaminated surface or object (i.e., a fomite) and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes is also possible, but appears to be a secondary route. Smooth (non-porous) surfaces (e.g., countertops, doorknobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g., paper money, pet fur) because porous, especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the pathogen (virus), making it harder to contract through simple touch. These facts sum up a lot of your questions regarding animals and COVID-19: Coronavirus in general is very species specific, with Equine Coronavirus being specific to horses. If you have specific questions regarding your pets and coronavirus we recommend you to speak with your regular local veterinarian. If you would like to learn more, the most helpful links from credible sources regarding animals and COVID-19 and Equine Cornoavirus are: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): COVID-19 — What Veterinarians Need to Know American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): COVID-19 — FAQ for Pet Owners UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Can Pets Contract Coronavirus from Humans or Vice Versa? The Horse: What is Equine Coronavirus? Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Equine Enteric Coronavirus We hope this helps! And we hope you and your family and friends remain safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. Thank you, Jacquelyn Dietrich , BVSc >

Alexandra Eastman MS, DVM Chief Operating Officer Primary Clinic: Salinas Dr. Eastman grew up in Hollywood, CA and spent weekends and summers in the Sierra Foothills on her family cattle ranch. She developed a love for horses and riding which took her and her horse to The Thacher School in Ojai, CA, where she rode and showed horses both in Western classes, gymkahana and 3-day events. She also took "Intro to Vet-Med," a year-long elective which secured her interest in veterinary medicine. Alex met her husband Dr. Tim Eastman in veterinary school; they were married in 1998; and today are co-owners of Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics and Steinbeck Country Small Animal Clinic . In addition to seeing patients and running three busy practices, Dr. Eastman serves on the boards of several organizations. When not working, the Eastmans enjoy spending time with their four children, and Alex occasionally gets a chance to borrow her daughter's 3-day eventing horse. ​ Background: 2002 joined SCEC ​ 2000-2002 Portola Animal Hospital, Salinas ​ 1997-2000 Kasper & Rigby Veterinary Associates, Magnolia, TX, Associate Veterinarian ​ 1997 UC Davis, Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine 1993 Cal Poly, Pomona, Masters of Science Program, Equine Exercise Physiology ​ 1991 Colby College, BA Biology ​ ​ Board of Directors: ​ ​ Agricultural Advisory Board of Monterey County ​ Past President, Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners Past BOD Member: Carmel Valley Chapter of the California Dressage Society ​ Past BOD Member: Hope, Horses and Kids Therapeutic Riding Program Professional Service: Veterinary Managers Group 8 Member (2015 – present) Back to Veterinarians... >

Ellie Clow-Nutile DVM Primary Clinic: Menlo Park Dr. Ellie Clow-Nutile grew up in West Linn, Oregon, a suburb near Portland, with a brother and sister who are twins and among her best friends. Her dad and brother are mechanical engineers and her mom and sister both work as surgical techs/assistants in the human medicine world - Ellie is the odd one out who decided she liked horses and wanted to be a vet from a very early age. During high school, she was a groom on the PNW Hunter Jumper Circuit, then an exercise rider and groom for a polo player all through her undergraduate years. Ellie doesn't have the opportunity to ride much these days, but would like to own a horse, some day, and get back into jumping. Ellie earned her BA in Biochemistry at Eastern Oregon University and her DVM at Oregon State University. During her fourth year of veterinary school, she did an externship at Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics and was impressed not only by the team’s knowledge, but also by everyone's helpful and kind attitude. She felt it was exactly the kind of environment and mentorship she was looking for during her first year as a vet. She chose SPEC Menlo Park for her Internship particularly because of the excellent ambulatory experience she is getting — she loves being out on the road. Ellie is passionate about equine medicine and, knowing there is a need for more good general equine practitioners, appreciates the variety of experience she is getting at SPEC. She would like to become proficient in sports medicine and also hopes to become certified in chiropractic and acupuncture. Ellie and her husband Enzo have a Catahoula/heeler/mutt named Copper, a tuxedo cat named Monty, and a rosy boa snake named Vicious who Ellie's had since she was 7. Back to Veterinarians... >

Back to News/Events... March 10, 2022: Health & Safety News Equine Health Alert: Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties Equineherpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been detected in multiple horses in several counties in California. If not controlled, it can have significant consequences to the horse industry, infecting thousands of horses due to the extensive mixing of horses at statewide, national, and international horse events. On March 10th, CDFA issued an updated Equine Health Alert for Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. • CDFA Alert with link to map of affected areas in California... To reduce disease spread, on March 3rd, the California State Veterinarian recommended that all hunter/jumper events (the most affected group) be postponed for 28 days, all equine events be postponed for 14 days, and all non-essential horse movements postponed for at least 14 days. • Read the letter from the CA State Veterinarian.. . EHV-1 is easily spread so a 21-day isolation period of confirmed positive EHM cases is recommended along with stringent biosecurity protocols. Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) — also known as Equine Rhinopneumonitis * — i s a highly infectious Alphaherpesviridae found virtually worldwide. There are currently 9 known EHVs. EHV-1, EHV-3 and EHV-4 pose the highest disease risk in the U.S. horse population. EHV-1 and EHV-4 can cause upper respiratory disease, neurological disease, abortions, and/or neonatal death. EHV-3 causes a venereal disease called coital exanthema. EHV has not been shown to be zoonotic. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of EHV-1 neurologic cases, also referred to as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) , which may be caused by damage to blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord associated with EHV-1 infection. The virus incubation period is highly variable and can be as long as 14 days. Prognosis is good for horses not affected with the neurologic form and varies for those with neurologic signs. The goal any time an infectious disease is identified in a group of horses is to reduce the chance of horse-to-horse transmission. This is best achieved by keeping potentially exposed horses isolated and identifying any affected horses as early as possible to treat and further quarantine them. Because fever is commonly the first symptom in EHV, monitoring horses' temperatures twice daily is helpful in early detection. The normal temperature for horses is 99.5-101.5 degrees Fahrenheit at rest. If your horse is on Equioxx or another NSAID, 101.0 degrees Fahrenheit should be the upper limit. If your horse spikes a fever, call your regular veterinarian. Regular biosecurity measures are always a good idea and become very important during times when the goal is to prevent an outbreak. Horses that were in close contact with the affected horse should be especially closely monitored and should not have contact with other horses for 7 days. Biosecurity: Please review and follow the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP Biosecurity Guidelines . Clinically normal horses housed within the primary perimeter may be permitted segregated exercise periods outside the perimeter. Precautions should be taken, and may include the following: Exercise scheduled after general population’s exercise period to avoid potential virus transfer to unaffected horses/barns Limit the use of shared areas like wash racks or cross ties Shared equipment, if permitted, should be thoroughly disinfected between horses. Direct horse-to-horse contact is to be avoided Prompt post-contact use of alcohol hand sanitizer by individuals having contact with horses during exercise. Contaminated clothing can also be a source of transmission. Vaccination: There are currently no licensed vaccine products with label claims for prevention or control of EHM. Some EHV-1 vaccines have been shown to reduce nasal shedding of EHV and in some cases, reduce viremia. These products may therefore have some theoretical value against EHM (by reducing viremia), and certainly against spread of the virus by reducing viral shedding in the environment. Booster vaccination of healthy animals in both primary and secondary contagion control perimeters may have some value. Vaccination in these circumstances is controversial, as some authorities speculate that certain aspects of the immune response in recently vaccinated horses with subsequent exposure to EHV-1 may play a role in the development of EHM. While this remains unproven, it is a possibility. The use of vaccination is therefore a risk-based decision. If animals are unvaccinated prior to an outbreak there is unlikely to be time to administer an effective vaccination series in time to provide protection during the at-risk time period. Furthermore, if vaccination is implemented in the face of an outbreak, some horses may develop a slightly elevated temperature post vaccination, which can complicate the implementation of outbreak response. Do not vaccinate clinically ill animals. ​ * Please note that Equine Rhinopneumonitis is not the same as the Equine Rhinitis Virus (A and B strains), which also causes upper respiratory infections. Confusion can arise from because EHV 1/4 vaccines are often referred to as "rhino vaccines." For a review of EHV viruses and appropriate biosecurity measures see: American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Biosecurity Guidelines Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — Video Presentation by Dr. Nora Grenager A Brief Review of EHV-1 Neurological Disease: EHV-1 Myeloencephalopathy Awakening the Dormant Dragon: Neurological Form of Equineherpesvirus-1 — from CEH Horse Report , a publication of the Center for Equine Health, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine #ehv #horse #ehm #equine #herpes #biosecurity #rhino #equinehealthalert #cdfa #herpesvirus #steinbeck #steinbeckequine #peneq #peninsulaequine #veterinarian #sanmateocounty #california >

Adjunctive Therapies Back to Therapeutic Modalities... Specialists on our team of staff veterinarians include veterinarians certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and in Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation (EVMM), commonly referred to as equine "chiropractic." Acupuncture By stimulating specific points on the horse’s body, acupuncture has been seen to achieve therapeutic or homeostatic (returning the body to its normal state) effects. Acupuncture can be beneficial in the management of back pain, sacroiliac pain, osteoarthritis, muscle soreness, and medical disorders like colic, ocular pain, peripheral nerve pain and dysfunction, as well as many others, and can also be useful as a complementary diagnostic aid. While we regularly employ “dry needling,” the most familiar form of acupuncture, our practitioners may also recommend one of these enhanced techniques:​ Dr. Laramie Winfield Aquapuncture: This process leaves behind a fluid (typically Vitamin B12) that continues to stimulate the acupuncture point with pressure, due to displacement of tissue by the fluid as it is absorbed. Electrostimulation / Electroacupuncture: Electrodes attached to the needles apply a very small, pulsating electrical current to the acupuncture point. The frequency, intensity and type of electronic pulse can be adjusted to achieve varying physiological responses. Cold Laser / Infrared (IR) Stimulation: Useful in stimulating acupuncture points that are difficult to treat any other way, cold laser or IR stimulation may be use to treat of acupuncture points on the extremities (head, legs). Learn more about the benefits of equine acupuncture... Chiropractic / EVMM Dr. Hailey Everett Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation (EVMM) Like human chiropractic* treatment, EVMM employs motion palpation to find joint restrictions, then uses a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust directed in the plane of the joint. A “release,” or movement of the restricted joint, is often felt, and an audible “popping” sound may also be heard during treatment as the applied force overcomes the joint’s resistance. EVMM can help restore freedom of movement, relax the muscles and relieve pain in the back, neck and restricted joints in cases of localized or regional stiffness, poor performance or an altered gait not associated with obvious lameness. * Chiropractic, as defined by law, applies specifically and only to humans. A chiropractor is someone who has completed human chiropractic training and holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree (DC). When similar techniques are applied to animals, it is correctly called spinal manipulation or medical manipulation. >

Alix Morrison Back to Veterinary/Pharmacy Staff... Veterinary Technician Primary Location: Menlo Park ​ Alix’s love for horses began at age six. As a junior, Alix competed in the hunter ring all over the East Coast. Her most notable accomplishments were with her horses Carter and Fish. Alix attended Colorado State University and completed her Bachelors degree in Equine Science with a minor in Real Estate. In college, she started doing ranch horse versatility and was hooked. She got to participate in the Legends of Ranching program and start a young ranch horse. Alix still rides both disciplines with her horses, Fish, Dorito and Critter. Alix would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to all of the horses in her life that got her where she is today. When she’s not working or riding horses, Alix caters to her cats, Orange, Burt and Pog, and enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Tristan. >

Join Our Team! CURRENT JOB OPENINGS Ambulatory Equine Veterinarian... Equine Veterinary Assistant... ​ Small Animal Veterinarian... POST GRADUATE Veterinarian Internship... Veterinarian Residency... Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. >

Maisie Thomas Back to Veterinary/Pharmacy Staff... Veterinary Technician Primary Location: Salinas ​ Maisie was born and raised in Hollister, CA. She is a recent graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Animal Science, Throughout her time at Cal Poly, she was interested in veterinary science and animal husbandry, and developed a passion for horses, which led her to pursue a career where she could work with them daily. Outside of work, she enjoys riding her horse, Maverick, breeding show pigs, fostering kittens, and going to Disneyland with her family. >

Shane Halbleib DVM Primary Location: Salinas 2023-2024 Intern Shane hails from Santa Cruz, where her mom “brought her up in a barn.” Within 48 hours of Shane’s birth, her mom had her out with the horses, so horses have always been an important part of who she is. Shane was introduced to the medical field early: Her mom is a nurse and her dad is a dentist, so medical talk was often heard at the dinner table. She knew she loved horses but didn’t realize she wanted to be a veterinarian until the summer before she left for college, when she worked with Dr. Kacie Wells as a veterinary assistant. Within two weeks, she changed her major from English Secondary Education to the Animal Science Pre-Veterinary track. Shane earned her Bachelors in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky. After growing up riding English and jumping, she learned Team Roping and joined the Rodeo Team at the University of Kentucky. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Tuskegee University. Shane owns and rides her two horses: Rory and her colt Oliver. She also has two Australian Shepherds: Tazo and Major, as well as a pygmy Nubian-cross goat named Harriet, whose mother passed away shortly after her delivery, so Shane has been caring for her since she was just 3 hours old. When Shane is not working, she likes to hike, be outdoors with her animals, and spend time with friends and family. Back to Veterinarians... >

Back to News/Events... Thursday, March 17, 2022, 5:30pm: Virtual Education Event Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) Due to the current EHV outbreak in California, Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in the animal health industry, will be hosting a virtual horse owner meeting Thursday, March 17th at 5:30 PM. The presentation will be given by Dr. Robert Keene, BI Professional Services Veterinarian, on this important topic with plenty of time to answer questions! Please click the button below to join the webinar: JOIN WEBINAR Passcode: 564893 Or One tap mobile : +16699009128,,87172715028#,,,,*564893# or +12532158782,,87172715028#,,,,*564893# Or Telephone: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 ​ Webinar ID: 871 7271 5028 >