CLINICAL SIGNS It is important to know the normal parameters for a healthy horse so that you can quickly gauge whether a veterinary visit is indicated. Rectal Temperature: 37*C - 38.5* C [A digital thermometer (readily available from chemist) is inserted into the rectum and held on an angle against the wall [...]
In the event of an injury to your horse it is important to remain calm and be a settling influence on your horse and not allow your own emotions to escalate. Horses are a herd animal and will take their cues from the animals around them, (including their owners), and it is very much part [...]
VACCINATE TO PREVENT DISEASE! Vaccination in horses can be commenced from 3 months of age. Tetanus (Clostridium tetani)-ESSENTIAL VACCINE Tetanus rapidly causes death by spasm of the muscles and respiratory paralysis Present in the ground and can infect wounds, hoof abcesses or surgical incisions Initial course - 2 intramuscular injections administered 4 weeks apart [...]
HENDRA VIRUS CAN KILL YOUR HORSE AND HAS ALSO KILLED PEOPLE IN CONTACT WITH INFECTED HORSES. One of the great threats to your health as a horse owner and your horse’s health is the deadly Hendra Virus. We are accredited to administer the Hendra Vaccine, and strongly recommend you vaccinate your horses. Why Vaccinate? It [...]
EQUINE NUTRITION BASICS Balance the diet between ROUGHAGE (hay/grass) and CONCENTRATES (grains/pellets) remembering that horse’s natural diet is pasture and that roughage is therefore the most important part of a horse’s nutrition. Modify to suit each individual horse according to their condition, size, workload and age. Feed meals at regular times and at least twice [...]
As a horse owner it is essential that you understand the importance of a good worm control strategy. Three types of worms infest horses including ROUNDWORMS (small strongyles, large strongyles, ascarids and pin worms), TAPEWORM, and BOTS. PASTURE MANAGEMENT is essential to break the life cycle of the parasites and includes cross grazing with sheep [...]
HOW TO PERFORM A FAECAL EGG COUNT Collect a small amount of fresh manure from your horse. One pellet or tablespoon is sufficient as we only require 2 grams to perform the faecal egg count. Place manure in a ziplock bag or small plastic container and label with horse and owner details. Deliver to clinic [...]
HORSES REQUIRE ANNUAL DENTISTRY CHECK-UPS. Regular dental examinations are a very important part of your horses’ management and should be carried out with sedation by your veterinary surgeon every 6-12 months for routine care and early diagnosis and treatment of any dental problems. Lay dentists are not qualified veterinarians and are not legally allowed to [...]
Ulcers are a common medical condition in horses and foals. Gastric ulcers can affect any horse at any age, but are especially prevalent in thoroughbreds and foals. Ulcers are a symptom of the conditions we impose upon our horses, including confinement in stables, transport and competition stress, and high grain diets with intermittent feeding [...]
Cushings Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction - PPID) Cushings Disease (PPID) causes the horse’s pituitary gland to function abnormally and secrete hormones which control the horse’s metabolism at an abnormal level. Can occur in horses of all ages but more common in the older horse, occurs in all breeds and both male and female horses. [...]
