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Maintaining good health for your larger pets is just as important as for your smaller ones. Horses also need routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Dr. Carol, our Equine Veterinarian is available for ranch calls, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Common Horse Diseases/Illness & Prevention:
Strangles: An extremely cotagious and dangerous bacterial disease caused by the Streptococcus equi organism. There is a vaccination for prevention, however, there can be serious side effects. Please feel free to address any concerns with Dr. Carol.
West Nile: West Nile is a virus is caused by a bite from an infected mosquito, which causes inflammation of the brain. In most parts of the US, the risk of being bitten is greatest from July to early September. Mosquitos become infected with the virus by feeding on birds. Birds are vectors of the disease. Monte Vista Equine Care provides vaccinations for the West Nile Virus.
4 Way: This vaccine is recommended for healthy horses to help prevent eastern and western equine encephalomyelitis, influenza and tetanus. Be sure your horse is vaccinated, if not, schedule an appointment with Dr. Carol.
Colic: The leading killer of horses is colic. Colic is a a combination of signs that make us aware of abdominal pains the horse is having. Colic varies from mild to severe, however, it should never be disregarded as nothing. Most conditions that cause colic can become life threatening very quickly. Only with prompt and precise recognition of colic-and with a qualified veterinarian's help can the chance for recovery be maximized.
Sings of Colic:
- Kicking or biting at abdomen
- Rolilng-violent rolling
- Lack of appetite
- Putting head down to water and not drinking
- Rapid respiration/flared nostrils
- Repeatedly lying down and getting up
- Elevated pulse (over 52 beats per min.)
What to do:
- Take away food and water.
- Seek veterinary help immediately.
- Keep horse comfortable and calm.
- If the horse is acting in a violent manner attempt to walk slowly.
- Do not attempt to give any drugs unless directed by your veterinarian
- Follow instructions from your veterinarian until his or her arrival.
The Importance in Dental Care:
A horse that may have dental problems may show obvious signs, like pain or irritation, or it's possible a horse may show no signs at all. That reason may be because some horses adapt to the pain or discomfot they may be experiencing.
Indications your horse may need a dental exam:
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Dropping feed from it's mouth while eating, difficulty chewing, or excessive drooling
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Loss of body condition
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Head toss or tilting, tongue lolling, resisting bridling
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Poor performance-failing to turn or stop, even bucking
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Foul odor from mouth or nostrils
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Traces of blood from mouth
Treatment is just a call away, schedule your ranch call with Dr. Carol today.
Some Equine Services Dr. Carol Provides:
- Routine Exams
- Vaccinations
- Preventative and Maintanence Dental Care
- Coggins
- Health Certificates
- Ultra Sounds
- Castrations
- Deworming
- Wound Treatment
- Skin Concerns
- Acupuncture
- X-Ray
- Pre-Purchas Exam
- Blood Work
- Pregnancy Checks
- Lameness
- Colic
- Minor Surgeries: Laceration repair, Tumor Removal, Biopsies
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