Steps to Protect Your Horse From by EHV-1

Posted on May 4, 2012 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

Spring is just around the corner and this means trail riding and show season will soon be upon us.  For horse owners, this is a time to be reminded that there is always risk when horses of unknown health status are gathered in close proximity.

Special Alert for Participants at Thermal Desert Circuit Show

On March 15, the CDFA reported that two horses have been confirmed positive for the non-neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpesvirus -1 (EHV-1).  The horses were displaying hind limb ataxia and are from Monterey and San Diego Counties. Both participated in the recent Thermal Hunter Jumper Show.  If your horse was at this show, please monitor for signs of infection, including high temperature and abnormal behavior.  CDFA is working with event management to contact exposed horse owners and recommends isolation, twice daily temperature monitoring and implementation of proper biosecurity.

In January of this year there was an outbreak of EHV-1 at two Southern California stables.  According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), 16 horses confirmed positive for the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 at a large multi-discipline facility located in Orange County.  One confirmed case displayed neurologic signs and all others displayed compatible clinical signs such as fever, nasal discharge, and limb edema. At another multi-discipline facility in Riverside County, one horse was confirmed for the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1.  The horse was displaying severe neurologic signs and unfortunately had to be euthanized.

Everyone will remember last year when several horse events were delayed or cancelled due to the spread of this contagious disease.  Horse owners should take the following steps when traveling to equine events:

  • Limit direct contact with other horses
  • Avoid communal water sources
  • Monitor your horse for clinical signs of disease
  • Report any temperature over 102 F to your veterinarian

The CDFA has prepared a Biological Tool Kit, which can be accessed at this link.  Dr. Kent Fowler, DVM with the CDFA will also be making a presentation on “Biosecurity Measures for Control of Equine Herpes Virus” at the upcoming Horseman’s Day, hosted by Hunter Stallion Station on Saturday, March 24th.  This event is open to the public and includes speakers on various topics relating to equine health.  Following the presentations will be a free barbeque for all participants to enjoy.

It will only be through the continued effective monitoring by the CDFA, and the protective efforts of horse owners that we will avoid a major outbreak like we saw in 2011.  If we all do our part, the only thing our horses will bring home is a blue ribbon or a memory of a nice day on the trail.

 

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Equine Foaling Season – Are You Prepared?

Posted on May 4, 2012 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

Foaling season has begun, and it is time to prepare yourself and your mare for the blessed event.  There are several steps to take at least one month prior to the calculated due date.

Your Mare’s Gestation Period Can Vary

Your mare’s gestation period is generally between 340-345 days.  Many factors can cause this time period to vary.  For mares foaling in winter, the length of pregnancy can extend 7-10 days longer than those foaling in spring or summer.  If you had your mare under lights for the last few months of pregnancy the time period will be shorter.  Maiden mares tend to foal 7-10 days late.

Vaccinate One Month Prior to the Calculated Foaling Date

Be sure to vaccinate your mare one month prior to the due date to increase antibody levels in the colostrum.  In most cases, I recommend Eastern & Western Encephalomyelitis, Tetanus, Strangles, West Nile, Influenza, Rhino (EHV) and Rabies.  You can learn more about vaccination schedules for pregnant mares on the Hunter Stallion Station website.

Start to Prepare At Least Two Weeks in Advance

If your mare has had a *Caslick procedure, your veterinarian should schedule her at least 2 to 4 weeks prior to the calculated foaling date to have the sutured vulva opened.  This is also the time to decide where you will have the mare foal.  If you will be moving her into an unfamiliar stall, or you plan to have your veterinarian supervise the birth, you should relocate the mare at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance to allow her to settle in to her new surroundings.

As with all things in life, foaling dates do not always take place on schedule.  One sure sign that the date is near is a noticeable waxing of the mare’s teats.  Milk calcium levels increase to 200 ppm within 48 hours of foaling.  Your veterinarian can provide you with other signs that the time is near based on the mare’s foaling and medical history.

If you plan to have your mare foal at Hunter Stallion Station, please call our office at (916) 687-6870 to reserve one our foaling stalls.

*The Caslick procedure addresses potential genital infections in mares that have conformational abnormalities, or are otherwise experiencing a high frequency of genital infections.

During estrus the vulval lips become elongated and relaxed to allow for breeding, making the seal potentially ineffective.  This can lead to contamination and a uterine infection.

The procedure consists of suturing the upper portion of the vulval lips to assure an airtight seal regardless of condition, work, or conformational abnormalities. The lower one third of the vulva is not sutured to allow for urination. The wound usually heals in two to three weeks.

 


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What’s Involved in an Equine Dental Check-up?

Posted on May 4, 2012 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

Dental care for horses has become more common in recent years as equine dentistry technology has advanced. At the same time, horse owners have become more aware that the condition of their horse’s teeth can impact their health, comfort and behavior.

So when is it time to take your horse to the dentist?

Wild horses wear their teeth naturally due to the various types of foliage in their diet.  Domesticated horses, especially those that do not graze, consume processed feeds and grains preventing their teeth from normal wear.  Whether domesticated or wild, horses are not always fortunate to wear their teeth evenly, causing difficulty in eating and resulting health issues.

Following are signs that your horse may need their teeth checked:

  • Dropping feed “quidding”
  • Having difficulty eating
  • Choking
  • Salivating
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Colic
  • Nasal discharge or bad breath
  • Wood chewing
  • Making strange faces
  • Tilting head while chewing
  • Opening mouth while bridled
  • Resisting forward movement and turning under saddle
  • Bolting
  • Evading the bit

Many horse owners think that having a horse’s teeth floated is all that needs to be done.  That is not always the case.  Floating generally refers to removing the sharp points along the cheek teeth. These sharp points are the result of normal wear, growth, and the types of feed used. Many horses have additional dental problems that are missed by a routine float or an untrained eye, so it is important that your veterinarian perform the examination.

A normal adult horse with a full set of canines and wolf teeth has a total of 44 teeth, which means there are 32 teeth behind the front teeth or incisors. A full examination includes looking for any damage from sharp teeth, (including ulcers in the side of the mouth,) and irregularities in the chewing surface.

Because horses are herbivores, the nerve structures are different than humans’ so the experience is not as painful. Most horses are mildly sedated during the procedure.

At What Age is a Dental Exam Necessary?

A newborn will grow 16 baby teeth within the first two weeks of life, so your veterinarian will examine the foal’s mouth within that time period. If a deformity such as an under-bite or overbite “parrot mouth” is discovered, then a plan of action for correction can be established.

It is important to have the horse examined prior to introducing the bit and training (usually at 18-24 months) to remove irregularities and wolf teeth. These baby teeth can get very sharp, impacting their comfort with the bit and reining.

At approximately 2 ½ years of age a horse will begin to grow adult teeth. This natural progression starts with the central incisors, and is followed by the second and third premolars. This adds up to 12 deciduous teeth in a 6-month period being pushed up out of the gum by the permanent teeth. These teeth are referred to as “caps,” which sit on top of the permanent teeth until the tooth is completely released from the gum. The cap often stays attached to a portion of the gum until the tongue or chewing pushes it free. Some caps don’t release but are loose and packed with decayed feed and must be removed manually.

Performance horses may need to be on a more frequent examination schedule.  Comfort in the bridle can be maximized by installing bit seats and ensuring proper fit of bits and tack.

Older horses frequently have the most severe dental problems. A horse’s teeth grow continuously and young horses start out with teeth that are about 3 inches long.  By the time they are 25 years old, their teeth grow only to ½ inch, so they must have regular check-ups to ensure they have the ability to chew their food.  Your veterinarian will also check for loose or missing teeth, abscesses, decayed teeth, sharp points, irregular wear, and tumors.

Dentistry should be considered a regular part of you horse’s oral care just as the farrier is a regular part of your horse’s hoof care. Your veterinarian should alter the teeth as little as possible to reduce the irregularity, provide balance to the mouth and comfort to the horse.

 

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Getting Your Mares Ready To Breed Early

Posted on May 4, 2012 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

Thinking of breeding your mare next year?  Now is the time to decide when you want that foal to arrive.

All foals in the northern hemisphere share the same birthday of January 1st.  Depending on the potential use for the horse, it may be important to have an early foaling date.  If you are planning to show or race the horse, the early foals will have more physical and mental maturity and therefore advantages over those born later in the year.

Most mares do not cycle during the shorter days of fall, winter and early spring. As day length increases in late spring, mares enter a transition period. This is the time when the ovaries return to cyclic activity by producing eggs or follicles.

There are a few steps you should take in December if you plan to breed your mare as early as February.

Many breeders use artificial lighting for 8-10 weeks to induce early ovarian activity. Artificial lighting is used to increase the day length to 16 hours.  In the Sacramento region, I recommend lights be turned on from 4:00pm-11:00pm starting in December. Mares that are normally housed outside should be brought into individual stalls before dark to ensure that they are within 8 feet of the artificial light source. If the mare is normally kept in a stall, it should have adequate window space to ensure natural light during the day.

How bright should the light be?  The wavelength and intensity of light is as critical as the length of exposure. It is recommended that mares be exposed to a minimum of 10 foot-candles of light during the 16-hour period. The rule of thumb is to make sure it is bright enough to read the newspaper anywhere in the stall.  Of course, that can vary based on your vision, so if you want to be more scientific you can test the light intensity with a light meter.

There is a difference in light intensity between a horse stall with dark walls and one with lighter colored walls. A 200 watt incandescent or two 40 watt fluorescent bulbs will generally give adequate illumination in a box stall, if placed within 7-8 feet of the mare.

A 35-mm single lens reflex camera with a built-in light meter can be used to measure light intensity. Set the ASA to 400 and the shutter speed to 1/4 second. Cut the bottom off a styrofoam cup and fit the bottom of the cup over the lens to gather light.  Hold the camera at the mare’s eye level. The aperture reading should be equal to or slightly greater than F4.

Many farms will set the stall lights on timers to make certain there is no interruption in the light pattern. Note that leaving barn or paddock lights on for 24 hours a day is not advantageous and 8 hours of darkness is necessary.

Stallions are also affected by day length and have reduced fertility during the winter. Therefore there may be an impact on stallions if they are in the same barn or location as the mare that is on a lighting program.

Make sure to check with your veterinarian to ensure that your lighting program is in the best interest of your breeding animal.

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Abandoned Horses – If you find one, what should you do?

Posted on November 19, 2011 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

My recent experience being called to an accident scene with an abandoned horse made me very aware of the difficult decisions being made by horse owners and prospective horse owners during this challenging economy.

We are hearing stories across the nation of horses being abandoned in barns, open space where there may be seasonal grass but no water, and turned loose in rural areas.  I have heard of one trail rider who returned to her trailer to find several horses tied there with a note asking to take the horses.  Animal sanctuaries are doing their best to meet the demand, but most are at capacity and in need of financial and volunteer support.

So what should you do if you find an abandoned horse?  If it is injured, who should you call?  And is it wise to adopt a horse when you know very little about its origin?

When “Lucky Pal” (the young gelding in Wilton who was hit by a car and assumed to have fatal injuries) was discovered, it was not known if he had escaped from his pasture or if he had been released by owners who would no longer keep him.  He had no halter or rope and there were no frantic owners looking for a lost horse in sight.  In fact, this horse received widespread public attention, thanks to a News10 reporter who showed up on the scene and later aired the progress of his care while at Hunter Stallion Station – yet no owner came forward to claim him.

If you find a lost animal, it is your obligation to check with the local animal shelter to see if the owner has filed a lost animal report.  Sacramento County Animal Care did show up at the scene of Lucky Pal’s accident.  Unfortunately, they phoned a veterinarian who was located an hour away, with no guarantee they would show up.  In fact, this horse lay by the side of the road for over 2 hours until the reporter decided to act and called me.  I was local, and able to respond in 10 minutes.

One of the many problems with this scenario was that the local Animal Care did not have very many vets who were registered as first responders.  I have since signed up and am now available for emergency veterinary services with Sacramento County.  Please encourage your vet to do the same in your area – it could be your injured animal they are called to assist.

Since most county shelters have limited ability to take in horses, they are willing to release the animal to the care of a veterinarian or sanctuary.  Records of Lucky Pal’s status were available at the shelter and after the 7 day waiting period he became legally available for adoption.  Utilizing this process is important so that an irresponsible previous owner cannot come forward later, after the animal’s veterinary care has been taken care of, to claim their animal.

In the case of Lucky Pal, many horse lovers and veterinarians stepped up to support his needs, donating services and funds to bring him back to health.  He now has a great home with people who will take good care of him.  Not all abandoned horses are that fortunate.

Whether you are purchasing a horse, or adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, there are many things to consider to ensure a good match:

  1. How do you intend to use the horse, and is it physically and mentally able to perform for you?  Horses young and old will have varying levels of training – if any; and it is always possible they have had bad experiences with trailering or abusive training methods. Some horses are physically able to be ridden but may have limitations due to conformation flaws or physical conditions.  Others are destined to be pasture ornaments. Recognizing a horse’s limitations is important and helping a horse overcome bad experiences and past injuries is a long process requiring patience and some skill.
  2. Is the horse a good match for your skill level? People have different levels of knowledge about horses.  Some have ridden trained horses, but have no experience with training a young or possibly traumatized horse.  Your relationship with a new horse should be a pleasure, not a battle, so don’t take on more than you can comfortably handle.
  3. Do you have a facility that can provide adequate shelter for a horse?  If you are a first time horse owner and do not have a barn, can you provide shelter for the horse in bad weather?  Will their feed be kept dry to avoid mold?  Are the fences in good shape and safe for horses?
  4. Has your veterinarian checked the horse?   It is important that your vet checks the horse before you take ownership.  Not only will this provide your vet with the information needed to advise you on improving or maintaining the horse’s health, but your vet may discover behavior and physical characteristics that would not meet your goals in owning the horse.

In the horse world it is commonly known that the initial price of the horse is the least amount of money you will spend.  You will have costs for feed, tack, worming, shoeing, vaccinations, shelter, training and occasional emergencies.   While adopting a formerly abused or neglected horse is a noble idea, it is only best for the horse if you go into the relationship fully prepared.  Your veterinarian can be a valuable resource to you, not only in the initial evaluation, but on an ongoing basis as you do your best to provide a good life for your horse.

 

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Protecting Your Horse from West Nile Virus

Posted on August 11, 2011 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

As late summer approaches it is time to be vigilant about preventing the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito borne diseases.  To date, no horses have been reported with West Nile, however, humans and other species are starting to be impacted.  If your horses have not been vaccinated, or had a booster shot within the past 6 months, they are vulnerable to this disease.

Overall, the number of West Nile Virus (WNV) cases are lower than the same time last year, thanks to effective vector control and community members doing their part to reduce standing water.  Here are the latest statistics from the California Department of Public Health West Nile Virus Website:

Human:  In California, there were 3 new cases reported the first week of August from Los Angeles and Madera Counties.  In total, 10 human cases from 6 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2011.

Horses:  No cases have been reported in California.

Birds: There were 38 new WNV positive dead birds reported the first week in August including 1 in Placer County, 5 in Sacramento County, and 2 in San Joaquin County.  Overall, 148 dead birds from 13 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2011.

Mosquito Samples:  There were 121 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California the first week in August, including 2 in Placer County and 21 in Sacramento County.  Overall, 392 mosquito samples from 15 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2011.

Since 2004 when 540 horses in California were infected with WNV, the numbers have been reduced to 19 cases last year.  While the news is encouraging that fewer cases are being found, it is still important for horse owners to protect their animals from the disease through vaccinations, and to be able to recognize possible symptoms.

In horses that do become clinically ill, the West Nile Virus infects the central nervous system and may cause symptoms of encephalitis.  Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses may include a general loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs:

  • Stumbling
  • Fever
  • Circling
  • Hind leg weakness or paralysis
  • Inability to stand
  • Muscle tremors
  • Impaired vision
  • Convulsions/Seizures
  • Inability to swallow
  • Hyper excitability

It is important to note that not all horses with clinical signs of encephalitis have West Nile encephalitis. Certain other diseases can cause a horse to have symptoms similar to those resulting from infection with West Nile Virus. If you are concerned that your horse may be exhibiting signs of encephalitis, please contact your veterinarian. Laboratory tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

While most horses who are otherwise healthy recover from the virus, there is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis in horses. Veterinary treatment is recommended and should be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Besides reducing standing water on your property, steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of exposure of horses to adult mosquitoes:

  • Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening and overnight hours. Mosquitoes are attracted to yellow incandescent bulbs.
  • If light is needed near the stable, place incandescent bulbs outside the stable to attract mosquitoes away from the horses. Black lights (bug zappers) don’t attract mosquitoes well.
  • Reduce the number of birds in and around the stable area. Eliminate roosting areas in the rafters of the stable. Certain species of wild birds are thought to be the main reservoir for the virus. (Although pigeons have been shown to become infected with West Nile Virus, they do not appear to act as reservoirs and therefore don’t transmit the virus to mosquitoes).
  • Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are available for horses.
  • Fogging of stable premises can be done in the evening to reduce mosquitoes; read directions carefully before using.

As your Sacramento vet, I will continue to keep you informed of any news relating to West Nile Virus or outbreaks of other diseases that could impact your horse.  Do not hesitate to contact Hunter Stallion Station at info@hunterstallion.com, or call us at 916.687.6870 if you have questions, or we can otherwise be of service.

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10 Steps to Reduce the Spread of Disease for the Traveling Horse

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

Summertime is the peak season for activities with your horse.  Whether you are trail riding, showing or transporting your horse for breeding, you need to take precautions to make sure you don’t bring home diseases that will impact your horse or others in your barn.

Disease agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites can remain in a barn or staging grounds for an extended period of time.  They can reside in fecal and organic matter, in the soil and in rodents or birds that live in the area.  Horses, donkeys and mules can carry contagions without showing any symptoms. You are also capable of unknowingly transferring diseases on your boots, hands and clothing.

How can you travel with your horse and focus on having fun rather than stressing about causing a bacterial or viral outbreak?  These 10 steps should reduce the risk associated with your travels:

  1. Have your horse’s vaccines current two weeks prior to departure
  2. Ask your veterinarian if there are any known outbreaks or concerns in the areas you will be traveling to and through
  3. Be aware of the condition and behavior of horses in your new destination, such as lethargic behavior, nasal discharge and coughing
  4. Bring your own feed and don’t change the regimen while traveling
  5. Bring a container such as a bucket or portable feeder for dispensing the feed
  6. If possible, bring your own water; and use a portable water container for trail rides.
  7. Don’t share tack (including halters, bits, girths, blankets and saddle pads) and minimize physical contact with other horses
  8. Clean out your horse’s hoofs prior to loading them in the trailer
  9. Change your clothes before reentering your barn area
  10. Wash your hands and arms thoroughly before departure with a disinfectant soap or hand sanitizer.

While you have no control over the hygiene and health of your fellow travelers, you can take control of your horse’s potential exposure to diseases by making an effort to follow these steps.  If you are concerned about your horse’s health after your return, call your veterinarian and they will inform you of signs to look for and further precautions to take.

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Natural Horse Products – Choosing Ingredients for your Horse’s Wellness

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

Many horse owners are looking to natural products for their own health maintenance, as well as for their animals.  When seeking out natural alternatives, where can you go to find the right ingredients?  If you search for “natural horse remedies” on the internet, you will find over 685,000 sites that offer products and remedies.  Wading through the information and claims can be a daunting task.

Herbs and plants have been used for healing since the beginning of time.  Animals and humans alike learned through trial and error if consuming that berry, bark or leaf would have a healing affect.  The difference between animals and humans is that we learn from our mistakes, and through scientific advancements have been able to identify and refine natural ingredients, while removing their harmful properties.  We have also learned which ingredients worked together and which ones when combined could have an adverse or even lethal effect.

Horse owners who are considering plant-based remedies that are purchased on the internet or from other unlicensed sources must follow some important guidelines to be certain their choices will have the desired effect.

Knowing that the ingredients are actually what they claim to be is just the beginning of the research that must take place.  These products are not regulated which means that labels can be deceiving and do not necessarily include all ingredients.

The horse owner must understand the efficacy of the product, and whether it is potent enough to have the desired impact.  At the same time, they must understand which herbs or plants can be dispensed together, and whether one will negate the impact of the other.

And finally, the horse owner needs to be very careful about dosage.  More is not always better, and can often make matters worse.

Consulting with your veterinarian before using unregulated remedies is wise and could be an eye-opening experience.  I am aware of many supplements on the market that are plant based and provide excellent maintenance source for my client’s horses.  I am also aware of supplements that make claims but don’t provide the ingredients to achieve the promised results.

Your vet will also provide crucial information about combining pharmaceutical medicines with other remedies.  Licensed veterinarians are trained to understand the chemical impact of substances ingested by horses, whether from a natural source or chemically produced.  We can help you to understand when you must progress from a maintenance program to medications that will directly impact the ailment.

You can improve your horse’s chance of wellness with natural products and not get led astray by people in the horse profession with limited education.  There are many natural supplements and feed producing practices that can provide fewer pesticides, herbicides and chemicals in your horse’s diet. Using researched herbal supplements to boost immunity and improve overall wellness has its merits.

There is a difference between maintaining good health and knowing how to diagnose a sickness or injury.  Veterinarians have been trained and stay on the top of the latest research.  The Veterinarian Medical Board for the State of California requires every licensed vet receive at least 36 hours of continuing education from an approved source every time their license is renewed.

Having a relationship with a veterinarian gives the horse owner the right to ask for recommendations on feed and supplements to support the overall wellness of the animal.  This is particularly important for breeding animals and performance horses that may be pushing their bodies to the limits of their physical and mental ability.  In addition, they are exposed to potential illness simply because they are traveling and stabling in the vicinity of other horses with unknown health histories.

Your horse depends on you to provide sustenance that will maintain his health and enable him to perform the tasks you require.  Do your research and don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian to share his or her knowledge.

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How Can I Save Money in Caring for My Horse?

Posted on June 24, 2011 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM

As the economy continues to impact employment and property values, horse prices have dropped, and some are even “free to a good home”.  Too many people find out the hard way that there is no such thing as a “free horse”.

Whether you have one horse or a full barn, caring from them properly is expensive.  Horses need their teeth maintained, and their overall health checked periodically.  Their feet should be trimmed every two months. They must have access to fresh cool water, and should be fed a meal consisting of quality hay or stable mix at least twice per day.  Their vaccine protocol is based on conditions within the local region, as is their worming regimen.  Their diet should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals that cannot be found in local vegetation.  And that’s just for your backyard buddies!  If you have a performance or breeding horse, the costs are even higher.

In light of the need to save where possible, it is very common for people to look to the internet for specials on supplements and maintenance products such vaccinations.  It is also used to research symptoms and even to determine if the veterinarian should be called.  But will that really save you money in the long run?  Do you have all the information you need to make a smart purchase on-line or to diagnose your horse’s health issues?

The resources available on the internet range in quality from well researched and reliable to thinly veiled sales gimmicks.  If you are relying on internet sources to diagnose a health issue for your animal, or to determine an appropriate supplement or vaccine protocol, you are most likely stepping outside your area of expertise.

Your vet has access to quality products that have been maintained properly to assure effectiveness.  They also know what your horse needs to supplement their diet, and won’t have you waste your money on unnecessary vitamins or untested remedies.

Before you rely on information you read on the internet, be certain you can trust the source.  Ask your vet about the remedies you have discovered and make certain the information is current and researched.   Your vet is aware of trends in disease control, and has access to a network of professionals who can be trusted.

Deviating from your normal routine to save money will only cost you later in higher vet bills. The preventative care and advice from your vet is well worth the investment.   Most Veterinarians will give you free advice over the phone if you have an established relationship. This relationship is a very important part of having a horse and caring for it properly and efficiently. It will help to save money and avoid problems – and could possibly save your horses life in some cases.

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New Horse Owner or New to the Area?

Posted on June 17, 2011 by admin

By Dr. Robert Hunter, DVM
Horse owners should know that establishing a relationship with a reliable, local vet is a top priority. Waiting until you have an emergency is not the best way to find the right veterinarian.

How can you find a Sacramento vet who will be the right fit for you and your horse?

First, start with your fellow horse owners and local trainers or breeders that you respect. They will give you their opinion on a vet who has a reputation for professionalism, reliability and any expertise that you may require. If you are planning to breed your mare or offer the services of your stallion, you will want a vet who can provide boarding during foaling, and services such as shipping or receiving frozen semen. You need to know that they have the experience and the facilities to take care of your horse’s health maintenance and any procedures that may be necessary.

Once you have found a vet that meets your needs, you should schedule an exam to establish a baseline for your horse’s health. Results from your pre-purchase exam should be provided to your new vet, as well as your feeding, supplement, vaccine and worming regimen. Your vet can inform you of supplements and vaccines that should be provided based on local conditions and can make certain your horse’s dental, vision and general health conditions are appropriate for its intended use.

Your vet should also be involved in the care of your horse’s feet. Working together with your farrier, your vet can recommend a comprehensive strategy to address lameness issues, keeping in mind the animal’s conformation, current use and other health conditions.
As a Sacramento vet, I make certain to keep my clients informed of local outbreaks such as the recent equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1). It has only been through the communication network of veterinarians to their clients that this potentially disastrous virus has been curtailed.

My clients also benefit from resources available on our website, www.hunterstallion.com, and by participating in the workshops that we sponsor. We host specialists who are willing to share their knowledge on topics such as nutritional supplements, joint health and the latest imaging technology.

Establishing a relationship with a local vet will help you to document your horse’s health history, provide cost-saving preventative care, while giving you access to local knowledge to prevent the spread of disease. Knowing a trained professional who has a history of your horse’s health record before you call with an emergency will lead to the best results.

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