Maintaining your horse's overall health and well-being is important, but what does this include? Today our Hohenwald vets will provide you with an equine routine care checklist.
Equine Health Exams
An annual health exam can improve your horse's well-being and performance by establishing a baseline and identifying potential health risks early on.
At Hohenwald Animal Hospital, our veterinarians thoroughly examine your horse's heart, lungs, intestines, temperature, dental health, eyes, weight, and overall condition.
Vaccinations
Vaccination programs are created for your horses based on age, exposure risk, use, geographic area, and environment. Vaccines can minimize the risk and severity of infectious diseases.
Your horse will need adult and foal vaccinations, so be sure to talk to your Hohenwald Animal Hospital vet about the schedule.
Deworming
Internal parasites are a constant threat to your horse’s health. Parasites can cause extensive internal damage, lower resistance to disease and absorption of essential nutrients, and cause colic and death.
Deworming programs are designed by taking into account your geographic location, pasture management, number and age of horses, and management practices. Contact our Hohenwald vets to establish the best program for your horse.
Dental Exams
An annual or semi-annual dental exam is important to ensure your horse has a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums.
Your veterinarian will check inside the mouth for teeth with sharp points or edges, trimming them down with a file or nippers.
Endoscopy
Our team can perform advanced diagnostic tests right in your barn using our portable system. Using a video endoscope to visualize your horse's respiratory and gastrointestinal system, we can diagnose conditions affecting the upper airway, sinuses, trachea, lower airway, esophagus, and stomach.
Grooming
Daily grooming is crucial for maintaining the health of horses. Regular brushing and currying can remove dirt and debris that create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Additionally, grooming provides an opportunity to examine your horse's skin for any sores, infections, bumps, or welts that may require attention.
Hoof Care
It's important to pick your horse's hooves daily to remove dirt, manure, and stones, and to check for any signs of bruising, discoloration, odor, or discharge. You should also inspect the shoes for wear and the tightness of the nails. You can apply hoof dressings if needed, but be careful to use them appropriately. For example, water-repellent dressings can keep the hooves dry and healthy during wet weather, but overuse of emollient dressings can cause problems by softening the hooves.
To prevent thrush, apply antifungal solutions every 1 to 2 weeks during wet weather and winter. Consult your veterinarian and farrier to determine the appropriate frequency and method for treating your horse's feet.
Shoes
Horses with tender or bruised feet need shoes for protection, as do horses working on hard or rough surfaces. Different types of corrective shoes are available to address specific hoof or lameness problems.