Yes. Please call our dedicated afterhours number 0412244427. Priority will be given to people who are registered with the clinic.
All horses should be vaccinated annually for tetanus, strangles and Hendra. We can advise you on which additional vaccinations such as Herpes, Salmonella etc which may be necessary based on your horse’s age, lifestyle, geographic location, breeding statue etc.
It is recommended that horses be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year. This annual physical exam should include a complete physical examination, evaluation of the horse’s teeth, and testing for parasites and vaccination, all of which are offered by our clinic and part of a Wellness Package.
If your horse is injured, you should seek veterinary attention immediately. Please call our office on 07 54916719 during office hours and 0412 244 427 for afterhours and emergencies.
Horses should receive routine care including regular deworming, hoof care, vaccinations, dental care, and exercise. We can help you develop a routine care plan that is tailored to your horse’s individual needs. Please remember horses are creatures of habit so avoid sudden changes in feed exercise etc as they can induce such things as colic or tying up etc
Colic can be life threatening in a horse. If your horse is exhibiting signs of colic, you should contact our office immediately. If possible we recommend that you try to walk the horse until the vet arrives, and try to not let it get down to roll. Please be mindful that colic can be extremely painful and horses may act unpredictably or violently so the handler should be mindful of their own personal safety.
Colic is a general term to describe abdominal pain and as such encompasses a wide variety medical and surgical conditions that affect the digestive system of horses. Common signs of colic include restlessness, sweating, pawing the ground, rolling, reluctant to eat or drink. Horses have a very low tolerance for abdominal pain when compared to other animals or people .
Colic can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, dehydration, parasites, and certain medical conditions.
Colic is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a veterinarian. Additional tests, such as rectal, intubation, ultrasound, and laboratory tests, may be necessary to diagnose the cause of the colic and how it should be treated or if surgery is required.
Treatment of colic depends on the cause of the colic. Treatment may include medications, dietary changes, and/or surgery. Your veterinarian can provide more information on the best treatment plan for your horse.
Lameness can be prevented by providing good nutrition, proper hoof care, regular exercise, and prompt treatment of any minor injuries or illnesses. We can provide additional guidance on how to keep your horse healthy and sound.
Signs of pain in horses can include restlessness, reluctance to move, stiffness, increased heart rate, sweating, and changes in behavior. If you suspect your horse is in pain, please contact our office to make an appointment for your horse to be assessed.
If your horse is having trouble breathing or showing signs of respiratory distress, you should contact us immediately for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If your horse is exhibiting unusual behavior, signs of discomfort, or any other unusual symptoms, please contact us for an evaluation, diagnosis and treatment plan.
A pre-purchase exam is an examination of a horse by a veterinarian prior to purchase. The exam is an internationally recognised 5 stage examination that includes a comprehensive physical examination, flexion tests, strenuous exercise and may include additional procedures such as radiographs, ultrasound, endoscopy and laboratory test etc.
A pre-purchase exam typically involves a complete physical examination, including evaluation of the horse’s teeth, eyes, limbs, and internal organs. In some cases, additional tests such as radiographs, ultrasound, and laboratory tests may be recommended.
The length of time for a pre-purchase exam varies depending on the complexity of the exam and the number of tests being performed. On average, a pre-purchase exam can take 1-2 hours.
While pre-purchase exams are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended. A pre-purchase exam can provide valuable information regarding the health and soundness of a horse prior to purchase.
A pre-purchase exam can provide information regarding any pre-existing medical conditions or musculoskeletal issues which may develop into a serious problem or unsoundness
Yes, it is always a good idea to have a pre-purchase exam done for any horse you are considering purchasing, regardless of the seller’s reputation as they may well be unaware of any underlying problem or potential problem .
Though not essential we actively encourage the purchaser if possible to be present at the prepurchase exam so we can explain and discuss the exam and significant findings etc
If the pre-purchase exam reveals an issue, we can advise you on the best course of action. Depending on the issue, we may recommend further evaluation such as xray or ultrasound, reassessing the horse at a further date or not proceeding with the purchase
Hendra virus is a potentially fatal zoonotic virus that was first identified in Australia in 1994, in the suburb of Brisbane which it is named after. It is closely related to the Nipah virus, which is found in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh. The virus is spread from bats to horses, and then from horses to humans.
The Hendra virus is spread from the bat to the horse through body fluids such as saliva, urine, faeces and especially birthing fluids The Hendra virus then multiplies in the horse and is shed through direct contact with the horse or its body fluids, such as saliva, urine, blood or aerosol from respiration. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects and environments, such as hay, feed, and bedding.
The vaccine should be administered annually to horses at high risk for exposure to the virus. Please contact our office for guidance on the best vaccination schedule for your horse.
The right age to geld a horse depends on the individual horse and its potential use and value. Generally, it is recommended that horses be gelded between 4 and 18 months of age, with 6 to 12 months being the most common age range. Beware of gelding older horses especially if they have been used for breeding as there is an increased risk of post op bleeding, and their behaviour may change not for the better.
Like any major surgery, there are some risks associated with gelding a horse. These risks include infection, bleeding, hernia or evisceration It is important to consult with a qualified veterinarian before deciding to geld a horse. Please contact our office for more information.
Most horses will be able to return to normal activity virtually immediately. In fact, keeping a horse in work helps to speed up recovery with reduced post op swelling, etc. Some horses return to racing within two (2) weeks of being gelded.
The cost of gelding a horse can vary depending if it can be down standing under sedation or requires a full general anaesthetic. Our normal practice at SCEVC is to do the procedure standing under sedation. Please contact our office to discuss gelding your horse and the various options
Horses should be wormed every 6-8 weeks. This can vary depending on the type of worming program used.
Yes, over-worming can lead to resistance against the wormer, so it is important to follow the recommended worming program.
Yes, pregnant mares should be wormed just like any other horse. Please contact us for advice if you are uncertain about what regimen you should be following.
Strangles is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.
Strangles is spread through contact with an infected horse or its secretions. It can also be spread through contaminated equipment, stalls, and even people.
Symptoms of strangles include fever, nasal discharge, difficulty swallowing, coughing, and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the throat and head.
Treatment for strangles typically includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care.
