Horse Health Wellness Program
Component Details [Full Program Description]
Physical Evaluation
The physical exam is the veterinarian’s most basic yet most important diagnostic tool. We will observe the horse and its environment, then examine the horse from head to tail (listening, palpating) to try to detect any abnormalities. Information gained here can be extremely valuable, and any issues will be brought to your attention and discussed in detail.
Musculoskeletal Evaluation
An extension of the physical exam, the musculoskeletal exam addresses many concerns that are specific to horses. For an equine athlete to do its job effectively, it must display sound form and function and be pain-free. During a musculoskeletal exam, the veterinarian’s trained hands will palpate the horse’s legs thoroughly, and perform a series of passive and active flexion tests to attempt to identify problem areas. Since horses can’t tell us what is bothering them, we must observe their movement through multiple gaits, on varied footing and in circles to screen for potential areas of soreness and lameness. And since horses are such large animals, it takes a significant amount of time to perform this exam completely and thoroughly.
Core Vaccines: EWT, West Nile, Rabies
We use up-to-date vaccines that employ the latest technology to provide maximum protection against infectious diseases. The EWT vaccine provides protection against the mosquito-borne viruses that cause Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis, and the toxin that causes Tetanus. West Nile virus is another mosquito-borne encephalitis virus, which is why we recommend vaccination against EWT and West Nile in the spring, before mosquito activity reaches its highest levels. Rabies is now considered a core vaccine for horses and is administered once yearly.
Flu/rhino Vaccine (twice yearly)
This combination vaccine provides protection against the infectious influenza and rhinopneumonitis respiratory viruses. Horses that travel or are boarded with other horses (especially in situations where there horses are moving on/off the farm frequently) are considered exposed to these viruses and should be vaccinated. This vaccine must be given at least twice yearly, and more frequently in some instances.
Comprehensive Dental Exam and Equilibration
One of the most important parts of a comprehensive equine wellness program is proper dental care. For each of our four wellness options, your horse will be sedated and a mouth speculum will be applied so that a thorough dental exam can be performed. After the exam, power dentistry tools will be used to correct any abnormalities, remove sharp enamel points, and restore balance to the horse’s mouth for optimum function. The dental in the wellness is a built-in money saver. You will not be charged extra if additional sedation is needed, and you will not be charged extra for some dental problems like mild hooks, ramps and wavemouth. For many horses, this translates into an instant savings of $50-$150. Serious problems such as severe wavemouth, fractured or loose teeth and periodontal disease that require more extensive treatment are not considered part of a wellness program. If present, those problems will be brought to your attention and you can elect to pursue further treatment.
Fecal Parasite Analysis & Follow-up
Because of the emerging problem of parasitic resistance, the approach to deworming horses is changing rapidly. Do you deworm your horses on a ‘rotational’ schedule? Do you give your horses a dewormer every 2-3 months or even more frequently? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, please understand that we will be recommending some major changes in your parasite control program as part of our wellness visits. We will evaluate your horses and your farm to implement a plan for your individual situation. The plan will use strategic deworming principles aimed to provide good parasite protection while avoiding over-use of dewormers. The cornerstone of this approach will employ fecal parasite analysis to actually LOOK and COUNT the numbers of eggs and IDENTIFY the horses that are shedding the most eggs. We will recommend appropriate dewormers, which you will be able to obtain cheaply and easily through our online pharmacy.
Fecal Sand Sedimentation
Sand is all around us. It is one of the leading causes of colic in our area. A quick, easy sedimentation test can help identify horses carrying high loads of sand in their gastrointestinal tract.
CBC/Chem
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Chemistry analyses are useful indicators of overall health status. We use our in-house laboratory to analyze your horse’s blood. The CBC is helpful in detecting various anemias and signs of infectious disease. The Chemistry panel is a tool for assessing organ status by measuring enzymes and electrolytes in the blood and comparing measurements to established reference values. We offer these tests for GOLD wellness as a "check-up" for atheletic horses and for GERIATRIC WELLNESS to screen for many possible diseases that affect older horses.
Survey Foot Radiographs
Your horse’s soundness depends on good hoof health and balance. The only way to accurately determine the position of P3 (also known as the "coffin bone") within the hoof capsule is to take x-rays of the hoof. Hoof radiographs are beneficial in assessing current trimming/shoeing and to determine if any changes need to be made. They are especially useful for horses with known foot imbalances that are undergoing corrective podiatry. Please note that survey foot radiographs include 2 views only of each front foot. Their purpose is to assess balance and shoeing, and are NOT meant to evaluate joints, navicular bones, etc.
This is a standard component for our GOLD patients. Now for the SILVER and GERIATRIC options, you can elect to have radiographs taken for the additional, discounted price of $150. Our staff would be happy to answer any questions you have and assist you with scheduling foot radiographs.
Coggins and Health Certificate
A coggins test can be performed anytime during the year, and we will complete the necessary regulatory paperwork for out-of-state travel. United States domestic health certificates ONLY. Additional fees apply for international travel.
Thermographic Saddle-Fit Assessment
A valuable tool for assessing a saddle fit is the use of thermography, where we use a specialized infrared camera, which detects temperature changes to scan the saddle and your horse’s back after a period of exercise. We will identify any potential problem areas and recommend changes for improving saddle fit and increasing the horse’s comfort and performance.
Geriatric Consultation
An aging horse can present many specific problems to its owner. Parasites, advanced dental problems, Cushing’s disease, and laminitis are just a few of the common diseases seen in older horses. Some older horses also require specific dietary changes. Our doctors will examine your horse and take the time to guide you through the specific management issues that you and your horse might face, and describe signs to look for to detect problems earlier.
