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Preventive Equine Medicine in Longmont & Castle Rock, CO & serving clients in Berthoud, Erie & Elizabeth, CO
Semi-annual visits help us to monitor your horse's overall wellness. More importantly, they give you an opportunity to visit with us in a non-stressful, non-emergency situation. These appointments can be as brief or in depth as you desire. Remember, we enjoy seeing your horses when they are healthy and sound too!
The following are just a few of the preventative services we offer.
- Vaccination: In the spring, we recommend immunization for Eastern and Western Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Tetanus, Influenza, and Rhinopneumonitis. In the fall, we booster Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis, along with Rabies.
- De-worming: Practices vary depending on the environment and stocking density on your farm. In general, we advocate at least semi-annual anthelmintic treatment. Performing fecal egg counts is an ideal way to determine if intestinal parasites are a problem for your horses and help guide treatment protocols.
- Dentistry: Horse's teeth erupt continuously throughout life.This coupled with the circular grinding motion required to chew tough forages results in the development of enamel "points" along the edge of the molars. These points can become sharp enough to cause ulceration within the cheeks. We advise at least annual oral examination to evaluate for the presence to sharp points or other imbalances that might lead to discomfort. Floating is the term historically used to describe the smoothing of these sharp points. We prefer the term "dental equilibration", using motorized instruments to visually reduce any protuberant teeth or excessive points to optimize the horse's comfort and ability to eat.
- Coggins: Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a blood-borne disease spread by biting flies. There is no cure and infected horses must be quarantined for life or euthanized. Although mostly eradicated in the United States, there continue to be isolated incidences with a case in Weld county in 2017. The Coggins test screens for EIA infection. A negative test within twelve months is required for interstate transport. We recommend annual testing for all horses to help prevent further spread of this disease. Nutrition: When you see a horse every day, it becomes difficult to notice subtle weight gain or loss. Semi-annual evaluation gives us the opportunity to monitor your horse's condition and discuss dietary recommendations.
We are always available to discuss any topics relating to the wellness of your horse. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact VetweRx Equine Group.
