WHEN TO CALL THE VET
Call the Vet Immediately for :
- Persistent bleeding from a wound or orifice
- Severe colicky behavior (persistent rolling, sweating, pawing)
- Sudden inability to breathe. Rapid shallow breaths. Horse is in obvious respiratory distress. Includes swelling around throat.
- Any wound or trauma to the eye including swollen eyelids
- Non – weight bearing lameness
- Any wound near a synovial structure(ie.Jo int, tendon sheath), major blood vessels or nerves (includes penetrating injuries to the foot).
- Any mare taking longer than 30mins to complete delivery stage of foaling
- Sudden onset(acute) laminitis
- High fever(normal temperature of a n adult horse is 37.5 – 38.3 C)
- Foal that is not suckling(mare’ s udde rs will be enlarged, a nd you may notice dried milk on the foal’ s face)
- Foal with diarrhea (other than foal heat diarrhea)
Call the Vet the same day or first thing next morning for :
- Superficial skin wounds away from any vital structures (and in cases where cosmetic outcome is not an issue)
- Sudden onset of lameness but horse is still weight – bearing
- Mild lethargy and inappetance
- Chronic laminitis
- Mild respiratory disease – coughing, nasal discharge
- Low – grade swelling to an area away from vital structures
- Low grade skin allergy
- Dull/quiet foal
Call to schedule an appointment in the next couple of days for :
- Mild, intermittent lameness
- Mild nasal discharge, but no other clinical signs
- Ongoing skin allergies
- Difficulty chewing
Call to schedule an appointment at regular intervals for :
- Vaccinations : Adult Horses – Once yearly (Tetanus & Strangles)
- Dental Exam and Floating: Every 6 or 12 mths depending on the needs of your horse