Are you one of the 1.6 million horse owners in the United States?
Perhaps, you’re a horse enthusiast, one of the 38 million households in the U.S. that are most likely to purchase a horse in the future.
If you currently own a horse or are planning to soon, it’s imperative to find a horse vet right away. These veterinarians aren’t your typical vets; thus, you simply can’t bring a horse to a clinic that only treats dogs, cats, and other small pets.
So, how do I find a horse vet near me, you ask?
Your first step is to search for the closest option near you, like High Country Veterinary Services.
Next, learn more about the various equine veterinarian benefits for horse owners.
1. Local Horse Vet Services Treat Injuries
The first reason to find a reliable horse vet is injuries. Horses are subject to common and emergency injuries requiring prompt care.
Arthritis is common and requires a pain management plan; this may also include medication.
If you own a sporting horse, prepare for possible torn tendons and ligaments. A horse vet can talk to you about injury mitigation methods like even grounds and fatigue prevention.
Chronic muscle soreness is another problem that requires nearby equine care.
2. Inflamed Horse Joints
Inflammation is a root cause of arthritis in horses. These animals are also subject to even more inflammation-related conditions.
A horse can quickly develop Acute synovitis. This condition is most prevalent in the horse’s coffin bone, ankle, and hock. When inflamed, the fluid that lubricates the joints turns watery, leading to osteoarthritis; this condition worsens as stress on the joints increases.
A vet will take x-rays of the joints and will likely recommend rest, cold therapy treatments, or anti-inflammation medications and injections.
3. Advantages of Local Vets for Bone Bruises
Active horses may develop bone bruises over time. They’re most commonly found in ankles, foot joints, and coffin bones. Bruises may also appear in cannon and pastern bones, as well.
These aren’t fractures, but the damage causes a build-up of fluid inside the bone. These injuries typically show as “hotspots” in vet X-rays; a horse vet may also recommend an MRI.
Your vet will likely recommend several months of rest as treatment, including anti-inflammatory NSAID medication.
4. Suspensory Ligament Injury Treatment
Overworked ligaments may cause your horse’s suspension to give way. This problem will lead to collagen fiber tears and even bone fractures in severe cases.
Horses that compete in jumping events are most at risk of these types of injuries. Your local horse vet will conduct an exam which may require nerve blocks. Recommendations may include stall rest, cooling therapy, and gentle hand walks.
5. Identifying and Treating DDFT Damage
The deep digital flexor is a tendon particularly vulnerable to damage in sports horses. Over time, an increase in stress can cause fibers to tear away from the coffin bone. An inflammatory condition called tendinitis may occur with repeated stress to the tendon.
A horse vet will assess your horse’s lameness, tendon swelling, and pastern bone sensitivity. The vet will likely conduct an ultrasound and may recommend a new shoeing method like rockered or rolled toes. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed for pain management.
6. Horse Healthcare Tips for Sore Muscles
Routine visits to your local horse vet for sore muscles are vital to preventative care. Vets can diagnose and treat mild cases of back pain before they get worse, mitigating the need for months of rest and medication schedules; this is crucial for sports horses that compete.
A vet may discover that an ill-fitting saddle is the problem. They may recommend consistent massages to relieve pressure from the sacroiliac joint. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed in early cases or holistic treatments like acupuncture.
7. Horse Stomach Ulcers
Aside from joint, arthritic, and muscle issues, a vet is also necessary for treating common stomach ulcers in horses. These are also called gastric ulcers and they’re not uncommon in endurance horses.
If you notice a decrease in appetite, a local horse vet can diagnose the problem and prescribe an appropriate treatment.
Other signs include:
- An unhealthy appearance (including coat)
- Lethargy and lack of performance
- A resistance to training
- Noticeable weight loss
A medication called omeprazole is a common treatment for these types of cases.
Colic is another gastric-related horse illness. This condition is often caused by diet issues, including a lack of proper roughage in the horse’s food. It’s important to book an appointment with a horse vet at the first sign of mild stomach aches.
Your horse may start scraping the ground with their hoof and becoming restless. An increase in heart rate and rising body temperatures is also associated with cases of colic.
Your vet may prescribe an injection like Banamine to ease inflammation. A hydration treatment plan of electrolytes, IV fluids, and oral fluids is often recommended. As cases improve, gentle walking may also be vet-recommended.
8. A Horse Vet Near Me for Common Colds?
It’s true. A horse is just as vulnerable to a common cold as you are. Like the other conditions on this list, it’s important to book an appointment with your equine vet before the problem worsens.
Look for issues like nasal discharge, general lethargy, and high temperatures, including fever. A horse with a cold may show a decrease in appetite, show signs of cough, and have swollen lymph nodes.
A vet will also recommend isolating the horse if you own other horses, as well.
Monitor your horse’s health consistently to optimize its vet care. This will help you identify symptoms quickly so that you can book an appointment as soon as possible. Talk to your vet about the best preventative care options to improve your horse’s performance and quality of life.
Optimize Your Horse’s Health Today
Should I find a horse vet near me?
The answer is yes!
Working with the right vet is vital for your horse’s long-term health and performance. Whether you own a sports horse or a farm, you need an experienced and reputable equine veterinarian on your team.
High Country Veterinary Services is a team of trained, licensed professionals with a deep commitment to equine care. We offer a complete suite of health services, ranging from lameness exams, and joint injections to equine dentistry.
Call us today to learn more or to book an appointment.
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