Taking care of horses is an experience unlike any other. These majestic creatures can teach you a lot about discipline, patience, and freedom. However, as powerful as they are, they can also be pretty fragile.
Horse owners and equestrians often work closely with their vets due to the number of health demands horses have. Horse vets also tend to be more hands-on during a horse’s lifetime to ensure their good health. Equine vets specialize in horse health and care, but what exactly do they do?
This article uncovers the role of a horse vet in every stage of a horse’s life. Read on to discover how these vets help horses maintain a happy and healthy life.
Foaling
Foaling is a critical moment that requires months of preparation. Horse owners need to work with their vets to come up with an ideal environment for the mare. They also need to monitor their mares for everything goes smoothly.
Horse owners will need to keep a timer once the delivery starts. This part comes in three stages.
The first stage starts with contractions that can last between one to two hours. The mare might pace, lie down, and roll to prepare their foal for delivery.
The second stage is the expulsion of the foal, and should not last longer than 30 minutes. If your mare doesn’t make any progress within 15 minutes, you must call your veterinarian.
The third stage is when the mare expels the placenta. This should happen within three hours of the birth. Having a vet with you can offer some peace of mind.
Post-Natal Care
The first 24 hours after a foal’s birth are critical. Foals should have a strong heartbeat and a breathing rate of 60-80 breaths per minute. If the birth sac is still covering its head, remove it immediately.
Horses can’t breathe through their mouths. So, if they’re having trouble breathing, you will need to ventilate them. Veterinarians come prepared for horse births with an endotracheal tube, which will help the foal breathe.
After that, you need to monitor the foal and mother’s behavior. Give them plenty of space to bond and rest. Any stress can disrupt the foal’s transition to standing.
The foal should be standing within an hour. After two hours, the mare should have passed the afterbirth, and the foal should have started nursing.
Foals should pass their first feces within three hours. Fillies should urinate within the next 10-12 hours, while colts should urinate within the first six.
If the foal does not complete any of these milestones, call your vet. It’s also best to contact your vet if your mare has had a difficult delivery or if the foal has any swollen joints. The vet will continue to monitor the foal’s health for a year and intervene when required.
Yearling
A foal’s first year is very special. This is often when they start showing their unique personalities and getting into trouble. This is also when they hit their first medical milestones.
Worming
Horses have very delicate digestive systems. Any imbalance could result in severe illnesses like colic, laminitis, or influenza. Horses are even more susceptible to stomach problems when they’re young.
Your vet will regularly test your foal for its fecal egg count. This will help them develop a worming program and let them know which dewormers to administer.
Vaccinations
Horses need specific vaccinations to shield them against diseases. Don’t worry, the experience is not as scary as you think. The needle is small and will often go unnoticed by the yearling.
Tetanus shots are the most crucial because horses are most susceptible to infection. Because they spend a lot of time outside, they are more exposed to harmful spores. Foals should get their first dose at 5-6 months and a booster every four weeks.
Your vet will ensure your foal gets all their vaccinations and boosters on time.
Gelding
If you want to keep your colt as a stallion or prevent them from harassing any mares, you can geld them. Gelding can occur at any age range, but it’s best to do it while the colt is young.
Your vet may complete the process in their clinic or the colt’s home. Your colt should be accustomed to handling for the vet to administer the anesthesia.
Gelding a colt can feel intimidating for horse owners, but young geldings often recover quickly. They only need to rest for the first 24 hours and do light exercise to reduce post-operative swelling. You can make your gelding trot in their paddock or on a lunge.
Adult Horses
Adult horses get annual routine exams and regular dental care. Adult horses usually have different vaccination programs, depending on their age, where they live, and whether or not they travel.
Your vet may also help you come up with a diet that can meet your horse’s needs. You can also work with your vet to create an exercise regime for your young horse.
Horses need exercise to stay healthy, but the amount of exercise they get should be increased gradually. That means your horse needs time to transition if you want to get into jumping or racing.
Senior Horses
Like humans, horses become more susceptible to diseases as they get older. Their backs may begin to sag, and you may no longer be able to ride them like you used to. Your vet will help your horse stay comfortable as they approach their final years.
Your vet will also determine when euthanasia may be an option. They will be with you throughout this process to ensure your horse doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Find a Horse Vet Today
Horse care doesn’t have to be complex or intimidating. With the right horse vet, you can have a healthy horse with a long life ahead of it.
At High Country Veterinary Services, your horse’s health is our priority. We are experts in horse care and work hard to strengthen and maintain the bond between horses and their handlers. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.