Routine Equine Health Care
Consultations
Our experienced equine veterinarians are available for any of your horses concerns. We are able to perform consultations either on your property or here at the clinic. We have a round yard and crush available for use at your appointment at the clinic. Please give us a call to make an appointment with one of our veterinarians.
Equine Dentistry
For more information please visit the Equine Dentistry tab under equine services.
Sand Prevention
As there are several options for sand prevention, including stomach tubing and psyllium husk, it is best to discuss preventative options with your veterinarian.
Vaccinations
Tetanus and Strangles: Primary vaccinations courses for these diseases can be started in foals from 12 weeks of age. The primary course for tetanus involves 2 injections 4 weeks apart, then a booster injection at 12 months. After this booster injection horses will be covered for tetanus for a period of 4–5 years. The primary course for strangles vaccination involves 3 injections 2 weeks apart then a booster 12 months later. Stangles booster vaccinations then need to be given every 12 months for ongoing protection. These vaccinations come in either separate or 2-in-1 injections to reduce the number of injections required.
Hendra Virus: Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital has accredited veterinarians to perform Hendra virus vaccinations. All horses receiving vaccination must be micro-chipped prior to commencement of the vaccination course. The course involves 2 vaccinations 3–4 weeks apart followed by 6 monthly boosters. These horses are then entered onto the national Hendra virus vaccination database.
Geriatric Health Checks
As horses age their health requirements change. At Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital we offer complete physical examinations, dental examinations and treatments, blood tests to assess organ function, and disease investigations (for diseases such as Cushings), to assess for conditions that can affect your geriatric. We can also assist in diet and management plans for the older horse.
Worm Drenching and Faecal Worm Egg Counts
The latest recommendation for worming horses is to have a faecal egg count performed before worming. This is due to the limited amount of equine worming drenches (with different active ingredients) available on the market and there are concerns for horses becoming resistant.
We offer faecal egg counting for horses. Please contact us for more information.
If you do not wish to perform faecal egg testing, horses should be wormed according to their paddock or stabling environment. Please contact us for advice.
