Routine Equine Care
At Mt Barker Veterinary Hospital, your horse is in expert hands. Dr James Brown, our lead equine veterinarian and co-owner, is one of only a handful of veterinarians worldwide who is double-boarded in equine specialties—holding diplomas from both the American College of Theriogenologists and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. With over 20 years of experience, including more than a decade as a faculty equine surgeon at Virginia Tech (USA), James brings world-class expertise in equine reproduction, surgery, lameness, dentistry, and general health care. He is passionate about delivering the highest standard of veterinary care to horses across the Great Southern and is currently developing the region’s first purpose-built equine referral and surgical facility. Whether your horse needs routine care or advanced treatment, you can be confident they’re receiving knowledgeable, compassionate, and specialised care.
Consultations
Our equine consultations cover everything from routine health checks to complex medical concerns. Appointments can be arranged at your property or at our fully equipped clinic, which features secure yards, a trotting track, and an undercover crush for safe and thorough examinations.
Equine Dentistry
Regular dental care is essential for your horse’s comfort, health, and performance. Our skilled veterinarians provide comprehensive dental exams and treatments tailored to your horse’s needs. For detailed information on equine dental care, please visit the Equine Dentistry section under Equine Services.
Nasogastric Tubing (Stomach Tubing / Sand Drenching)
Nasogastric tubing—also known as stomach tubing or sand drenching—is a common preventative treatment used to help clear sand from the horse’s digestive system. Regular sand drenching can play an important role in reducing the risk of sand-related colic. However, there are several prevention options available, and your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate approach based on your horse’s environment, management, and individual risk.
Vaccinations
Tetanus and Strangles: Primary vaccination courses for these diseases can begin in foals from 12 weeks of age. The tetanus course consists of two injections, administered four weeks apart, followed by a booster at 12 months. This booster provides protection for 4–5 years. The strangles vaccination primary course involves three injections given two weeks apart, with a booster 12 months later. Annual boosters are then required to maintain ongoing protection. These vaccines are available either as separate injections or combined as a 2-in-1 to reduce the number of injections needed.
Worm Drenching and Faecal Worm Egg Counts
To help prevent worm resistance and ensure effective treatment, it’s now recommended to perform a faecal worm egg count before administering any worming drench. This test identifies if and when your horse needs worming, reducing unnecessary medication.
We provide faecal egg count testing—contact us to schedule an appointment or discuss your horse’s worming plan.
Upcoming Equine Medical Centre
We are excited to be in the process of establishing the Great Southern region’s first dedicated Equine Medical Centre. This new facility will enable us to offer more advanced procedures, including equine surgery, right here locally. We look forward to providing our clients with convenient access to high-level horse care without the need to travel far. Follow us on Facebook for updates.
