BENEFITS OF ANNUAL HEALTH CHECKS FOR HORSES

BENEFITS OF ANNUAL HEALTH CHECKS FOR HORSES

Owners of dogs and cats are well versed on the importance of annual health checks for their pets.

This examination, conducted by their Veterinarian, involves a check up of the various organ systems and is a way of ensuring that any health problems are detected early.

Preventative medicine through annual health checks and vaccination is the key to maintaining the best of health for their loved one.

So what are the benefits of annual health checks for horses?

Like dogs and cats, horses aren’t able to voice their illness, especially in the early, perhaps treatable, stages.

Natural selection means that horses (as well as other animals) are capable of hiding illnesses until they are well progressed. This is done to protect themselves from predators, but it means that serious problems can go undetected. Subsequent treatment may be difficult, costly, or at times impossible.

Your Veterinarian can provide an equine wellness examination that covers the important issues that have the potential to affect your horse’s health. Your Vet will also be able to answer questions that you may have regarding your horse’s diet and exercise requirements, or any other matter that may concern you. This health check can include examination of:

• Teeth and gums- and if required, a routine dental treatment
• Cardiovascular system- pulse and heart
• Respiratory system
• Eyes
• Spine, limbs, feet and gait
• Worm status

Further investigation, for example, of blood and urine may be necessary in the case of older horses or performance horses. Your Veterinarian will discuss this with you.

Vaccination against the potentially fatal diseases of tetanus and strangles can routinely be given by your Vet at the time of examination.

All this amounts to a cost-effective way of protecting both the emotional and the considerable financial investment in your horse’s health. Early treatment of underlying disease is usually far less expensive than having to treat a disease or condition that may have already progressed.

So why not ring your Vet today and ask for a health check for your horse?

Gisborne Veterinary Clinic: 54282805  

Annual health check and vaccination- protecting the emotional and financial investment in your horse