We recommend horses are vaccinated annually for Tetanus, Strangles and Hendra
Tetanus
Tetanus is contracted when a wound is infected with tetanus spores from the soil or the environment. It affects the neurological system causing stimulation and muscle spasms. Tetanus is difficult and expensive to treat and has a high mortality rate. Two initial vaccinations are given 2 to 4 weeks apart, followed by a 12 month booster and then every 1 to 3 years for the rest of their life.
Unvaccinated horses that have a wound should be given a dose of the Tetanus Anti-toxin as well as the vaccine to prevent the disease developing.
Strangles
Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory tract disease. It is contracted via direct contact with infected horses, or contact with contaminated objects. Vaccinations can begin from 3 months of age and an initial course of 3 vaccinations 2 weeks apart is recommended followed by annual boosters.
For information on Hendra vaccination, see specific information on Hendra below.
Your horse's oral and dental health impacts their well-being, performance and lifespan. A horse's teeth are part of their digestive tract and when in poor condition can lead to weight loss, choke or colic. Bad teeth and pain can also cause your horse to resist the bit and/or misbehave when ridden due to discomfort or pain.
We recommend an annual dental check for every horse whether it's a pleasure horse, a racing or performance horse, or retired in the paddock.
With state of the art dental equipment, we are able to offer you a full range of dental services for your horse..
With state of the art dental equipment, we are able to offer you a full range of dental services for your horse.
After much searching you have finally found the perfect horse. But before you seal the deal and hook up your float we recommend you have a pre-purchase exam carried out. A pre-purchase exam helps to identify if there are any underlying problems that may affect the horse's ability to perform for its intended use.
The exam will not declare the horse sound or unsound, or give the horse a pass or fail. The exam is an independent assessment of the horse's health and temperament at that point in time.. It is performed on behalf of the purchaser and is issued in confidence to the purchaser.
We perform pre-purchase examinations in accordance with Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) guidelines. This 5 step exam takes about 1 hour and includes a thorough physical exam, flexion tests, and examination during and after exercise. Depending on the findings of this exam and the value of the purchase, further tests may be undertaken including x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy and blood tests.
Lameness in horses can be due to a range of contributing factors so diagnosing the location and cause of lameness can be quite a complex task. Our veterinarians are experienced in evaluating and treating lameness. We use a range of diagnostic techniques for diagnosis including trot out, nerve blocks, flexion tests and radiographs or ultrasounds.
Based on the understanding of the lameness, we work together with you and your farrier to provide an effective medical treatment plan which is tailored to your horse.
Lameness in horses can be due to a range of contributing factors so diagnosing the location and cause can be quite a complex task. Our veterinarians are experienced in evaluating and treating lameness. We use a range of diagnostic techniques for diagnosis including trot out, nerve blocks, flexion tests and radiographs or ultrasounds.
Hendra Virus occurs on the NSW Mid North Coast due to the presence of flying foxes which carry the virus. Hendra can be transferred to horses and then onto humans and can be life-threatening for both.
The symptoms associated with this virus are highly variable and disease onset can be rapid or slow. If your horse is unwell for any reason we highly recommended you call your vet. The only way we can confirm Hendra is to obtain a sample and send it off for testing. Results are received within in 1 to 2 days.
Due to the potential for humans to contract this virus we need to take all precautions when attending an unwell horse that is not vaccinated against Hendra. This may mean we have to use personal protective gear and may not be able to undertake some treatments until test results are received. This can add significantly to the cost of seeing your horse and delay potentially vital treatments.
In line with Government recommendations, we recommend that all horses are vaccinated against the Hendra Virus. NSW DPI states that “Vaccination against Hendra virus is the single most effective way to prevent Hendra infection and vaccinating horses is an important measure to prevent human infection.”
To vaccinate your horse two initial vaccinations are given 3 to 6 weeks apart. The next dose is 6 months later and then an annual booster. Results of vaccine testing show the vaccine is highly effective.
For more information on identifying and managing Hendra see the following links.
Our team offers a wide variety of surgical options for your horse. We are able to undertake many routine procedures requiring a general anaesthetic including geldings, hernia repairs, basic orthopaedic procedures and lump removals. For more technical procedures such as colic surgeries or expert orthopaedic procedures we are able to refer owners to specialist clinics either in Newcastle or the Gold Coast.
Gastric ulcers are a common problem in horses of all ages, breeds and disciplines. The prevalence of this condition is very high with up to 90% of racehorses, 75% of sport horses and 60% of show and pleasure horses suffering from this condition.
Ulcers occur when the stomach lining is eroded by stomach acid. This condition can be painful and uncomfortable for your horse and may result in changes in your horse's behaviour.
Clinical signs of gastric ulceration can be vague and variable but include:
We regularly hold gastric scoping days. If you would like more information or would like to book your horse in for a scope please call our Urunga Clinic on 6655 5299
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