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What is a vaccination? A vaccination in an injection that stimulates an immune response in your horse against a specific disease. A vaccination program ensures that your horse has maximum protection against the disease. It doesn’t mean that your horse can’t contract the disease though. If contracted, symptoms will be much milder than in non vaccinated horses, withRead more

  What is arthritis and how does it happen? Osteoarthritis (OA), also termed degenerative joint disease, is a common problem in all types of horses and can affect a number of different joints with the potential of ending many racing and other performance careers. In racing and performance horses it often affects the high motionRead more

By Debbie Odell    For many horse owners, kikuyu grass forms an integral part of the annual fodder-planning program. Indeed kikuyu forms the mainstay of some equine operations. Its yields are good and inputs remain relatively cheap and simple. But is kikuyu really suitable as a pasture for horses? Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a robust, perennial,Read more

By Dr. Dave Mullins: Equine Veterinary Services    It’s a classic situation. “Hey Doc, can you come and look at my new colt? I think the old mare stepped on him ’cause he’s a bit lame today.” When the foal is evaluated, you find a swollen joint or two, and the colt also has a slightRead more

By Dr Dave Mullins: Equine Veterinary Services    This is the most common cause of summer pruritis. It results in an immune mediated hypersensitivity to the salivary antigenic chemicals of Culicoidesspp.midges. There is a strong seasonal relationship with the occurrence of Culicoides midges. ie: late Spring to late Autumn. Horses affected are usually over 5 years ofRead more

By Dr Dave Mullins: Equine Veterinary Services   Stomach ulcers are a common finding in normal horses and foals, 51% of these are asymptomatic.  Clinical signs of ulcers are mostly seen in performance horses, especially race horses; and foals. Causes: Ulcers are caused by an increase in acid production in the stomach.  This results in damageRead more

Breeding form you mare is both an exciting and anxious time. It is important that you are able to recognise the start of foaling (labour) and its different stages. You can then enjoy the experience, reassured that you know what to do if problems occur. How long is pregnancy ? In horses the average pregnancyRead more