Illawarra Equine Centre: Equine Veterinarians

19/06/2024

Are you an exceptional Receptionist/Office Assistant who loves working with horses?

An opportunity exists at our Berry clinic in a busy hands-on role, incorporating front-line customer service, administration, stable duties and much more!

To apply for this role you must have:
- Advanced computer skills;
- High attention to detail;
- Excellent communication skills;
- A positive attitude;
- A proven ability to stay calm in fast moving or emergency situations; and be experienced at handling horses.

Vet nurse experience would be useful, but is not essential.
This is a permanent, part-time role incorporating 5-6 hrs p/day, 2-3 days p/wk, with flexibility to increase hours from time-to-time as required.

If this sounds like your dream role, send your resume with an email clearly stating your relevant experience, to Victoria Salkeld, Practice Manager [email protected]

Only those with relevant experience and skills need apply.

03/06/2024

Gastroscope Day - Thursday 13th June
In nature horses are known to graze upwards of 18 hours a day and because of this their stomach constantly produces gastric acid to digest the grass. The intake of fibre not only absorbs gastric acid, but also forms a barrier to to prevent the acid splashing on sensitive parts of their digestive system.

When horses are fed intermittently, as in many domesticated situations, the stomach may remain relatively empty for much of the day, allowing acid to splash and burn parts of the stomach. This is exacerbated by exercise - even as gentle as a walk or in transport. Over time this leads to damage resulting in painful gastric ulcers.

Gastric ulcers may present as one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor body condition
- Poor hair coat
- Girth pain
- Intermittent loose faeces/diarrhoea
- Depressed appetite
- Reluctance to train
- Recurrent low grade colic

To check whether your horse is suffering from gastric ulcers, simply book in for a Gastroscope at our clinic. If ulcers are diagnosed, our vets can then prescribe a highly effective treatment plan.

NEXT GASTROSCOPE DAY: Thursday 13th June at Illawarra Equine Centre, Berry. $80 per horse. Call us now on 4448 6488 for more information or to make a booking.

22/05/2024

24/04/2024

Illawarra Equine Centre will be closed during Anzac Day public holiday. In an emergency, please call 4448 6488 to speak to the vet on call.
- Lest We Forget -

22/04/2024

Illawarra Equine Centre - Autumn Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/b858b610adea/illawarra-equine-centre-autumn-news2024

08/04/2024

What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a bacterial infection which can be fatal. Tetanus is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which lives in the environment. Spores can enter the horse through wounds and then release neurotoxins which cause the clinical signs associated with tetanus.

What are the signs of tetanus?
· History of a wound
· Stiffness
· Lameness
· Inability to open the mouth (known as ‘lockjaw’)
· Excessive salivation
· Excessive sweating
· Hypersensitivity
· Protruding third eyelid
· Stiff legs (known as ‘sawhorse stance’)

Is there any treatment for Tetanus?
Tetanus may be treated with antibiotics and tetanus anti-toxin, as well as management strategies including stabling in dark area with deep bedding.

Affected horses who are able to stand have a fair prognosis for recovery. However, horses which are recumbent (unable to stand) carry a grave prognosis for recovery.

How can Tetanus be prevented?
Fortunately, there is a very effective vaccine for the prevention of Tetanus. This can be administered from 3 months of age, in the form of a 2-in-1 vaccine for both Strangles and Tetanus. This initial course involves three doses, administered two weeks apart. Following this, horses receive an annual booster ongoing. If annual boosters lapse, your veterinarian may recommend a course of two vaccinations, 4 weeks apart, to ensure protection is adequate. All horses should be vaccinated against tetanus whether they are retired, companion or competition animals.

Mares due to foal should receive a 2-in-1 vaccine between 4-6 weeks prior to their due date to both reduce the risk of a tetanus infection associated with foaling, and to provide some transfer of immunity via colostrum for the foal.

Additionally, proper wound management and application of first aid is helpful in the prevention of Tetanus.

Contact us if you would like any more information about Tetanus or if you would like to book a vet to vaccinate your horses. Ph: 4448 6488

06/03/2024

Horses who suffer from Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Cushings, Laminitis, may look like these two, with fatty deposits on their bodies and very cresty necks.

At our information session next week, we will be discussing treatments currently available that give new hope to owners of sugar affected horses. If you would like to find out more, please call or email us to register. Places are limited - don't miss out! Ph: 4448 6488 / [email protected]

28/02/2024

Invitation - Free information night "New Hope for Sugar Affected Horses" - https://mailchi.mp/9652cc04dfeb/info-night-sugar-affected-horses

18/02/2024

Did you know that horses’ teeth grow continuously throughout their life?

Dental check-ups are recommended annually (and more frequently for some) to encourage long term oral health and comfort. During a dental check-up our vets do a full oral exam, float (file) the teeth to remove any sharp edges that may cause discomfort and will work with you to develop a plan should further diagnostics or intervention be required.

A few signs that your horse might be due for a dental check-up sooner include:
- Dropping food
- Unevenness or resistance to the riding bit
- Weight loss
- Sores inside the mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Bad breath
Call us for more information or to make a booking, ph: 4448 6488. Dental health checks are also included in our “Healthy Horse” packages.

14/02/2024

Join us on 14th March for the second in our series of free information sessions for horse owners at our clinic in Berry.

At this event you will meet four experts in the field of equine health and hear from them about the symptoms in a horse affected by the sugar in its diet and learn how to manage the issues such as insulin dysregulation, EMS (equine metabolic syndrome) and other debilitating consequences such as laminitis. They are excited to share information on the new treatments available and current case studies that show remarkable improvements in horses and ponies on the new treatments.

Speakers include:
Dr Claire Moore, Illawarra Equine Centre.
Linda Goldspink-Lord, Poseidon Animal Health
Dr Ethan Romas-Hill, Poseidon Animal Health
Lana Shepherd, BOVA Aus

Free bbq and drinks will be served on arrival by the friendly team at Illawarra Equine Centre.

Everyone is welcome but numbers are limited so please register early to avoid missing out. Call us to reserve your seats on 4448 6488, or direct message or email at: [email protected]



We look forward to seeing you at a fun and informative night.

23/01/2024

22/01/2024

Itchy horses? In these warm and wet summer months we often see an increase in pruritic (itchy) horses. Humid weather is associated with higher numbers of midges (colicoides), largely responsible for “sweet”/Queensland itch. Seasonal allergies, dietary changes, and skin infections can also cause horses to be itchy.

Signs of itchiness can include:
- Rubbing against solid objects
- Excessive self-biting or licking
- Hives
- “Bald” patches or scaly skin
- Hair loss along the mane or tail
- Fidgeting and irritability

Management strategies for keeping itchy horses comfortable:
- Lightweight “fly” sheets that include a neck rug and tail flap.
- Application of a spray/rinse containing permoxin, up to twice weekly
- Daily use of a horse safe insect repellent
- Keeping horses in well-ventilated areas

If your horse continues to show signs of discomfort, our vets are happy to assist with narrowing down underlying causes and can suggest additional management strategies tailored to you and your horse, and determine whether medical management is indicated.

04/01/2024

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024.

To help with the costs of routine healthcare of your horses (dental, vaccination, worming) we have our "Healthy Horse Packages". The Starter Package will save you $500 over the year and the Booster Package $170.
Call us for more information or to make a booking. Ph: 4448 6488

13/12/2023

Illawarra Equine Centre - Summer Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/eee348623090/illawarra-equine-centre-summer-news2023-10630061

23/11/2023

🎉 🎂🎈Many happy returns of the day Becca!! 🎁🎊🎈

11/10/2023

Meet Summer!
Summer belongs to Illawarra Equine Centre vet, Dr Jess. She has been having recurrent problems with her right eye for the past two years, so the decision was made to surgically remove her eye.
On Monday we removed her eye under standing sedation. Performing this procedure standing means the risk of a general anaesthetic is completely removed. A drip containing sedation is given as a constant rate infusion throughout the procedure, and local anaesthetic blocks are placed so she could not feel anything.
After surgery a bandage was placed over the wound and Summer was able to walk out of the crush and into a small yard where she has been recovering very well.
Day two post surgery she has had her bandage changed and the wound is looking healthy. She is already much more comfortable than before surgery and we think she looks cute in her bandage!

06/09/2023

Illawarra Equine Centre - Spring Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/32d28a5d1c57/illawarra-equine-centre-spring-news2023

29/08/2023

“How often do I need to deworm my horse?”
Over the past few decades, the answer to this question has changed due to the growing resistance in horses to the ingredients in deworming pastes.
It is no longer recommended to frequently deworming at regular intervals, (Autumn and Spring being commonly thought of as the time to deworm). A more selective and individualised approach should be considered.
Currently, small strongyles, ascarids and tapeworm are considered the most important parasites causing clinical disease in horses.
Unfortunately, there remains limited information regarding the efficacy of available dewormers in Australia; nonetheless, anthelmintic resistance is of increasing concern, and strategies to minimise developing resistance whilst continuing to prevent disease are paramount.
The rate of resistance development is determined by several factors such as frequency of treatment, inappropriate dosing, mass treatment and single drug regimens; and it is now widely accepted that the traditional approach to deworming, whereby frequent blanket treatment was administered to all horses at regular intervals, has significantly contributed to the development of resistance.

It is now recommended best practice to monitor parasite infection and detect resistance by performing regular faecal egg counts. To do this, choose the freshest sample possible (less than 12 hours old), store in airtight container (rolled up in a plastic bag is ideal) and keep refrigerated until it can be given to a vet for testing. $48.00 per test and the results are available within 24 hours. Call us to book in a faecal egg count.

14/08/2023

Our next Gastroscope Day will be held on 24th August in Berry.
A gastroscope is the direct endoscopic examination of the pyloric region of the stomach. It takes around 30 minutes and can conclusively show whether a horse is suffering from the pain of stomach ulcers. When diagnosed, we are able to recommend management techniques and provide the most effective treatment available.
Call us to reserve a place or to register your interest. Ph 4448 6488

19/07/2023

HENDRA ALERT!

A positive Hendra case has been confirmed in an unvaccinated horse in Cardiff (Newcastle Suburbs). The horse presented with mild symptoms of depression, nasal discharge, fever, and not eating which progressed to collapse and death within 24 hours after vet attendance.

This is the second positive Hendra case reported in the Newcastle region. The first was in Wallsend in 2021.

Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect your horse and family from Hendra virus. Please ring the clinic on 4448 6488 to make a booking or if you have questions regarding Hendra vaccination. Also check out our website www.iecvet.com.au/hendra or the NSW DPI website for information regarding Hendra virus.

Protect your horse. Protect your family. Protect your vet. Vaccinate.

13/07/2023

We now stock products by Kurt Gacci from Aussie Joint Health including Equine Joint Plus and Equine Hoof Care. Kurt presented these excellent supplements at our Equine Arthritis Information night in May. In trials conducted on Equine Joint Plus, 95% of owners noticed a reduction in their horse's lameness after 7 weeks. We stock 1.2kg, 2kg, 4kg and 10kg, please contact us if you'd like more information or to order these products for your horse.

26/06/2023

Corneal Ulcers in Horses

The corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) is a very common condition. Most likely caused by trauma to the eye.

Clinical signs are: excessive blinking (blepharospasm), tear overflow (epiphora), uncomfortable in light (photophobia), pain associated with the eye.

The cornea has four layers: epithelium, stroma, descemet’s membrane, endothelium.

Most ulcers are superficial i.e. they only involve the top layer. These have a good prognosis when treated promptly.

Ulcers deep in the epithelium are more severe. Some ulcers can be ‘melting’, where the activation of enzymes results in degradation of the stroma and this can be as a result of progression from a superficial ulcer that is not treated.

Diagnosis of a corneal ulcer is usually done by applying fluorescein stain directly onto the corneal surface. Superficial ulcers will take up the green stain. Ulcers that are deep enough to involve Descemet’s membrane will not take up fluorescein stain in the centre of the ulcer, only in the periphery.

In most cases topical treatment is sufficient but more complex cases can require surgery. Additionally, for some ulcers a subpalpebral lavage system will be fitted to allow for frequent, remote administration of the medication.

Topical antibiotics are the most common treatment implemented but sometimes topical treatment with serum or EDTA may also be used. Additionally, a different antibiotic may also be necessary. Oral treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory is important for pain management and control of inflammation.

The first image shows a superficial ulcer taking up fluorescein stain. Blood vessels can be seen growing towards the ulcer to help with repair.

In the second image the horse had a subpalpebral lavage system fitted so that treatment could be administered easily and frequently.

Always call your vet if concerned that your horse may have an ocular ulcer.

19/06/2023

Winter Colic in Horses

What is Winter Colic?
Winter colic is a common condition associated with the colder months of the year. Winter colic typically refers to an ‘impaction’ colic, which means part of the horse’s intestine becomes blocked with feed and other material.

What causes this condition?
A buildup of feed material in the equine intestine usually occurs due to a lack of consumption of fresh water, as well as lack of intake of fresh, moisture-rich grass. Horses tend to drink as much water in winter simply because it is cold, and there is usually a reduced supply of grass. Dehydration reduces gut movement, which can contribute to a blockage occurring. Behind this intestinal blockage, gas and more feed build up, causing distension of the intestine and pain.
Hypothermia can also contribute to reduced gastrointestinal function, therefore is a risk factor for winter colic.

What signs should I look for?
Signs of colic include:
• Frequently looking towards abdomen
• Kicking at abdomen
• Lying down
• Rolling
• Reduced or no passage of manure
• Dry or slimy, mucous-covered manure
• Reduced appetite or interest in feed
• Changes in vital signs

How can I reduce the risk of winter colic?
There are a few ways you can reduce the risk of winter colic:
• Ensure your horse has access to fresh, clean water at all times
• Provide a secondary water source with electrolytes mixed in
• Moisten or soak feeds
• Stick to scheduled daily feeding routines, introduce changes very slowly
• Feed plenty of clean, long-stemmed forage such as hay – increase the amount of hay fed in winter as this will not only help to prevent impactions but digestion of forage will also help generate heat to maintain body temperature!
• Soak hay prior to feeding
• Provide as much turnout time as possible
• Ensure constant access to shelter

Please contact your veterinarians at Illawarra Equine Centre if you have any concerns about your horse’s well-being.

06/06/2023

King's Birthday Public Holiday, Monday 12th June, our office will be closed. For any emergency, please call: 4448 6488 to speak to our vet on call.

Photo credit: The Telegraph. "The King receives new horse from Canada’s Mounties in step with Royal tradition. The monarch met the seven-year-old black mare named Noble at the Royal Mews in Windsor in March 2023."

05/06/2023

Ellie, our youngest sponsored rider, tells the story of her pony Wills and how he became very sick recently. Fortunately it has a happy ending and they are having fun together again.

https://www.iecvet.com.au/ellie-muscat-dressage

24/05/2023

Yay! We love winter! Dental Winter Specials kick off in June, and we're taking bookings now! 😁

23/05/2023

Gastric (stomach) ulcers are essentially an open wound in the stomach. They can affect any age of horse and in any discipline.

Clinical signs may be vague and may not be unique to ulcers:
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss / poor body condition / dull coat
- Change in attitude and/or girthy
- Colic

The only method to definitively diagnose stomach ulcers is by performing a gastroscopy. This involves the administration of a light sedation followed by insertion of an endoscope into the stomach (via the nose and oesophagus) to examine the stomach lining for presence of ulcers. In order to observe the entire surface of the stomach, it is imperative that horses are kept off food for 12-24 hours and water for 3-4 hours prior to the procedure.

Horses who are diagnosed with gastric ulcers can be helped immediately with medication and by ensuring they have free access to hay or pasture, are not worked on an empty stomach and avoid stress as much as possible.

To find out if your horse is suffering from gastric ulcers, book a place at Gastroscope Day at our Berry Clinic this Thursday 25 May - $75 per horse, allow 30 - 45 minutes.

To book or if you have any questions, please call 4448 6488

04/05/2023

IT'S TODAY! Join us this afternoon for an Equine Arthritis presentation with Jonathan Lumsden and Mitchell Brown at our clinic. Everyone welcome - so why not feed your horses early and join us at 4:30pm. Lucky Door Prize is an Equine Dental valued at $195. There will also be product samples, handouts and a lovely free barbecue with drinks. Don't miss this fun and informative event! See you soon.