Tweedie & Associates Equine Veterinary Services

Tweedie & Associates Equine Veterinary Services Performance horse and general practice servicing Caulfield, Cranbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Tweedie & Associates Equine Veterinary Services

14/10/2025

Insulin screening

🌾 Time for an Insulin Check! 🌾

Spring and autumn are the best times to screen your horse’s insulin levels. These seasonal breaks give us a great opportunity to see how your management plan is working — before the grass (and the sugars that come with it!) get out of control.

Grass is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to managing insulin resistance — we can’t control what’s growing in the paddock, but we can identify early changes through testing.

A simple blood test gives valuable insight into how your horse is coping and whether we need to make adjustments to feed, turnout, or exercise.

✅ Ideal timing: Before spring and autumn flushes
✅ Purpose: Check how your management is going
✅ Benefit: Catch insulin issues early, before laminitis risk rises

If you haven’t done an insulin test recently, now’s a great time to book one in.
🎥 Watch the video to learn why seasonal testing matters for every horse.

13/10/2025

⸻

🏇 Competing This Season? Let’s Talk About Drug Withdrawal Times!
🎥 In this video, we discuss why it’s so important to be aware of medication and supplement withdrawal periods before your next event.

Even everyday products can cause a positive swab — sometimes when you least expect it.
💊 Prescription medications like anti-inflammatories and sedatives can stay in your horse’s system for days.
🧴 Topical creams and ointments may also contain substances that test positive.
🥕 And don’t forget feed additives and supplements — some contain ingredients not permitted under competition rules, even if they’re labelled as “natural” or “herbal.”

That’s why we always recommend:
✅ Checking withdrawal times for all medications and supplements
✅ Keeping accurate treatment records
✅ Talking to your vet before you compete — especially if your horse has recently received medication or is on any feed additives

A simple conversation now can save a lot of heartache later — and keep both you and your horse competing clean and confidently.

📍 Supporting responsible competition across the Mornington Peninsula — we’re here to help keep your horse healthy, happy, and compliant.

10/10/2025

Part 4

💛 Caring for a Horse Recovering from Laminitis
🎥 In this video, we talk about what it takes to help a laminitic horse heal — and why teamwork makes all the difference.

Recovery from laminitis isn’t just about rest — it’s about careful, consistent management.
Here are some key steps we focus on:

🛏️ Deep, supportive bedding — to cushion the feet, reduce pressure, and keep your horse comfortable.
👩‍⚕️ A strong team approach — your vet, farrier, and you, the owner, all play vital roles. Regular communication keeps everyone on the same page.
📆 Daily monitoring — checking comfort levels, feed intake, and hoof temperature helps us track progress and spot any setbacks early.
⚙️ Adjustments along the way — as your horse improves, we may adapt the trimming plan, diet, or medications to support healing.

Laminitis recovery can be a long journey — but with the right management and teamwork, horses can return to comfort and soundness.

📍 We’re here to support owners across the Mornington Peninsula every step of the way — from diagnosis through to full recovery.

National Vet Nurse day. We thank you for all the work you do. Many of our clients have experienced our wonderful team of...
10/10/2025

National Vet Nurse day.

We thank you for all the work you do. Many of our clients have experienced our wonderful team of nurses. Their roles within the clinic are varied and required. From administration to treating horses to handling horses to offering a shoulder to lean on. Thank you. 🙏

09/10/2025

Part 3

🔍 How Do We Diagnose Laminitis?
🎥 In this video, we take you behind the scenes of how we investigate laminitis to find the real cause — and give your horse the best chance of recovery.

Laminitis isn’t always straightforward. That’s why a thorough diagnosis is so important.
At our clinic, we may recommend:
💉 Blood tests to check for insulin resistance (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)
🧬 ACTH testing for Cushing’s Disease (PPID)
📸 Hoof X-rays to assess rotation or sinking — early imaging can make a huge difference in managing and preventing long-term damage
🩸 And in some complex cases, a venogram to assess blood flow inside the hoof

By understanding what’s happening inside the horse, we can create a targeted treatment and management plan to stop laminitis in its tracks.

If your horse is showing signs of laminitis, or you suspect they may be at risk, reach out to your vet early — testing now could save you and your horse a lot of heartache later.

📍 Helping horses across the Mornington Peninsula stay sound, healthy, and happy.

08/10/2025

🐴 Did You Know? Laminitis Often Starts Long Before You See the Signs.
🎥 In this video, we talk about the real-world causes of laminitis — from weight and diet to underlying health conditions.

Laminitis isn’t just about grass — it’s often a sign that something else is going on.
Common causes include:
⚖️ Obesity – carrying extra weight puts huge strain on the feet.
🧬 Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) – affects how your horse handles sugars and insulin.
🕰️ Cushing’s Disease (PPID) – a hormonal disorder common in older horses and ponies.
🤒 Illness, infection, or stress – can all trigger painful inflammatory episodes.

Understanding the why behind laminitis helps us prevent future flare-ups and keep horses sound for longer.

💬 If you suspect your horse might be at risk, talk to your vet about simple blood tests and management strategies. Early intervention really can make all the difference.

📍 Caring for horses across the Mornington Peninsula — we’re here to help your horse stay healthy from the inside out.

07/10/2025

Laminitis Part 1

🚨 Could Your Horse Be Suffering from Laminitis?�🎥 Watch this quick video to learn the early signs that could save your horse from serious pain.
Laminitis is one of the most painful conditions a horse can experience — but with fast action, it can be managed.
Look out for:�✅ Reluctance to walk or stiffness when turning�✅ Shifting weight between feet�✅ Heat in the hooves or a strong digital pulse�✅ That classic ‘sawhorse stance’ in more advanced cases
🔍 Early detection is key. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet straight away.
📍 Based on the Mornington Peninsula? We're here to help — don’t wait until it’s too late.

06/10/2025

🚫💊 Why Oral Bute Isn’t the Answer for Colic Pain 💊🚫

When your horse shows signs of colic, it’s natural to want to help fast — but oral phenylbutazone (Bute) isn’t the right choice. It takes too long to work, may not absorb if the gut isn’t moving, and can mask serious symptoms your vet needs to see.

👉 The safest and fastest pain relief for colic comes from your veterinarian using IV flunixin — it works within minutes and helps address the real problem safely.

If your horse looks uncomfortable, don’t reach for the Bute — reach for the phone and call your vet first. 🐴💙

Ringworm in Horses: What You Need to KnowNoticed small, round patches of hair loss on your horse’s coat? It could be rin...
25/09/2025

Ringworm in Horses: What You Need to Know

Noticed small, round patches of hair loss on your horse’s coat? It could be ringworm – a contagious fungal skin infection, not an actual worm!

Ringworm spreads quickly between horses (and even to humans) through grooming gear, rugs, tack and close contact. Young, stressed or stabled horses are most at risk.

💡 What to do:
• Isolate affected horses to stop the spread.
• Disinfect brushes, rugs and gear.
• Call your equine vet for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

The good news? With prompt veterinary care, ringworm usually clears in a few weeks. Don’t ignore it – untreated, it can spread through your whole paddock and to people handling your horse.

👉 If you spot suspicious skin patches, give us a call. We’ll help you get your horse comfortable and stop the spread fast.

23/09/2025

🌿 Why do tendon injuries happen in horses? 🐎

Tendon injuries are unfortunately very common in horses, especially those in regular work. Here are the main reasons why:

✅ Overstrain – Tendons act like elastic bands, storing and releasing energy as your horse moves. High-speed work, jumping, or sudden stops can overload them.

✅ Poor footing – Working on deep, slippery, or uneven ground places abnormal stress on tendons, making them more vulnerable to injury.

✅ Fatigue – When muscles tire, they stop supporting the tendons properly. This means tendons take the full force of movement, increasing the chance of damage.

✅ Conformation & shoeing – Horses with long pasterns, dropped fetlocks, or imbalanced feet naturally place more strain on tendons. Incorrect trimming or shoeing can add to the problem.

👉 Tendons also have a limited blood supply, so even small injuries heal slowly. Repeated strain without enough recovery time often makes things worse.

🐴 Prevention tips for healthy tendons:
✔️ Build fitness gradually – avoid sudden increases in workload.
✔️ Warm up and cool down properly every ride.
✔️ Train on safe, consistent footing where possible.
✔️ Give tired horses rest – don’t push through fatigue.
✔️ Keep on top of regular farriery to maintain balance.

💡 Tendon health is all about balance — the right workload, good surfaces, correct conditioning, and proper hoof care all reduce risk

22/09/2025

🔎 When it’s not ulcers…

Not every behavioural change in horses is linked to gastric ulcers. Discomfort can arise from many different areas — musculoskeletal pain, dental issues, hormonal influences, nutrition, or even management factors.

This video explores some of the common conditions we see that can mimic or overlap with ulcer-type behaviours. A thorough veterinary examination is often the only way to identify the true source of the problem.

If your horse is showing signs of resistance, irritability, or changes in performance, we recommend booking a consult so we can investigate further and develop an appropriate treatment plan.


17/09/2025

🌱🐴 Spring Hoof Care Reminder 🐴🌱

As we head into what we hope will be a wetter spring, it’s worth taking a moment before rushing to put hoof pads back on.

Wet conditions can soften hooves, making them more prone to bruising, abscesses, or corns if pads are re-applied too soon. Careful timing now can save your horse discomfort – and you a potential vet visit – later in the season.

✅ Watch our video to learn why patience is key when it comes to pads this spring, and how to support healthy hooves through the wetter months.

👉 If you’re unsure about what’s best for your horse, give us a call – we’re here to help you make the right choice for your horse’s hooves.

Address

270 Bungower Road
Somerville, VIC
3933

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61359775250

Website

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Equine Veterinary Clinic

As someone who has been a horse-rider myself I understand the intricacies of the equestrian world. From showjumping to dressage or eventing or pony club I have had the pleasure to enjoy it all. Now I am very happy to share my expertise with the equestrian community. I feel there is so much that can be done to manage horses better. From sickness to health, lameness assessment, pre-purchase assessment I enjoy offering all these services to the horse world. My role is to offer you as riders or trainers an understanding of veterinary input to your horse to ensure soundness and health.

Education is key to me. I feel in this clouded world of information we need to get back to evidence based medicine. As a horse vet I get to see a lot of horses and can offer insight in to management issues that you as a horse owner may not see.