Newcastle Equine Centre

10/08/2024

NON-HEALING EYE ULCER 🐴💙🩺

Paris is a 14-year-old Quarter Horse who presented to NEC for an ulcerated area on the surface of her eye called a corneal ulcer. Once stained with a special green dye we could see how large and painful the ulcerated area was. Even though the eye was treated with topical antibiotic creams and anti-inflammatory medication, the ulcer on the surface did not show any evidence of healing. This can occur when the superficial cells on the surface of the eye (epithelial cells) do not attach to the inner membrane which is called a non-healing corneal ulcer. To stimulate healing and help the cells bind to the membrane better, Paris underwent a surgical procedure called a Grid Keratotomy in which a grid is lightly etched on the surface of the cornea with a very tiny scalpel blade. Head to our story to see a clip from surgery!

Paris has continued to do well while at home and the owners’ have reported no further problems with her eye.

At Newcastle Equine Centre we treat eye conditions as a medical emergency. If you notice that your horse is squinting, holding its eye closed or has a lot of tear production or pus, please contact us as quick investigation and treatment can improve the outcome and make your horse more comfortable.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us on the clinic number, (02) 4927 6135.

08/08/2024

Our Regular Business Hours 🐴💙🩺

07/08/2024

Our Regular Business Hours and After-Hours 🐴💙🩺

06/08/2024

AFTER HOURS 🐴💙🩺

18/06/2024

During the winter months, whether it is due to freezing cold water and dry forage or because it is hot and dry and the moisture in the grass is low, horses can easily become susceptible to colic due to dehydration. Check out this article written our Dr Rachel O'Higgins to learn more on causes, symptoms and treatment.

At this time of year in Australia the southern states are freezing through the cold winter months while the northern states are in the middle of the dry season. Whether it is due to freezing cold water and dry forage or because it is hot and dry and the moisture in the grass is low,

24/04/2024

05/04/2024

AFTER-HOURS UPDATE 🐴💙🩺

In order to better serve our clients and support the health, safety and wellbeing of our veterinary team, we are making a small change to our afterhours service.

PHONES
Please continue to call our number 02 4927 6135 to speak to our on-call team about any equine emergencies.

AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES
Horses will now be seen at the hospital for after hours emergencies (nights, weekends and public holidays).

WHAT IF YOUR HORSE IS DOWN?
True down horses that cannot get up and no other equine veterinarian can attend will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for on farm attendance after-hours.

We thank you for your understanding and ongoing support if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give us a call (02) 4927 6135

04/04/2024

Change of services announcement 🐴💙🩺

Unfortunately, Capped Travel Days will not be available for the month of April.

Due to staff shortages and cost of supply increases, NEC will be unable to offer discounted travel to select areas for the month of April. This has been a hard decision but necessary to be able to continue to offer ambulatory services during office hours.

8am to 5pm routine and emergency ambulatory services are still available at the normal travel fee.

Want to save on travel costs? Float your horse to us at NEC!
All routine services; dentals, vaccinations, itchy horse consults, lameness, pregnancy scans, can be done at the NEC hospital. The cost is the same but you save on travel fees!

We thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give us a call (02) 4927 6135

03/04/2024

Do you have a plan? 🐴💙🩺

Emergency plans are important when owning a horse.

All emergencies can happen unexpectedly leaving you little time to make decisions about how to evacuate or care your animals when events develop rapidly.

While we can’t anticipate every situation, having a bushfire plan, a flood plan and a medical emergency plan can be important for the welfare of your horse and save you time when decisions have to be made at a fast pace.

Do you have a float available or travel options for evacuating?

Do you have a backup plan in a medical emergency to get your horse to an equine hospital for treatment if a vet cannot come to you?

Now is the time to plan so you have it when you need it.

For advice on your emergency plan, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our staff are happy to advise you.

(02) 4927 6135

02/04/2024

An important read for all in the equine community! 🐴💙🩺

This article was written by Dr. Paula Williams of WestVETS Animal Hosiptal for WestVETS. The PDF was downloaded from the WestVets Website. Newcastle Equine Centre accredits 100% of this article to WestVets Animal Hospital.

This article was written by Dr. Paula Williams of WestVETS Animal Hosiptal for WestVETS.PDF downloaded from the WestVets Website.Newcastle Equine Centre accredits 100% of this article to WestVets Animal Hospital.

28/03/2024

WE ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION 🔨

Don't worry, business as usual!

Please continue to use the Darling Street entrance to access reception, it has been relocated to the left-hand side of the Darling Street carpark.

If you are having trouble finding us, please don’t hesitate to call, we’d be more than happy to assist you 🐴💙🩺

(02) 4927 6135

27/03/2024

EASTER HOURS🐴 🥕💙🐰

Have a great weekend everyone! 🌈

We are available for emergencies 24/7, please don't hesitate to call us on (02) 4927 6135 if you have any concerns 🩺

25/03/2024

𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗔 𝗩𝗘𝗧 - 𝗘𝗬𝗘 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 👁️🐴💙🩺

Have you noticed that your horse is squinty one of their eyes, weird discharge or has swelling?

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥?
There is a common saying amongst veterinarians to never delay treatment when it comes to eye injuries/issues because they can deteriorate quickly! Early intervention can often result in saving the horse’s eye!

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥?
- Holding the eye closed or squinted. This is best assessed by looking at your horse from the front and comparing both eyes
- Swollen eye and/or eyelids
- Increased tearing or unusual discharge
- Changes in colour to the surface of the eye (cornea). Blueish/cloudy tinge, red or yellow discolouration etc
- Scratches or defects in surface of the eye
- Scratches, abrasions or lacerations to the eye or surrounding the eye. Often if the horse has an injury of the head/face, they eye can often be damaged in the process and should be assessed as well!

If ever in any doubt, always call your veterinarian for advice! If you are concerned about your horse, give the clinic a call on (02) 49276135

18/03/2024

POSITION AVAILABLE 🐴💙🩺

Full Time Animal Attendant/Stablehand

We are seeking an enthusiastic Animal Attendant/Stablehand to join our exclusively equine practice in the heart of beautiful Newcastle, NSW.

All applicants MUST have horse handling experience as well as the ability to work hard with maturity and take on responsibilities within the scope of the job. Applicants must be prepared and enthusiastic to provide the highest possible standard of care to our patients within a busy equine hospital.

Duties include:
Cleaning out boxes, feeding and watering of horses, grooming, holding horses for vets and nurses when required and keeping a very high standard of cleanliness and upkeep of the stables, feed room and hospital areas. Assisting veterinarians on ambulatory calls, administrative ambulatory assistant tasks and cleaning equipment.

Our animal attendants/stablehands rotate through a stables and ambulatory roster:

- 2 x week stable hand duties: 5 day week, alternating 6am-2pm and 10am-6pm
- 2 x week ambulatory duties: 4 day week, 8am-6pm
- 1-4 x on call weekend duties: morning and afternoons

If you are interested, please email your resume to
[email protected]

07/02/2024

ULCERSCOPING DAY - Thursday, the 22nd of February, 2024 - Limited spots available! 🐴💙🩺

We are holding our Ulcerscoping Day with Randlab at Newcastle Equine Centre in Broadmeadow! The fee for the scope is $100 (+ GST). In addition to the scope, vets will be available for vaccinations, wormers and faecal egg counts!

Do you think your horse may have ulcers? Does your horse demonstrate any of these symptoms:
• Poor body condition / struggling to gain weight
• Dull coat
• Girthy
• Behavioural changes / aggression
• Poor performance
• Recurring colic
• Chronic diarrhoea

If so, book in for our ulcerscoping day in conjunction with Randlab by ringing NEC on (02)49276135

Hurry! There are limited places and they fill up fast!

31/01/2024

Are you worried your horse is colicking? 🐴💙🩺

When to call a vet:

• If your horse hasn't eaten its breakfast or dinner
• If your horse is laying down more than usual
• If your horse is constantly looking at its flank, pawing and possibly rolling
• If your horse hasn't passed any manure in a 12 hour period
• If your horse's heart rate is above 48 bpm, respiratory rate above 18 bpm, or oral mucous membranes (gums) are dark, pale, tacky, or have a capillary refill time over 2 seconds

While waiting for your vet we recommend you monitor your horse carefully:

• If your horse is laying quietly you can let them rest, however if they are rolling you can encourage them to stand and keep them walking so they don't injure themselves. It is important to be very careful around painful animals as they may accidentally hurt you, please keep your own safety in mind.
• Do not allow your horse to eat anything while waiting for the vet.
• Do not give any medications without consulting the vet first.

We offer 24/7 emergency/ambulatory services. If you are concerned about your horse please don't hesitate to give us a call for advice on (02) 49276135 🐴💙🩺

25/01/2024

Public Holiday Hours 🐴💙🩺

25/01/2024

ATTENTION CLIENTS 🐴💙🩺

24/01/2024

POSITION AVAILABLE 🐴💙🩺

Weekend Animal Attendant/Stablehand

- 12-20 hours per week.
- MUST have horse handling experience and be prepared to provide the highest possible standard of care to patients within a busy equine hospital.

Duties include:
Cleaning out boxes, feeding and watering of horses, grooming, holding horses for vets and nurses when required and keeping a very high standard of cleanliness and upkeep of the stables, feed room and hospital areas.

If you are interested, please email your resume to
[email protected]

17/01/2024

ULCERSCOPING DAY - Thursday, the 25th of January, 2024 - Limited spots available! 🐴💙🩺

We are holding our Ulcerscoping Day with Randlab at Newcastle Equine Centre in Broadmeadow! The fee for the scope is $100 (+ GST). In addition to the scope, vets will be available for vaccinations, wormers and faecal egg counts!
Do you think your horse may have ulcers? Does your horse demonstrate any of these symptoms:
• Poor body condition / struggling to gain weight
• Dull coat
• Girthy
• Behavioural changes / aggression
• Poor performance
• Recurring colic
• Chronic diarrhoea
If so, book in for our ulcerscoping day in conjunction with Randlab by ringing NEC on (02)49276135
Hurry! There are limited places and they fill up fast!

10/01/2024

HEAT STRESS 🐴💙🩺

Horses are built to hold heat to stay warm in cold weather. While this serves a horse well in the winter, during the hot and humid summer months it can cause their internal body temperature to rise quickly, especially when they exert themselves. The horse’s body has several mechanisms in place to maintain a normal body temperature, for example, heat evaporates from the lungs and also from the skin through sweating. In hot, humid temperatures, however, when the ambient temperature is the same or higher than the horse’s body temperature, a horse’s normal cooling mechanisms become ineffective.

Signs of equine heat exertional illness or ‘heat stress’ include profuse sweating, muscle weakness, panic, rapid breathing and an elevated heart rate. This can progress to incoordination, depression and disorientation. Left untreated heat stress can result in endotoxemia, convulsions, loss of consciousness and death.

How to treat: If you are concerned your horse may be showing any signs of heat stress stop working them immediately. Keep them in the shade and offer cool water. Remove all tack, including bandages and boots immediately and hose them down with cold water and scrape it off to facilitate cooling by evaporation. If your horse continues to pant or blow, it is a good idea to walk them slowly in the shade for a few minutes before repeating the hosing and scraping. In extreme cases you can apply ice packs to their face and throat; places where blood vessels run close to the surface of the skin and can be cooled. If the horse doesn’t recover within a few minutes or goes down, call your veterinarian. Heat stress is an emergency and can be fatal; immediate steps must be taken to reduce the internal body temperature of the horse.

Prevention: Avoid working your horse hard in very hot weather and if possible, exercise them in the mornings and evenings when it is cooler. Horses that are unconditioned, overweight or dehydrated are most susceptible. So, as summer is approaching gradually build up your horses’ fitness, adjust their diet to maintain a healthy weight and ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times.

If you have any questions or concerns about your horse, please don't hesitate to call us on (02) 4927 6135 🐴💙🩺

31/12/2023

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE! 🐴💙🩺

29/12/2023

Update on phones: We are able to take calls on our phone number now for emergencies. 02 4927 6135
Thank you!

29/12/2023

Attention clients
Lightening has taken out our phones in the storm. Please ring 0417 252 247 to contact the clinic. Stay safe! We will update you when the phones are back to normal! Thank you!

22/12/2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!🎄🎄

We will be open for emergencies only from the 23rd - 26th of December.

Have a safe and enjoyable holidays! 🐴💙🩺

13/12/2023

Attention Clients! 🐴💙🩺

NEC will be switching over to emergency calls early this Friday (15th of December) for our Christmas party 🎄🎄🎄 We will be available for emergencies only from 4pm onwards until Monday morning at 8am.

Thank you for your understanding!

Photo via Pinterest Horsey Hooves

08/12/2023

A big congraduations to Dr. Marthe who is off to begin a residency in Equine Medicine!! We are sad to see her go but are so excited for her! You will be missed! Good luck! 🐴💙🩺

28/11/2023

*Applications Closed*

POSITION AVAILABLE 🐴💙🩺

Weekend Animal Attendant/Stablehand

- 12-20 hours per week.
- MUST have horse handling experience and be prepared to provide the highest possible standard of care to patients within a busy equine hospital.

Duties include:
Cleaning out boxes, feeding and watering of horses, grooming, holding horses for vets and nurses when required and keeping a very high standard of cleanliness and upkeep of the stables, feed room and hospital areas.

If you are interested, please email your resume to
[email protected]