Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital

06/12/2024

🐴💖 Choosing the Right Stallion for Your Mare 💖🐴
Hey everyone! 🌟 If you’re considering breeding your mare, one of the most exciting—and important—decisions you'll make is choosing the right stallion. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Conformation: Look for a stallion with strong conformation that complements your mare’s structure.
2. Temperament: A stallion’s temperament can greatly influence the personality of the foal. Choose one that has a disposition you’d like to see in your future horse.
3. Performance Record: Research the stallion’s performance history and any achievements in your chosen discipline. This can give insight into the qualities he might pass on.
4. Pedigree: A strong pedigree can enhance the genetic potential of your foal. Check both the stallion’s and mare’s lineage for successful bloodlines.
5. Health Testing: Ensure the stallion has had the necessary health tests (breed specific genetic conditions) to avoid passing on any hereditary issues.
6. Breeding Goals: Consider what you want to achieve—are you looking for a competitive athlete, a family companion, or something else? Your goals should guide your choice.
7. Breeder Reputation: Work with reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their horses. They can provide valuable insights and support throughout the process.
8. Visit the Stallion: If possible, visit the stallion in person. Observing him can help you assess his demeanour and confirm he’s a good match.
Choosing a stallion is a big decision, and it can be incredibly rewarding! Share your experiences or ask any questions below! 🐎💕
Stallion pictured: Mewburn Bewick

02/12/2024

To find out more on Tahnee's frozen semen tips, click the below link or in the link in our instagram our bio.
https://bit.ly/frozensemengveh

29/11/2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement at GVEH! 🌟
We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Olivier, our new locum surgeon, who will be joining us at GVEH starting Monday, 2nd December 2024! 🩺✨
Dr. Olivier is a highly skilled Specialist in Large Animal Surgery with dual registration in both Europe and Australia. With a wealth of experience across the globe, he has worked in renowned veterinary practices in Canada, Belgium, and France, and is currently based in Adelaide.
We’re excited to have Dr. Olivier's expertise on board, and we look forward to the incredible care he will provide to our patients. 🐴
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Olivier to GVEH! We’re confident that his global experience and passion for equine care will make a positive impact on our team and the community we serve. 🙌

25/11/2024

🚗👩‍⚕️GV Equine Travel Zone Days! 👩‍⚕️🚗

What is a Zone Day?

Zone days are a way to make routine preventative care more affordable for you.
Your zone will be dependent on your geographical location. Every second week, on a
Tuesday or Thursday, a vet will be in your zone area for routine procedures, for example:
medication re-checks, vaccinations, microchipping, blood tests, dentals, rechecks,
bandage changes (please note, routine reproductive work is not covered).

✨You must be a client of the practice to book a zone day call.

🚗The travel fee for a zone day call out will only be $30.

📆 All bookings must be placed by noon the day before the zone day, there are no
guaranteed times but you may request a morning or afternoon visit and we will try our best to accommodate this. The time of the appointment will be confirmed the afternoon before the zone day visit.

💲There is a strict Pay on the day policy, either at time of visit on eftpos or via phone call.

🔎Do you live very close to the clinic? The blue shaded circle means you can get a zone
call on any zone day (i.e. Tuesday or Thursday any week) and pay a $0 travel fee!

❗️Non-Zone Day Charges❗
Call out for non-zone days will be charged the usual travel per km fee.

📞To find out more information on our zone days call the clinic on 03 58299 566

22/11/2024

🐴🔍 Inguinal Hernia in C**t Foals: What You Should Know 🔍🐴
What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal into the sc***um. This condition happens in male foals and can occur at birth or develop later.
Signs to Watch For:
• Swelling or a bulge in the sc***um
• Signs of discomfort or pain, especially when touched
• Lethargy or lack of appetite
Why is it Important?
Inguinal hernias can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as strangulation of the intestines, which can be life-threatening. Early detection and intervention are key!
What to Do:
If you notice any signs of an inguinal hernia in your c**t foal, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform an examination and determine the best treatment plan, which may involve surgery.
Keeping our young horses healthy is our top priority! If you have any questions or experiences to share, feel free to comment below! 🐎💕
**tHealth

20/11/2024

🚨 Our Recipient Herd for Embryo Transfer is in High Demand! 🚨

We’re excited to announce that our recipient mares for embryo transfer are filling up fast this season, with many already scanned pregnant! If you’re looking to lease a recipient mare for an embryo transfer or simply want to learn more about the process, we’re here to help.

💻 Contact us for more info: 📞 Call: 0358299566
📧 Email: [email protected]

🌟 Why Consider Embryo Transfer?

Breed multiple foals from the same mare in one season 🐴
Option to breed mares who cannot carry a pregnancy (e.g., due to reproductive or lameness issues) 🩺
Continue to compete/work your mare while still producing a foal 🏆
Avoid the risks of pregnancy and foaling in your mare 🛡️
Let us help you make the most of your breeding program. Reach out today to secure your recipient mare or to ask any questions!

19/11/2024

We are seeking dedicated and experienced Horse Handlers/Stable Attendants/Hospital Assistants to join our team at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital Pty Ltd in Congupna, VIC. These are casual positions, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

15/11/2024

🐴🔍 What is a Cryptorchid? 🔍🐴

A crypt, rig or “cryptorchid horse” is a male horse whose testicles have not descended into the sc***um. This condition can affect one or both testicles and is important to recognize for both health and breeding reasons.

Most often, only one testicle is retained, which may be in the inguinal region or abdomen.

Why Does It Matter?

Health Risks: Cryptorchid horses can be at a higher risk for issues like testicular tumors and hormonal imbalances.
Breeding Limitations: Cryptorchids are generally not suitable for breeding, as they can pass on this condition to their offspring.
Behaviour: Depending on the hormones produced by the retained testicle(s), cryptorchids may display stallion-like behaviours even if they are not fully functional.
What to Do?
If you suspect your horse might be a cryptorchid, consult your veterinarian. They can perform an examination and suggest the best course of action. In many cases, surgical intervention to remove the retained testicle(s) is needed.

The safest way to remove abdominally retained testicles is through a keyhole surgery approach. Identifying the location of the retained testicle before surgery is crucial to minimize risks and ensure a fast recovery for your horse. This picture shows what your surgeon is looking for during the key hole surgery.

Knowledge is key to keeping our equine companions healthy and happy! If you have any questions or experiences to share, drop them in the comments! 🐎💕

13/11/2024

🐴✨ Success Story: A Dream Come True for SJS Quarter Horses! ✨🐴

We are so excited for SJS Quarter Horses who have welcomed 3 healthy fillies this year.

After a stressful few months, the safe arrival of Honey’s new filly foal, Mia, has been a huge highlight for SJS. 🍼💕

Honey took a couple of attempts to get in foal & required a short stay at GVEH to treat a bacterial infection in her uterus, also known as an endometritis - with a little help from Dr Kate Dugher & our reproduction department. GVEH offers an in-house culture & sensitivity service allowing us sample, grow & culture uterine bacteria & chose the appropriate treatment option within 48-72 hours.

2 months before Honey was due to foal her mammary glands enlarged earlier than you would expect for this stage of gestation. Dr Fiona Herzog performed a transrectal & transabdominal ultrasound exam to assess the combined uterus & placental thickness (CTUP). The foetus was alive but there were a few worrying areas of placental detachment noted, these findings are likely consistent with placentitis.

This meant that Honey’s pregnancy was high risk and required treatment & very close monitoring for the rest of gestation.

We were so pleased to hear that Honey foaled normally. Mia is Honey’s last foal & her owner was so pleased to get a filly so that she can continue the bloodline.

06/11/2024

🩸WARNING - Graphic Video🩸

🌟🐴✨ Check out this incredible video of a brave horse undergoing surgery to remove an ectopic tooth! 🦷💪 It’s amazing to see the dedication of the veterinary team! 🙌❤️

04/11/2024

🐎🐎🐎🐎

03/11/2024

01/11/2024

🌟 Do you know what's in your horse's mouth? 🐴

Dr. Denis has been at Oldbury Equine Clinic collaborating with their veterinary team on some fascinating dental cases! 🦷✨

Check out the video to learn more about the importance of equine dental care!

30/10/2024

🐴🚨 Diarrhea in Foals: When to Be Alarmed and How to Manage It 🚨🐴
💩GRAPHIC CONTENT💩
When to Be Alarmed:
🔹Consistency: Always contact your vet when the diarrhea is watery pipe stream.
🔹Duration: If diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, it is time to consult your vet.
🔹Severity: Look for signs of dehydration (e.g., dry gums, lethargy, not nursing), severe abdominal discomfort or bloating.
🔹Accompanying Symptoms: If your foal has a fever, is off its feed, or shows signs of distress, seek veterinary help immediately.
Possible Diseases:
🔹Foal Heat Diarrhea: Common but usually mild, often around the time of the mare's first heat cycle after foaling. This diarrhea is associated to the establishment of a healthy gut bacterial flora in the foal, , and this happens to coincide with the time of the mare’s foal heat.
🔹Bacterial Infections such as Clostridium or Salmonella: these infections can cause severe diarrhea and can easily transmit to other foals.
🔹Rotavirus: Highly contagious and can spread rapidly in groups.
🔹Hypoxic damage: after lack of oxygen during the birth process, foals can become a dummy foal. However all organs including the gut can sustain damage. This can cause mild to extremely severe necrotizing diarrhea.
🔹Nutritional causes: when mares produce very rich milk, or when foals receive milk replacer (not mixed properly or a replacer not appropriate for horses), foals can develop diarrhea. This is usually mild and transitory.
Infection control measures need to be put in place when a foal develops diarrhea.
Hygiene Protocols/Measures on the Farm:
1. Clean Living Conditions: Regularly clean and disinfect equipment and stalls to minimize bacteria and parasites. Remove faeces from paddocks and pastures.
2. Isolation: Separate any affected foals from healthy ones to prevent the spread of infection, and use different equipment and clothes.
3. Handwashing: Practice good hygiene by washing hands after handling foals, especially if you’ve been in contact with a sick one.
4. Routine Health Checks: Keep an eye on all foals for early signs of illness and maintain regular veterinary visits for vaccinations and deworming.
5. Nutrition: Ensure that foals are receiving proper nutrition to support their immune systems.
Remember, early detection and proactive management can make a huge difference in your foal’s health! ! 🐎💕

30/10/2024

🔥 Come down and see us at WB Hunters Shepparton! 🔥
Join us for a FREE BBQ lunch happening now until 2 PM! 🍔🌭
Explore the fantastic products WB Hunters has to offer, and don’t miss our PortaSafe setup!
We can’t wait to see you there!

30/10/2024

The Working Committee of the Welsh National Show would like to thank Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital for their generous support.

https://gvequine.com.au/ #

25/10/2024

🌟 Exciting news! 🌟 Check out this quick video of a 45-day scan of a horse pregnancy! 🐴❤️ It’s amazing to see this little one growing inside! 🐎✨

23/10/2024

🐴 Care of the older horse 🐴

While age is not a disease, sometimes our golden oldies need help to stay in tip top shape.

Feeding: Not all horses need supplementary feed, but some do benefit from extra hay or concentrate feeds as the digestive system of older horses can work less effectively as they age. Ensuring your horse always has access to good quality grass or hay keeps their digestive system working. Adding in easily digestible, high calorie feeds designed for the older horse can be helpful.

Dental check: Older horses need regular annual dental checks. If you notice your horse struggling to eat hay, dropping feed, or losing weight despite having an adequate amount of feed then book in for a dental examination.

Get checked for PPID: Also known as Equine Cushings Disease, PPID is a common disease in older horses and can cause a weakened immune system. There are many different signs of PPID – everyone is probably familiar with the curly hair coat that doesn’t shed, but there are actually a wide variety of signs that your horse has PPID. These include: recurrent laminitis, recurrent foot abscesses, lethargy, poor muscle condition, abnormal distribution of fat, excess thirst and urination and abnormal sweating.