Advance Equine Vets

24/03/2025

🌻 Happy Birthday 🌻

Happy birthday to our superstar practice manager & head nurse Kes 🎂Hope you had a great day💕

23/03/2025

💥 Weekly Winners 💥

Congratulations to some of our trainers for some nice wins throughout the week!

🥇 "Speed Map" for Ben Ahrens Racing @ Beaudesert - 17/3

🥇 "The Catch" for JMD Racing @ Ipswich - 21/3

🥇"Captain Good Vibes" for Nicole Luke @ Gold Coast - 22/3

🥈 "Don't Be Dramatic" for Dan Morgan Racing @ Gold Coast - 22/3

Congratulations to all connections.

13/03/2025

🥳 Celebrations 🥳

💐 A belated happy birthday to our wonderful receptionist and veterinary nurse, Holly! We also want to extend our belated International Women’s Day wishes—especially to our fantastic team here at AEV—as Cyclone Alfred delayed our celebrations. Wishing you a fantastic day filled with successful surgeries helping horses remain happy and healthy!

💃🏼As the saying goes, behind every good leader is a team of incredible women ensuring everything runs smoothly. This week, we say farewell to one of our valued team members, Emily, as she embarks on new adventures. She will be greatly missed by all of us at AEV, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter 💕

equinehospital

10/03/2025

🐎 Post-Flood Equine Health Alert 🐎

With the water subsiding and roads reopening, our team is back on the road and ready to care for your equine companions. However, with muddy conditions and standing water, it’s important to stay vigilant for health concerns such as colic and common skin conditions like Greasy Heel, Mud Fever, and Cellulitis.

Here’s what to watch for and how we can help:

👀 Signs to Watch For

• Colic – Horses that have been confined may overindulge in waterlogged grass, increasing the risk of colic.
• Greasy Heel (Pastern Dermatitis) – Signs include greasy or cracked skin around the heels, often accompanied by swelling, redness, or an unpleasant odor.
• Mud Fever (Pastern Folliculitis) – Look for crusty, mud-like scabs and inflamed skin on the lower legs, particularly on white socks.
• Cellulitis – Symptoms include swelling, heat, and tenderness in the lower limb, potentially causing lameness or fever.
• Hoof Abscesses - Prolonged exposure to wet and muddy conditions can soften and weaken the hoof, creating an entry point for bacteria. This can lead to a painful abscess within the hoof, often resulting in sudden, severe lameness, where the horse may refuse to bear weight on the affected limb.

⛑️ Preventative Care & Management Tips

• Feed & Hay – Inspect all feed and hay for signs of dampness or mold. Discard any that smell musty or feel moist, as they can cause colic.
• Rug Management – Remove rugs during sunny periods to allow the skin to breathe and dry out.
• Fly Veils – Regularly remove fly veils to check for eye injuries or infections.
• Leg Care – Wash off mud and debris using clean water and a medicated shampoo (e.g., Malaseb) to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. Dry thoroughly, especially in the pastern and heel areas.
• Barrier Creams – Apply protective creams (such as White Healer or Sudocrem) to create a moisture-repellent barrier.
• Hoof Care – Allow hooves to dry out whenever possible. Clean hooves regularly, and consider using iodine, Thrush Buster, or a hoof sealant to help repel moisture. Standing horses on dry shavings for a period can also aid in drying.
• Shelters & Walkways – Use dry pine wood pellets (not soaked) to absorb excess moisture in shelters and high-traffic areas.
• Puddles & Stagnant Water – Block access to standing water where possible, as it can harbor bacteria and cause digestive issues, particularly in foals.

If you have any concerns, please contact our team for advice or to schedule an appointment as any issues in this climate can deteriorate quickly, swift intervention is always recommended. We’re here to help keep your horses healthy and comfortable during these wet conditions. 🏥 📞 5588 5152

09/03/2025

🌪️ We’re Open and Ready to Help! 🌪️

Despite the recent cyclone and ongoing road closures due to flooding, our hospital and office are open, and Jon is back out seeing clients.🚑🐴

If you’re in need of veterinary care, please don’t hesitate to call us at 07 5588 5152. While some roads may be impassable, we’ll do everything we can to reach you or guide you through treatment over the phone when necessary.

08/03/2025

Hi everyone,

Hope you’re all safe. The clinic still has power but the power and phone towers are out at my house so reception isn’t great. You’re best off sending me a message on 0488 984 422 if you have an emergency

Thanks,
Jon

05/03/2025

🌪️ Cyclone Update & Horse Management Tips 🌪️

As the cyclone approaches, we want to ensure all our horse families are informed and prepared. Your horses' safety is our top priority, and we're here for you every step of the way. Here's what you need to know:

🚑 Over the next few days we won't be scheduling any routine appointments. This will allow us to stay available for any emergencies that may arise.

🏥If you do not have a safe environment to manage an emergency our equine hospital is ready and equipped to manage a wide range of conditions in a safe, dry environment. As the only registered equine hospital on the Gold Coast, we want to reassure you that we're here for you and your horses when you need us most.

🌧 If you are flooded in and an emergency occurs, please still contact the clinic as we will be available for teleconferences to help talk you through what to do.

Tips to keep your horse safe during the cyclone:

1️⃣ **Remove rugs, halters, and fly masks** if your horse may be at risk of flooding—these can get caught on fences or other structures.
2️⃣ **Tag your horse’s mane and tail** with your contact information.
3️⃣ If you’re at risk of flooding, **relocate your horse now** before it’s too late.
4️⃣Have a first aid kit prepared in case you need to bandage a cut or wound.

If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at 07 5574 2466 to be connected with our friendly team members who can assist you, or call Jon directly on 0488 984 422.

Stay safe, and remember—we’re only a call away! 🌧️🐴

24/02/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday, Amanda! 🎉

Today, we’re celebrating Amanda’s birthday! We’re so thankful for all that you do for the team. Wishing you a wonderful day and a fantastic year ahead! 🥂🎂

16/02/2025

Case Study: OCD in the Stifles

🐴 A yearling Thoroughbred c**t presented for routine pre-sale radiographs was found to have OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) lesions in both stifles, with a more severe grade on the right stifle. At the time of examination, the horse showed no visible signs of swelling or lameness.

🩺 Surgical Intervention

The c**t underwent arthroscopic surgery performed by registered specialist surgeon Dr. Paul Robinson (BVSc, Dip), who has a special interest in arthroscopic procedures.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique in which small incisions are made in the skin, allowing a camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments to be inserted into the joint. The OCD fragments were carefully removed to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent further joint damage. As a minimally invasive procedure, arthroscopy offers significant advantages, including a shorter recovery period and a reduced risk of infection or complications compared to open surgical techniques.

🐎 Postoperative Care & Rehabilitation

Following surgery, the c**t was discharged with anti-inflammatory medication and a structured rehabilitation plan:
• Weeks 1-3: Strict box rest
• Weeks 4-6: Box rest with gradual introduction of hand-walking, increasing duration over time
• Weeks 6-8: Light training resumed, including low-impact exercises such as trotting or lunging
• Weeks 12-16: Gradual return to normal work, depending on recovery progress

Prognosis & Industry Relevance

📉 Studies indicate that up to 24% of Thoroughbreds and 30% of Warmbloods present with some form of OCD. Early detection and intervention are critical to ensuring a successful recovery, allowing young horses to reach their full potential as performance or racehorses.

By utilizing advanced surgical techniques and a structured rehabilitation approach, this c**t has an excellent prognosis for future athletic performance. 💯

06/02/2025

🐎GASTROSCOPY DAY🐎

Take advantage of out discounted scoping day. Price includes sedation cost.

Did you know that gastric ulcers are found in 50-90% of horses?

Common Signs of Gastric Ulcers:
• Fussy appetite
• Changes in attitude or increased spookiness
• Reluctance to train or move forward
• Poor body condition and dull coat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Low-grade colic
• Sensitivity around the girth

📅 Friday, 21st February
📍 From 9 AM | Riviera Equestrian Park

Limited spots available! To secure your booking, call 📞 55 885 152

27/01/2025

🏥 The surgery suite has been bustling with activity this year, with one particularly interesting case already coming through our doors.

👨🏻‍⚕️Case Summary: Arytenoid Chondritis in a 16-Year-Old Thoroughbred Gelding

A 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was examined by Dr. Jon in the field after exhibiting excessive noise while eating and a near-collapse in the paddock, raising significant concern for the owner. The horse was diagnosed with arytenoid chondritis and upper respiratory stridor and initially treated with a one-month course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. A follow-up endoscopic evaluation revealed improvement in the chondritis but identified a large mass protruding into the airway.

Specialist surgeon Dr. Tias Muurlink performed surgical intervention to address the issue. A temporary tracheotomy was performed to secure the airway, allowing a laryngotomy to safely remove the mass. An endoscope was utilized during the procedure to ensure precise visualization and removal of the mass. Post-surgery, temporary tracheotomy tubes were placed to maintain a patent airway during recovery and removed the following day.

The gelding was discharged with a course of antibiotics and is expected to make a full recovery, resuming its normal ridden activities.

04/01/2025

It sounds like Scott, Amanda, and the team at Fenwick Farm have an exciting and busy period ahead with the Magic Millions youngsters! Breaking in is such a critical phase in a young racehorse’s career, setting the foundation for their future success on the track. It takes skill, patience, and dedication to bring out the best in these promising horses. Wishing them a smooth and rewarding process—hopefully, this group includes some future champions! 🐎🏆💨

25/12/2024

🎄🎅 Merry Christmas from AEVets! 🎅🎄

To all our valued clients and friends, thank you for your support in 2024—it’s been an incredible year, and we’re excited for even bigger things in 2025!

We had planned to share a festive team photo, but true to form, we worked right up until closing yesterday with no time to spare 🫠

Here’s the next best thing: Dr. Jon, our junior vet-in-training Ralph, and our loyal companions Murphy and Moana spreading the holiday cheer! 🎁🐾

Wishing you and your furred and hooved family a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year 🥳

~ The AEVets Team

22/12/2024

🎄 Christmas & New Year Trading Hours 🎄

As the festive season approaches, we’d like to share our operating hours:

📅 Trading Hours:
• Christmas Eve (Dec 24): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Routine calls - 🚨Emergencies after hours
• Christmas Day (Dec 25): Closed
• Boxing Day Dec 26- 29th -🚨Emergencies
• 30th - Routine & 🚨 Emergencies
• New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) - Routine & 🚨Emergencies
• New Year’s Day (Jan 1)-🚨Emergencies

For Emergencies & After-Hours Care, please call the clinic on 5588 5152, and you’ll be directed to our on-call vet.

We wish you and your Equine friends a safe and joyful holiday season! 🐴

17/12/2024

🎄🐴 Give the Gift of Care This Christmas! 🐴🎄

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the horse lover in your life? 🎁 How about peace of mind and top-notch care for their equine companion? 🐎

✨Advance Equine Vets Gift Certificates ✨
🎁 Perfect for:
✔️ Routine check-ups
✔️ Emergency services
✔️ Vaccinations & treatments
✔️ Specialized equine care

Whether it’s a stocking stuffer or a heartfelt gesture, it’s a gift that truly keeps on giving. 💝

📞 Call us at AEVets or stop by the clinic to grab yours today! 🎅

08/12/2024

🛻 Southern Loop – Now on Tuesdays!
Serving the Southern Gold Coast and Northern NSW

Due to increased demand and the relocation of some of our valued clients, we’re excited to announce that our Southern Loop service has expanded to include these areas on Tuesdays at a special travel day price!

Our services are still available on other days as needed, but Tuesday is the perfect day to take advantage of reduced travel costs.

To make it even more cost-effective, travel fees can be shared when multiple horses are seen at the same property. So, rally your friends and neighbors for shared savings!

01/12/2024

Congratulations to the team at Ben Ahrens Racing! Kerchak has followed up his Mooloolaba Cup victory with a commanding win at Doomben, securing an impressive third consecutive triumph! 🐎 💨

brings up the hatrick of consecutive metropolitan wins in today's Open Handicap 2040mtrs at Doomben Racecourse! Again ridden a peach by boom apprentice Cody Collis, a tactical affair saw the son of Westbury Stud's handier than normal on the genuine heavy 10 and after being asked to chase down the well supported leader, he knuckled down with his now well known turn of foot to score another impressive victory and take his earnings beyond the $300k mark. Thanks to his most loyal owners, our great staff and to Cody for sticking strong. Sixteen starts, 9 wins, he's a ripper........onwards and upwards 💪👌🏆🏇