The Equine Practice

18/08/2024

𝗟𝗜𝗣 𝗙𝗜𝗫 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲!
This case involved a 24-year-old Thoroughbred gelding who suffered a traumatic injury to his upper lip from a sharp tree stump edge. ❤️‍🩹

The wound was full thickness, as seen in the photo where Dr Christian’s finger is visible through the injury. 🫣

The area was thoroughly cleaned and closed in three layers under sedation and local anesthesia. 💉🪡

We’re pleased to share that the wound has healed beautifully, and the horse is now back happily grazing in the paddock🐴

**Dr Christian then removed the offending sharp spike from the stump! 🪵

14/08/2024

𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒃𝒚𝒆 & 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌!
After 13 incredible years, we’re sadly saying goodbye to our amazing colleague and friend, Michelle. ♥♥

Her dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion has been an essential part of our journey at The Equine Practice. Her professionalism and kindness has certainly left a mark on us all.

Michelle will forever hold a special place not only in our hearts, but in the hearts of many of our clients as well. We wish Michelle a world of success and joy in her new chapter 🌟

*Michelle will be with us at The Equine Practice until early September, so if you’re driving by, pop in and say hello—she’d love to see you!

And feel free to drop a message below to send her off with some love! 💜💜

06/08/2024

⛔️𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗦⛔️
This sweet boy got a bit too excited at breakfast time and ran into a low tree branch, puncturing near the base of his ear! 𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛!

After a thorough examination and cleaning, Dr Steph expertly sutured the wound, and what a fantastic job she did! As you can see in the after picture, the wound has healed beautifully.💜

We’re happy to report that the horse has recovered very well and now enjoys breakfast with a “side of caution”!  
🐴🪣🌳✨

31/07/2024

🎉𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬!

August 1st is the official birthday for all horses, and we're celebrating with extra love, treats, and big smooches! 💋✨

Join us in showering our equine friends with love and birthday wishes! Drop a ❤️ if you’re celebrating a special horse today!

29/07/2024

⭐️𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘⭐️

The Paris 2024 Olympics have kicked off with a bang this weekend and we couldn’t be more excited!! 🇫🇷🇦🇺

To celebrate we want to hear from 𝗬𝗢𝗨!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗟𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗛𝗬? 🏅

👇🏼 Comment below with your answer for a chance to win one of 3 fabulous 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀! 💚💛

𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 9th 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕!

#🐴

28/07/2024

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗗?
It’s the season 🌧

Rain scald (𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀) is a common but preventable skin infection in horses caused by the 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀 🦠

It typically occurs when horses are exposed to 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝘁 and 𝗺𝘂𝗱𝗱𝘆 conditions but can also occur due to 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 under rugs.

𝗦𝗬𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗦
➡️ Crusty lesions or scabs usually on back, neck, rump, or legs - especially where the coat is matted or wet
➡️ Skin may be swollen, inflamed or hot
➡️ Some horses are very sensitive to touch or itchy.
➡️ There may be hair loss in later stages.

𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦
➡️ Bacteria Dermatophilus Congolensis 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 in moisture.
➡️ Environment, prolonged rain, mud, or high humidity.
➡️ Coat condition such as thick or matted coat can trap moisture.

𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗦
➡️ Usually clinical signs based on lesion appearance.
➡️ Sometimes samples may be taken to differentiate from other conditions such as ringworm or allergic dermatitis.

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
➡️ Wash and clean with mild antiseptic or medicated shampoo.
➡️ Keep the horse as dry as possible
➡️ Severe cases may require antibiotics +/- clipping of the affected area.

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
➡️ Protect from wet conditions by offering shelter.
➡️ Regularly groom to remove dirt and moisture.
➡️ Dry your horse thoroughly after getting wet or before putting on rugs.
➡️ Address early signs promptly.

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗦
✅ With prompt treatment, most horses recover fully.

If you have any concerns about your horse or would like tailored advice, please do not hesitate to contact The Equine Practice.

**𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨! 🐴

26/07/2024

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 from these two cheeky clowns
🤡🎪🤭

27/06/2024

🧑🏼‍⚕️Horse vet by day, artist by night!👨‍🎨
Dr Christian harnessing his artistic flare with this piece of mud from his boot! 🥾

*bidding starts at $1.00 😂

21/06/2024

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 to the 6 winners of our recent giveaway goodie bag 🛍️

🌟Thankyou to EVERYONE who entered our competition!!!

📢 Stay tuned for our next giveaway soon!

20/06/2024

✨Dr Arnie comforting his little mate Max after a wolf tooth removal procedure.

Did you know that 𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆 wolf teeth can cause 𝗕𝗜𝗚 issues for your horse?! 🦷

Removing these teeth can make a world of difference in your horse’s comfort, performance and overall dental health.🐴

14/06/2024

🌟𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘🌟

Do you have the hairiest horse in town?? It’s time to let those luscious locks shine ✨ 🦄

Simply send us a picture of your hairy horse or pony and you’ll go into the draw to win one of these fun goodie bags 🛍️ (6 to giveaway!)

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 🎉

12/06/2024

𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛! 👅 We all know the pain when we accidentally bite our tongue, but can you imagine the 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛 this poor guy felt when he lacerated his tongue.

Dr Christian did a wonderful job at repairing the tongue under local and sedation. Horse’s have remarkable healing abilities and their mouths can heal well under proper care and veterinary attention.

The horse has made a wonderful recovery and is back to indulging in his favourite treats again. 🍎🍏

09/06/2024

03/06/2024

🌧️𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗲𝘀: 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀🌧️

☔️ As winter arrives so does the wet and muddy conditions! The Winter weather can be tough on your horse’s hooves, often leading to painful abscesses!

☔️ Swipe through to learn how to spot the sign’s, treat effectively and prevent hoof abscesses, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and active throughout the Winter months 🌧️💪🏼

🐴

14/05/2024

𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝑻𝑶𝑻𝑨𝑳 𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑫!!🌟

⭐️Total Gold is the ultimate all-in-one equine supplement! A MUST HAVE addition to your horses regime!

⭐️ Includes ALL of the ingredients in the Vet Gold products: Hoof Gold, Bone Gold and Coat Gold in addition to a large range of pharmaceutical grade compounds.

⭐️ A unique veterinary formulation aiding in the upkeep of hooves, bones, joints, soft tissue and coat. Additionally, it fulfills all the essential daily needs for vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for equine well-being.

🇦🇺100% Australian made and manufactured - NOT imported!

𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒖𝒃!

12/05/2024

💛To all the amazing mums who juggle countless responsibilities with ease, Happy Mother’s Day!

30/04/2024

🍂𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗡 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥!

Get 𝟮𝟬% off Equest Plus Tape wormer when you bring in a faecal egg count through the months of Autumn!

If you have not done a faecal egg count within the last 3 months, now is the perfect time to drop in a sample!

As we approach the end of Autumn/early Winter, we advise that 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 receive an 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 (containing moxidectin and praziquantel), to treat encysted redworms (strongyles) and tapeworms.

✨Special price $𝟭𝟴.𝟯𝟱 per wormer 

**𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙜𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙢𝙣**

24/04/2024

𝑳𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 🌺

18/04/2024

𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗥𝗬𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦

Over the last few weeks our vets have been called out to treat multiple horses displaying symptoms of ryegrass staggers. 

🌱 This condition, caused by a 𝙩𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙣 found in perennial ryegrass, can lead to 𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙮𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙨 in horses.

🌱 From stumbling to muscle tremors, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.

➡️ Check out our post to learn more and don’t forget to 𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙀 our post with friends who might find this information handy! Let’s keep our equine pals safe and healthy together!! 🐴💚

🐴

15/04/2024

𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 🩺
𝗧𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟭𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗬!

The clinical signs of gastric ulceration in horses are often vague and non-specific. They include but are not limited to👇🏼

➡️ Poor appetite
➡️ Irritability or change in attitude
➡️ Weight loss
➡️ Girthy and sensitive around the flanks
➡️ Intermittent colic
➡️ Diarrhoea
➡️ Dull coat
➡️ Anaemia
➡️ Poor performance

💥DON’T LET STOMACH ULCERS AFFECT YOUR HORSE’S COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE.

📌BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE!

12/04/2024

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 🐴

➡️ This little mini pony is new to her current owners, who booked her in for a routine veterinary dental examination.

➡️ On first glance, she appears to be missing 2 top incisors, however, on closer inspection the “missing” incisors were behind her front teeth!

➡️ There was also a very long sharp hook on her cheek tooth, which will be reduced down in stages to ensure no damage to the sensitive part of the tooth.

ℹ️ Due to the small size of their heads, miniature ponies and donkeys are very prone to overgrowing and malocclusions (where the teeth don’t line up properly resulting in sharp hooks and inability to chew properly).

However they rarely show many (if any!) external signs because they usually love their food so it is very important to have thorough annual check ups.

🐴

28/03/2024

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 🐰

20/03/2024

🌻Saying goodbye is never easy, but we believe every pet deserves a dignified and comfortable transition.

♥ Did you know that we are now able to offer home euthanasia for cats and dogs?

♥ At The Equine Practice, we are committed to providing compassionate care for your beloved animals, especially during challenging times.

♥ Our home euthanasia service for cats and dogs is provided by Dr Lydia Matheson, a dedicated small animal vet with over 26 years of experience.

♥ Dr Lydia can also provide guidance with quality-of-life discussions, talking through the options of aftercare arrangements and helping you make an informed decision to make the best choice for your pet.

If you wish to connect with Dr Lydia to discuss  the services she offers, please send a TEXT on 0407545127 with a brief message and she will contact you as soon as she is available. 🐈🦮

14/03/2024

🌸 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥?
Elevated ACTH levels in the blood can diagnose Equine Cushing’s Disease (also known as PPID), which is one of the most common problems affecting the endocrine (hormonal) system of horses and ponies.

🌸 𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗗 causes the horse’s pituitary gland (which is in the brain) to produce an excess of hormones. Hormones are chemical molecules that travel around the body and finely regulate important functions, keeping your horse happy and healthy.

🌸 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 caused by PPID can have devastating consequences to your horse, however, the good news is that it is easily treatable with a simple medication called 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗱.

𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗗
✔Abnormal hair coat
✔Unexplained lameness (laminitis)
✔A pot belly or fat pouches around the eyes or tail head
✔Excessive or abnormal sweating
✔Increased appetite
✔Increased drinking
✔Increased urination
✔Muscle loss
✔Slow-to-heal wounds and more frequent infections
✔Lack of energy or poor performance

🌸 To find out more about PPID or to discuss your horses individual needs, feel free to contact our clinic to talk to one of our experienced veterinarians 1300-762-224

11/03/2024

What a morning in the Yarra Valley! Anyone else catch the spectacular sunrise?? 📸 Share your snaps with us if you did! What a great start to the week 🙌🏼

08/03/2024

Today we celebrate the strength, resilience and achievements of woman all over the world! We are so fortunate to have these 5 terrific woman as part of The Equine Practice team! 🌻💗

01/03/2024

🎉A BIG congratulations to our winner Jess Francis who submitted this incredible tattoo of her girl Podge! We received so many entries and were blown away with all the artistic tributes to your equine friends!!

🌟Thankyou to EVERYONE who entered our competition!!!

📢 Stay tuned for our next giveaway soon!

27/02/2024

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗽-𝗧𝗼-𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲?? 💉
➡️ Horses are particularly susceptible to tetanus and unfortunately up to 80% of horses that contract tetanus will die.

➡️ Thankfully there is an extremely effective vaccination available (which is part of the annual “2 in 1” vaccination) but it is crucial to have an accurate record of your horse’s vaccination history, especially if they injure themselves

➡️ Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that attacks the horse’s central nervous system. The most common source of infection is via wounds. Even a small puncture wound can prove life-threatening to an unvaccinated horse.

➡️ Routinely, vets will administer a tetanus antitoxin (TAT) to any horse who has not received a tetanus (toxoid) vaccine within the last 12 months.

✅ The Tetanus Antitoxin provides immediate, but short-term protection.

✅ The toxoid vaccine which is used for your horse’s annual boosters, is designed to provide long-lasting protection, however this is only after the initial course has been provided and it takes 2 weeks for the booster to create an effective immune defense against tetanus.

✅ This means that the standard toxoid vaccines aren’t suitable for use in emergency situations in horses that are not up to date with their vaccinations.

➡️ Please check when your horse last had their tetanus vaccine. If it was over 12 months ago, book an appointment with one of our vets to administer a tetanus booster to your horse, or collect one from the clinic to give to your horse yourself 🐴

23/02/2024

⭐️𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘⭐️
Who doesn’t love a free giveaway?!

Over the years we’ve seen many of our clients with incredible tattoos honoring their equine friends.

It got us thinking….🤔 how many people have tattoos of their horse?! We’d LOVE to see yours!

Simply send us a picture of your artistic tribute to your horse and you’ll go into the draw to win this terrific goodie bag 🛍️

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆🎉

22/02/2024

🤔 Do you know what is happening in these images??

👁️ These photos show the fascinating (and somewhat beautiful!) process of corneal neovascularisation.

👁️ The cornea is the surface of the eye and most ulcerations are due to trauma, such as a scratch or foreign body like a grass seed.

👁️ “Neo-“ means new and “vascular” refers to blood vessels - so this is the body growing new blood vessels to help heal a deep or chronic corneal injury or infection. How incredible is nature?!

👁️ Corneal ulcerations are one of the most common eye conditions we see in equine horses and always require prompt, aggressive treatment due to the risk of infection and secondary inflammation known as uveitis.

👁️ Many superficial ulcers heal very quickly with prompt treatment but deeper or infected ulcers can take weeks as the vessels onto grow at approx. 1mm/day.

➡️ If your horse has a sore, cloudy, closed or weepy eye, do not hesitate to call us! ت