Swiftsure Equine Veterinary Services

03/31/2026

03/26/2026

Springs News from Swiftsure!
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dianne Meney as our new full-time veterinarian! Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting her, but for those who haven’t, she’s a fellow horse owner, full of energy, and incredibly excited to get to know our community and your four-legged friends. She was born in Canada and raised in Australia, where she grew up with a strong love for animals.

She loves connecting with horses and their people, and has already become part of the SEVS family.

Dr. Reina Fennell is following her passion for adventure. She’s off on an amazing journey overseas, starting in Australia, but plans to do more traveling and exploring new places. We’re so grateful for all the care she gave our horses and clients over the years, and we wish her success in her new challenges and opportunities.

Hopefully everyone will get an opportunity to meet Dr Dianne Meney and share in our excitement for this next chapter at Swiftsure Equine!
Thank you all for your continued support

03/04/2026

Just in time for horse show preparation!
Boehringer has generously provided a spring rebate for horse owners purchasing Gastrogard. If you purchase the tubes within the timeframe, submit your proof of purchase through the portal below for your rebate!

https://www.promo-trak.com/Requirements.aspx?offer=621K6&cn=Equine

12/15/2025

Great tips leading into a cold snap!

As the cold winter weather trudges on, here are some important tips and reminders to keep your equine companions safe during extreme weather. ❄️

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source, just more frequently.

2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being in a stall, now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure they have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well-fitting blankets are great but be sure that horses do not get sweaty under them, or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold and covered is worse than dry, cold and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!!!) to double check.

7. Entice your horses to consume extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water.

8. The tips of your horses' ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting on a WATERPROOF ear bonnet or other WATERPROOF ear covering can protect them from wind chills.

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your horses safe this winter, contact your veterinarian for advice.

12/15/2025

We want to wish all our clients a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
Please view our limited office hours over the next few weeks and get your prescriptions in this week before the shortened days start!

Have a great holiday season everyone!

11/24/2025

As many have recently seen on social media, there have been some confirmed cases of EHV-1/EHM diagnosed in the southern USA and a single isolated case in central Alberta. Although not close by right now, it is a good reminder for all of us to re-evaluate our protocols around infectious disease control and biosecurity in our barns.
See below a great post put out by Burwash Equine Hospital for tips on disease prevention, and please don't hesitate to reach out to our veterinary team if you have any questions or concerns!

1. Vaccination:
While vaccination against equine herpes virus does not prevent the neurologic form, regular booster administration helps to reduce viral shedding and shorten the course and severity of disease limiting spread. It is recommended that showing or travelling horses receive booster flu/rhino vaccination every 6 months for peak immunity.

2. Biosecurity:
-Avoid unnecessary travel to areas of known outbreaks.
-Keep horses separated based on their risk (i.e. horses that travel versus those that don't).
-Do not share equipment between horses including tack, buckets, water hoses, grooming tools, and mucking out equipment.
-Regularly disinfect any shared equipment (e.g. thermometers) and spaces (stalls, trailers, etc).
-Wash hands or hand sanitize between horses.
-Change clothes between sick horses or barns.
-Immediately isolate any horses with fever or other signs of infectious disease.

3. Monitor Re**al Temperatures:
Fever is typically the first sign of infection. If you are concerned about possible exposure, monitor your horse's temperature and seek veterinary care if a fever is noted (> 38.5C or 101.5F)

4. Monitor Horses:
Early signs of disease include fever, weakness in hind end, decreased tail tone, difficulty urinating, wide-based stance, incoordination or ataxia, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Contact your veterinarian immediately if any concerns are noted.

More information on EHV-1 can be found here:
https://equinediseasecc.org/.../managedfilehandler.ashx...

11/05/2025

Great time had by all for the island crew at the Delta Equine Seminar this past few days!
Lots learned, great stories shared, now to get back to the grind!

11/04/2025

Hi Swiftsure family,
We are excited to see everyone tomorrow at 6pm for lecture #2 "The Equine Eye" with Opthamologist Dr Jess Burn!
Our 3rd of 3 evenings, Swiftsure Equine is wrapping it up with a newly common topic, F***l water syndrome; join us for the last evening of learning and light snacks/refreshments for our equine community for this fall!

LECTURE #3 - F***L WATER SYNDROME with our very own Dr Danica Olenick, DVM.
Understanding cause, and ways we can help, alleviate and support our affected horses
When: Wednesday November 19th, 6pm-8pm
Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, Poplar Room
Cost: FREE!

Please RSVP by Wednesday November 12th for this event. This event is open to anyone in our equine community (Not just Swiftsure clients!)

Thank you and look forward to hearing from you!
The Swiftsure Team

10/30/2025

Most people know that a long, curly haircoat that doesn’t shed properly is a classic sign of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID; equine Cushing's disease) in horses. But did you know there are other, less obvious symptoms to watch for?

Other signs to watch for (note this is not an exhaustive list):

• Muscle Loss: Horses may lose muscle, especially along their topline (the back and rump), even if they seem to be eating well.

• Fat Pockets: You might notice unusual fat deposits, like above the eyes or along the crest of the neck.

• Frequent Infections: Horses with Cushing’s can get skin infections, hoof abscesses, or other illnesses more often than healthy horses.

• Slow Healing: Wounds or sores may take longer to heal.

• Lethargy: Your horse might seem more tired, less energetic, or just “not themselves.”

• Drinking and Urinating More: Increased thirst and urination can be a subtle sign.

• Abnormal Sweating: Some horses sweat more than usual, even when it’s not hot or they haven’t exercised.

If you notice any of these changes, especially in an older horse, it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. Early detection and management can help your horse stay healthy and comfortable!

In addition, it's important to note that all horses are different, if you have questions specific to your animal, please contact your vet.

10/30/2025

REMINDER! Lecture number 2 is approaching
Next Wednesday we will be at the Fairgrounds for the next snack and learn!
There is still time to register. Email us if you would like a seat

Hi Swiftsure family,
We are excited to see everyone at our first lecture night happening this Wednesday Oct 22nd at 6pm taking a dive into regenerative treatment options in our performance horses.If you haven't yet RSVP'd you still can!

Our second of 3 evenings, Swiftsure Equine is working alongside Westcoast Animal Eye Care to bring you an "eye opening" evening of learning and light snacks/refreshments for our equine community

LECTURE #2 - THE EQUINE EYE
with special guest speaker Dr Jess Burn DVM, MS, DACVO from West Coast Animal Eye Care.
A close look into ophthalmic emergencies, common diseases and trauma to the eye, and when to call on your veterinarian.

When: Wednesday November 5th, 6pm-8pm
Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, Poplar Room
Cost: FREE!

Please RSVP by Wednesday October 29th for this event. This event is open to anyone in our equine community (Not just Swiftsure clients!)

Thank you and look forward to hearing from you!
The Swiftsure Team