Westwinds Mobile Veterinary Services

16/11/2024

Tis’ the season! For preg checking!! 🐮

Did you know we offer services for cattle! Not in PG? No problem we travel !!

Westwinds offers preg checking and herd health medicine, If you do not already have a vet, keep us in mind and be sure to reach out to us to book the ladies in!

15/11/2024

If your horse has a cough that persists into exercise or is heard while your equine friend is at rest in the barn, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about evaluating your horse for respiratory disease. It could be a problem with the upper airway (the nasal passages and throat) or the lower airway (the lungs).

While waiting for your appointment, try decreasing your horse’s exposure to dust, as that is a primary trigger for lower respiratory disease such as asthma or heaves. Some simple things you can do include avoiding straw bedding, feeding hay on the ground and/or soaking it, not using a leaf blower on barn aisles, and not storing hay or bedding above your horse’s stall. Last but not least, while us humans may be more comfortable with all the barn doors closed on a cold day, your horses’ lungs will appreciate open doors/windows and good ventilation!

As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about preserving your horse’s respiratory health, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information!
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Brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

15/11/2024

Don't miss this Nov. 19 webinar on beef cattle health and nutrition. BCRC Interim Extension Coordinator Kristin Thompson and others will discuss tools that can help beef producers optimize herd nutrition and productivity, including CowBytes ration-balancing software (available at CowBytes.ca).

REGISTER NOW. ⬇️
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vfu2hqD0vE9aQMyDnpPPnKItN0u7AA2QX #/registration

11/11/2024

11/11/11

Lest we forget 🌹

11/11/2024

Not all x-rays are created equal! Westwinds prides itself on having up to date technology in digital x-ray!

Our machine is the “Stalo Series AGFA Equine Mobile Digital X-Ray” - according to their website it was “designed from the ground up specifically for AGFA digital imaging panels for the most consistent diagnostic images available world-wide.”

This technology helps our veterinarians to take clear and diagnostic imaging to diagnose your equine partner with confidence! If your horse is struggling with a lameness issue, reach out to us and let’s try to get to the bottom of it!

06/11/2024

IS RAIN ROT A FUNGAL OR A BACTERIAL DISEASE?

Rain rot (or rain scald) is the common name for a contagious BACTERIAL skin disease called dermatophilosis. It's caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis," which thrives during wet seasons and in geographical locations with high precipitation and humidity. It can also develop after horses have sweat under blankets or tack, and equines with compromised immune systems are more susceptible.

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is very important!

How does rain rot happen?
The bacteria infects the hair follicles and damages the hair follicle and shaft; the hair will then pull out in small clumps leaving pink skin or purulent scabs behind (pro tip: your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!) If you do not address the factors that promote the right bacterial environment (for example, you always leave your horse to stand outside in the rain without shelter or the protection of a waterproof rug), rain rot can keep recurring. If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan based on the severity of your horse's case. While there are a million products that can be found in your local tack store, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action.

05/11/2024

Mark your calendars! 🗓️

Dr. Forster will be at Crossroads Ranch all day November 28th!

Call the clinic or book online to get your spot!

02/11/2024

It’s Saturday and that means we’re closed - but that doesn’t mean you can’t still book an appointment!!!

Have you used our new booking system!? Signing up is fast and easy - and makes booking your appointment a breeze! For all routine appointments, you can book them from the comfort of your own phone 24/7.

TO BOOK ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Visit our website:

www.westwindsvets.ca

Click the “NEW ACCOUNT / ONLINE BOOKING” tab

OR

Check it out here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://westwindsmvs.usw2.ezyvet.com/external/portal/main/login

If you do not find something that accommodates your schedule dont worry we can help - text us, email, or call us!

We are loving the new system and we think you will too!

🐴 🐶 🐱 🐑 🐮 🐷 🐹

31/10/2024

What kind of dog did Dracula have? 🧛

A bloodhound 🤣🤣🤣

Happy Halloween from all of us at Westwinds!!!

🎃👻

30/10/2024

29/10/2024

Deworming 🪱 it’s more complicated than you think!

As freezing temperatures approach it’s time to start thinking about your fall deworming or to find out if you can skip it!

You read that right. The overuse of dewormers can lead to parasite resistance to medications and that can lead to big problems down the road. Deworming needs to be strategically planned based on the age of your horse, their exposure and gender (mares in foal have different requirements!)

Westwinds has a few diagnostic tools available to help determine your horse’s deworming needs. We can send off f***l tests for your herd or tailor an individual plan for your horse! Reach out to the clinic today to talk about your options and make a plan for a worm free winter!

20/10/2024

We are hiring!!

🐴🐮🐶🐱🐹🐑🐝

Do you:
Have a VA/kennel attendant or admin background?
Love animals?
Love organizing?
Want to work in a fun, fast paced environment?

Weswinds is looking to add to our team!! We are looking to fill a full time, Monday-Friday, in clinic position for someone to help us with organizing, cleaning and sterilizing! No previous experience required but the ideal candidate will be passionate about keeping our clinic looking like a million bucks!

Please send your resume to [email protected] and feel free to SHARE or TAG any candidates below!

18/10/2024

Let’s talk about metabolic health!

According to Michigan State University PPID/Cushings occurs in approximately 20% of aged horses, ponies and donkeys. Maintaining it properly is crucial to managing the symptoms and keeping your critter happy and healthy - especially during the autumn months when the sugar content of grass spikes!

Some symptoms of this hormonal disorder include:
🐴 Delayed shedding
🐴 Muscle wasting (over the topline)
🐴 Weight loss
🐴 Increased thirst/frequent urination
🐴 Increased sweating or anhidrosis
🐴 Laminitis

The Boehringer Ingelheim complimentary testing is now over (thank you to those who participated!!) but if you think your equine partner may be struggling with metabolic issues it's definitely still worth it to reach out to us so we can help you make a plan before the snow flies!

17/10/2024

On Oct. 30, join AAEP member veterinarian and board-certified theriogenologist Dr. Dale Kelley for a one-hour webinar discussion that will cover the basics of reproductive biology of the horse, the logistics of breeding season, and what to expect when breeding your mare.

Registration is FREE but required. Attendees are also encouraged to submit their questions in advance through the registration form. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register here: https://aaep-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CHkvKjmpTlGOiPMbwhEtBA #/registration

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

13/10/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from our Westwinds family to yours! 🍂🍁

Just a friendly reminder the clinic will be closed tomorrow for the long weekend - but we will see everyone bright and early Tuesday morning!