This week is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
We use antibiotics responsibly to protect animal and human health.
It is important to use antibiotics carefully and only when needed so that we can prevent harmful bacteria from becoming resistant to treatment.
Talk to your vet if you have any questions about antibiotic use and your horse.
Signs your horse may have gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers have become more widely recognised in performance horses, as well as in racehorses, in the last 10 - 15 years.
Recent research shows that many horses with ulcers may not fit the typical visual stereotype. It is therefore important to be aware of other signs, such as:
๐กPoor performance;
๐กNot wanting to go forward in their work;
๐กResenting the rider putting their leg on;
๐กBeing girthy when being saddled;
๐กBeing generally grumpy, dull and irritable, and
๐กNo longer having a happy, relaxed attitude.
To find out more: https://ow.ly/gZOI50TXCUN
This is what we call a real Southland horse. After last week's horrendous rain, with lakes where paddocks are supposed to be, and mud everywhere, this mare thinks it was all done just to give her something to play with!
Who is looking forward to summer riding?
Where is your favourite place to ride? (beach, farm, track, pony club, competition......)
In the comments below share where you want to ride your horse this summer
Did you know you may not need to drench your horse?
Finding out if they should be drenched is easy - just get a faecal egg count (FEC) test done
Collect 3 or 4 faecal balls in a ziplock bag, squeeze the air out, seal and bring into the clinic.
VetSouth Equine Spring FEC test only $20 incl. GST at any clinic during September - results and recommendation back within 48 hours
Bring your sample into the clinic:
Invercargill Clinic; (bring in on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday)
29 Findlay Rd, Invercargill
Gore Clinic; (bring in on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
8 Richmond St, Gore
Winton Clinic; (bring in on any week day)
Cnr Great North & Welsh Roads, Winton
Tapanui Clinic; (bring in on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
87 Tapanui-Waikoikoi Hwy, Tapanui
With the longer, warmer days we'll all be thinking about transforming our fuzzy, hairy equine friends into sleek, glossy steeds again
Are you getting your horse clipped out for ease of grooming - or are you getting stuck in with a brush and a comb?
Share a picture in the comments below of your hairy horse in need of transformation.
Gastroscope success for Perseus.
13 year old Perseus is one of those gorgeous reliable cross-bred horses that give their owners hours of fun.
Anita has owned Perseus since he was an unhandled 4 year old and she was an adult rider returning to riding after a 24 year break. In their 9 years together they have built a strong partnership and had many adventures together.
"He's such a great horse, he goes anywhere I point him, and has given me so much joy over the years I've owned him", Anita says.
However, a few weeks ago Anita realised that something was wrong with Perseus. He had been trying to communicate with subtle signs, and her farrier had commented that he might be sore as he was not standing still when his back feet were being trimmed. The final sign that something was not right resulted in Anita coming off and ending up in hospital.
To find out what was wrong with Perseus, Anita brought him into the VetSouth Equine Clinic for a gastroscope and xrays.
"Turns out Percy has been trying to tell me things weren't right, as he has ulcers and some soreness issues going on," Anita said. "Looking forward to enjoying the trekking season with him this season once he is more comfortable. Thanks to your help!"
What a great result for Perseus and Anita!
VetSouth Equine will have a Gastroscope Day later in September, get in touch if you would like to book your horse in for a check up.
Spring is the time to FEC!
New worm control guidelines are to do faecal egg count (FEC) testing to check which horses in your herd actually need drenching - and only drench those horses
Getting a FEC test done is easy, just collect 3 or 4 faecal balls in a ziplock bag, squeeze the air out, seal and bring into the clinic.
September FEC special $20.00 incl. GST
Bring your sample into the clinic:
Invercargill Clinic; (bring in on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday)
29 Findlay Rd, Invercargill
Gore Clinic; (bring in on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
8 Richmond St, Gore
Winton Clinic; (bring in on any week day)
Cnr Great North & Welsh Roads, Winton
Tapanui Clinic; (bring in on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday)
87 Tapanui-Waikoikoi Hwy, Tapanui
VetSouth Equine wishes all horses and ponies a very
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
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DON'T MISS OUT
Register now to secure your spot at our FREE Winter Wonders Seminars in Gore next week
Email us to register: [email protected]
7pm, Tuesday 25th June 2024
James Cumming Community Centre
10c Ardwick St, Gore
Otamatea/Otamita Room
Light supper, tea and coffee will be provided.
We'd love to see you there!
DON'T MISS OUT
Register now to secure your spot at one of our FREE Winter Wonders Seminars in June
Email us to register: [email protected]
Invercargill Winter Wonders Seminar
Legend's Lounge, Stadium Southland
7pm, 11th June 2024.
Gore Winter Wonders Seminar
VetSouth Gore Clinic
7pm, 25th June 2024.
Tea and coffee will be provided and there are prizes to be won on the night! We'd love to see you there.
Welcome to VetSouth Equine. Working with you for happy, healthy & productive animals in the south.
