VetSouth Equine

20/10/2025

Our clinics will be closed next Monday 27th October for Labour Day 🧑‍⚕️👷👮🧑‍🏭🧑‍🔧

We will have vets available for emergencies, please call 0800 VETSOUTH (0800 838 76884).

19/10/2025

One of the most important things to check within the first day of a foal's life is IgG (Immunoglobulin G), which reveals antibody levels in the blood.

The antibodies a foal gets from the mare via colostrum are all the protection their immune system has until they start to produce their own from 3-4 months of age. If foals do not have enough antibodies, when faced with challenges like viruses, bacteria or parasites, their health can decline rapidly and they may suffer from some very detrimental effects.

To find out if a foal has received enough colostrum and antibodies from the mare during the first 8-12 hours, we recommend testing for IgG.

👉 Read more about IgG testing and colostrum below – and don't forget that we're here to help. Give us a call on 03 217 6688 this foaling season for support.

It’s that time of the year again and we are faced with the sleepless nights, waiting on those all too important mares to foal. But what is ONE of the most important things to check within the first 24

16/10/2025

Did you know foals are born with no immunity to to bacteria and other nasties?

Their immune system takes time to start producing antibodies to fight these. In the meantime, the only way foals can get immediate antibodies is from colostrum. Acquiring antibodies from the mare via colostrum within the first 12-24 hours of life is CRITICAL for good foal immunity and early health.

Vet Brendon explains more about colostrum and antibodies, measuring colostrum quality, and testing a foal's antibody levels here 👇

Colostrum is the thick yellow ‘first milk’ that is produced by the mare's udder at the time of foaling. It is high in carbohydrates and protein, but most importantly it is absolutely packed with antib

14/10/2025

Strangles is a nasty and highly contagious equine respiratory disease. The good news is that being vaccinated can help protect your horse and reduce the impact if the infection strikes.

Vaccination is especially recommended for:
🐴 Horses travelling for racing, competition, or treks.
🐴 Horses moving between studs, sales, or grazing properties.
🐴 Horses that routinely mix with large groups of horses.

As the racing, competition and riding club seasons are beginning, now is a good time to vaccinate your horse. Get in touch with our equine team on (03) 217 6688 today.

Learn more about strangles and how it spreads here 👇

Strangles is a nasty and highly contagious respiratory disease in horses, but the good news is that vaccination can help protect your horse and reduce the impact if it strikes.

13/10/2025

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the competition and racing seasons are kicking off. Now is a great time to look into your horse's health and ensure they're starting off on the right foot as their workload increases. This month only, blood tests are free with other procedures!* 💉

*T&Cs apply. Offer available until 31/10/2025. Laboratory fees still apply.

08/10/2025

This month we're offering a reduced rate for foot balance radiographing 🩻 All feet (including sedation and detailed report) only $350*, normally $450! Front feet OR Back feet (including sedation and detailed report) only $250!* Call the Invercargill clinic on (03) 217 6688 to arrange an appointment.

These radiographs (X-rays) are a window inside your horse's foot, helping you and your farrier achieve optimal balance and alignment for improved comfort and soundness over the season to come.

👉 Read more about lameness exams and imaging here: https://www.vetsouth.co.nz/blog/post/109679/detecting-lameness/

*T&Cs apply. Offer available until 31/10/2025.

Welcome to VetSouth Equine. Working with you for happy, healthy & productive animals in the south.

08/10/2025

It’s National Vet Nurse & Tech Week, so we’re shining a spotlight on these vital members of our team. Our equine technicians are superstars when it comes to caring for our equine friends 🌟

They work side-by-side with our vets to deliver top quality animal health services and keep your horses happy and healthy. They pour compassion, skill and unwavering dedication into every job.

Join us in celebrating them this week 👏

07/10/2025

We're holding another Gastroscope Day next Wednesday 15th October 🔦 Don't miss out on our special price this month: Gastroscopy (including sedation) only $250* – save $100! Call the Invercargill clinic on (03) 217 6688 to book in.

Gastric ulcers are a common cause of poor performance, behavioural changes, girthiness, and weight loss. However, horses don't always display obvious signs, so it's worth taking a look inside the stomach with a gastroscope to be sure. Accurate diagnosis enables us to make a tailored treatment plan specific to your horse. It also allows us to monitor healing progress and ensure treatment and ongoing management are successful.

👉 Learn more about gastroscopy here: https://www.vetsouth.co.nz/blog/post/88477/gastric-ulcers-and-the-benefits-of-gastroscopy/

*T&Cs apply. Offer available until 31/10/2025.

Welcome to VetSouth Equine. Working with you for happy, healthy & productive animals in the south.

04/10/2025

Many young riders and their families from across Southland and Otago spent last weekend at the Gore A&P Showgrounds for the annual OSAPC Development Camp. The weather delivered all four seasons, but it didn't hold these tough Pony Club kids and the amazing coaches, experts and helpers back. An incredible 232 group lessons were completed during the camp, and plenty of other fun activities too!

Vet Grace had a great time sharing some horse health and anatomy knowledge with the attendees. We believe opportunities like this for learning and developing skills are so important for supporting the next generation of equine enthusiasts 🏇

Thank you to the OSAPC Camp Committee who make it all happen!

01/10/2025

In February we’re saying a very fond farewell from the business to one of the founders of VetSouth, Mark Bryan 🥲🩵

Originally from Scotland, Mark has been in Southland for almost 30 years, initially helping to grow the Winton vet clinic before being a key driver behind forming VetSouth in 2005. More recently he has been instrumental in the continued growth of VetSouth as we joined forces with other New Zealand-owned practices and formed Comhla Vet.

Mark was a mixed vet back in the day, although his focus evolved to be more on dairy and sheep. Many of you will have encountered him over the years. We hope you'll join us in thanking him for his incredible input and wish him all the best for his new journey.

He’s a great vet, a great leader, and a great friend 🙌

👉 Read more about Mark and what he's embarking on next: https://www.vetsouth.co.nz/blog/post/152875/mark-bryan-is-stepping-back/

30/09/2025

This month has marked a special anniversary for our incredible Invercargill teammates Brendon, Lisa, Heather, Wendy, Norah, Sonya, Mel, and Kim (not pictured) who have now been with VetSouth for 10 years! 🥳 1️⃣0️⃣

They all moved over from the original vet clinic, Southern Vet Centre, when it became VetSouth. So, of course, many of them have been working at Findlay Road for a lot longer than 10 years! Whether they've helped your horse, looked after your pet, or welcomed you from the front desk when you've arrived, these superstars have had a huge impact on our clients and our team.

Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you from all of us 💖

23/09/2025

This is our final post in the broodmare series from equine vet Grace 👏

Did you know a potential cause of late-term abortion in pregnant mares is equine herpes virus?

Equine Herpes Virus commonly causes respiratory illness, particularly in young horses. However, strains 1 and 4 can also cause abortion if a pregnant mare becomes infected.

We can help protect our broodmares against this risk by vaccinating with Pneumabort K at 5, 7, and 9 months of pregnancy 💪 We also encourage breeders to maintain good hygiene with their broodmares and limit their contact with sick horses.

To discuss your broodmare's individual vaccination programme, get in touch with us on (03) 217 6688.