Western Montana Equine

01/30/2025

Young horses, particularly those that are mouthy, have a tendency to grasp ropes or chains (or in this case a common bucket strap), and if they become spooked while still holding on, they risk fracturing their jaw.

If you observe your horse grabbing onto something with their mouth and pulling back, we recommend inspecting the interior of their mouth.

In such instances, we will employ wiring to facilitate accelerated healing and proper alignment. If left untreated, dental issues may arise due to crooked tooth growth, and the healing process may be prolonged and uncomfortable.

As we are aware, horses have a tendency for inventive self-injury. To minimize this risk, be mindful of clips, chains, ropes, and any other objects that may be accessible to their mouths.

01/28/2025

Are you noticing little clumps of chewed up hay left on the ground after feeding?

These little clumps are referred to as “quids” and are often a sign your horse is having difficulty properly chewing their hay. It can be an indicator for a higher risk of choke!

If you notice these around your feeding area it may be time to get your horse in for a dental! We can help you come up with a feeding regimen to make sure you are maximizing your nutrition from your feed, and lowering your horse’s risk of choke.

We still have openings in February for our dental special month!
Call or text today to get on the schedule and receive 10% off your horse’s dental float 🦷

01/21/2025

Yes! We can administer Spring vaccines in February, when you bring your horse in for Dental Special Month!

We still have openings so call or text to get your horse on the schedule for 10% off (406) 728-5667.

💉 🦷 🐴

01/13/2025

What to expect when you’re expecting (a foal)!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING (A FOAL) 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated — however, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor, to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines, and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!

01/13/2025

Reminder:
February is Dental Special Month 🦷

A lot of clients ask us, at what age should they start floating their horse’s teeth?
Generally, we recommend getting a float prior to putting a bit in for the first time, so that we can remove any wolf teeth.
And yes, mares can have wolf teeth too!

Receive 10% off your maintenance float when you book an in clinic appointment with us through the month of February.

Get your appointment scheduled now—we fill up fast!

Call or text 406-728-5667

01/07/2025

Our Dental Special Month is back!

Call or text now to get your horses on the schedule for February—spots fill up fast!

We look forward to seeing everyone next month!

🦷 🐴

01/02/2025

Happy New Year to all of our wonderful clients!!! And Happy Birthday to all those horses who miraculously were born on January 1st! 😂🎂🎉 #2025

12/03/2024

PSA for all of our clients:

Dr. Witzel will be out of town for a conference from December 7th-16th. We will still be answering phones and can help with questions, or schedule appointments for when he returns.

We will have contacts to refer you to should an emergency come up during this time.

In the meantime, one of the biggest things you can do to avoid an emergency is to make sure your horse is drinking plenty of water to help prevent colic. This is especially important during these temperature changes as we transition to Winter. ❄️ And remember, horses are more inclined to drink tepid (warmer) water as opposed to icy cold water during winter—so make sure your stock tank heaters are working!

11/25/2024

Does your horse live at a boarding facility?

Do you travel year round with your horse for shows and competitions?

Or do you as a horse owner frequent other equine facilities other than your own?

Then it may be a good idea to booster your horses for flu/rhino before Winter. This vaccine is typically recommended every 6 months for horses that travel often or have contact with other horses.

Call or text us to get on the schedule (406) 728-5667

11/13/2024

Oh hay there 🤠🐴

Here are some really good tips to calculating how much hay you want to have stored for your herd.

And remember, one of the best ways to keep your horse warm is by feeding them hay! So always plan for extra hay to get them through those extremely frigid Montana cold snaps.

11/05/2024

❄️ Do you have an older horse you’re worried about getting through Winter comfortably? ❄️

🦷 Keeping weight on older horses is a common concern for horse owners. Bring them in for a dental to make sure dental health isn’t holding them back from getting the most out of their feed this Winter. 🦷

🐴 We can help walk you through the best feeding plan for your senior horse, and discuss your options to keep them comfortable during those harsh cold days🐴.

Call or text to get on the schedule 📞
406-728-5667

10/15/2024

Winter is coming!

Make sure your horses are dewormed and vaccinated before the snow hits ⛄️

Our Fall Wellness special is still going on. Call or text to get on the schedule for your horse’s fall vaccination and get 50% off fall deworming.

406-728-5667

10/08/2024

Trivia Tuesday:

Do you know what these little yellow specs are?

Call or text us to get on the schedule for your fall vaccines and deworming, and we will make sure you’re using the right dewormer to kill this pesky parasite.

(406) 728-5667

10/02/2024

FALL WELLNESS SPECIAL

From October 15-November 15 when you schedule your Fall Vaccination 💉 get 50% off your Fall deworming as well. 🪱

Call or text to get on the schedule
406-728-5667

09/24/2024

Announcement 📣

We have changed our phone system! From now on, we will be responding to all inquires through our office phone number.

406-728-5667

This should be the only phone number you need saved for the clinic.

Don’t worry, when you call with an emergency after-hours you will still be able to get a hold of Dr. Witzel directly.

You should now also be able to text this office line with non-emergent questions, or send picture updates, during normal business hours (9-5, M-F).

And please remember to always leave a voicemail if we don’t answer 😊

09/17/2024

PSA: Your Veterinarians like to relax after work too! 😌 💤

Our clinic’s normal business hours are from 🔹9am-5pm Mon-Fri 🔹We are more than happy to answer your questions, and get you scheduled for medication pick-ups, or regular appointments during this time.

Please reserve after-hours for emergencies only.
And remember, if we don’t answer right away, please leave a voicemail so we know what’s happening and how urgent the matter is. We wouldn’t want to mistake your colic for a pocket dial or vice-versa!

Thank you for respecting these hours and helping keep us sane!

09/16/2024

Cover Photo Contest time!

Comment your photo below and we will choose a winner to be the new cover photo for our page.

Rules:
Must be in landscape orientation
Must be equine related

Like your favorite ones to vote for them. 🤠