12/08/2024
Y’all did SO good over Thanksgiving by practicing preventative horse care. Now we need you to continue it a bit longer.
Dec 8-11th is the annual American Association of Equine Practitioners equine veterinary meeting. This is where equine vets go to get up to date continuing education to stay on top of new info to help them help their patients (your horses) stay healthy for longer.
It’s in Orlando FL this year.
What does this mean for you as a horse owner? Your vet may be out of town at the meeting.
We’ve practiced for this. We are prepared, right?!
It’s a good idea to find out if your vet is going and what their emergency backup plan is - because, you know, “horses” - right?
Just a recap: practice preventative caregiving.
During this time, as an emergency only vet, I recommend the following:
- Don’t deworm your horse right now.
- Don’t start a new feed right now.
- Don’t get a new round bale of coastal hay right now if you’ve let the last one go to dust (give small amounts at a time or mix with a stemmy hay until they’ve had their fill, then give the round bale).
- Don’t change schedules.
- Don’t vaccinate your horse right now, especially if you have a known reactor.
- Don’t be in a rush and fail to soak your feed for long enough (choke risk) - especially if you’re late to feed due to holiday errands/get togethers.
- If you have visitors, limit treats. Ensure gates are closed. Make sure feed doors and bins locked.
There is already a shortage of equine vets - and the few we do have may be out of town gettin’ their education on.
Remember: Proper Preparation Prevents Poorly Pferds! 😂🥴 (ok that one was a stretch)