Vetpro

30/11/2023

Congratulations Ali your our November winner of a bag of Equine Relax worth $69.95.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in December and you or a friend could win 5kg Equine Cherry Electrolytes worth $78.00.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

28/11/2023

28/11/2023

Thank you for the lovely card we received from the riders at the
Dressage Hawkes Bay Championship Show - A Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League event 2 day event of fun in the sun🐴🙂

27/11/2023

Great to see our sign up at Stable to Stirrup a registered charitable trust founded by a group of passionate people who want to create a viable option for standardbred horses when they retire from their harness racing career.
Due to limited resources, many Standardbreds don't get a chance to have a life after racing, however, at Stable to Stirrup they are committed to changing this for these lovely horses.
To Learn more visit their website https://www.stabletostirrup.org/

16/11/2023

Thank you for the lovely card we received in the post.
Dressage Wellington Super 5 Prelim, always nice to hear from riders competing in our Vetpro class 🐴🙂

15/11/2023

A Natural Way..

Can be very effective, for example using a natural fly repellent for horses and dogs - incorporating ingredients like citronella, tea tree oil, rosemary, and lemon oil, offers a multitude of benefits for both the animal and its owner. These natural ingredients not only effectively ward off annoying insects but also provide a safer alternative to chemical-laden repellents. Citronella, with its pleasant aroma, acts as a potent deterrent for flies, while tea tree oil brings its antiseptic properties to the mix, promoting skin health for the horse. Rosemary and lemon oil contribute not only to the repellent properties but also offer a refreshing scent. Opting for a natural fly repellent ensures that the animal is not exposed to harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of skin irritations or adverse reactions. Additionally, it aligns with an eco-friendly approach, promoting a healthier environment for both the animal and its surroundings. Note essential oils should not be used on cats.

05/11/2023

Congratulations Lesley Wedlake your our October winner of Flex Equine Plus!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in November and you or a friend could win 1kg Equine Relax worth $69.95, Equine Relax a natural calming formula for horses.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

BE IN TO WIN VETPRO EQUINE PRODUCTS EVERY MONTH! Be in the draw to win a Vetpro Equine Product every month.To Enter, Simply Join Our Mail List Here - and -

02/11/2023

Shame the weather isn't playing ball, but there's plenty of action at Show Jumping Waikato's Show being held at Takapoto Estate - 1.30m Championship. What a stunning venue!

03/10/2023

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product
information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in October and you or a friend could win an awesome 500gm Flex Equine Plus $90.00.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

BE IN TO WIN VETPRO EQUINE PRODUCTS EVERY MONTH! Be in the draw to win a Vetpro Equine Product every month.To Enter, Simply Join Our Mail List Here - and -

19/09/2023

Hi Vetpro,

Little update from Sarah Wilkinson based in UK!
Dutchy (Ji Alda) has been the superstar of the stable this season winning both Somerford Park Farm Premier League and Vale View Premier League. We then had the regional champs last month where she won the Medium Gold class comfortably which means we have qualified for the Nationals! This will be my third Nationals on my third horse so I’m quite proud about that :D It will be a very strong class at the Nationals but we will give it our all. She’s a very cool and calm mare, who loves being at the shows. I think she relishes in all the attention and the busy atmosphere, haha.

Hello is back into good work so hopefully all will align and we will get out in a month or so once her fitness picks up. The summer this year has been very temperamental and our grass is incredibly lush! Very different to the last few summers I have had here.
Thank you so much for all your support - its very appreciated!!
Follow Sarah's journey on Facebook.

19/09/2023

From Waikanae Pony Club Spring Show.
Katie and her pony Cody were proud champions in the green pony class and took away a Vetpro Emergency Wound Pack.
Cody has only been under saddle since April when Katie started him herself.
He’s turned out to be a star.

08/09/2023

Shivers or Stringhalt!
What's the Difference?
Why Does it Happen?
What Can Be Done?......read more https://vetpro.co.nz/shivers-and-stringhalt-involuntary-leg-movements-of-the-horse/

04/09/2023

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in September and you or a friend could win an awesome Emergency Wound Pack perfect for your tack room worth $46.60.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

18/08/2023

Understand How Your Horse Digests their Feed.
Avoid the pitfalls that can create gut pain and discomfort in your horse, prevent grumpy, touchy behaviour that comes with it.
A easy comprehensive article is available now on our website https://vetpro.co.nz/equine-digestion-how-horses-processes-their-feed/

03/08/2023

(DJD) Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is common and progressive condition affecting the joints of horses. DJD primarily affects weight-bearing joints, such as the hocks, knees, and fetlocks, and can significantly impact a horse's quality of life.

To combat the onset of DJD you can use a scientifically proven nutraceutical that contains all the peer reviewed scientifically proven recommended amounts of actives to be effective in improving joint elasticity and joint repairs..to read more about DJD read our article https://vetpro.co.nz/joints-damage-arthritis/

01/08/2023

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in August and you or a friend could win an awesome Hoof Poultice pack, perfect for your tack room worth $39.95.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

25/07/2023

ONLY Seven Days to go!!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in July and you could win a FREE Mud Fever Pack worth $85.00
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

10/07/2023

Why is Vitamin E necessary in Winter

Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) is an essential vitamin - meaning that the horse has to ingest it daily and its source is green feed - i.e., good quality pasture. So, in winter levels can become low at times (and unlike other vitamins), horses will need supplementation of this vitamin.
Winter pasture is watery, less nutritious and in current conditions trampled. This means very low levels of Vitamin E. In Spring and most of the Summer, good green pasture provides all the daily requirement, which is for working horses 2000- 4000 iu, or for pregnant and lactating mares 2000- 4000 iu and stallions 1000- 2000 iu..
There are two options for supplementing – Synthetic Vitamin E and Natural Vitamin E. The latter is more bioavailable and so more easily absorbed, however it is much more expensive. Synthetic Vitamin E needs a higher dose to provide the optimum daily levels in the plasma, but even so is still much more economic and also more stable when stored.

Vitamin E is a biological antioxidant (protects cells from oxidative stress), vital for normal neurological and muscular functions, it assists the immune system, fertility in stallions and has been shown to improve the level of nervousness in competition horses and reduce the impact of Shivers in some horses.

It is often added to mineral mixes and premixed feeds but if there is iron in these mixes – the vitamin E will not be absorbed, so added as a supplement in a separate feed is the only way to be assured of providing the recommended daily dose.
For full details of Vitamin E check out the article ………..
https://vetpro.co.nz/vitamin-e/

05/07/2023

Congratulations to Emily Blakey you are our lucky June prize draw winner of a 2kg bag of Muscle Max.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in July and you or a friend could win an awesome Mud Fever Pack, perfect for your tack room worth $85.00.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

06/06/2023

Congratulations to Kate Rutherford you are our lucky May prize draw winner of a pot of Honey Wound Wax.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in June and you or a friend could win a FREE 2kg of Muscle Max, perfect for Winter! worth $67.00.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

BE IN TO WIN VETPRO EQUINE PRODUCTS EVERY MONTH! Be in the draw to win a Vetpro Equine Product every month.To Enter, Simply Join Our Mail List Here - and -

29/05/2023

Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) in Horses

The horse’s joints are vulnerable to injury, wear and deterioration due to age. The common result is the development of DJD – that’s degenerative joint disease – which becomes osteoarthritis. DJD is the number one cause of early retirement and 60% of all lameness is due to DJD.

Once it has become established, it is not curable and cannot be reversed – but it can be prevented or delayed, and it can be delayed once diagnosed.

Trauma, is the most common cause, primarily concussion from the force of the foot hitting a hard surface with each step they take and that force travelling up the leg. A horse with poor confirmation, or incorrect shoeing, or poor early nutrition, is going to be most vulnerable to the effects of concussion.

Firstly, to help with concussion: protect the horse from working on hard surfaces, (especially young horses).
Make sure the shoeing creates good balanced feet with correct angles and shoes are light and options for padding (e.g. gel) are considered for when hard surfaces are unavoidable.

Provide good nutrition for the young developing horse …link to article “developing the young horse safely.

Direct injury to a joint can result in the onset of DJD. Veterinary support is important to help achieve recovery without DJD. Special care concerning infection and a monitored and patient recovery period.

Ageing is the other main aspect of DJD.
The cartilage is like a spongy cushion between the bones of the joint. With age important constituents are naturally reducing. One of the most influential is called glucosamine, and simply put it controls the hydration and sponginess of the cushion.

In fact, the cartilage becomes like a kitchen sponge that dries and becomes hard and brittle. The ends of the bones become inflamed and DJD develops. Adding glucosamine and other vital actives will re-hydrolyse (like soaking the kitchen sponge) and so maintain the cushioning effect. When ageing becomes the trigger depends somewhat on the work life of the horse and the factors noted above.

Prevention as always prevention is better than trying to cure and often this can be boosted by early feeding of a nutraceutical supplement with all the scientifically recognised active ingredients, at the right levels to be effective.
Once diagnosed, veterinary support, alongside a nutraceutical, with injectables will assist to relieve the horse and slow the DJD progress.
The important actives for an effective supplement are glucosamine combined with manganese ascorbate - necessary for the conversion of glucosamine to its effective active form, Denatured Collagen type II (the newest proven active), Chondroitin, zinc, copper, gelatin.

When looking at a supplement check it provides 1200 mg of glucosamine per day, has a full formula with peer reviewed science on the ingredients. (Ask the manufacturer). Ideally use it as a prophylactic around 6 to 8 years of age before DJD occurs.
For further information go to the full article on joints https://vetpro.co.nz/joints-damage-arthritis/

04/05/2023

Congratulations to Katy Price you are our lucky April prize draw winner of a 400gm Four Feet.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in April and you or a friend could win a FREE 100gm Pot of Honey Wound Wax worth $47.95.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

BE IN TO WIN VETPRO EQUINE PRODUCTS EVERY MONTH! Be in the draw to win a Vetpro Equine Product every month.To Enter, Simply Join Our Mail List Here - and -

12/04/2023

Congratulations to Wendy Donaldson you are our lucky March prize draw winner of a 500ml Lillidale Medicated Wash.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in April and you or a friend could win a FREE 400gm Equine Four Feet worth $39.68.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

BE IN TO WIN VETPRO EQUINE PRODUCTS EVERY MONTH! Be in the draw to win a Vetpro Equine Product every month.To Enter, Simply Join Our Mail List Here - and -

07/03/2023

Congratulations to Robyn Hughes you are our lucky February prize draw winner of a 750ml Vet Naturals Fly Repellent worth $44.00.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in March and you or a friend could win a FREE 500ml Lillidale Medicated Wash for your horse worth $19.90.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

02/03/2023

Testing has proved that no matter what the pasture all horses need a daily supplement of macro minerals.
Horses in hard work – like competition, racing or breeding need higher levels than horses in light work or resting, who need the same minerals but less of them.
Few horses need to be given extra vitamins – indeed its not good to over supplemented the Vitamins A and D or C . Vitamin E is the most likely to be needed.
Often B vitamins are useful for a short term when the horse is in difficult or stressful conditions.
Actually, what minerals and vitamins and how much of them are needed are all detailed in the article …. https://vetpro.co.nz/supplements-horses-really-need-day/

07/02/2023

Congratulations to Katie Wiseman you are our lucky January prize draw winner of a bag of a Vetpro Cool Pack worth $67.00.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in February and you or a friend could win a FREE 750ml VetNaturals Fly Repellent for your horse worth $44.00.
https://vetpro.co.nz/win-with-vetpro/

25/01/2023

☀️🐩Do You Sunscreen Your Pet❓🐈☀️

We often see our pets stretched out in the sun enjoying the heat but it is important to bear in mind the sun's rays are not only harmful to us humans but also to them.☀️

Animals most at risk are those who are fair skinned with white, thin or no fur, in particular on the tips of their ears, noses, tummy and groin.🐩

There are sunscreens available specifically for your pets which need to be applied on a regular basis.

Don’t be tempted to use human sunscreen as it can be toxic to animals, especially cats when licked off.🐈

We stock Vetpro Pet Sunblock Powder which comes with a sponge applicator to dab on. A number of our team members use it on their pets.

🩺If your pet has a bad case of sunburn it is important to get them seen by their vet as it can be harmful to them. Continual sunburn can lead to painful skin cancers and possible death.🩺

❤️Protect Your Pets❤️

www.hamiltonvets.co.nz Vetpro

24/01/2023

We received this fabulous photo from Charley with Nate (Nows The Time PSH) who thought he was very clever holding his rosette himself at the prize giving at the Dressage Super 5 Prelim League. Maybe it's because the rosette is green? we thought it was just too cute not to share!

24/01/2023

Only Seven more days to go into the draw to win a FREE Cool Down Pack for you and your horse worth $68.00.

Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!

09/01/2023

Congratulations to Julie Melnacis you are our lucky December prize draw winner of a bag of Equine Cherry Electrolytes worth $78.00.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in January and you or a friend could win a FREE Cool Pack for you and your horse worth $68.00.
To Learn More About Body Heat in horses" https://vetpro.co.nz/horses-do-get-hot/

Overheating is a danger for your horse. Learn the safest way to cool them down after exercise.

21/12/2022

Sunlight on horses skin can be very negative but is preventable.
Horses with white areas, blazes legs and ears, also heel, are subjected to sunburn and need protection from the UVA
and UVB rays of the sun. UVA are short wave ultraviolet and UVB are long wave ultraviolet rays. Both will cause soreness, redness and discomfort but it can then progress to blistering and an oozing discharge that will need veterinary attention.

Even mild sunburn that is repeated can cause damage that will create long term problems, the skin can become thick and scaling appears on the surface (known as keratosis), this in turn may transform to a squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer).
Also the exposure to ultraviolet light can have negative effects on the immune systems of the skin, this is why horses with white legs often tend to suffer with problems with infection like mud fever from dermatophilosis or bacterial follicitus.

Apart from normal sunburn there is a condition called Photosensitisation, it is where even lightly pigmented (not just white) skin reacts abnormally to ultraviolet light and results in photodermatitis.
Triggers for this can arise from exposure to a chemical that may create the skin to be more sensitive to UV light. These can be chemical based fly sprays, some coat conditioners some dyes and some drugs such as some antibiotics and tranquilisers.
Another source of photosensitisation is from some plants and weeds that are digested by the horse as they produce reactive compounds called photosensitisers or photodynamic agents which flow through to the skin and create greater sensitivity. These can be in some clovers, cow parsley, comfrey, St. John’s wort. Even contact with common buttercups can cause a localised irritation and sensitivity on the muzzle.
This condition can also be seen as a side effect of severe liver damage, as a poorly functioning liver doesn’t process chlorophyll efficiently resulting in phylloerythrin in the tissues of the horse. Liver damage can have varied causes but one is the ingestion of ragwort when it has been dried such as hay cut from an infested paddock.

Prevention of Equine Sun Burn
First of all, dealing with a healthy horse that has white skin such as muzzle and legs is relatively easy as a sunblock that is practical and long lasting will provide protection from sunburn. It is important not to wait until there are signs such as redness, but to start using it as the light levels intensify in late Spring. Attention should be paid to areas like heels which are not the most obvious points but nevertheless can become sore and irritated.
Masks are useful but can slip aside unnoticed when the horse is out grazing open pasture. Some masks require attachment to a halter, and this is often not satisfactory as the horse can become hooked up by a halter and other horses tend to grab on to it. Long term halter wearing can also result in rubs and sores.
Use of human sun creams is neither practical or effective, most human creams do not block UVB rays and they just act like filters not total blocks and after a short time they are absorbed into the skin and have to be reapplied. That is not so practical for a horse who spends many hours in a sunny paddock. A block that lays
on top of the skin and doesn’t get absorbed or rubbed off is the answer. Human creams were developed because they are invisible as people don’t like wearing a white cover on their faces and other areas, but of course the horse doesn’t mind what they look like!
A sticky cream is not easy to apply to horses who generally don’t like their noses being touched, and especially more so if they have been exposed to sun and are becoming sore ideally a UVA and UVB powder is best for horses as its long lasting, it doesn’t wash
off in the water trough, it’s not-sticky and it’s easy to apply.

Click the link to read the full article on the negative and positive effects of sun on horses ..https://vetpro.co.nz/effects-sun-equine-skin/

Click the link to find out more about UVA and UVB Sun Block Powder..https://vetpro.co.nz/product/sunblock-powder/

05/12/2022

Congratulations to Emily Lawrie you are our lucky November prize draw winner of a bag of Equine Relax worth $70.00.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in November and you or a friend could win a FREE bag of Cherry Electrolytes worth $78.00.
To Learn More About Why Horses Need Electrolytes:https://vetpro.co.nz/electrolytes-why-what-how/

02/12/2022

It's always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand for the tack room, truck, float and car when your traveling with your horse or pet.
For wound care information go to our website article https://vetpro.co.nz/wound-care/
Or if your looking for a first aid kit https://vetpro.co.nz/product-category/first-aid-kits-packs/

28/11/2022

Only three days to go until the winner of the Equine Relax is drawn have you signed up to our Newsletter yet??

16/11/2022

Electrolytes.....sweat is the major route of fluid and electrolyte loss in horses.
It is a natural process so why worry about it?
The loss of water alone is debilitating but combined with a serious loss of vital salts and minerals can result in negative neuromuscular reactions from muscle cramping to tying up & systemic alkalosis.
It seems ironic but when the sodium is reduced by sweating, the horses’ thirst is also reduced and so he or she will not want to drink and thus exacerbates the condition of dehydration.
A salt lick is not enough, some horses chomp away and overdo the intake, others will not take enough.
When are Electrolytes needed?
Sweating for whatever reason, training, competing or just hot weather does create a need for proper electrolyte supplementation, the harder the work or the hotter the condition – the greater the need.
The greater the combination of hard work and hot weather – then the need for Electrolytes will be greater so a high performance electrolyte, otherwise for more normal conditions a horse can be kept well balanced with a daily supplement of a standard formula added to the feed. Horses with gastric illness that creates diarrhoea will need electrolytes to prevent dehydration from the water lost from the gut.
Click Here to read the full article: https://vetpro.co.nz/electrolytes-why-what-how/

04/11/2022

Congratulations to Rosemary Sutton of Wainui you are our lucky October prize draw winner of a bag of Flex Equine Plus.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & BE IN THE MONTHLY DRAW
WIN GREAT VETPRO PRIZES!
Simply Join Our Mail List via our website www.vetpro.co.nz to receive the latest articles and product information and your automatically in the draw!
There’s A New Draw Every Month!
Sign up in November and you or a friend could win a FREE bag of Equine Relax worth $70.00
To Learn More About This Product:https://vetpro.co.nz/product/equine-relax/

25/10/2022

Only four days to go until the winner of the Flex Equine is drawn have you signed up to our Newsletter yet??

18/10/2022

Honey has been well known for centuries to have remarkable healing properties.
The benefits of using honey is it speeds up healing and reduces infection.
Honey Wound Wax is anti-microbial – not just anti-bacterial and can be used on Horses, Dogs and Cats.
The anti-microbial honey in Honey Wound Wax can kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria as well as viruses and fungi, Honey Wound Wax also reduces wound inflammation.
Honey Wound Wax also contains Beeswax which is high in Vitamin A which has been found to support cell reconstruction and health. It is also used as a salve for skin dermatitis.