Equine Vet is Your Horses Best Bet

Equine Vet is Your Horses Best Bet

CEPS/Veterinary Extension
2938 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg.
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907

By Carrie Gustavson
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine

It's Saturday at 4 in the afternoon and you notice that your horse has a huge gash on its face. Do you call the vet? By Monday, that cut could become infected and lead to even bigger, more expensive problems. But then again, maybe it will be fine.

"Veterinarians often play a 'firefighter' role -- aiding your horse in a crisis, such as by sewing up a wound or attending to a colic. They are trained for that," says Dr. Lydia Miller, a veterinarian who works at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. Dr. Miller is also the director of owner education for the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

But many people don't realize that equine veterinarians can offer much more than emergency aid. In fact, having a good relationship with an equine veterinarian can help prevent emergencies, and other problems. "By developing a good relationship with a veterinarian, people will spend less to have a healthier animal that will live a longer life," says Dr. Miller.

Regular veterinary visits can provide you with a lot of helpful information. Besides giving your animals a complete physical examination, a veterinarian will check your horse's weight and body condition score. Noting trends over time, the veterinarian uses this information to guide decisions on nutrition or diagnose illness. Other important areas for veterinary intervention include your horse's teeth and feet. A veterinarian can spot problems that the owner might not notice and get to the root of a problem before it becomes an "emergency."

A veterinarian will also observe the horse's environment and diet and advise you of potential problems. She will evaluate hay and grain, point out toxic pasture plants, advise on supplements, and assess the safety of the environment -- the stall, arena, and outdoor turnout area.

The veterinarian's visit is a great time for you to get all your questions answered. Should you try the new too-good-to-be-true product that your friend uses on her horse? "Veterinarians are the best source of accurate information about your horse. They have access to experts and excellent resources at veterinary schools and can generally find the answers to your questions," says Dr. Miller.

One part of being a veterinarian involves keeping informed on the latest treatments, medicines, and nutrition so that you, the horse owner, stay informed. Vaccines, geriatric wellness, and dental care are just a few areas in which recent scientific advances can help your horse enjoy a longer, healthier life. "Look at all you're missing if your local farm supply store is your only source of equine information," says Dr. Miller.

"A veterinarian is there to help you make an informed decision -- not to make it for you. He'll explain the options, what each one costs, and potential outcomes," says Dr. Miller.

Whether you have a stable full of performance horses or a few mounts for weekend riding, you want them to perform to the best of their ability for as long as possible. "Your equine veterinarian is your horse health care partner. Let your veterinarian know your concerns, then work as a team to provide your horses with the best possible care," says Dr. Miller.

We would like to thank the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana for their generous permission to reprint this article on our web site.

Reprinted with the written permission of U of I