DENTISTRY
Dentistry is something we are very passionate about at Lower House Equine Clinic, and we understand and recognise the importance it has in general health and welfare and also in ridden work.
VETERAN HEALTH CHECK AND CARE
This type of surgery is most often carried out under standing sedation and local anaesthetic, providing safer conditions for the horse. Here at Lower House Equine Clinic we are able to offer three different surgical techniques including inter-spinous ligament desmotomy, cranial wedge osteotomy and subtotal osteotomy. Each case is assessed on a case by case basis and sometimes a combination of techniques may be suggested.
SPORTS HORSE HEALTH CHECKS
- Sport Horse assessment pre-season, or during season
- Trot-up, flexion tests, lunge and ridden assessments.
- Ridden horse ethogram assessment to detect pain scores
- Preventative strategies to ensure maximal horse health and performance
- Liaison with other para-professionals such as farriers and physiotherapists
- Targeted veterinary treatment as required depending on competition targets
STANDING CASTRATIONS
Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, or if you prefer can be performed here at the clinic as a day patient procedure. For more information please see our Colt castration fact sheet in our advice section.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccination is commonly performed both at the clinic and at home premises. The common diseases we vaccinate for are Influenza (flu), Tetanus and Equine Herpes.
Influenza
The equine influenza virus is endemic in the UK and is the disease we most frequently vaccinate for. Affected horses often show clinical signs relating to an infection of the respiratory tract and may present with a dry cough, nasal discharge, a fever and lethargy.
Due to its highly contagious nature, outbreaks commonly occur when large numbers of unvaccinated horses gather at events and come within close proximity to one another. Horses can be immunised from as early at 5 months old and the vaccine is commonly given in combination with tetanus.
Primary Course:
- First vaccination
- Second vaccine (21-92 days from first)
Boosters:
- First booster- 150-215 days from primary course (i.e. 5-7 months)
- Subsequent boosters- Every 12 months from first booster
Boosters for influenza can be performed every six months as required for competitions/events. Please call the clinic to discuss any queries on this matter.
Tetanus
Tetanus in horses is caused by a reaction to the toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are found in soil and infection is most commonly acquired through contaminated wounds, resulting in severe muscle spasms and contractions. It is recommended that all horses should be immunised for tetanus.
Primary course:
- First vaccination
- Second vaccination (4-6 weeks from first)
Boosters:
- First booster- No longer than 12 months from primary course
- Subsequent boosters- Every two years after first booster
Equine Herpes Virus
The equine herpes virus is highly contagious and can cause a range of clinical signs in affected horses including respiratory and neurological disease. It also causes abortion in pregnant mares and is therefore strongly recommended for breeding stock.
Primary Course:
- First vaccination
- Second vaccination (4-6 weeks from first)
Boosters: Every 6 months following the primary course
For pregnant mares, three vaccinations given on the 5th, 7th and 9th month of pregnancy are recommended to provide maximal protection against Herpesvirus related abortion.
GENERAL HEALTH CHECK
Yearly health checks with one of our veterinary surgeons is a good practice for early identification of illness or disease through a clinical examination and discussion. It is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about the care of your horse or management of any ongoing conditions in a low stress setting. Health checks are especially popular amongst our clients with geriatric horses and ponies to ensure an optimal standard of care.
Health checks are included under the LHEC Health Plan but can also be arranged individually. Please contact the practice for further information.
The General Health Check includes:
- Examination of your horse’s heart and lungs at rest
- Examination of your horse’s eyes
- Review of your horse’s general bodily condition and opportunity to discuss your horse’s management and feeding
- Opportunity to discuss any health concerns about your horse with the vet
For a more compressive health check we can also do the following
- Dental examination and requirement treatment
- Faecal sample analysis for faecal worm egg count to monitor for intestinal parasites and the efficacy of your pasture management and de-worming programme
- Tape worm sample
- Blood sample taken for haematology, inflammatory profile and to check for liver and intestinal abnormalities
COST: £11.00 PER MONTH – SAVING OF OVER £55 PER YEAR
If you would like to sign up to our plan, please call the of ce on 01691 830 444 to discuss further.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about Lower House Equine Clinic, our facilities or services, please feel free to contact us using any of the details below…