Dental care for horses differs significantly from that of humans or even cats and dogs. Due to their vegetarian diet and manner of eating, a horse’s teeth work more like a gristmill, constantly grinding and mashing down their food. The horse’s teeth are therefore designed to keep growing as an adaptation to the manner in which they eat.
Vaccination
Just as dogs and cats require core vaccinations from a young age, so must horses receive certain essential vaccines to protect them against serious illnesses. Rabies, a universal and deadly threat to mammals, can cause neurological damage, behavioral changes and eventually death. This frightening ailment is transferred through the bite of a rabid animal, making it imperative that you vaccinate your horse and keep providing booster shots as needed to maintain protection. Other core vaccinations for horses include those for tetanus, Easter/Western equine encephalomyelitis and West Nile virus, and these vaccinations also require periodic boosters.
Veterinary Ophthalmology
In some circumstances. Dr. Stump or Dr. Heim will refer you to a specialist who has advanced expertise in areas such as internal medicine, ophthalmology, or surgery.
Behavioral Counseling
You should make sure that you are purchasing a healthy bunny. It is best to select a young bunny. He should have clear eyes and a nose free of any mucus. The bunny should be curious and friendly. Check to see the bunny has been spayed or neutered. Most are breeders and pet stores do not alter their pets. You will want to have your new friend spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months age. An altered pet will reduce the risk of that famous bunny reproduction and will prevent certain health and behavioral problems. In the United States, bunnies do not typically require vaccines, but be sure to check with your veterinarian to confirm the protocol in your area. Bunnies do, however, require vaccines in the United Kingdom. They always need annual check ups and fecal tests for parasites.
Nutritional Counseling
Hookworms are small, thread-like parasites of the small intestine where they attach and suck large amounts of blood. These parasites are found in almost all parts of the world, being common in dogs, and occasionally seen in cats. Symptoms are usually diarrhea and weight loss. The parasites can actually Read more
Comprehensive Examination
A geriatric exam is more extensive than a simple check-up. Your veterinarian will conduct a standard physical examination as well as oral and rectal examinations every six months.
Parasites—Horses are often unwilling hosts to pinworms, ticks, lice, tapeworms, lungworms and roundworms. Stick to a proper deworming and bathing schedule and keep the paddocks and stables cleaned out regularly. If your horse seems itchy or is losing hair, call the veterinarian.
Behavioral Disorder Treatment
You will need to take your ferret in to your veterinarian twice a year for a medical checkup and yearly vaccinations. Ferrets require yearly inoculations against canine distemper. They are highly susceptible to canine distemper and it is always fatal. Do not forget to inoculate against this every year! Read more
Vomiting Treatment
Diarrhea Treatment
Skin Condition and Allergy Treatment
Horses are vulnerable to several ailments caused by parasites or infections. Fungi, bacteria, allergic reactions or other conditions can cause skin lesions and/or hair loss. Allergic reactions may come from external stimuli, such as the choice of bedding or airborne pollutants, or from food sensitivity.
Upper Respiratory Illness Treatment
Respiratory Problems—Many horses develop allergy and asthma-like symptoms called “heaves” when they are exposed to molds and dust from old hay and straw. Coughing and phlegm are symptoms, and shortness of breath in horses is a medical emergency.
Injury Treatment
Lameness—The number one complaint for horses, lameness can be caused by a long list of problems. Know your horse’s healthy gait and be able to recognize any changes in it quickly. Even head bobbing can be a sign of lameness as your horse tries to compensate for pain in other areas of its body. The most common causes of lameness in horses are sprains, strains and fractures, degenerative diseases such as arthritis, and hoof problems such as abscesses and laminitis. To prevent sprains and strains, keep horses well-conditioned for the jobs they do and do not overwork them. Also, check your horse’s hooves carefully at the end of each day for any shoe problems, stones, cracks or abnormalities. Contact your veterinarian immediately for assistance at the first signs of lameness.
The Parvovirus is known worldwide and causes disease in many different species of animals. Different strains of virus only infect certain types of animals. For example, the Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) will mainly infect dogs and does not cause disease in cats or humans. Feline Parvovirus, a different strain Read more
Bacterial and Viral Infection Treatment
Infection is another potential threat to horses' hooves. One common bacterial infection, thrush, causes the infection site to become black and crumbly, and a foul odor may also be present. Wet, muddy or unclean hooves are vulnerable to this and other types of infection. Repeated bouts of infection can eventually lead to a progressive deterioration of the lamina known as white line syndrome.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which can be due to wear and tear on joints from over use, aging, injury, or from an unstable joint such as which occurs with a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee. The chronic form of this disease is called degenerative joint disease Read more
Hip Dysplasia Treatment
Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It can be found in many animals and, rarely, humans, but is common in many dog breeds, particularly Read more
Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a life long disorder of dogs and cats that results when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet the animal's needs. Insulin is a hormone needed to transport glucose (blood sugar) into the body's cells. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, blood glucose rises Read more
Vestibular Disease Treatment
Thyroid Disease Treatment
Hypothyroidism is the natural deficiency of thyroid hormone and is the most common hormone imbalance of dogs. This deficiency is produced by several different mechanisms. The most common cause (at least 95% of cases) is immune destruction of the thyroid gland. It can also be caused by natural atrophy Read more
Epilepsy Treatment
Knee Problems Treatment
Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position. Luxating patella is one of the most common knee joint abnormalities of dogs, but it is only occasionally seen in cats. It may affect one or both of the knees. In some cases it moves (luxates) towards the inside Read more
Periodontal Disease Treatment
If your horse seems to drop a lot of food while eating, the molars may not be meeting up properly, allowing food to escape. If your horse chokes or gags on food, this can also be a sign that the teeth are not grinding the food down enough and that there is a problem that requires horse dentistry. A combination of bad breath and difficulty eating can signal that your horse may be suffering from horse periodontal disease and/or tooth decay.
Epilepsy (often referred to as a seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is commonly controlled with medication, although surgical methods are used as well. Epileptic seizures are classified both by their patterns of activity in the brain Read more
Wound and Fracture Care
Leptospirosis is a serious, life-threatening disease caused by a spiral shaped bacteria. Dogs, cats, other animals and even people can be infected through exposure to urine, bite wounds, ingestion of infected flesh, or contact with contaminated soil, water and even bedding. Certain environmental conditions Read more
Ferret ownership. This includes knowledge pertaining to ferret husbandry (care, nutrition, housing, and the species' habits). It is also recommended that no ferret be left unattended with any individual incapable of removing himself or herself from the ferret. It is also important that your ferret have proper care by a veterinarian legally authorized to practice veterinary medicine. This includes preventive medicine and medical or surgical care.
Along with these standard exams, your veterinarian will also examine your pet's ears, eyes, and thyroid glands. Some laboratory work will be done, including a complete blood count and a urinalysis; however, endocrine and other laboratory tests may be done if your veterinarian feels that it's necessary. It is important to establish a baseline of normal values for your pet in order to readily identify changes.
Hamsters are cute and adorable. If you had one growing up, your parents probably took care of it. Taking care of them can be challenging; however, once you master the art, it becomes more manageable by the day. Here is how you can take care of your pet hamster. Bathing and Grooming Hamsters always stay Read more
Healthy hooves are a vital part of a horse's overall well-being. Damage or disease affecting these essential weight-bearing structures can not only lead to pain, lameness and secondary infection, but it can also make a horse more vulnerable to trips and falls that cause major traumatic injuries. In addition to having any obvious signs of hoof trouble or lameness diagnosed and treated, owners should have their horses' hooves checked and routine maintenance performed at regular intervals to ensure optimum wellness. An experienced equine veterinarian can make all the difference in your horse's health and quality of life.