How to find a vet for your horse.

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Mar 06 2010

My early experience.

In the early months of owning my own horse, and being totally inexperienced, I looked after him in what seemed to me to be just the normal fashion. I fed him and groomed him regularly, the latter being mostly just before going out for a ride and, quite naturally, after the ride and before putting him back out in the paddock.

But very quickly my local Saddle Club made me aware of the many problems that could happen with a horse without the proper care, and that I’d need to find a vet for help if ever the need arose. So I did some research and learned of the many health problems that could occur without the proper care.

A few of the things I learned I’ve listed below.

Warning signs of potential health problems.

The symptom of the majority of horse ailments appears to be inflammation. The signs to look out for are heat, pain and swelling in any part of your horse. A sudden change in your horse’s normal behaviour should also set your alarm bells ringing. Rather than trying to learn the symptoms of each type of illness, try to be more aware of the fact that your horse is showing indications of good health and the joy of life.

When to find a vet and ask for help.

As already indicated, if you see real signs if pain, swelling or inflammation, don’t depend on your own judgement, call a vet. I’ve been taught that Rule No:1 is to never to leave a horse in even slight pain for more than 24 hours without having the cause identified and having it dealt with.

Realise that calling in a vet is not an admission of failure on your part. Unfortunate things just do happen, often for no apparent reason. Your vet is part of your team and hopefully, apart from treating your horse, will teach you some first-aid treatments for you to use while you’re waiting for him or her to arrive.

Finally, realise that vets can be expensive, but alway base your decision on when to call a vet on need rather the what it may cost.

So just how to you find a vet?

Number One: The primary thing is to ensure that you choose a vet who had extensive experience with horses. Check them out as best you can by talking to other horse owners and by asking direct questions of the vet. You’ll find that many vets don’t, or won’t treat large animals like horses and cattle. Some have experience only with small animals and specialise only in treating pets like dogs and cats. Horses are big and strong and you need to be confident that the vet you choose is going to be easily able to handle your horse. The last thing you want is for either the vet or your horse to get injured.

Number Two: You also want to be sure that the vet you choose has overall experience. Your vet should know a lot about the general life and the care of horses along with similar knowledge about other animals. In other words, he should have a good general knowledge about animals right across the board. You want to choose a vet who is good at what he does, and who really knows what he’s doing.

Number Three: Finally, you want to choose a vet with whom you can feel comfortable and at ease This is very important as over the years to come, whether you like it or not, you’re going to be seeing a lot of him and her. If the vet becomes a personal friend, this can only be to your advantage. I was very fortunate as I had an excellent lady vet as one of my immediate neighbours who helped me extremely quickly on many occasions with my horse, as well as my four dogs, cat, and cattle. And who knows, if your country is similar to here in Australia, you may even be offered “mate’s rates” which can save you quite a bit of money!

Recommended reading: Complete Horse Care Manual by Colin Vogel

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