Conifer, CO 80433
ph: 303-838-VETS (8387)
Regular deworming, appropriate vaccinations based on the individual horse's risk, and evaluation of the nutritional needs and status of the horse are an integral part of basic horse care. Annual or semi-annual exams can help spot problems in early stages.
A deworming program can be complicated, and the constant appearance of new products confusing. Choice of product is important to target all of the parasites that may affect the horse
at various times of the year. Timing of medication is important because it must be targeted to
the timing in the life cycle of each parasite. Both choice of product and timing of administration
must be considered in designing a deworming program. Once these goals are met, an owner may
choose a program based on convenience, cost, or ease of administration. In short, a lot of information goes into designing an effective parasite control program. For these reasons, it is best to consult your veterinarian about your horse's specific needs.
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of prevention. They can be viewed at the most basic level as 'cheap insurance,' although even the best vaccines are not 100% effective. However, quality vaccines provide excellent protection with minimal risk to the horse, and vaccine technology had advanced by leaps and bounds in the last few years. Gone are the days of vaccines with Aluminum in the mixture as an adjuvant or immune stimulator. Modern vaccines use clever new ways of attracting the attention of the immune system while minimizing even further unwanted inflammation, swelling and other adverse effects. While a horse can still be severely allergic to any medication, newer products have drastically improved performance compared with their more familiar counterparts.
A 'core' of vaccines recommended for every horse includes encephalitis, tetanus, west nile, and most recently, rabies. Core vaccines are recommended for every horse, regardless of interaction with other horses and regardless of the horse's individual environment. Rabies was recently added as a core vaccine due to increasing risk as well as concern for human health.
Many horses will require more than the core vaccines because of the activities their owners participate in, their age group, or environment. For these vaccines, it is best to consult with your veterinarian. Common vaccines given include Influenza, Strangles and Rhinopneumonitis, among others.
Nutrition for many horses is quite simple. However, most horse owners have known a horse that was either a 'hard keeper' or an 'easy keeper.' Each of these presents a different dilemma. For both types, dental care, feed quality and the efficacy of deworming program must first be assessed. Then other factors are considered. These factors may include simple things such as competition over feed from herdmates, or more complex underlying medical conditions. Much has been learned recently about metabolic problems in horses, and many new feeds are available, making it easier for horse owners to feed each horse to its individual requirements. If you are having difficulty managing your horses weight, feel free to contact us for an exam.
"I am continually impressed by Dr. Horton and Dr. Burton's knowledge, compassion, and expertise. I don't trust any other vet practice to treat my horses." – Jenny, Pine, CO
"When my horse was sick, I called Timberline Equine and Dr. Burton and Dr. Horton arrived to my location quickly and ready to assess the problem. I was so grateful that they were able to resolve my mare's problem, and they followed up with a call the next day to check on her." –Rob, Bailey, CO
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Conifer, CO 80433
ph: 303-838-VETS (8387)