Clicker Training for Needle-Shy Horses
Did you know that equine vets have one of the highest injury risks of all civilian professions? One of the risky scenarios we find ourselves in is trying to inject needle shy horses. This is a difficult and dangerous problem for owners, vets and horses. Luckily, by understanding equine behaviour and learning we can quickly […]
Eye Ulcers
Our vets at Vet Cross have seen an increasing number of horses experiencing issues with their eyes recently. The most common issue we are currently diagnosing is corneal ulceration. This injury can easily become sight threatening. The cornea is the smooth, glossy outmost layer of the eye. Corneal ulcers often occur due to some form […]
“Big Head”
Big Head is a common term for a condition seen in horses due to eating a diet made up of predominantly Buffel Grass. The scientific name for Big Head is, “Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism” THE THING IS, there are lots of other plants which can cause “Big Head”. These are: – Pangola grass – Guinea grass […]
Worming
Rotational worming is out, strategic worming is in! What worms do horses get? Traditionally, the most important worms in horses were large strongyles, which caused blockages. These worms are extremely sensitive to most wormers on the market and do not readily develop resistance. Because of this, they are now not very common. Today, the difficult […]
Sarcoids
What is a sarcoid? A sarcoid is a form of skin tumour or cancer that affects horses, donkeys and mules. It is quite common and is generally benign and non-life-threatening. There are different classifications of sarcoids based on their appearance with some aggressive forms where local tissue is also attacked. Sarcoids can have several different […]
Wounds and Lacerations
Horses are experts when it comes to injuring themselves and the more valuable they are the better they are at it! Horses in training often sustain minor injuries, such as over-reaches, speedy cuts and abrasions. Wire cuts, rope burns, bites and kicks are common injuries in paddock and stable injuries First aid principles The major […]
Winter Check List for Old Horses
Winter is a tough time for our older horses so if your long time friend is ‘getting on a bit’ here’s a check list that will give those oldies a leg up this winter. Diet Diet is probably one of the first things to consider as animals burn energy in order to keep warm so […]
Sunburn
Summer means sunburn and our horses suffer the same as we do, the lighter the skin the easier the burn. Even your darker bays and blacks can be affected by the harsh rays of the sun and sunburn is as painful for them as it is for us. Sunburn means red raw skin that is […]
Strategic Worming
Strategic Worming in, Rotational worming out A worming program is an integral part of keeping your horse fit and healthy. Worm burdens in horses can result in disease such as weight loss, diarrhoea, poor performance, colic and even death. Here at Vet Cross we recommend a strategic approach to worming all horses and ponies over […]
Laminitis
Of all the common lameness problems that affect horses and ponies, laminitis and founder are most feared by horse owners. In fact, laminitis is the second biggest killer of horses after colic. Laminitis occurs when the sensitive soft tissues connecting the pedal bone to the hoof wall (‘laminae’) are damaged. This allows the pedal bone […]
