Equine Services Page

 

Laboratory

At Duntahane Veterinary Clinic we have our own Laboratory  which allows us to provide an efficient and reliable service. We can test for haematology, biochemistry, urine analysis and bacteriology, while we out-source for cytology, faecal analysis, and parasitology. Our Haematology system allows us to detect blood disorders and infection processes that may be occurring.


Yard Visits

Duntahane Veterinary Clinic provides high quality veterinary care to horses, ponies and donkeys throughout North and East Cork and surrounding counties. Our equine specific Vets visit clients for routine examinations and procedures. We ask that you try and book your appointment for non-emergency work with as much notice as possible. Our ‘Out Of Hours’ charge will apply if emergency veterinary treatment is required outside normal hours. (This will be applicable to calls received before 8.30am and after 4.30pm and on weekends and Bank holidays.)

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of your horse’s routine healthcare. Every horse must be protected against Tetanus. If not combined with Influenza vaccination then the initial Tetanus vaccination course consists of two injections 4 to 6 weeks apart. Thereafter a booster vaccination should be given at least every 3 years.

Combined Vaccination against Equine Influenza and Tetanus
1st Equip FT after 5 months old
2nd Equip FT within 21-92 days after 1st vaccination
3rd Equip FT within 150-215 days after 2nd vaccination
Booster vaccination annually (within 365 days)

  • Pregnant mares should be given a booster vaccination 4-6 weeks before foaling so that passive immunity is passed to the foal in the mare’s milk. These protected foals should start their primary course at 5 months of age.
  • Unprotected foals should be protected with an injection of tetanus antitoxin serum within 24 hours of birth. These foals should have an extra vaccination at 3 months of age, and then start their primary course as normal at 5 months old.
  • It is the legal responsibility of the owner or trainer to ensure that their horse meets the requirements demanded by the event organising authority for the particular event in which they wish to compete.

The Irish Turf Club Regulations for Equine Influenza Vaccination

The Irish Turf Club recognises the great importance of protecting against Equine Influenza. Therefore they have strict vaccination requirements which must be complied with if you wish your horse to enter their competitions or onto their premises. If you fail to comply with their regulations your horse will be barred from entry onto the site.
Horses may not race until the 8th day after the day of vaccination. Their requirements are as follows;

  • 1st Equine Influenza vaccination.
  • 2nd vaccination after 21 to 92 days from 1st vaccination.
  • 3rd vaccination after 150 to 215 days from 2nd vaccination.
  • Thereafter annually, with the last permissible day being the same date as the previous year’s vaccination.

FEI Regulations for Equine Influenza Vaccination

The FEI requirement for influenza vaccination is for booster vaccinations at six monthly intervals as from 1 January 2005. The primary course of vaccination requires two doses of vaccine between one and three months apart (30-90 days). The first booster vaccination must be given no more than six months after the second vaccination of the primary course. Thereafter, booster vaccinations must be given at six month intervals. It is the owner or trainer’s legal responsibility to ensure that the horse’s vaccination records comply with the regulations of the organisation or show in which they wish to compete.

Vaccination against Equine Herpes Virus

  • 1st Duvaxyn EHV 1,4 after 5 months old.
  • 2nd Duvaxyn EHV 1,4 within 4-6 weeks.
  • Booster Single vaccination every 6 months.
  • To prevent abortion due to EHV-1, the pregnant mare should be vaccinated during the 5th, 7th, and 9th months of pregnancy.
 

Horse Health

It is important to give your horse a yearly health check so we can identify potential problems before they become too serious. A yearly examination is a real advantage for the older horse and hopefully provides reassurance that your horse is still safe to ride. We offer this service from October to March every year.
What is involved?

  • Full clinical examination-including heart, lungs, eyes, teeth and skin.
  • Legs and back examination.
  • Soundness assessment including trot-up.
  • Foot examination for balance and horn quality.
  • Blood tests: haeamatology and bacteriology.
  • Worm egg count.

Following our examination and laboratory results, we will discuss with you the specific needs of your horse.

Other bonuses

  • Discount on vaccination at the time.
  • Discount on wormers.

Micro-chipping

We recommend micro-chipping your horse as a means of permanent identification. A small chip (about the size of a grain of rice) is injected into the ligament in your horse’s neck. This contains a unique number and can be read with a scanner. Horses are routinely scanned for a micro-chip at pre-purchase examinations, races, sales and auctions. There are many cases of lost or stolen animals being returned to their rightful owner thanks to the presence of a micro-chip.

Worming

Horses can be infected by three groups of internal parasites – roundworms, tapeworms and bots. Infections with any of these parasites can be responsible for weight loss, diarrhoea, poor performance and general ill thrift in horses. More seriously, worms are a major cause of colic, which is the single largest cause of mortality in horses.
A worming programme is essential for the health and wellbeing of your horse. There are so many different worm medications available. Which one is right for you? Speak to one of our vets to discuss your individual situation.We use faecal egg counts and blood tests from your horse to help with pasture management. Pasture management is essential if you wish to reduce the worm burden on your horse.

Vetting

Pre-purchase & Insurance Vettings
We recommended that all horses purchased should undergo a veterinary examination to assess their soundness and suitability for your specific requirements. The vetting examination is carried out under the guidelines set out by the RCVS and BEVA and is performed in 5 stages. A two stage vetting (limited pre-purchase examination) can also be arranged. If you are intending to insure your horse, check with your insurance company which examination they require. Most insurance companies require the examination to have been performed within the last 6 months. Extra diagnostic tests such as radiography, ultrasonography or endoscopy can be carried out in addition to the standard vetting. These may be requested by the insurance company.
Warranties
Warranties (freedom from vices, allergies etc.) and exact heights are a matter between the vendor and the purchaser.

Lameness Investigations

Simple cases of lameness may be diagnosed in the yard. Nerve and joint blocks are often required to help find the source of the lameness. Once found, further examination of the limb will be carried out using our digital radiography system or ultrasonography. We are able to obtain high quality images that can be given to farriers or referring veterinary surgeons to look at. Once the cause of lameness is determined we will give you the best advice as to the most appropriate type of treatment.

 Posted by at 2:08 pm