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Fall horse care Ask the Vet


by daniel h. grove, dvm F


all is upon us, and this is the time of year that often features horses in new homes after summer sales.


Pre-purchase exams seem to be more numerous than normal.


With so many new horse owners, let’s review some of the recom- mendations for veterinary care for your horses in the fall.


Fall vaccines are very important. It will vary on what your horse needs by geography and recommendations, but most people are geting at least an influenza and rhinopneumonitis booster. The antibodies developed aſter vaccination for these two diseases wane aſter seven or so months, so a booster every six months is oſten times recommended. You will need to discuss your vaccine strategy with your veterinarian to see what is best for your horses.


Fecal testing and deworming is recommended every six months


for adult horses. For deworming, either ivermectin or moxidectin are the drugs recommended. The fecal testing with help guide whether or not your horse is doing well with that minimal strategy or if you need to alter it to decrease parasite shedding. Going into winter time, you do not want to be behind on body condition. Let your horse get the most possible out of its feed by decreasing the parasite burden on its system.


Dentistry is another great item to check off your list in the fall. An


exam to determine if the teeth need to be addressed should be done. Abnormalities caught early are much more likely to be correctable than things let go. This is no different than dentistry in yourselves. Hay in many areas is expensive and just as with lowering the para- site load, ensuring proper digestion by addressing the teeth is cheap insurance.


Lastly, a general wellness exam. It is a good idea to get your veteri- narian eyes, ears, and hands on your horse. This gives us the oppor- tunity to look for small things that may need atention. We may have


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A monthly column By Daniel H. Grove, DVM


certain tests we might recommend based on age and what we see to determine the overall health of your horse.


All of these items can easily be done in a single visit by your veter- inarian. It really is important to maintain optimum health to keep up on these easy maintenance items. I find owners usually have questions they have been siting on to ask us when we visit. Get your horse checked out and get your questions answered, and most importantly, stay safe.


–Dan


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