( ask the vet )


concentration of antibodies in the colostrum which protect the foal from birth.


For foals from mares with no known vaccination status a tetanus anti-toxin injection should be given to the foal at birth.


Foals should receive their primary 3 dose course of tetanus vaccination at 4-6 months of age.


Flu vaccination (primary course) should be started when the foal is over 6 months old.


Weaning/Gut Health:


Weaning can be a stressful time for foals. Traditionally weaning begins at around 5-6 months of age. It is a very common time to see diarrhoea because their nutrition is changing from milk to hard feed and grass therefore the gut bacteria may become imbalanced and digestive disturbance can result. One way to protect against this is to start the foal on a probiotic


supplement a few days before and continue during and aſter weaning. It is also very important that foals have socialised and have the company of others of their own age at this time to reduce stress levels.


Dental Care:


Foals should be examined by a Vet at birth for any palate abnormalities (cleſt palate, parrot mouth, under bite, wry nose). Horse’s teeth change constantly throughout their first year of life. A routine Veterinary dental examination is advisable at approximately 1 year old to ensure any abnormalities are detected and therefore corrected at the appropriate time. Routine rasping is not normally required until the horse is 2-3 years old unless any previous issues have been identified.


Farriery & Foot Care:


We advise starting to trim foals feet at 1 month old. In many cases, this first exam. is done by a farrier and a Vet who can work together to ensure the foal gets used to the procedure. At 1 month old there is usually minor trimming that can be done and following a proper trimming program will help determine the future shape and structures of the foal’s foot. Regular hoof picking aſter this first trim will help to maintain the health and hygiene of the feet and allow the foal to become used to daily handling of their feet and legs.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Stephanie Barnett BVMedSci BVM BVS (hons) MRCVS Spring Paddocks Equine Vets- Registered BVA AI Centre. Stef graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2015 and went on to undertake an internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Centre in California. Following her return to the UK, she has been working for the past few years in equine practice in the West Midlands, settling at Spring Paddocks Equine where she enjoys the varied life of an ambulatory equine veterinary surgeon.


01926 612937 24 hour service


www.springpaddocksequine.co.uk clinic@springpaddocksequine.co.uk


Evening Talk: Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Monday 9th September 2019, 7pm. To be held at Spring Paddocks Clinic, CV47 2QX.


All welcome, £5 per person. Please call to book your place.


“The professional care your horse deserves” Discounted Gastroscopy Clinic


Monday 23rd September 2019 at Spring Paddocks Clinic. Gastroscopy (including all sedation) is only £100 on our discounted clinic day, saving £100!


Please telephone to book your place: 01926 612937 (a deposit will be required upon booking)


Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements SUMMER SPECIAL 2019 17


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100