Microchipping is a permanent, painless tool to help protect and identify your horse. Etched with a unique number, the chip is inserted with a syringe in the horse’s neck by us and then is registered on a national computer network. When a scanner is passed over the microchip on the horse the identification appears on the scanner and can be matched with the record on the system allowing the owner to be traced. It’s your way of protecting your horse for its lifetime.
Vaccinating your horse is one of the most essential actions you can take to protect the health of your horse. The easiest way to make sure your horse is up-to-date with their vaccinations, is to contact your vet for advice.
There are many diseases that can be prevented by simply using a vaccine - Tetanus, Strangles, Salmonella, Herpes, and Hendra Virus. Our friendly equine team will talk you through the common diseases found in the Warwick area and develop a vaccination plan that covers all your horse’s needs.
Horses have 36-40 teeth which are constantly erupting. The top jaw is wider than the bottom jaw, and the cheek teeth in the back of the mouth are used in a circular motion to grind feed. Together this can result in sharp points on the outside of the upper teeth and the inside of the lower teeth, which cause pain to the horse and ultimately problems with performance and digesting of feed.
Regular dental evaluation and treatment is crucial for all horses from top level performance horses to paddock ponies. The veterinarians at the Warwick Vet Clinic will sedate your horse to examine your horse’s mouth thoroughly using a Powerfloat (high speed dental drill) to correct your horses’ mouth.
Unfortunately no horse is worm free. Even if you pick up your horse droppings from the field, some will still make it into your pasture and a grazing horse may ingest worm eggs and larvae as a result. The only way to manage worms is to have an effective worming regime.
The good news is that it is easy to plan a whole year’s worth of worming for your horse. Wormer's come in either paste or in a syringe. Alternatively, we can stomach tube your horse to ensure that the medicine is not dropped out of the mouth with a bolus of grass. The dose of the syringe is measured out for you, they are easy to read and are calculated on your horse’s weight. Powder forms need to be mixed into their feed.
Whatever type of wormer you choose it is vital to remember to worm for the correct time of year and always keep a written record and get a regular check-up with your vet.
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Maintaining an appropriate balanced diet is important for the health of your horse. Horses require clean, high-quality feed, provided at regular intervals, and may become ill if subjected to abrupt changes in their diets.
Like all animals, horses require five main classes of nutrients to survive: water, energy (primarily in the form of fats and carbohydrates) proteins, vitamins and minerals.
It is critically important for horses to have access to a fresh, clean, and adequate supply of water. Horses can only live a few days without water, becoming dangerously dehydrated if they lose 8 – 10% of their natural body water. Water plays an important part in digestion. The forages and grains horses eat are mixed with saliva in the mouth to make a moist bolus that can be easily swallowed.
Nutritional sources of energy are fat and carbohydrates. Horses that are heavily exercised, growing, pregnant or lactating need increased energy and protein in their diet. Carbohydrates, the main energy and are usually fed in the form of hay, grass and grain. Soluble carbohydrates such as starches and sugars are readily broken down to glucose in the small intestine and absorbed. Fat exists in low levels in plants and can be added to increase the energy density of the diet.
Protein is used in all parts of the body, especially muscle, blood, hormones, hooves and hair cells. The main building blocks of protein are amino acids. Most adult horses only require 8 – 10% protein in their diet; however, higher protein is important for lactating mares and young growing foals.
Horses should be given a diet of fresh, green, leafy forages and high-quality grains and oats to ensure they are receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Horses that are subjected to hard work, receiving low-quality hay, under stress or not eating well may benefit from commercially prepared vitamin and mineral supplements in their diet.
Horses are also sensitive to moulds and toxins. For this reason, they must never be fed contaminated fermentable materials such as lawn clippings.
Many people like to feed horses special treats such as carrots and compressed hay pellets, sugar cubes, peppermint candies, or specially manufactured horse "cookies". Be aware that horses do not need treats, and some horses may develop behavioural issues if given too many treats.
For further advice on the health care of your animals, contact the professional team at the Warwick Vet Clinic for a consultation.
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Mon - Fri: 7:30am to 6:00pm
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Opening Hours
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Opening Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:30am to 5:00pm
Opening Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday:
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