EQUINE ANNUAL WELLNESS EXAM

The doctors at Crater Animal Clinic recommend annual physical examinations for your horse(s). Horses, like humans, are living longer and healthier lives. Improved nutrition and preventative health care are important in achieving these extended healthy lifetimes. To insure the optimum health and longevity of your equine companions we feel it is very important to perform a thorough annual physical examination so that any abnormalities can be addressed in a timely fashion before they develop into more severe problems.

The physical exam will include examination of: eyes, mouth, teeth, lymph nodes, skin, heart and lungs, abdomen, and genital areas. A brief exam of the limbs for joint effusion, bony and soft tissue abnormalities is included. Any problems will be noted and treatment options discussed with you.

Nutrition questions can also be addressed during the annual wellness exam with recommendations given for feeding your horse for optimum health and performance. This is also a good time to review your parasite prevention program as well. A fecal flotation exam performed semiannually will help evaluate the effectiveness of your program.

A brief exam of your horse in motion can be scheduled at the time of annual exam. This exam would include observing your horse at the trot in straight lines and when lounged in circles (if facilities permit) to observe for any abnormalities in locomotion. If abnormalities are seen a more in depth examination can be scheduled at another time.

Selenium is a micronutrient that is low in the soils of the Pacific Northwest and therefore also low in the feeds grown here. Deficiencies in selenium can cause weight loss, ill thrift, poor performance, reproductive problems as well as numerous other health problems. Your horse’s diet should include a selenium supplement. We recommend whole blood selenium level determinations at least annually. A blood sample can be taken at the time of the wellness exam. A complete blood count and chemistry panel can also be performed at this time.

The annual wellness exam can be scheduled the same time as appointments for annual vaccinations or at another time that is convenient for you. The wellness exam fee will be reduced if scheduled at the same time as annual vaccinations.