Rabies is another disease the veterinarian will consider in planning the vaccination program, especially in areas with a history of outbreaks in dogs and wild animals.
Many Causes Of " Poor Condition”
Another common problem, particularly noticeable in the spring, is " lack of condition.” This may be indicated by a rough, shaggy coat that does not shed properly— dull, lackluster eyes— sluggish action— even lameness, limb deformity and poor growth. Such symptoms may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, but they may also indicate more serious conditions as parasites, infections, or organic ailments.
Only your veterinarian— backed by his laboratory— has the professional skill and training for proper diagnosis and treatment. If he determines your horse needs a conditioner, he will recommend one of proven potency and dependable efficacy, such as Clovite, to get your horse back into top condition in minimum time.
Feet Of First Importance
There’ s an old saying, " No feet, no horse.” Undoubtedly good, sound feet are of highest importance to useful performance. The veterinarian will check thoroughly for soreness or tenderness in the feet and pasterns. He’ ll check whether hooves are properly angled and trimmed, and whether shoes are properly fitted and adjusted, and take needed corrective action.
He’ ll pay particular attention to the colt’ s feet, as it’ s highly important for them to be properly trimmed at an early age. When about 6 weeks old, the hoof wall tends to roll under the sole, affecting the hoof wear, and the hoof doesn’ t develop in a proper manner.
Working up the leg, the veterinarian checks the shanks and canons, hocks and knees— for swelling, sensitivity or soreness. Finally, he will watch the horse in action to see that he travels free and easy, without jerking or stiffness. Catching early symptoms of feel and leg problems can help prevent more serious lameness later.
Attention To Teeth
Many horse-owners overlook their horse’ s teeth— mainly because they are not easy to check. But the veterinarian is aware that a " bad tooth” can be the cause of inadequate chewing— and this in turn can lead to poor nutrition or digestive upsets. He’ ll see that damaged or diseased teeth get proper attention.
In his complete check-up, the veterinarian will see that the heart, lungs and other vital organs are functioning properly. He’ ll note signs of coughing, short breath, anemia. He will examine the genito-urinary system for any infection or abnormality. He’ ll check the condition of the skin, the eyes, ears and muzzle— every part of your horse from head to hoof.
Later Back At The Lab
But he’ s not through yet. He’ ll take fecal specimens and blood samples back to his laboratory— for further tests and examinations. This assures you the full benefit of modern science in maintaining your horse’ s health and vigor.
Many veterinarians today offer a complete ' Managed Health Program’— which includes regular examinations, vaccination and worming. MHP is cooperatively sponsored by Fort Dodge Laboratories and veterinarians in the interest of better horse care. Stressing prevention, and combining several procedures on each call, makes MHP a practical way to protect your horse’ s health. Your veterinarian will tell you about MHP and also provide a horse health booklet for the asking.
Management of your horse’ s health is your most important responsibility as a horse-owner. Your horse represents a big investment in future pleasure and performance. Protect it with a spring check-up.
DO YOU KNOW? Horse Health Quiz
1. Do you know horses are subject to more internal parasites, or worms, in greater numbers than any other domestic animal? And over 90 % of all horses have worms? 2. Do you know there are 5 major internal parasites that can cause great damage to your horse? And most horses have 2 or more kinds at
any one time? 3. Do you know it takes a laboratory analysis by your veterinarian to determine the type and degree of worm infestation of your horse? 4. Do you know tetanus( lockjaw) is a constant threat to every horse? That it is nearly always fatal? That it can be easily prevented by vaccination?
5. Do you know that encephalomyelitis( sleeping sickness) is spread by mosquitoes? And the basic reservoir for the disease is birds?
6. Do you know a bad tooth or teeth with sharp edges may cause inadequate chewing— with a loss of as much as $ 50 per head per year for feed— and may lead to digestive upsets and colic? 7. Do you know " tail rubbing” may be caused by pinworms?
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March, 1969 51