70
46TH
ANNUAL
CONGRESS
OF
THE
SAEVA
SKUKUZA
16-‐20
FEBRUARY
2014
Equine Wellness Packages –
The herd health approach to
individual horses
*Coetzee MA, West Acres Animal Hospital, 53 Figtree St. Nelspruit [email protected]
South African law can only vaccinate competing horses by a veterinarian. It creates
the ideal opportunity to add value to the 6 monthly flu and AHS vaccinations.
Certain screening procedures can be done at the time of vaccination and any further
procedures that might be needed can then be scheduled at a convenient date. The
follow up procedures can also be scheduled well in advance leading to better time
management and saving on travel expenses. A much more comprehensive service is
provided leading to better client vet relationships and health of the horse.
The following screening procedures can be added to the vaccinations:
-
Clinical examination: noting early sarcoids, melonomas, summer itch etc
Lameness examination: full flexion to screen for latent problems
Dental examination
Sheath cleaning while under sedation above
Hoof evaluation looking at HPA and balance, feedback given to farrier
Condition score and body weight (tape measure)
Ration evaluation and suggestions
Worm egg counts (EPG) are done every 3 months
Further procedures leading out of the above screening might include:
-
Management of sarcoids at an earlier stage
Nerve blocks, radiographs tendons scans
Veterinary equine dentistry
Sheath cleaning when under sedation
Farrier radiographs
Regular dietary adjustments
Parasite control programmes
The wellness package is offered to clients a prepaid annual plan. The presentation
will briefly focus on each of the above headings and an example of a wellness package
will be discussed.
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