Page 36 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

particular situation, vaccination against equine herpesvirus (EHV-1, EHV-4) and

strangles may also be recommended
VetBooks.ir • a worming programme

•
regular dental checks
• a hoof care and shoeing programme.

In addition, every horse should be checked regularly throughout the day. Horses and ponies
out at grass should be inspected at least twice daily.

Planning ahead

Missing any of these important procedures can prevent the horse from working and be an

expensive oversight. If a vaccination is given late, the whole course may need to be started
again. It is therefore advisable to plan your worming programme and book visits for
vaccination, dentistry and shoeing in advance. Mark the dates in a diary or on a calendar.

Do not forget retired horses, brood mares, donkeys and companion animals as they

require the same consideration and veterinary care. They are at risk even if they rarely leave
the field.

Sharing the cost

Whether you keep your horse at home or in a livery yard, it is more cost effective to arrange
a shared visit from the vet. The travelling costs of the vet can then be divided between a

number of owners. Another economic option is to take your horse to the vet since you will
not have to pay a call-out fee. If your horse is examined at an equine hospital there will be

more help and equipment to carry out any investigations and treatments required.