At Port Macquarie Veterinary Hospital we offer a complete equine medical service. From wellness examinations, vaccinations and treatment of common diseases such as colic, laminitis and Queensland itch.

Wellness Examinations:
These are an annual service for those who wish to ensure that their equine friend stays in the best of health throughout their life. A full and thorough physical examination is performed, including special attention being paid to those areas most likely to have problems, namely the teeth and the musculoskeletal system.

Vaccination:
We strongly recommend that every horse be vaccinated against Tetanus, as horses are particularly susceptible to this ubiquitous disease. Your horse is at risk of Tetanus with any wound, particularly if deep, or if suffering from the common dental disorder periodontal disease.

Horses that travel to shows or race meetings and horses in contact with many other horses, should be vaccinated against Strangles. Strangles is a serious and highly contagious bacterial disease which causes nasal discharge and abscessation of the lymph nodes. In severe cases, the sub-mandibular lymph nodes can become so swollen that they obstruct the horse’s trachea (windpipe), a situation which gave rise to the name “strangles”.

Vaccinations should be commenced at 3 months of age. Prior to this time, the foal is protected by antibodies obtained from the mare via colostrum.