Westview Equine Wellness Program

Westview Equine Wellness Program Owning a horse can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience that most of us have dreamed about since we were young. We ...
Author: Paul Simmons
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Westview Equine Wellness Program Owning a horse can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience that most of us have dreamed about since we were young. We either have grown up with horses or have finally fulfilled that lifelong dream. Like any investment, both emotional and economic, we want to protect it as much as possible. This involves trying to stay ahead of problems and reduce the incidence of disease. The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” has never been more true. As the veterinary profession has evolved into more of a maintenance and preventative business, it has become evident this is beneficial for both veterinarian and horse owner. Reducing emergency situations and prevention of costly diseases lowers the stress to everyone involved and most importantly the horse.

The program described on the following pages has been an intense look into what we feel is a basic wellness program that is needed by either an intensely shown horse or a backyard buddy. The program also opens you up to other advantages that may be needed depending on the age and career of your horse. We have simplified and managed the worming protocol for the year as well as an option for a colic insurance policy. Each section of the program has a purpose, as we firmly believe that each horse needs to be treated as an individual when evaluating preventative measures.

We are proud to be a part of an emerging trend in veterinary medicine and look forward to offering you what we at Westview Veterinary Hospital, Inc. feel is a simple yet comprehensive program that makes sense both medically and financially. As always, if you have any question or comments feel free to call or e-mail us at any time. Sincerely, Westview Veterinary Hospital, Inc.

VACCINES Each horse needs to be evaluated individually when deciding on an individual vaccine program. Geographic location, incidence of disease, environment, age and previous medical history are all factors that need to be taken into consideration. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has developed new guidelines on vaccinations based on research and past history and is always re-evaluating to ensure that horses are protected but not over vaccinated. To get more information on specific diseases, visit our website and use the link to AAEP. The following vaccines are recommended as basic vaccines that every horse requires for protection of disease in our area. The “Additional Vaccines” are options that are utilized for higher risk horses that have a constant risk of exposure. Again, we will decide on each horse individually. The Equine Immunization Support Guarantee The Pfizer Animal Health Equine Immunization Support Guarantee (ISG). In essence, means that if a horse which has been properly vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with one of our qualified vaccines contracts the disease for which it was vaccinated against, Pfizer Animal Health will reimburse you up to $5,000 in diagnostic and treatment costs. Basic East/West/Tetanus/West Nile: Protects against Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the nervous system), tetanus and West Nile virus. West Nile is now a yearly vaccine for our area as long as the horse correctly received its initial series. Flu and Rhino: Influenza is still an important disease that affects the respiratory system but rhinopneumonitis has become more of a problem with potentially devastating side effects. There is no such thing as a yearly rhino vaccine. Although it is an effective vaccine in the prevention of non-neurologic strains of rhino it is short lived. Depending on the vaccine, it is effective for only 4-6 months. Therefore, high risk horses require boosters throughout the year. Potomac Horse Fever: This disease has gained in importance because of the high mortality of disease. This vaccine will be changing in the future due to the many strains of this disease, including twice a year inoculations. Rabies: There are states that will only recognize this vaccine if administered by a veterinarian. Due to constant exposure this remains very important.

Additional Intranasal flu: Works in conjunction with intramuscular flu in the prevention of influenza for high risk horses by setting up a barrier at the point of infection, the nasal passage. Intranasal strangles: Works like intranasal flu but is a modified live bacterin that can cause problems if not administered properly. Coggin’s Coggin’s the name of the test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). It is a non-curable disease thought to be transmitted by deer and horse flies. Any equid (horse, donkey, and zebra) that has the disease must reside no closer than ¼ mile from other equids. This test is not required by the state to transport horses to shows within the state, but shows and events may require it anyhow. It is mandatory to have a negative Coggin’s test when selling a horse at a public sale or moving across state lines. Blood monitoring Just as Wellness Exams are important for baseline information and picking up subtle diseases so too is blood screening. A great amount of detail can be evaluated from blood screening such as organ function as well as blood counts and electrolytes which is important for athletic horses. Every horse should have baseline blood screening done when healthy so when blood is evaluated during illness, individual variation can be compared and actual disease can be determined. Zylexis This is an immune booster that is given to horses that are in high risk situations, and come into contact with numerous horses throughout the year. The amount of times it is administered in relation to the horse’s exposure to other horses. It works best when used on horses with a current vaccine.

General Health Care Considerations Wellness Exams This is the corner stone of any health care program. Over vaccination and worming is not a substitute. Even if there are no problems, baseline information can be important when determining if there are subtle changes. This is critical when noticing diseases that are just starting or intermittent and difficult to pick up by people who see them every day. The AAEP recommends twice yearly exams and that also spreads out vaccines which help reduce the prevalence of vaccine reactions. Other things that are evaluated are dental exams and gait evaluations.

Worming Parasites can lead to gut problems and include colic, weight loss and general unthriftyness. In our area we have the luxury of having a winter that can greatly reduce egg counts on our pastures. However, there is an increased incidence of ivermectin resistant roundworms and our practice has recognized this with 82% of regularly wormed horses having worms. Double dosing of fenbendazole can eliminate this problem. Our part of the U.S. is also third highest with the prevalence of tapeworms, which are rarely seen on fecal exams. We like to believe we can keep our horses and pastures free of parasites by worming regularly. The fact is, without regular fecal exams and rotational worming we can never be sure. We have taken the thought process out of deciding your worming protocol with prepackaged wormers and the days to give them. If worms are seen on our scheduled fecals, different wormers can be prescribed to eliminate them before they can cause damage and also reduce the number of worm eggs in the environment.

Dental Exams Teeth are a unique concern to horses. The teeth of horses continue to grow unless worn down by opposing teeth. If there is any sort of misalignment of the jaw, missing teeth, abnormal tooth growth or gaps between teeth, these conditions can cause pain, difficulty eating which results weight loss. The horse’s top row of teeth naturally sits wider than the bottom so floating needs to be done to eliminate the points that develop. This can make bitting difficult and the horse resent being ridden/driven. The frequency that a horse needs floated is determined by the horse’s sensitivity to bits and any misalignments that may be present. Many different types of floating can be done and is evaluated on an individual basis. Dental problems can present in many different ways and can be corrected using special equipment such as power floats and dental mirrors, probes and speculums. We have made a commitment to this area of preventative health through purchasing this special equipment and attending advanced dental training courses.

Westview Equine Wellness Program- 2014 Spring

Fall

Farm Call-local charge *

Farm Call-local charge*

East/Western/Tetanus

Flu/Rhino

West Nile

Rabies

Potomac/Rabies

Potomac

Flu/Rhino

Wellness Exam

Wellness Exam

Dental Exam

Dental Exam

Gait Evaluation

Fecal When scheduled on approved days*

Wormer The program involves strategic paste worming two times a year and encompasses all aspects of general worming. Fecal evaluations will dictate any further wormers needed. Strongid C2X or daily wormer can be added. Enrollment prices below include low shedder dewormer.

Preventative Discount Each horse enrolled will also be eligible for a 5% discount on the following preventative procedures: Flu Avert Blood Monitoring Sheath clean

Pinnacle I.N. Coggin’s Power Pack Zylexis

Additional Rhino Vaccines Dental with sedation Additional fecals

Enrollment Wellness Package for one horse...$338.00 /$244.50 for each additional horse For high shedders additional wormers will be at the 5% discount Owner:___________________________

Westview Equine Wellness Enrollment Form

Prices are based on horse 600# -1100#. If your horse does not fit this weight range please call before enrolling for a price adjustment.

Westview Equine Wellness Enrollment Form Owner:_________________________________________________________________________________ Farm/Stable:___________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:H:_________________________C:_____________________________W:_____________________ Fax:__________________________________E-Mail_____________________________________________ Horse Information Barn Name

Breed

Age

Daily Wormer Y/N

Reg. Name Barn Name

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Wt. Age

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Sex Daily Wormer Y/N

Reg. Name Barn Name

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Sex Daily Wormer Y/N

Reg. Name Barn Name

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Sex Daily Wormer Y/N

Reg. Name Barn Name

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Sex Daily Wormer Y/N

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What time of day (Monday thru Friday) works best for appointments?________________________________ Enrollment and payment must be completed before the first wellness visit. Call our office today or simply send in the enrollment sheet with your horse(s) on it and the form of payment you choose. WVH 3032 Napoleon Rd. Fremont, OH 43420 Ph: 419-332-5871 Fax: 419-332-8449 Email

[email protected]

Office Use only Wormer _________________Spring_______________Fall_______________ Payment Type:

Cash

Credit Card

ACH/EFT

Check#