Latest News

Keep up to date with all our latest news, articles and case studies from the veterinary world around Hawke’s Bay, Dannevirke, and the Wairarapa.

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Selenium Deficiency in Horses

Selenium supplementation is a very topical issue for all horse owners. An essential component in all diets, Selenium plays a vital role in a horse’s metabolism. Together with Vitamin E it is a powerful antioxidant, protecting their cells from damage. The soil in NZ is naturally very low in Selenium, as a result, so are…

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See you at Horse of the Year

One week until Land Rover Horse of the Year!! 📣 Our experienced, friendly team are your onsite vets for the event. Available 24/7 for first aid and emergency care.   Pop in and see us at D01 next to the Dressage Arena for advice, giveaways and our annual HOY specials on 4Cyte, drenches and more.

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Rye Grass Staggers

Is your horse moving like its drunk, trembling, falling over, behaving abnormally, or easily spooked? If any of these symptoms sound familiar, your horse may have rye-grass staggers. Rye-grass staggers is a neurological condition caused by toxins in rye grass affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms – Horses with staggers can show a wide array…

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Reproduction Services

VS Equine are now taking bookings for the 2022 reproduction season. We encourage breeders to get in touch early as the earlier we begin, the better opportunity we have to get your mare in foal.   We have veterinarians with specific training in equine breeding and ultrasonography who can provide all of your reproduction services…

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Pregnancy & Foaling

Most pregnant mares should be in or approaching their last trimester. Although the vast majority of mares have uneventful pregnancies, abortion during the last few months can occur.  Besides twin pregnancies the major cause of abortion is Equine Herpes Virus I. This is one of the common Herpes viruses responsible for the ubiquitous common cold…

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Pre-Season Blood Profiles

  It’s really good practice to get a soundness check (eyes/heart/trot up/flexion tests), full fitness blood profiles, vaccinations and routine dental checks done to ensure you and your horse get off to the best start this competition season! Why do we recommend blood profiles? It’s something our team do almost every day as veterinarians: collecting…

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Pre-Purchase Examinations

A pre-purchase exam is a fact-finding session which can be a useful for both a buyer and the individual selling the horse. Your vet will examine the horse head to tail following the five stages (listed below) and provide a report with their unbiased, professional findings. The purpose of the pre-purchase examination is not to…

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Pre Purchase Examinations

A pre-purchase exam is a fact-finding session and can be a useful tool for both the buyer and the seller. It is not a guarantee, an insurance policy, or a value appraisal and it is not a certificate of ability, temperament, or merit. It is a physical examination for evaluating health and serviceability on a…

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Post Foaling Checks

Great your foal has arrived! That’s one stressful part over for your mare and new-born. We now recommend that you book a post foaling check with your vet to help you keep an eye on any post foaling complications which can occur in the first four days of life.  Your veterinarian will offer a thorough…

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