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.
A case of Strangles has been reported in North Canterbury involving a single horse that travelled from the North Island. The horse has been isolated, and so far, no other horses in contact with it have shown symptoms. At this time, the risk of a large-scale outbreak remains low. Strangles is a respiratory illness caused…
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Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are a hot topic! Stomach ulceration is a somewhat confusing syndrome – the syndrome can have a multitude of clinical signs, ranging from very subtle performance issues, or picky eating, to weight loss and colic. There is also a multitude of products on the market which claim to help with ulcers,…
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What is it, and why are we using it in horses? VS Equine recently purchased a portable Radial Pressure Wave device so that our veterinary team can offer shockwave therapy for treating musculoskeletal problems, soft-tissue and bone injuries in horses. Radial pressure shockwave offers non-invasive treatment solutions for both acute and chronic, long term insertion…
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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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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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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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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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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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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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