Equine Vet Tech

Blog

  • S.S. Homemade Horse Brownies

    • Safe for Insulin Resistant and Cushing’s, PPID horses
    • Easy to hide medications inside 
    • Tested with RAVE reviews!
    • Currently offering metabolic safe brownies in pumpkin cinnamon flavor and cinnamon clove flavor
    • Also, available for horses that tolerate molasses well are the classical sugar brownies.
    • Metabolic safe brownies: 48 Brownies per container (approx. 1.25 kg) $35.00
    • Classic Sugar brownies (still soft for medications!): 48 Brownies per container (approx. 1.25 kg) $25.00

    Available in the Diamond Valley, Alberta area. (Foothills County: Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Millarville, south of Priddis, Okotoks, Longview)

    To place your order, reach out to me through any of the following methods available:

    Email: samantha@equinevettech.com

    Call or Text: 403-397-2284

    WhatsApp: 403-397-2284

  • Understanding 4-Way and 6-Way Horse Vaccines

    When you hear about “4-way” or “6-way” horse vaccines, it refers to combination vaccines that protect against multiple common equine diseases in a single injection. The exact components can vary slightly between vaccine manufacturers, but generally, they include the core vaccines recommended for all horses, plus additional risk-based vaccines depending on exposure and location.

    Core Vaccines (Generally included in most combination vaccines):

    These are recommended for all horses regardless of their location or lifestyle, due to the severity or prevalence of the diseases:

    1. Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE): A mosquito-borne viral disease causing severe neurological signs, often fatal.
    2. Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE): Another mosquito-borne viral disease, similar to EEE but generally less severe.
    3. Tetanus: Caused by a bacterium (Clostridium tetani) commonly found in soil, which can enter through wounds and cause severe muscle rigidity and lockjaw, often fatal.
    4. West Nile Virus (WNV): A mosquito-borne virus that can cause neurological disease, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe brain inflammation and death.
    5. Rabies: A fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted to humans. (Often given as a separate vaccine, but sometimes included in higher combination vaccines, especially 5-way or 6-way).

    What’s in a “4-Way” Horse Vaccine?

    A common “4-way” vaccine typically includes:

    • Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)
    • Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE)
    • Tetanus
    • Equine Influenza Virus (EIV or “Flu”) – This is a common combination for horses at risk of respiratory disease, often from travel or exposure to other horses.

    OR sometimes a “4-way” might combine EEE, WEE, Tetanus, and West Nile Virus. It’s crucial to check the specific product label.

    What’s in a “6-Way” Horse Vaccine?

    A “6-way” vaccine generally expands on the 4-way or 5-way combinations to include additional protection, often against respiratory diseases. A common “6-way” might include:

    • Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)
    • Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE)
    • Tetanus
    • Equine Influenza Virus (EIV or “Flu”)
    • Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4, often called “Rhino” or Rhinopneumonitis) – EHV causes respiratory disease, abortion in mares, and neurological disease in some forms.
    • West Nile Virus (WNV)

    Some 6-way vaccines might also include Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis (VEE), especially in regions where that is a risk.

    Key Considerations:

    • Core vs. Risk-Based: While the core vaccines (EEE, WEE, Tetanus, West Nile, Rabies) are universally recommended, Flu and Rhino (EHV) are considered “risk-based” vaccines. This means their necessity and frequency depend on the horse’s lifestyle, travel, exposure to other horses, and geographic location.
    • Consult Your Veterinarian: The best vaccination protocol for your horse should always be determined in consultation with a veterinarian. They will consider:
      • Your horse’s age and health status
      • Their lifestyle (e.g., pasture ornament, show horse, breeding mare)
      • Geographic location and local disease prevalence
      • Travel frequency and exposure risk
    • Boosters and Schedules: Many vaccines require an initial series of doses (especially for foals or previously unvaccinated adults), followed by annual or semi-annual boosters. Flu and Rhino vaccines, due to the nature of the viruses, often require semi-annual (every 6 months) boosters for horses at high risk.
    • Manufacturer Specifics: Always check the specific vaccine product details, as combinations and recommended schedules can vary slightly between brands (e.g., Zoetis Fluvac Innovator 6, Merck Prestige 4).

    Combination vaccines offer convenience by reducing the number of injections, which can be less stressful for the horse and easier for the owner or veterinarian.

  • Part 5: Proactive Care: The Basics of Routine Equine Healthcare

    Just like humans, horses benefit immensely from preventative healthcare. A proactive approach to health in equine husbandry can prevent serious issues, reduce vet bills, and ensure your horse lives a long, healthy, and comfortable life. In our final introductory post, we’ll cover the essentials of routine equine healthcare.

    Veterinary Care: Your Horse’s Health Partner. Establishing a good relationship with an equine veterinarian is paramount. They are your primary resource for:

    • Annual Vaccinations: Protecting against common and potentially deadly diseases like tetanus, West Nile virus, equine influenza, and rabies (AAEP, 2024).
    • Deworming: Regular fecal egg counts and targeted deworming programs are crucial to control internal parasites, which can cause colic, weight loss, and other health problems.
    • Dental Care: Horses’ teeth grow continuously and can develop sharp points or uneven wear, leading to pain and difficulty eating. Regular dental floats (filing) by a veterinarian or equine dentist are essential.
    • Wellness Exams: Annual check-ups allow your vet to assess overall health, catch potential issues early, and discuss preventative strategies.

    Farrier Care: Healthy Hooves, Happy Horse. “No hoof, no horse” is a common saying in the equine world for a reason. Proper hoof care by a qualified farrier is critical for soundness and comfort. Regular trimming (typically every 4–8 weeks, depending on the horse and environment) maintains correct hoof balance and prevents issues like cracks, flares, and lameness. Your farrier can also advise on shoeing if necessary for protection or correction.

    Daily Observation and Grooming: You are your horse’s first line of defence! Regularly observing your horse for any changes in behaviour, appetite, lameness, or general appearance can help you detect problems early. Daily grooming not only keeps your horse clean and healthy but also provides an excellent opportunity to perform a quick health check:

    • Check for cuts, scrapes, or swelling.
    • Feel for any heat in their legs or hooves.
    • Assess their coat condition and skin for any abnormalities.
    • Look at their eyes and nostrils for discharge.

    By being vigilant and working closely with your equine veterinarian and farrier, you can provide the best possible preventative care for your horse, ensuring their well-being for years to come.

    Ultimately, responsible equine ownership is the overarching principle of good husbandry. This means making a long-term commitment to the horse’s welfare, seeking professional advice when needed, continually learning, and understanding the financial and time demands involved. It also includes preparing for emergencies, planning for the horse’s retirement, and making ethical decisions throughout their lifespan.

    Citations:

  • Part 4: A Horse’s Home: Shelter and Environment

    Beyond feed and water, providing a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment is essential for your horse’s well-being. In this fourth blog post, we’ll discuss the critical aspects of shelter and turnout in equine husbandry.

    Shelter: Protection from the Elements. Horses need protection from harsh weather conditions – scorching sun, driving rain, strong winds, and extreme cold. While some hardy breeds can withstand more, most horses benefit from some form of shelter. This can range from:

    • Run-in Sheds: These provide a simple, open-sided structure that allows horses to come and go as they please, offering protection from sun and wind. They are particularly popular in herd settings.
    • Stalls: Individual stalls in a barn offer more controlled environments, providing protection from all elements and allowing for individual feeding and monitoring. Stalls should be adequately sized (e.g., 12×12 feet for an average horse), well-ventilated, and have safe, non-slip flooring (Equine Guelph, n.d.).

    Regardless of the type, shelter should be clean, dry, and free of hazards like sharp edges or protruding nails. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.

    Turnout: Space to Roam and Be a Horse. Horses are designed to move! Ample turnout in a safe, well-maintained paddock or pasture is vital for their physical and mental health. Benefits of turnout include:

    • Exercise: Promotes muscle development, joint health, and a healthy metabolism.
    • Mental Stimulation: Reduces boredom, stress, and stereotypic behaviours (e.g., cribbing, weaving).
    • Social Interaction: Allows horses to engage in natural herd behaviours, if turned out with companions.

    Paddocks and pastures should have secure fencing (e.g., wood, PVC, electric tape – avoiding barbed wire), be free of poisonous plants, and have a safe footing (avoiding excessively muddy or rocky areas). Regular manure removal is important to control parasites and maintain hygiene.

    Creating an environment where your horse feels secure, can exercise freely, and interact naturally will significantly contribute to their overall health and happiness.

    Next, we’ll look at keeping your horse healthy with Routine Healthcare.

  • Part 3: Fuelling Your Horse: The Essentials of Feed and Water

    Just like us, horses need proper nutrition to thrive. Providing the right kind and amount of feed, along with constant access to clean water, is a cornerstone of responsible equine husbandry. In this third instalment, we’ll delve into the dietary needs of horses.

    Water: The Most Crucial Nutrient. It cannot be stressed enough: horses need constant access to fresh, clean water. An average adult horse can drink anywhere from 5 to 10 gallons of water per day, and even more in hot weather or during periods of exercise. Dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues (The Horse, 2021). Water sources should be checked daily, kept free of ice in winter, and regularly cleaned to prevent contamination.

    Forage: The Foundation of the Diet. Horses are herbivores and their digestive systems are designed for continuous grazing. Therefore, forage (hay or pasture) should form the bulk of their diet. Good quality hay, free from mould and dust, provides essential fibre for a healthy gut. The amount of forage needed depends on the horse’s size, age, activity level, and overall condition, but a general guideline is 1.5-2% of their body weight in dry matter per day (NRC, 2007).

    Concentrates: When and How Much? Grains, pellets, and other concentrates provide additional calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are typically fed to horses with higher energy demands, such as performance horses, growing youngsters, or mares in lactation. However, feeding too much concentrate can lead to digestive upset, laminitis, and other health problems. It’s crucial to:

    • Feed by weight, not volume.
    • Feed small, frequent meals rather than large, infrequent ones.
    • Make any dietary changes gradually over several days to weeks.
    • Consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to create a balanced diet tailored to your horse’s individual needs.

    Remember, every horse is an individual, and their nutritional requirements will vary. Paying close attention to their body condition and consulting with professionals are key to keeping your horse healthy and happy.

    Our next post will cover providing a safe and comfortable home: Shelter and Environment.

  • Part 2: Decoding the Equine Mind: Understanding Horse Behaviour

    Horses are complex and intelligent animals with their own unique ways of communicating and interacting with the world. Understanding their natural behaviours is not just fascinating; it’s absolutely crucial for effective and safe equine husbandry. In this second blog post, we’ll explore some fundamental aspects of horse behaviour.

    Horses are prey animals by nature. This fundamental fact dictates much of their behaviour. They are wired for flight, and their senses are incredibly acute, constantly scanning for potential threats. This explains why they can be easily startled and why sudden movements or loud noises can trigger a strong reaction. Building trust with your horse involves understanding and respecting this innate instinct.

    They are also highly social animals. In the wild, horses live in herds, and this social structure provides security and a sense of belonging. This inherent need for companionship means that keeping a single horse in isolation can lead to stress and behavioural issues. Providing opportunities for social interaction, whether with other horses or even other compatible livestock, is important for their mental well-being (American Association of Equine Practitioners, 2022).

    Key behavioural cues to look for:

    • Body Language: A horse’s ears, eyes, nostrils, and tail can tell you a lot about its mood. Forward ears often indicate alertness, pinned ears can signal irritation, and a swishing tail might mean annoyance.
    • Vocalizations: Whinnies, nickers, snorts, and squeals all have different meanings and can communicate various states, from greetings to distress.
    • Flight vs. Fight: While flight is their primary defence, horses can and will defend themselves if cornered or feeling threatened. Recognizing the signs of aggression (e.g., flattened ears, baring teeth, kicking) is vital for safety.

    By observing and learning to interpret these cues, you’ll be better equipped to understand your horse’s needs, anticipate their reactions, and build a strong, respectful relationship.

    Next up: The cornerstone of good health – Feed and Water!

  • Part 1: Welcome to the World of Equine Husbandry!

    Welcome, aspiring equestrians and curious minds! Have you ever dreamt of owning a horse, or perhaps wondered what it takes to care for these magnificent creatures? You’ve come to the right place! This blog series will serve as your comprehensive introduction to equine husbandry, the art and science of caring for horses.

    Equine husbandry encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from providing proper nutrition and healthcare to ensuring a safe and stimulating environment. It’s a journey that requires dedication, knowledge, and a genuine love for horses. But don’t be intimidated! We’ll break down the essentials into manageable pieces, helping you build a solid foundation for responsible horse ownership.

    In this series, we’ll explore key topics such as:

    • Understanding Horse Behaviour: Learning to read your horse’s cues is crucial for effective communication and safe handling.
    • Basic Needs: Feed and Water: What do horses eat, and how much? We’ll delve into the dietary requirements that keep horses healthy and thriving.
    • Shelter and Environment: Providing appropriate housing and turnout areas is vital for their physical and mental well-being.
    • Routine Healthcare: From vaccinations to deworming, we’ll cover the basics of preventative health.
    • Grooming and Handling: Essential skills for maintaining hygiene and building a bond with your horse.

    Whether you’re considering buying your first horse, already own one and want to deepen your understanding, or simply have an interest in these incredible animals, this series is for you. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of equine husbandry!

    Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into the fascinating world of horse behaviour!

  • Passionate about Animal Health and Well-being

    Hello, my name is Samantha, I am a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), and a Retired Non-Practicing Registered ICU Nurse with a sub specialty of Cardiology.

    While I was growing up, I spent my time on the weekends working with the horses on a breeding farm in BC. I gained comfort, confidence and enjoyment from working with large animals.

    Fast-forward though the normal customer service related jobs, and I started working towards my degree as a Registered Nurse. I earned first a practical nurse diploma in 2010, then a BN degree in 2014 from Athabasca University. I worked as a nurse for almost 10 years, finishing this career in the ICU with an unofficial specialty in cardiac.

    Then I decided to return to working with animals, and in 2021 I graduated from the Olds College Animal Health Technologist (AHT) program, and successfully completed the RVT registration exam shortly after. Finally, I could start a new career as an animal nurse, after being a human nurse.

    I am currently living on a hobby farm, where I am the primary caregiver for 2 horses, 2 miniature goats, and 2 dogs.

    Through many positions as an RN and as an RVT, I realized that many individuals that I encountered had difficulty figuring out what information is credible to what information is no so credible.

    This pushed me to pursue creating a safe, and nonjudgmental environment where I can post information, research papers, helpful videos, and a place to create conversation in a safe posting environment to help my community and to allow others to manage their animals health and well-being with confidence.

    Samantha