FAQ
- How often should I have my horses teeth checked?
All horses require regular dental attention. The age of the horse, type of feed being fed and the purpose the horse is used for all determine how often dentistry should be performed. As a general rule, horses should have their teeth checked and treated at least every 12 months, unless otherwise recommended. Young horses less than 8 years often require six monthly attention. All horses with severe dental conditions require more frequent attention.
- How often do I need to vaccinate my horse?
Horses in this area are generally vaccinated against tetanus and strangles with a single yearly vaccine known as ‘2 in 1’. For unvaccinated horses or those whose vaccination status in unknown, a course of three injections should be given. The first injection is a 2 in 1 followed two weeks later by a strangles only vaccination. A further 2 in 1 is given two weeks after the strangles injection. Yearly 2 in 1 boosters are then required.
Foals are given the same vaccination protocol with the first injection being given at 12 weeks of age. If the mare that has foaled is not vaccinated, the foal may also be given a tetanus antitoxin at 1 day old.
- How often should I worm my horse?
Horses should be wormed approximately every six to eight weeks depending on the product used. Some products which are a gel formation can be used less often. Foals should be regularly wormed as well usually starting at eight to twelve weeks of age.
It is important to note that worming products differ in their spectrum of activity. Some effectively kill all the important parasites whilst others may not be effective against individual parasites such as tapeworms and bots.
- What regular attention to my horse’s feet do I need to give?
All horse feet require regular attention, however not all horses required shoeing. Regardless, the attention of a farrier should be sought approximately every six weeks.
- My horse has just eaten a whole bag of feed. What should I do?
The rapid intake of large volumes of food containing high levels of carbohydrates can be dangerous to a horse. If your horse has consumed a large volume of feed it is best to contact your vet for advice as immediate medical attention may be required.
- My horse is rolling around and seems to be in pain. What should I do?
Horses that seem to be in pain, roll, paw or look at their flanks may be suffering from colic. Colic is abdominal pain, usually from the gastrointestinal tract and is a serious condition in horses. Urgent veterinary advice and attention should be sought.
Whilst waiting for veterinary attention it is important to stop your horse from rolling. It is OK if he is lying quietly, but rolling should be avoided. Be careful not to get yourself hurt however, as a horse in pain is not always aware of its surroundings. The best way to stop your horse rolling is to keep him walking until help arrives.
- My horse has a sore/weepy eye. What should I do?
Sore and weeping eyes should always receive veterinary attention, particularly if only one eye is involved. Conditions of the eye can progress quickly if left untreated and can be serious.
- How long is the gestation period for a horse?
The average gestation length for a horse is 340 days, and ranges from 320 to 360 days. Pony mares often have a slightly shorter gestation.
- My mare is due to foal. What should I be aware of?
The first stage of labour for a mare is often very subtle and may be missed by many owners. It may last for up to 24 hours and is the period during which the mare is preparing to give birth. She may appear restless, slightly sweaty and may get up and down. Some mares will drip a small amount of colostrum.
The second stage of labour is when the mare gives birth. It consists of multiple forceful contractions. The foal should be delivered with 20-30 minutes of the sac rupturing (water breaking). Prolonged foaling increases the possibility of problems with the foal and mare and veterinary advice should be sought if the mare has been contracting for 30 minutes without a foal being born.
Other signs the mare may be experiencing difficulties include evidence of strong contractions with no progression of the delivery process with in 10 minutes of rupture of the sac or the presentation of hind feet or upside down feet.
The third stage of labour is the expulsion of the placenta and is regarded as being normal if it occurs 30 minutes to 3 hours after the foal has been born. It is important to ensure that the entire sac has been expelled intact. If the mare has not passed the placenta within 3 hours of giving birth or it does not appear intact, veterinary advice should be sought.
Foals should be alert shortly after birth and should quickly make attempts to stand. A normal foal should be on its feet within 45 minutes of birth. It is imperative that foals suckle from their mothers in the first few hours of life as it is during this time that they receive colostrum and the antibodies they need to fight infection. A foal should be suckling within 2 hours of being born.
Foals should be bright and bouncy. Foals can become sick quickly and deteriorate even quicker. It is important that you seek veterinary advice if you are at all concerned.