Animal Chat

How do you make a small fortune in the horse business? The answer is start with a large fortune.

This joke points out what all horse owners already know. Horses are large, expensive animals. They need shoes more often than children do, they need food, they need equipment, they need horse trailers and barns. They also need veterinary care.

Annual preventive care can save a horse owner a lot of money and sometimes your horse’s life. Anyone who has watched a horse die from a disease that could have been prevented by a vaccination that costs less than $20 dollars becomes a spokes person for preventive care.

Here’s a few words from your spokesperson.

Last year twelve horses in Texas died from rabies. Is your horse vaccinated? Twelve doesn’t sound like very many unless it is your horse.

Is your feed bill high and your horse thin? When was the last time your horse had his teeth checked? Proper dental care allows your horse to make the most of his food and can help prevent colic and choke (two expensive emergencies).

West Nile virus is here. Horses in Hays county have died from it. Is your horse vaccinated?

Internal parasites are a leading cause of colic. Instead of guessing about what dewormer to grab from the feed store shelf consider having your veterinarian check your horse for parasites so you treat the problem you actually have.

Most horse shows and trail rides require a current negative Coggins Test. A Coggins Test tests for equine infectious anemia. Did you know it is now a misdemeanor in Texas to transfer ownership of a horse without a current negative Coggins Test. Does your horse have a current negative Coggins?

Dealing with or treating any of the above problems can be very expensive and sometimes heartbreaking.

Preventive care for your horse is one of the smartest ways you can spend money on your horse. Buy your horse some good health and yourself some peace of mind by having an annual visit for preventive care done for your horse. If you have any questions about what annual care your horse should have give us a call. We will discuss your horse's lifestyle (performance horse, trail horse etc.) and we will give your a preventive health care program designed for your horse.