Horses, just like humans and other animals, need routine wellness exams. The exams can help catch health problems before they become critical or life-threatening. During a wellness exam, the veterinarian can examine the horse and look for potential issues.

The vet will listen to the animal’s heart and lungs and examine the abdomen and other parts of the body. The vet will take the horse’s temperature, and examine the eyes, lymph nodes, limbs, and joints. Following are some FAQs on a wellness exam for your horse.
 

What Will the did Vet Check During the Exam? 

The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical check on the horse during the wellness exam. The vet will examine the body shape, legs, ears, eyes, skin, coat, gums, and other body parts. The exam will also check the animal’s stance, walk, and mood.

The examination can help determine the animal’s health and well-being. The vet can help determine whether the horse requires dental care or some specialized treatment.
 

Why Is Routine Wellness Exam Important?

Getting a routine wellness examination for your horse is very important for his overall health. Apart from assessing the overall condition, the exam helps with disease prevention, detecting health issues, and improving health.

The wellness program is comprehensive, ensuring the complete well-being of the horse. The vet will examine the patient’s medical history, injuries, vaccinations, and general management practices.
 

What Vaccinations Does the Horse Need?

Vaccinations are vital for protecting your horse from different illnesses or health conditions. The vaccinations needed include the encephalomyelitis vaccine and tetanus toxoid for Eastern and Western sickness and tetanus.

Others are Streptococcus Equi bacterial extract for strangles and vaccinations for West Nile, flu/rhino, rabies, and Crotalus atrox toxoid for a rattlesnake. Your vet will advise you on the best time to vaccinate your horse.
 

Does a Wellness Exam Include Lab Tests?

Lab tests are an ideal part of annual wellness exams for horses. Commonly recommended tests include a complete blood count, fibrinogen, chemistry panel, and fecal floatation.

The tests check the animal’s blood cells, blood protein, organ functions, and presence of parasites. Senior horses go through testing for Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome. If you travel with your horse, a Coggins test is mandatory. 
 

Is Frequent Deworming Necessary?

Deworming is a subject many horse owners will want to discuss during a wellness exam. Unlike in the past, deworming is not a blanket treatment, and not all horses receive the treatment the same way.

Deworming is best on an individual basis and helps reduce the frequency. Minimizing the frequency helps prevent the issue of drug-resistant parasites. Fecal floatation testing will help determine the need for deworming.

Wellness exams help in maintaining the horse’s health. Promoting wellness and preventing disease will help protect your horse. As a horse owner, you can get tips to help with proper management. This will result in a healthier, longer, and happier life for your horse.

For more FAQs on a wellness exam for your horse, visit South Willamette Veterinary Clinic at our office in Creswell, Oregon. You can call (541) 313-3352 today to schedule an appointment.