Springhill Equine

Q.		Is it an emergency or can it wait until morning?
A.		We are here to answer any and all questions you have. If you are uncomfortable with something your horse is doing please feel free to call us any time of the day or night. That said we would like to offer some guidelines. Cuts and lacerations near joints can be look very small yet be very serious. We recommend contacting us for even the smallest of wounds if they are near joints. Colic can manifest itself in many different ways. Most horses will start by refusing feed and/or hay. This may progress to curling of the upper lip, pawing and rolling. Other reasons to call include high fevers (over 102.5F), sudden behavior changes and any swelling or discharge involving the eye.


Q.		I think my horse is colicking. What should I do?
A.		Your first step is to call us. Next allow your horse to do whatever makes them comfortable. Most horses prefer to lie quietly or stand up, walk a short way and lie back down. We were all taught to walk a horse non-stop if they were colicking and never let them roll. This is a bit of an old wives’ tale. We recommend walking only if your horse is extremely uncomfortable. It is best to call us for advice quickly when dealing with a colicking horse. Your horse should never be uncomfortable for longer than 15-20 minutes.


Q.		What vaccinations should my horse receive?
A.		The answer to this question is very dependent on what your horse does on a regular basis. Horses that see other horses on a regular basis such as at horse shows or organized trail rides require different vaccines than those who stay at home most of the time. Also some vaccines are only necessary in very specific circumstances. The chart below offers some basic guidelines:



Q.		What is the best deworming program?
A.		The answer again depends on your horse’s exposure level. Horses get parasites through exposure to infected manure, pasture or forage. The best way to assess your horse’s parasite exposure level and the effectiveness of your current deworming program is through fecal exams. This can be done by dropping a fresh sample of two to three “apples” off at the office. The table below offers some general guidelines to help you formulate a deworming program for your situation. And we are more than happy to help develop a plan for your individual situation.


Q.		When should I geld my colt?
A.		The short answer is the sooner the better. Most youngsters will begin showing stallion type behaviors by 3-4 months of age. If you do not desire a stallion it is recommended to geld before these behaviors begin. If you would like to have all of the stallion-type physical appearances, you will need to wait until your colt is three to four years old, though most people are satisfied with appearances by one year of age. No research has shown an effect on final height or weight based on age of castration. Even foals castrated as early as 10 days showed no long term benefit or harm.


Q.		What Dental Care does my horse require and how often is it necessary?
A.		Horses are a bit like beavers. Their teeth erupt during their entire lifetime. This eruption does not always occur in an organized pattern. In particular sharp points develop on the cheek (buccal) side of the upper molars and the tongue (lingual) side of the lower molars. The chewing (table) surface of the molars also develops ridges much like those on a washboard dirt road. These irregularities prevent our horses from doing all that we ask of them. In particular they make flexion and side-to-side motion of the head difficult which can lead to resistance in the bridle and tension in the back. These irregularities should be removed at least yearly in performance horses. Many horses under 5 years will even require twice yearly dental care because they develop problems much quicker. At Springhill Equine we use high-speed Dremel dental equipment, sedation and a good look inside your horse’s mouth to allow us to rapidly and precisely perform dental procedures.


Q.		What is a Coggins Test?
A.		The Coggins test was invented in 1970 by Dr. Leroy Coggins of Cornell University to look for antibodies to Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). EIA, closely related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), causes fever, depression, loss of appetite and anemia. There is no known cure or vaccine which means testing is our only means of control. The test is required at least yearly for horses going to group events such as shows or trail rides. It is also required to travel outside the state. If you are traveling out of state, a Health Certificate will also be required. You may call the Office at (352)331-8434 for assistance.