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Keep up to date with all our latest news, articles and case studies from the veterinary world around Hawke’s Bay, Dannevirke, and the Wairarapa.

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COUGHING AND WHEEZY HORSES

The classic ‘coughing horse’ is a common sight and sound at this time of year, and often transient viral respiratory disease is to blame. But as much as we love to blame a virus, they are not always the cause! This year has seen an influx of allergy associated disease in all classes of stock…

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COVID-19 Level 2 Announcement

AS ANNOUNCED on February 27, WE ARE BACK IN LEVEL 2 FOR 7 DAYS. THIS REQUIRES US TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN PROCEDURES IN OUR CLINIC. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION AS WE MOVE INTO THIS, HOPEFULLY SHORT, LEVEL 2 STATE. Having been there before, here are some reminders about what Level 2 looks…

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DENTAL CARE IN YOUNG HORSES

The first five years of a horse’s life are critical in regards to dental development.  Like us, horses have two sets of teeth, the deciduous being shed from about two and a half years until the permanent teeth have erupted at around five years. During this period, it is vital that regular dental checks are…

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DISTANCE RIDING NZ PRESENTS: LANDCORP WAITERE

14TH & 15TH NOVEMBER. Approx. 90km from Napier and Taupo at the end of Waitara Road (Off the Napier/Taupo Road). This is a very exciting new ride venue. The ride takes you over rolling farmland, through planted and native forests. Fantastic views of limestone bluffs, canyons and the Mohaka river. The tracks are well marked…

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DRENCHING YOUR HORSE

Some horse owners are still drenching their animals on a six to eight weekly basis regardless of age or worm burden.  This was a traditional approach which is outdated and possibly detrimental in terms of developing resistance to drenches.  The main internal parasites we see in horses in New Zealand include the following: Large roundworm…

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ENCYSTED STRONGYLES – SMALL WORMS, BIG PROBLEMS

Johnny Atkins BVSc Vet Services Dannevirke ‘Small Strongyles’ or ‘Cyathostomes’ are the terms used for a group of over forty different species of parasites affecting horses. They tend to be the most prevalent parasite within the horses’ gastrointestinal tract and although small, heavy burdens can result in big problems! Unlike their cousins the ‘large strongyles’,…

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ENDOSCOPY IN EQUINES

We have had a couple of interesting cases over the last few months where our Vets have been able to use the endoscope to help diagnose and address issues. The endoscope is a flexible camera/video /light source that we can use to help investigate respiratory tract in horses as they allow us to gain access…

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EQUINE ANNUAL WARRANT OF FITNESS

With the equestrian season kicking off in most disciplines, Spring is a good time for your horse to have its annual “warrant of fitness”. Parasites: A faecal egg count is a simple way of getting an idea of the parasite load in your horses.  Many horses that are drenched at routine intervals probably do not…

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white horse head in close up photography

Equine Care at Alert Level 3

At Alert Level 3 restrictions will be loosened, slightly, and we will now be able to provide most routine services including dentals, lameness work-ups, castrations, scans, and diagnostic imagery. We will continue to have control measures in place at the clinic and on farm, taking all possible precautions to ensure our staff and client safety.…

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