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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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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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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  This was a traditional approach which is outdated and possibly detrimental in terms of developing resistance to drenches.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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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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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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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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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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brown and white horse head

COLIC – WHAT A PAIN!

Colic, a word that strikes fear into the heart of every horse owner! But what is it and what can we do? In the simplest sense, colic is a broad term used to describe abdominal pain and the behaviour that we see associated with that pain. This is most commonly associated with the gastrointestinal tract,…

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Canine tooth tartar build up

Wow, how satisfying is that tartar removal! Some horses get a buildup of dental calculus (tartar), especially on the canine teeth. It often builds up on the lower canine teeth (and in some equines also on their incisors). It’s important to check your horses mouth for these yellow-brown deposits between your routine dentals as it…

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a horse trailer with hay inside of it

Before you hit the road

Travelling with Horses: Tips for a Safe and Healthy Journey Travelling with horses can present its challenges, but keeping your horses healthy before, during, and after transport is key to ensuring a successful event. Richard McKenzie, an equine vet and horse owner with over 35 years of experience, shares his expert tips on how to…

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