Autumn is upon us, cooler nights and morning mists blanket the landscape with the promise of sunny days ahead. Now is the perfect time to follow the check list below, for your horses’ fall/winter healthcare plan and for pasture maintenance.
Fall Checklist:
- Examine pastures for any downed branches or compromised fencing. Walk the pastures to evaluate pasture health and check for any toxic plants. Sugars in grass increase at this time; make sure to use caution with laminitis-prone or potentially insulin resistant horses.
- Discuss a winter hoof care plan with your farrier.
- Fall may bring as much mud as spring; monitor skin conditions, like scratches, and hoof conditions such as thrush.
- Work with your veterinarian to schedule your horse's fall vaccines. Some diseases are more likely at a specific time of year, and your veterinarian can tailor your horse's vaccine protocol to mitigate these risks.
- Ask your veterinarian if they recommend any fall bloodwork for your horse, especially for senior horses.
- Discuss any upcoming medication needs, whether your horse is spending the winter competing or resting.
- Schedule a dental check before winter, especially for senior horses.
- Assess weight, solidify your nutrition plan and load up on hay.
- Have an intestinal parasite screening performed to guide your fall deworming protocol. It is generally a good time to deworm when temperatures drop for the winter, and knowing which de-wormer to choose and when to give it is critical.
For more information contact Quakertown Veterinary Clinic – Equine Hospital – 24/7/365 --Tel 215 536-2726