- Dental CareDr’s Crawford and Ritenour have received specialized training in veterinary school, dental wetlabs and internship to manage your horse's dental health. Your horse should have an oral exam every 6-12 months, with most horse's needing their teeth floated (or the sharp enamel points filed down) about once a year. The oral exam also gives us the opportunity to assess the mouth for foreign bodies, fractured teeth, loose teeth, tumors, gingival abnormalities, malocclusions (when the teeth don’t align properly) and more. If your horse is dropping feed, evading the bit, or has foul breath they should have a full oral exam performed ASAP.
- VaccinationBi-annual examination of your horse is highly recommended. The spring and fall are great times to take care of vaccination, fecal egg counts (see discussion below), and dental floats. It also allows your veterinarian the chance to assess the overall body condition and health of your horse so that potential problems can be caught early.
- Nutritional CounselingJust as in people, many issues can arise from an unbalanced diet. Horses absolutely need adequate fiber, trace minerals, and vitamins in the proper ratios. If you are concerned about your horse's diet-maybe they are hard keepers or obese or just unthrifty-their diet can be examined. We can also refer you to nutrition experts that can design a plan specific to your horse's needs
- Comprehensive ExaminationEmergencies can be a scary experience. You should know what types of situations constitute an emergency so that you can respond appropriately and act quickly. If you are ever unsure if your horse is in need of immediate medical attention please call and our veterinarians can help make that determination. At this time we can only guarantee same day emergency treatment for current clients in good standing (have been seen for wellness exam/services within last year, financial good standing). We will make efforts to accomodate others but additional fees may apply.
- Parasites Treatment and ControlVeterinary parasitologists recommend twice yearly fecal egg counts, the results of which determine how often your horse is dewormed. It is simple really - give more dewormer to horses that need it and less to those that don't. Fecal egg counts are quick, cheap, and easy and the samples are usually readily available!
- Pain ManagementAcupuncture - Dr. Ritenour is a graduate of the Chi Institute in Reddick, FL and is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Acupuncture is a branch of traditional chinese medicine that involves the stimulation of points, by insertion of specialized needles into the body along channels where Qi (read “chi”) flows. It works by stimulating your horse’s nervous system which can naturally improve healing. It also provides pain relief, relaxation, and can help regulate the immune system. Dr. Ritenour often utilizes electroacupuncture which most horses find very relaxing!
- X-Ray