Pet Columns, Office of Public Engagement, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Equine Vet is Your Horses Best Bet

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Pet Column for the week of June 26, 2000

Office of Public Engagement
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907

By Carrie Gustavson
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine

It's Saturday at 4 in the afternoon and you notice that your horse has a huge gash on its
face. Do you call the vet? By Monday, that cut could become infected and lead to even
bigger, more expensive problems. But then again, maybe it will be fine.

"Veterinarians often play a 'firefighter' role -- aiding your horse in a crisis, such as by sewing
up a wound or attending to a colic. They are trained for that," says Dr. Lydia Miller, a
veterinarian who works at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in
Urbana. Dr. Miller is also the director of owner education for the American Association of
Equine Practitioners.

But many people don't realize that equine veterinarians can offer much more than
emergency aid. In fact, having a good relationship with an equine veterinarian can help
prevent emergencies, and other problems. "By developing a good relationship with a
veterinarian, people will spend less to have a healthier animal that will live a longer life," says
Dr. Miller.

Regular veterinary visits can provide you with a lot of helpful information. Besides giving
your animals a complete physical examination, a veterinarian will check your horse's weight
and body condition score. Noting trends over time, the veterinarian uses this information to
guide decisions on nutrition or diagnose illness. Other important areas for veterinary
intervention include your horse's teeth and feet. A veterinarian can spot problems that the
owner might not notice and get to the root of a problem before it becomes an "emergency."

A veterinarian will also observe the horse's environment and diet and advise you of potential
problems. She will evaluate hay and grain, point out toxic pasture plants, advise on
supplements, and assess the safety of the environment -- the stall, arena, and outdoor
turnout area.

The veterinarian's visit is a great time for you to get all your questions answered. Should you
try the new too-good-to-be-true product that your friend uses on her horse? "Veterinarians
are the best source of accurate information about your horse. They have access to experts
and excellent resources at veterinary schools and can generally find the answers to your
questions," says Dr. Miller.

One part of being a veterinarian involves keeping informed on the latest treatments,
medicines, and nutrition so that you, the horse owner, stay informed. Vaccines, geriatric
wellness, and dental care are just a few areas in which recent scientific advances can help
your horse enjoy a longer, healthier life. "Look at all you're missing if your local farm supply
store is your only source of equine information," says Dr. Miller.

"A veterinarian is there to help you make an informed decision -- not to make it for you.
He'll explain the options, what each one costs, and potential outcomes," says Dr. Miller.

Whether you have a stable full of performance horses or a few mounts for weekend riding,
you want them to perform to the best of their ability for as long as possible. "Your equine
veterinarian is your horse health care partner. Let your veterinarian know your concerns,
then work as a team to provide your horses with the best possible care," says Dr. Miller.

Give to Vet Med