At Hunter Equine Centre we pride ourselves on being able to provide a world-class reproductive service including both intensive management of problem mares and stallions, as well as routine reproductive work, and we are able to claim excellent fertility rates for the mares under our care.

We service many of the top Thoroughbred stud farms in the Upper Hunter, as well as many boutique breeders in the area. In addition we offer artificial insemination including embryo collection for transfer, frozen and chilled semen AI packages.

A reproduction contract is available to allow regular monitoring and extensive treatment at a fixed cost. This enables us to work together intensively, enjoying good reproductive results without incurring ongoing costs.

​Routine reproductive work incorporates regular monitoring of the ovaries to identify the optimum time for breeding, assessment of the uterus with regards to infectious or anatomical abnormalities to maintain optimum fertility rates, pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring of foetal development and placental health.

Additional work can be done to further investigate reproductive failure and placental dysfunction. At the time of foaling, any problems are attended as a matter of urgency; including internal examination of the mare and examination of the foal as well as close monitoring during its first days.

Ultrasound is a highly versatile, safe, non-invasive and extremely valuable tool in the assessment and management of a broad range of cases. Each member of the team at HEC carries a high-quality, portable ultrasound machine to facilitate reproductive, thoracic and abdominal examinations, in addition to the state of the art ultrasound multi-purpose ultrasound machines in the hospital that allow for in-depth examination of anything from cardiac function through to tendon and musculoskeletal examinations and everything in between.

​Ultrasound has become an invaluable adjunct to examination whether it is for musculoskeletal workup (tendons, ligaments, pelvis, joint, bone surfaces), medical cases (colics, colitis, pneumonia including Rhodococcus infection, bladder rupture), reproduction (follicular activity, pregnancy including twin diagnosis, identification of endometritis and placental assessment) and the ability to perform these examinations on farm using our mobile units enables immediate and invaluable diagnostic and prognostic information during patient workup.

HEC runs a busy elective only surgery caseload including arthroscopic removal and repair of OCD lesions in weanlings and adults, and trans-physeal screw placement in foals.

In addition to these routine and somewhat seasonal surgeries we also regularly perform airway surgeries such as tie-backs, surgical curettage of sequestrums and other non-emergency surgeries. 

At HEC we have several vets with a keen interest in the management of poor performance cases; from diagnosing the cause through to implementing a treatment plan to rectify the problem wherever possible.

The cause of poor performance can be varied, with possibilities including underlying orthopaedic and lameness issues (including tendon, bone and joint injuries as well as hoof and shoeing problems), myopathies or muscle diseases such as “tying up”, gastric ulceration, dental disease, airway disease including asthma, lower-airway bleeding and upper airway obstructions, and cardiac disease. 

Lameness and conformation assessments and musculo-skeletal problems in young horses are a particular interest and area of expertise among the team at HEC. We pride ourselves in providing a complete service from early identification of problems that may be present, through to sales services. Radiography and endoscopy have become very important aspects of the sale of yearlings, and our team works closely with a specialist surgeon to offer advice to those both selling and buying horses.

Experience gained from Australian, European and American markets and from monitoring horses closely as foals, yearlings and racehorses enables us to provide up to date advice on management and prognosis of any issues identified. Survey radiographs are routinely taken of weanlings and yearlings between July and September on many farms to alert the owner to potential problems that can be managed or operated on prior to sale.

​Radiographs are taken within 6 weeks prior to yearling sales. These are then available to other veterinarians, working on behalf of potential purchasers, in x-ray repositories at most yearling sales. Please be in touch for any yearling advice at any time of the year, or at the major yearling sales.

Our vets provide the utmost standard of care when it comes to dentistry because we understand that without this, there is no horse. Did you know that dental disease can lead to colic, weight loss and gastric diseases.

As such dental management is a critical component of routine health care for horses. Whether your horse is a high performing athlete such as a racehorse or performance horse, or a broodmare at pasture it is important to ensure their teeth and mouth are in good shape.

​We offer an experienced dental service which ranges from a general performance or broodmare float through to more intensive dental health care. All of our procedures include a thorough examination of the whole mouth using a gag, light & palpation.

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points in the body which have the ability to alter various biomechanical, neurological and physiological conditions. The horse has 361 acupunture points which are located along channels. These channels are associated with the local anatomical structures and also with a certain organ and its characteristics.

Microscopically, these points are seen to differ from surrounding tissue by altered nerve endings and blood vessels. These points are also shown to have lowered skin electrical resistance and energy is able to flow between them. It is this energy flow that is disrupted in many disease states.

Stimulation of these points has been shown to release numerous neurotransmitters and activate neurological pathways. Certain points can be seen to affect muscles, glands and immune cells. Detailed studies have shown alterations in organ function and biomarkers after treatment. Probably the most extensive use of acupuncture in the horse relates to its significant effect on muscle injury, reducing pain transmission and stimulating endorphin release.

Looking after a sick foal can be the most difficult but rewarding part of the breeding season. Neonatal medicine is complex and often very intensive, requiring hospitalisation.

Here at HEC we have a dedicated hospital and intensive care team including an internal medicine specialist to ensure that sick foals under our care received the gold standard of neonatal intensive care. 

Likewise, our experienced and highly qualified team of stud vets can ensure gold standard diagnostics and care on-farm for minor illness or injuries.

The most rewarding and best approach to foal care is preventative medicine. In-depth advice can be provided regarding vaccination, worming, foaling and quarantine protocols. It is also routine on all farms serviced by HEC to check each foal after it is born for any signs of rib fracture, congenital abnormality, sepsis, maladjustment syndrome or any other sign of illness to ensure early intervention if necessary.

​We also routinely perform a chest scan on each foal at approximately 4-6 weeks to monitor for signs of Rhodococcus equi so that infection, if present, can be identified early. Rhodococcus equi results in lung abscesses causing a condition known as ‘Rattles’ that can be difficult and expensive to treat, and even fatal in more severe cases. Early identification, monitoring of mild cases and treatment as needed generally results in both a quick and inexpensive recovery.

Endoscopy or ‘scoping’ allows visualisation of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts. This can be carried out routinely in the assessment of airway function for diagnosis of “roarers”, to evaluate a cause of nasal discharge, aid in diagnosis of allergic airway disorders or “bleeding” in racehorses as well as to diagnosis gastric ulceration.

Endoscopy is also performed as a condition of sale at yearling sales. Abnormalities of airway function can be identified both prior to sale as well as during training

HEC provides a full hospital and intensive care facility to provide varying degrees of supportive, nursing and intensive care to all equine patients from ponies through to thoroughbreds and foals through to adults, including intravenous and intra-gastric fluid therapy and oxygen therapy. 

HEC has a fully equipped laboratory that enables on-site blood analysis, cytologicalevaluation of body-cavity fluids, synovial samples and airway samples, culture of diagnostic samples, including mare and stallion pre-breeding swabs and faecal analysis for parasite burden as well as some common causes of diarrhoea.

Blood analysis includes routine haematology (complete bloodcount), serum biochemistry, electrolyte measurement and evaluation of acute phase proteins (markers of inflammation).

In addition, all of our ambulatory vets have the capacity to measure serum amyloid A (acute phase protein/marker of inflammation) using patient-side analysers to rapidly identify the degree of systemic inflammation in a sick patient.

The team at HEC have extensive experience working alongside trainers to optimise racehorse performance in several countries around the world including Newmarket. In addition to general heath care, maintenance of soundness is a critical aspect of training racehorses. Diagnosing lameness issues requires a methodical and systematic approach. If obvious external signs do not point to individual anatomical structures, nerve and joint blocks with local anaesthetic are used to localise the lameness to an anatomical region. Radiology and ultrasound are then used to identify particular lesions in bones, joints and tendons. Treatment and training regimes can then be modified appropriately.

We also have a particular interest in respiratory medicine. Inflammatory airway disease (“equine asthma”) and exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage are common problems and causes for reduced performance. Tracheal endoscopy and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL, or lung washes) can provide important information as to the cause of airway disease and enable a tailored treatment and management plan for specific to the patient. The use of locally delivered anti-inflammatories through inhalers and nebulisers can help to directly target the source of inflammation whist minimising the potential for systemic effects.

In addition to lower airway dysfunction, upper airway obstruction is another common cause of poor performance in high-intensity performance horses such as racehorses. Evaluation of laryngeal function to identify conditions such as recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (“roarers”) or displacement of the soft palate can be performed via video-endoscopy. This can be performed during treadmill exercise to provide invaluable information about laryngeal function during exercise.

​Gastric ulceration is another common cause of reduced performance in racing and ridden horses of all levels. The team at HEC have extensive experience at performing gastroscopy using our 3m video-endoscope which enables us to examine the stomach and identify the presence of gastric ulceration, which can have a prevalence of up to 90% in racehorses. If identified, we can provide you with advice on treatment of ulceration as well as dietary and management changes that can be implemented across the stables to reduce the recurrence of ulceration and help improve performance.

Out clinic works in conjunction with some of the country’s best farriers to provide a two-pronged approach to podiatry; this includes general hoof care, conformational changes from foals to competition horses & chronic lameness.

Whatever the query, we are able to aid you and or your farriers in optimising the outcome of your horse, including using advanced techniques such as digital radiography including venogram techniques to guide corrective work and treatments.

At hunter Equine we recognise the importance of horse sales as a fundamental part of your business. For that reason, our veterinarians continue to be heavily involved and engaged in the market at all times, enabling us to provide honest and up-to-date advice from a veterinary standpoint on the prospective sales of your horse. Our vets are also able to provide the latest in radiography and video endoscopy, both on farm and at the sales, including preparation of radiographs and video endoscopy recordings for the sales repository.

​We also strive to maintain a constant presence at all of the major Australian horse sales and as such are able to offer a complete sales service including clinical examinations, professional opinions and treatment at the complex.

​Whether it be weanlings, yearlings, broodmares or breeze-ups, our comprehensive service extends right through from sales entry until the hammer drops.

Our veterinary team offer a comprehensive range of equine health services from vaccinations, general health checks, gelding, nutrition advice, routine and emergency care.

Equine dental services performed by experienced vets with Powerfloat for optimum assessment, diagnosis and treatment including sedation and pain relief as required. We perform advanced dental procedures such as tooth extractions and x-rays.

State of the art diagnostics for assessment of upper respiratory conditions and inflammatory conditions. Gastroscopy for assessment of gastric ulcers.

Our facility includes a dummy for training and collecting stallions for fresh, chilled and frozen Artificial Insemination (AI). Mares can be prepared and inseminated with fresh, chilled and frozen semen. We offer embryo transfer and have a recipient mare herd.

Lameness examinations at walk and trot in a straight line and on the lunge, flexion tests, hoof testing, nerve blocks and diagnostic imaging.

At Gippsland Equine Hospital we have two experienced equine surgeons available for both elective and emergency surgical procedures performed in our purpose built equine surgical facility with padded recovery room.

An annual health check helps to keep your horse performing at its best all year and includes Equivac 2 in 1, dental examination/float, wormers x 2, 4 x faecal egg counts and wellness check.

The in-house diagnostics for our equine clients are supported by Apiam’s ACE Laboratory Services.

At Scenic Rim Veterinary Service we consider our stud farm practice to be second to none in the district.

We pride ourselves in our reproductive service success which is reflected in the loyalty of some of Queenslands finest and largest thoroughbred stud farms.

Stud medicine and reproduction makes up a large part of our practice and as such our veterinary staff doubles during the breeding season to ensure we can cater to all the needs of our clients day and night. This means that mare owners can be confident they will get the care required to achieve optimal pregnancy rates and healthy foals.

Our aim is to provide the full package to mare and stud owners, complete from conception to yearling sales and everything in between.

We also offer a breeding package for mares on stud to make budgeting for veterinary services even easier.

Artificial Insemination (AI) describes the process of introducing semen to a mare’s ovum (egg) for fertilisation without the need for natural mating with a stallion to occur.

At Scenic Rim Vet Service we have an excellent success rate with the use of both chilled semen (from anywhere within Australia) and frozen semen (stored in liquid nitrogen). The technique can also be used for fresh semen where there is physical reasons that natural mating is  not possible.

The AI process allows mare owners to access the genetics from stallions all over the world. We have limited long term storage facilities for frozen semen on site but can make arrangements for semen storage locally given prior notice. Of course we will always ensure we have the semen with us during your mare’s stay.

Our purpose built reproduction facility at Scenic Rim vets allows us to provide full care for mares during the AI process, providing safe yards, paddocks and stables during their stay.

Our team of vets  use the latest in techniques to ensure the mare’s best chances of conceiving. The AI process (especially with frozen semen) requires a much higher degree of timing than natural mating and as such mares are monitored around the clock.

We are happy to provide mare owners with an up to date list of costs for procedures involved in AI for the breeding season, which will include our agistment costs. It is wise to remember that the cost of your chosen stallion will in some cases only form half of your costs involved in obtaining a pregnancy.

At Scenic Rim Veterinary Service we can offer semen collection from your stallion on site for transport as chilled semen or for storage as frozen semen.
The semen is collected using an artificial vagina while the stallion mounts an in-season “jump” mare or our custom made mounting dummy.

Semen collected for transport chilled can then be evaluated in our laboratory for quality and mixed with an appropriate “extender” ( a nourishing fluid for the sperm to swim in during transport). It will then be packaged in an insulated transport container and is ready to send off to the mare owner.

For frozen semen an  initial appraisal includes use of two different semen extenders and two different freezing protocols to find which best suits your horse’s individual semen characteristics.

Approximately 1/3 of stallions will produce semen that  once frozen is of high quality.

Another 1/3 of stallions will produce semen that once frozen is acceptable with some degree of manipulation.

The last 1/3 of stallions will not produce commercially acceptable semen no matter which protocol is adopted. This is generally reported by all laboratories that provide this service. If your horse’s semen isn’t compatible with the freezing process, then we will be unable to provide you with straws. We will not freeze and package semen that doesn’t meet our minimum post-thaw quality standards (ie: 30% live, progressively motile sperm is min. commercial standard)

The best age to freeze stallion semen is usually in the mid teens. Therefore, if your 4 year old stallion doesn’t freeze well, then try again in a few years time.

If you are going to present your horse for frozen semen collection, you must ensure he has ejaculated once a day for at lest three days prior to his initial assessment collection. We then recommend collection every second day for freezing.

Most people choose to collect semen for freezing either before or after the breeding season peak to allow the horse to continue with natural covers. Although the peak of horse sperm production is in Summer, the heat associated with the Jan – March period can cause a drop in sperm health at this time. For this reason we prefer to collect semen between July – Sept. If this period doesn’t suit your individual requirements, it may be applicable to collect at other times.

Embryo Transfer is the process involving the removal of a fertilized embryo from one mare (the “donor”), and placing it in the uterus of another mare (the “recipient”) to carry the pregnancy. This is usually done on young fertile donor mares that are still in athletic competition. This allows these elite competition horses to produce foals without having to loss competition time to carry the pregnancy and raise the foal.

Sometimes mares are used as donors if they have physical problems or fertility issues that prevent them from carrying a pregnancy naturally, although these mare often produce less viable embryos.

The process requires the donor mare to be bred (naturally or by AI). She then has her embryo “flushed” (with special fluid introduced to her uterus via a vaginal catheter) when it reaches approximately 7 days of gestation.

This fluid is then passed through a filter, which catches the embryo and this is then searched for with a microscope (as pictured) and moved into other special fluid media for transfer.

Embryos of this age are fairly resistant to trauma. The embryo pictured is a “morula”, which in a day or two will shed its outside layer and expand rapidly into a “blastocyst”.
The recipient mare needs to be at the same stage of her cycle as the donor at the time that she was served. Thus we normally keep multiple recipient mares in order to have a good chance of one having a compatible cycle with the donor.

The process is time consuming to both vet and owner, and requires patient dedication to achieve good results. We have a record of very good conception rates from this assisted reproductive technique, and perform many each year. We try to keep the majority of the ETs performed within the Oct – Dec period.

The most common breeds that receive ET work are Warmbloods, polo horses, ASH and quarter horses.

Scenic Rim Veterinary Service offers state-of-the-art high resolution digital radiographic (x-ray) technology for our clients. With digital x-rays, we can provide faster and more accurate diagnostics, leading to enhanced treatment outcomes. This non-invasive imaging technique helps us identify and evaluate injuries, lameness, fractures, and other conditions with precision.

This system can be used in the surgery or in a mobile capacity on property visits. The speed and clarity make it ideal for thoroughbred yearling sales x-rays and allows it to be used for applications such as imaging of a laminitic feet as well as the guidance of placement of surgical implants (plates and screws).

Our digital x-rays help us make informed treatment decisions, ensuring that horses receive prompt and effective care.

Scenic Rim Veterinary Services is able to offer a full range of soft tissue surgical procedures carried out in our fully equipped equine surgical facility.The surgery was designed to allow the safe movement of our patients from the adjacent stables into our padded anaesthetic induction room, through onto our fully adjustable surgery table, so that all procedures can be safely carried out under the very latest in inhalational gas anaesthetic (see anaesthesia section). Soft tissue surgery includes all procedures that involve tissues other than joints and bone (see orthopedic surgery section).

Our senior vets are skilled in this area and as such we can offer most procedures without long delays and regularly accept referrals from other veterinary practices locally and from distant sites. 

Our surgeons can perform highly advanced procedures which include but are not limited to;

• Colic Surgery
• Caesarian Section
• Ovarian Tumour removal
• Rectovaginal Fistula Repair
• Castrations and rig surgeries( abdonial cryptorchids)
• Hernias
• Flexoral and angular limb deformities
• “Roarer” surgeries (Tie Back)
•  And many more.

Eye sight in horses is critical and eye injuries should be treated as emergencies.  The successful treatment of eye injuries and infections hinges on early detection and treatment. Opthalmic Surgery describes procedures involving the eye and its surrounding structures. Using our purpose built equine surgical facility we are able to offer a full range of opthalmic surgery procedures. We have also assembled the necessary specialised equipment required to carry out these delicate procedures.

Our senior vets bring a wealth of skills and experience in advanced surgical procedures. Led by our surgeons our team is proficient in a wide range of techniques, including but not limited to;

• Conjuctival grafts
• Sub palpebral treatment system placement
• Corneal repair
• Treatment of sarcoids
• Enucliation

Scenic Rim Veterinary Service is able to provide a full range of orthopaedic surgery procedures within our fully equiped equine surgical facility. The surgery has been purpose built and designed to allow safe movement of horses from the adjacent stables into our padded anaesthetic induction room and through onto our fully adjustable surgical table. 

This allows our patients to be safely monitored under the latest of inhalational gaseous anaesthetic (see anaestheic section). Orthopaedic surgery specifically involves bones and joints, other surgical procedures are termed “soft tissue” and are discussed in a seperate area.

Our surgeons are skilled in a range of orthopaedic procedures and as such we are able offer many procedures without delay.

Good anaesthesia is a key component to safe and effective surgery.  The horse must be maintained at the correct depth to allow them to be pain free during procedures, while keeping the animal’s vital functions at safe levels.

Scenic Rim Veterinary Service uses SEVOFLUORANE, the latest in inhalational anaesthetic agents (one of very few practices in Australia).  The horse is able to recover more quickly from this anaesthetic agent, and it gives more rapid adjustments of anaesthetic depth during the maintenance phase.  In contrast to some other inhalation anaesthetics, it is very safe for foals and it maximises self ventilation.

Our staff are all well trained in anaesthetic monitoring.  Their observation of clinical parameters is assisted at Scenic Rim Veterinary Service by late model digital monitors of heart rate, oxygen saturation, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure to further maximise patient safety.

Our recovery box is exceptionally safe and well padded.  The recovering patient is observed here by the anaesthetist, as well as by every vet at a computer station via closed circuit IP camera.  This way multiple people can provide assistance if the animal finds itself in an uncomfortable position during recovery.

As the name suggests there are some surgical procedures which can be done safely in a standing horse. It is in fact preferable to perform some techniques this way.Scenic Rim Vet Service has several options of stocks/crushes to adequately restrain horses to prevent stress and injury and we have staff that are experienced in a wide variety of described surgical techniques.The use of sedation and local anaesthetic ( by local infiltration, nerve block or epidural) ensures that there is no stress or pain experienced during a procedure.

The types of procedures offered include but are not limited to; sectioning of faulty ligaments or tendons (desmotomy or tenotomy), surgical repair of lacerations to head and limbs, dental procedures as well as mare reproductive techniques (including ovariectomy,  rectovaginal fistula repair and urethral extension) and some eye related procedures.

The use of ultrasound technology is an essential diagnostic tool for the equine veterinarian.  Each one of our equine veterinarians has been equiped with the latest in ultrasound technology allowing it to be used for a variety of day to day tasks.

Ultrasound as the name suggest uses sound waves that are emitted from a small hand held probe. The sound waves are extremely safe and cause no discomfort or audible noise. As sound waves are directed at various body tissues they are bounced back to the same probe. The amount the sound waves bounce back will vary with the density of the body tissue.  The probe can then send this information to the macine via a cord. The machine instantly converts this signal to a black and white image which we can then interpret.

Our biggest use of ultrasound at Scenic Rim Vets is for the detailed examination of the reproductive tracts of mares during the breeding season, with any one of our vets performing up to 100 of these examinations each day. The technique involves the careful placement of the probe in the rectum of the mare which gives us a birds eye view of the uterus, ovaries and cervix.  Another common usage for ultrasound is the examination of the tendons and ligaments of the horses lower limb.

Our vets can also use ultrasound to look at chests, abdomens, muscles and other soft tissues of the body.  There are very few limitations to the use of ultrasound, it can only visualise the surface of bone and is not suitable for deeper boney structures (see section on radiography or x-ray).

Tendon and ligament injuries in the limbs of competitive horses are, unfortunately, very common. It is true that many owners and trainers of performance horses have regarded injuries to these structures as more threatening to an equine athlete’s future career than fractures.

It often seems that these injuries are becoming more common, and many believe there is a heritable component that breeders are allowing to be more prominent within the population. These injuries are more common in horses of poor conformation, horses that are competing when still reasonably immature and when performing at a higher level.

Usually horses with suspected tendon injuries are presented when an owner recognises swelling over the structures and the presence of mild lameness. The swelling is usually not present at the time of injury, but is more commonly noticed the following day. At this point, there are several questions that need to be answered.

• Is the inflammation within the tendon or ligament or is it in surrounding tissue?
• If it is in tendon/ligament – how severe is the damage?

If swelling is surrounding the tendon the prognosis is very good, and the horse only needs a very short period of rest before return to performance. If the damage is to tendon or ligament fibres themselves, then the prognosis and treatment change depending on the severity.

Assessment of tendon damage is best performed by a veterinarian experienced in the use of a quality ultrasound machine. For basic assessment of obvious lesions, examination with a portable machine on farm may be all that is required. For the detection of more subtle lesions and better assessment of the tendon fibres can be achieved at a dedicated surgical facility with an appropriate high end machine.

The factors that indicate severity that are usually assessed are

• cross sectional size of the tendon or ligament (Usually compared to either an ‘established normal’ size, or comparison against the opposite limb. It is important to remember that the opposite limb may also have been affected at some time, and therefore it may not represent a normal size for the use as a comparison). If the cross section size is increased by 20-30% it is rated as ‘moderate’ damage (obviously if it is <20% it is ‘mild’ and >30% it is ‘severe’.)
• if a core lesion (seen as a hole on ultrasound in the tendon) is present it should be measured. In this case, ‘moderate’ applies to core lesions of 15-30% of the tendon cross sectional area or if it extends 20 -30% of the length of the tendon.
• Chronicity (ie. Is this a re injury of a previous lesion?). If the tendon has been torn several times the prognosis for ongoing soundness is obviously reduced. Assessment of deposition of previous scar tissue is readily established with good ultrasonographic technique and will change the case management.

Some of the more common structures involved are the Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), the Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), the Suspensory ligament origin (behind the knee and hock) and the Suspensory branches. Some of these structures more commonly form low grade ongoing tendonitis, while others tend to suffer acute severe tears.

Treatment options for these injuries are many and varied. The most important factor on healing is a graded exercise program, which prevents further damage and the slow introduction of exercise allows for realignment of healing tendon fibres. This is sometimes aided by use of an aqua walker if one is available.

An example of a regime for a moderate tear of the SDFT might be

• Stable confinement for 2 weeks and treat with anti inflamatories (usually phenylbutasone). At this point (usually the 5-10 day mark) you may consider intralesional treatments (i.e. injected into the tendon itself). These have been widely researched and used, with very variable results. Two of the most common currently in use are platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells. These are both reasonably expensive therapies. Then..
• Small yard for 4 weeks.
• Larger yard for 6 weeks. At this point introduce hand walking (or on a rotary walker) for 10 minutes per day. Then add 5 mins extra walking per day each week for the next 6 weeks (i.e. till you reach 40 mins walking per day).
• 3mth post injury. Re evaluate with ultrasound.Horse may remain in yard or be turned into paddock. At this time the horse should have 5 minutes extra of its walk removed and replaced with ridden trot each week.
• 6mth post injury. At this time the tendon should be re evaluated with ultrasound, and if healing is progressing well the horse can begin work at a canter.
• 8mth post injury full work (but not at racing speed)
• 10mth post injury re evaluate then back into competition

The average rehab program for a SDFT tear is approximately 4-5 months for a mild tear, 8-10 months for a moderate tear and 12-18 months for a severe tear. The success rates of tendon therapy (measured by successful return to multiple racing starts) are often difficult to accurately report as individuals and companies frequently exaggerate claims of their own success. As a guide (from a large study in University of California Davis) the percentages were approximately 70% for mild tears, 60 % for moderate tears and 40% for severe tears when treated with a graded exercise program. Big claims of success are also made by the manufacturers of some of the intralesional therapies available, but clinical observation doesn’t always reflect them. The important thing to remember is that no treatment or regime is capable of returning the tendon to the strength it had prior to original injury. Thus it is necessary to maximise the strength of the healing as described above, but it is also absolutely essential to take all measures to correct any mechanical imbalances in the foot to help prevent re injury.

Several specialised shoes are commercially available for reducing stress on different tendinous and ligamentous structures, and are a vital tool to an astute vet/farrier team in supporting these horses.

Although controlled exercise requires time, effort, and money, if coupled with the accurate interpretation of regular clinical and ultrasonographic examinations, it provides the best opportunity for a successful resolution of tendon injury.

Your horse’s teeth can often be overlooked when it comes to horse care.
There are many reasons for having your horse’s teeth checked on a regular basis.
A general rule is to have them checked annually unless you have been advised otherwise, with some horses requiring 3 to 6 monthly assessments.

Sharp teeth can be a source of pain and in turn lead to a difficulty in eating and loss of weight. Sharp teeth can also lead to a reluctance to accept the bit and cause a horse to misbehave whilst being ridden.

Horse feed is often expensive, so to maximise the efficiency of feeding it is vital that your horse be able to use its teeth to reduce feed to a size that the gut can process effectively.

Equine dentistry is a rapidly expanding area of horse care.  There are many different people offering this care. In Queensland equine dentistry is not restricted to vets only. However, the use of sedatives and pain relief is restrcted by law to veterinary surgeons only. Further to this, insured horses are not normally covered for any accidental damage sustained whilst having teeth done by dentists who are not veterinary surgeons.

At Scenic Rim Vet Service we are able to provide a full range of dental services for horses, with access to specialists for even the most advanced procedures.
Our equipment includes a “Powerfloat” which is the latest in motorised dental tools. Such equipment is designed to improve the efficiency of equine dentistry and correct problems without prolonging the time your horse needs to stand with its mouth open.