To ensure long and happy life, routine care is very important for your horse! Dr. George recommends yearly wellness exams that include checking your horse's teeth (See our equine dental care page for more info), routine vaccines, fecal (intestinal parasite) screening and Coggins test. We conveniently offer both haul-in office calls and farm calls as well. To learn more about our wellness recommendations or to get your horse scheduled, give us a call!
CORE Vaccines
- VETERA (Influenza, Herpesvirus (types 1 and 4), West Nile Virus, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, and Tetanus)
- Rabies
- Potomac Horse Fever
- Strangles
- Flu Avert
Equine Early Detection Panel
The equine early detection panel is more than a diagnostic tool; it represents a proactive investment in your horse's well-being. By detecting potential issues early, establishing baseline data for ongoing assessment, and enabling personalized health strategies, these panels are essential for maintaining your horse's health and performance effectively and affordably over time.
The equine early detection panel includes: CBC, Chemistry, Fibrinogen, Fecal Egg Count, and EIA (Coggins) Test. Let's explain what all of those things are so you know how it helps your horse:
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A CBC is a common blood test that provides important information about the types and numbers of cells in the blood. A CBC can indicate if a horse is anemic, fighting an infection, or dealing with inflammation, among other conditions. It's an essential diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. For horses, a CBC typically includes:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): These are part of the immune system and help fight infection and respond to inflammation.
- Platelets: These are involved in blood clotting and wound healing.
- Hematocrit: The proportion of red blood cells to the total blood volume.
- Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Chemistry Panel (Blood Chemistry):
A chemistry panel provides information about the levels of various substances in the blood that reflect the functioning of different organs and systems. A chemistry panel helps our doctors evaluate organ function, hydration status, and metabolic health in horses. It can also provide insights into the effects of diseases or medications on the body's systems. For horses, a chemistry panel typically includes measurements of:
- Electrolytes: Such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium, which are important for nerve and muscle function.
- Kidney Function Markers: Like blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, which indicate how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood.
- Liver Enzymes: Such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), which can indicate liver health.
- Proteins: Such as albumin and globulin, which help assess overall nutritional status and immune function.
Fibrinogen:
Fibrinogen is a protein in the blood that plays a crucial role in blood clotting (coagulation). When there is tissue injury or inflammation, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, which forms a mesh that traps blood cells and forms a clot to stop bleeding.In horses, measuring fibrinogen levels is particularly important in cases of suspected infection or inflammation. Elevated fibrinogen levels often indicate the presence of inflammation, infection, or tissue damage. It is commonly used in equine medicine to monitor conditions such as pneumonia, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.
Fecal Egg Count:
Fecal egg count testing in horses involves analyzing a small sample of feces to determine the number of parasite eggs present. This diagnostic tool helps our doctors and horse owners assess the level of internal parasites in the horse's gastrointestinal tract. The benefits of fecal egg count testing include guiding targeted deworming strategies tailored to the specific parasite burden, which reduces the risk of drug resistance and minimizes unnecessary treatments. It also supports overall health management by monitoring parasite levels, thereby improving the effectiveness of parasite control programs and promoting the horse's well-being.
EIA (Coggins) Test:
An EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia) test, commonly known as a Coggins test, is a blood test used to detect antibodies against the virus that causes Equine Infectious Anemia. This viral disease, transmitted primarily by flies, poses a serious threat to horses as it can result in chronic infection, illness, or even death. The Coggins test is essential for identifying infected horses, including carriers that may show no symptoms, allowing for isolation and management strategies to prevent the spread of the disease to other horses. Additionally, the test is required for interstate and international horse transport, entry to shows, and boarding facilities to ensure biosecurity and safeguard the equine population from outbreaks. The test and paperwork is valid for one year.