When Veterinarians Should Be Consulted
VETERINARY SUPPORT
Veterinarians offer a wide variety of services that support horse owners and caregivers in providing adequate health care for their horses. These services vary and can include routine preventive veterinary care and consultation on nutrition and shoeing as well as essential emergency services. Preventative health care includes such services as routine checkups, dentistry, vaccinations, deworming, lameness issues and diagnosis of stress and illness.
Changes in a horse’s behaviour can often result from pain, illness or injury. A veterinary examination should always be performed prior to any behaviour modification in horses.
What does the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines say about veterinary care for horses?
The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines identifies a number of requirements that indicate when veterinary care should be accessed.
What does the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines say about consulting a veterinarian?
“Take action immediately if any horse is injured or appears ill or distressed. If you are in doubt about the horse’s health or the most effective treatment, consult a veterinarian without delay.”
The following requirement is identified in the Code of Practice:
For sick, injured or compromised horses that are not showing improvement, horse owners or caregivers must, without delay, obtain veterinary advice on appropriate care and treatment or make arrangements for euthanasia.
The following recommended practices are also provided:
- Consult a veterinarian when vital signs are abnormal for an unknown reason or when a horse shows signs of illness.
- Post veterinary contact information, including after-hours contact, where staff will easily see the information.
- Know in advance the route to the nearest veterinary hospital and have a plan in place for transport.
Excerpts from the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines (2013) have been used with permission, Equine Canada and the National Farm Animal Care Council. The process for the development of Codes can be accessed through the National Farm Animal Care Council.
“Horses should be regularly assessed for health and fitness relative to any work or activity they perform. Owners and managers should maintain the health of their animals through appropriate nutrition and housing and disease prevention, detection and treatment. Veterinarians should be involved in helping meet these animal health obligations.
Those responsible for equines should consider the following factors:
- Shelter
- Feed and water to maintain health and vigour
- Freedom of movement and exercise to express normal behaviours
- The company of other equines
- Veterinary care, diagnosis and treatment, disease control and prevention
- Emergency preparedness for fire, natural disaster, and the disruption of feed supplies
- Hoof care
- End of life.”
LINK: The Code of Practice references the need for veterinary support in areas related to dental care, body condition scoring, transportation, castration and euthanasia. Access the Code of Practice and search for these terms to get information on requirements and recommended practices that involve veterinary support.
LINK: The Alberta SPCA provides a summary of, and link to, the key aspects of Alberta's Animal Protection Act, which also references the importance of veterinary care.
DID YOU KNOW that veterinary support impacts many areas of care of horses? If you think you need to review or find out more about the areas of care referenced in the Code of Practice, explore the information and weblinks related to stress and health care.
The Code of Practice outlines recommended practices for the establishment of a health management plan, many of which include veterinary support.
- Establish a working relationship with a practicing veterinarian (VCPR). In the case of feedlots, it is a requirement to have a VCPR in place.
- Work with a veterinarian and other experts to develop a written health management plan and review the plan in advance of making major changes to the farm.
- Include the following in your health management plan: Protocols for biosecurity, prevention, detection and treatment of disease, pest and insect control, vaccination and deworming schedules, staff training, and veterinary contact information for emergencies.
- Use veterinary products that are approved by Health Canada and have a valid Drug Identification Number (DIN).
- Ensure treatment records include a record of the animal(s) treated, date, the reason for treatment, dosage, withdrawal time, if applicable, and any adverse reactions.
- Schedule regular preventive care veterinary visits to minimize emergencies.
- Outline criteria for when to call a veterinarian.
- Obtain veterinary advice on appropriate treatment for diseases.
- Ensure a competent handler is present during a veterinary visit.
- Inspect stabled or group-housed horses at least twice a day for health and well-being; observe horses on open range or pasture on a routine basis.
- Assess the horse’s health and fitness for work/competition on a routine basis.
- Segregate new arrivals from resident horses for at least seven days and monitor their health status.
Excerpts from the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines (2013) have been used with permission, Equine Canada and the National Farm Animal Care Council. The process for the development of Codes can be accessed through the National Farm Animal Care Council.