Proactive Health Care for a Thriving Horse
At Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals, we believe that preventive care is the key to long-term equine health and performance. Routine wellness care ensures that horses stay in peak condition, catching potential health concerns early before they become serious. From nutrition and vaccinations to dental exams and lameness evaluations, a structured wellness plan can extend your horse’s longevity, improve performance, and prevent costly emergency treatments.
Vaccinations and Disease Prevention
Horses are exposed to numerous contagious diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. Routine vaccinations are a crucial component of wellness care, protecting against diseases like West Nile Virus, Equine Influenza, and Tetanus. Vaccination schedules should be tailored to each horse based on age, lifestyle, travel, and exposure risks. At Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals, we develop personalized vaccination protocols to ensure your horse stays protected year-round.
Dental Care for Long-Term Health
Equine dental issues often go unnoticed until they cause severe discomfort or impact a horse’s ability to eat. Routine dental exams and floating help maintain proper chewing function, prevent sharp points or imbalances in the teeth, and ensure that your horse receives the nutrition they need. Annual dental checkups are recommended to prevent weight loss, behavioral issues, and performance problems caused by dental discomfort.
Hoof Care and Lameness Prevention
Healthy hooves are essential for soundness and performance. Regular farrier visits, hoof trimming, and evaluations help prevent common issues like laminitis, abscesses, and imbalances that can lead to lameness. Routine lameness exams and early intervention can prevent chronic pain, lost training time, and long-term joint damage. Whether your horse is a performance athlete or a pasture companion, proper hoof care is critical to their well-being.
Nutrition and Weight Management
A horse’s dietary needs change based on age, workload, and health conditions. Routine wellness exams provide an opportunity to assess body condition, adjust feeding programs, and ensure proper vitamin and mineral intake. Overweight horses are at risk for laminitis and metabolic disorders, while underweight horses may struggle with digestive issues or nutrient deficiencies. By monitoring weight and nutrition regularly, we help owners keep their horses in ideal condition year-round.
The Role of Routine Wellness Exams
Annual or bi-annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to perform a comprehensive assessment of your horse’s overall health. These exams include:
- Physical evaluations to detect early signs of illness or injury
- Bloodwork and diagnostics to monitor organ function and metabolic health
- Deworming protocols tailored to parasite resistance patterns
- Heart and lung assessments to support performance horses
By investing in routine veterinary care, horse owners can avoid costly emergency treatments and ensure their horse lives a long, healthy life.
Schedule Your Horse’s Wellness Exam Today
Preventive care is the foundation of equine health and longevity. At Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals, we provide comprehensive wellness services tailored to each horse’s unique needs. Contact us today to schedule your horse’s wellness exam and take the first step in safeguarding their health for years to come.
