Equine Services

Shiner Animal Hospital offers equine dental care, castration, vaccinations, and advanced diagnostics in Shiner, TX. Call (361) 594-2971 to schedule your horse’s care today!

Equine Services at Shiner Animal Hospital in Shiner, TX

At Shiner Animal Hospital, we proudly offer specialized equine veterinary services designed to meet the unique needs of horses. Whether it’s preventive care, essential procedures, or advanced diagnostics, our team is dedicated to helping your horse live a healthy, comfortable life. Located in Shiner, TX, we’re equipped with the latest technology to provide compassionate, expert care in a safe and welcoming environment.

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Equine Dentistry

Proper dental care is a vital part of maintaining your horse’s health, comfort, and ability to eat efficiently. Horses rely heavily on their teeth for grinding down fibrous plant material, and unlike in small animals or people, a horse’s teeth grow continuously. Over time, normal wear and tear can lead to sharp points or uneven wear, which can affect eating habits, digestion, and even behavior.

Why Regular Dental Care is Important for Horses

A horse’s dental structure is uniquely adapted for grinding fibrous plants, and as they age, the teeth continue to grow. This constant growth requires routine attention to prevent complications that can interfere with chewing and overall well-being. Abnormal wear or sharp points can cause pain, leading to weight loss, poor performance, or behavioral issues.

Routine dental check-ups with a skilled practitioner ensure that your horse’s teeth are maintained in optimal condition. Our veterinary team is trained to identify and address common dental issues, providing relief and helping your horse maintain a healthy mouth throughout its life.

Key Benefits of Equine Dentistry:

Improved Chewing and Digestion: Proper dental care ensures that your horse can chew effectively, which supports proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Prevention of Tooth Abnormalities: Routine exams help prevent issues like sharp points, uneven wear, or damaged teeth that can cause discomfort.

Enhanced Comfort with Bits: For horses that wear a bit, dental care reduces the risk of pressure points and soreness, ensuring a better fit and greater comfort.

Prevention of Behavioral Issues: Dental discomfort can lead to behavioral changes. Addressing dental issues helps keep your horse calm and cooperative.

At Shiner Animal Hospital, we use specialized equipment designed for equine dentistry and our veterinarians have the expertise to handle everything from routine floating to more complex dental issues. We recommend regular check-ups, as frequent dental evaluations can make a significant difference in your horse’s health.

Why Regular Dental Care is Important for Horses

Equine Castration (Gelding)

Castration, also referred to as gelding, is a common but essential surgical procedure for male horses. This procedure involves the removal of the testicles, which produce the hormone testosterone responsible for aggressive and territorial behaviors. Castration not only helps manage unwanted behaviors but also prevents unwanted reproduction, contributing to safer and more manageable male horses.

Benefits of Equine Castration

Reduced Aggression and Easier Handling: Castration can reduce aggressive and territorial behaviors associated with stallions, making geldings generally safer and easier to handle. This calmer demeanor is especially important for horses that will be ridden, trained, or kept in close proximity to other horses.

Prevention of Unwanted Reproduction: By eliminating the ability to reproduce, castration prevents unplanned breeding and helps in the responsible management of horse populations. This can also reduce the stress and behavioral issues associated with breeding instincts.

While castration is common, it’s a procedure that requires precision and a sterile environment to prevent complications such as infection or bleeding. Our veterinarians at Shiner Animal Hospital are experienced in equine surgery, ensuring a safe, effective process with thorough pre-surgical assessments and careful post-surgical instructions.

Preparing for Equine Castration

Preparing your horse for castration involves several important steps, including a pre-surgical exam to check your horse’s health status. Our team will provide you with guidelines on post-operative care to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

Additional Equine Services

Our commitment to equine health goes beyond just dentistry and castration. At Shiner Animal Hospital, we offer a comprehensive array of diagnostic and preventive services to keep your horse at its best. With advanced technology and a compassionate approach, we ensure accurate diagnoses and treatments for a wide range of equine health concerns.

Our Additional Equine Services Include:

Ultrasound – Non-invasive imaging used for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, monitoring pregnancy, and assessing other internal health conditions. Ultrasounds are valuable for evaluating issues that might not be visible on the surface and can provide essential insights into your horse’s health.

Lameness Exams – Lameness can stem from various causes, including joint, muscle, and tendon issues. Our thorough lameness exams identify the source of discomfort and help guide effective treatment plans. We use a systematic approach, observing your horse’s movement and examining limb function to understand the root cause of lameness.

Digital Radiology – High-definition imaging for bone and joint evaluations, useful for diagnosing fractures, arthritis, and other skeletal issues. Digital radiology provides quick and accurate images, reducing the need for lengthy exams and ensuring precise diagnostics.

Vaccinations – Immunizations are a critical part of equine preventive care. Our vaccination protocols are designed to protect your horse from diseases such as tetanus, West Nile virus, and equine influenza. Based on your horse’s lifestyle, age, and other factors, we’ll recommend a tailored vaccination schedule to ensure ongoing protection.

In-house Coggins Lab – Our on-site lab allows us to quickly perform Coggins tests, which screen for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a potentially fatal viral disease. Having this service in-house enables us to provide quick results, often necessary for horses that travel or compete.

Vet Rapid Lab – Our on-site laboratory allows us to quickly test for various conditions, ensuring faster diagnosis and treatment plans. Rapid lab testing is crucial when your horse needs urgent care or when time-sensitive health issues arise.

Endoscopy – A highly useful tool for diagnosing issues in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Our endoscopy service helps identify and treat respiratory conditions and other internal concerns. Endoscopy is especially valuable for performance horses that might experience exercise-related respiratory problems.

Each of these services is aimed at enhancing your horse’s quality of life, ensuring they receive the best possible care tailored to their individual needs. For more details on any of our equine services, feel free to contact us.

Expert Equine Care, Just a Click Away | Book Your Horse’s Appointment Today!

Give your horse the professional care they need to stay healthy and comfortable. Whether it’s dental services, castration, or advanced diagnostics, the team at Shiner Animal Hospital is here to help. Call us at (361) 594-2971 or schedule an appointment online to ensure your horse receives the highest level of care in Shiner, TX.

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FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Equine Services

Why is equine dental care essential for my horse’s health?

Equine dental care is crucial for proper chewing, which impacts digestion and overall nutrition. Sharp or uneven teeth can cause pain, poor performance, and behavioral changes. Regular dental exams can prevent these issues, ensuring your horse’s teeth remain healthy.

What behavioral changes can I expect after castration?

After castration, many male horses become less aggressive and more docile. They often experience reduced interest in mating behaviors, making them easier to handle and safer around other horses.

Is equine castration safe?

While castration is common, it’s essential to have it performed by a trained veterinarian. Our team at Shiner Animal Hospital follows strict protocols to minimize risks, ensuring a safe procedure and successful recovery.

How frequently should my horse receive vaccinations?

Vaccination schedules vary depending on your horse’s age, lifestyle, and exposure risks. Typically, horses are vaccinated annually or biannually. We’ll help you develop a tailored vaccination plan to keep your horse protected year-round.

What can I expect during a lameness exam?

During a lameness exam, our veterinarians will observe your horse’s movement, palpate limbs, and may perform diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the source of discomfort. Lameness exams are essential for diagnosing and managing conditions that affect mobility and quality of life.