| |
|
| Services |
|
 |
Examinations |
|
| |
- |
Pre-purchase |
| |
- |
General physical |
| |
- |
Pre-breeding |
| |
- |
Special diagnostics |
|
Vaccinations |
|
On
farm surgery |
|
Chiropractic |
|
Dentistry |
|
Reproductive Services |
|
Parasite
control |
|
First
aid kit |
|
Emergency
care |
|
Other
creatures |
|
Client
education |
| |
|
|
| Examinations |
|
|
| |
|
| Pre-purchase |
|
We
don't want you to buy a lame horse or one with some defect
not seen without a thorough veterinary exam. Let us look your
prospective horse over before you buy it.
If you are buying a horse that is some distance
away, we can help you find a competent equine veterinarian
in that area. The pre-purchase examination is an investment
in your investment. |
|
| |
| General
physical |
|
We
strongly believe that every horse should have an annual physical
exam. Exams are usually done at the same time as vaccinations.
It is best for you to be present so we can discuss your animal's
condition . We listen to heart and lungs, examine the eyes
with an ophthalmoscope, and check the teeth (see dentistry).
Weight, hair coat and feet are all observed and discussed.
The purpose is to catch small problems that can be easily fixed
before they become major. |
 |
| |
|
| Pre-breeding |
|
If you decide to breed
your mare it is a good idea to have her reproductive tract checked
out first. We will most likely use our portable ultrasound for
this. A uterine culture and sometimes a biopsy might be recommended.
These can be done on the farm. |
| |
|
| Special
diagnostics |
|
Our
veterinarians each carry an X-Ray machine in their vehicles.
We have two ultrasound machines, and are about to buy a third.
We also have an endoscope to aid in diagnosing throat and lung
problems. |
| |
|
|
| |
top of page . . . |
| Vaccinations |
|
Because
every farm and every horse is different, we do not make blanket
recommendations on yearly vaccines. We will
not vaccinate a particular animal unless we have first had
a conversation on what that horse needs. We are sensitive to
the problems associated with over vaccinating. We like to do
a physical examination before we vaccinate. |
| |
|
| On
farm surgery |
|
| We
do routine castrations on the farm and, of course, are equipped
to suture wounds from the tip of the nose to the end of the
tail. |
| |
top of page . . . |
| Chiropractic |
|
We
don't believe that there is only one approach to every problem.
Dr. Jefferson is trained in and practice
chiropractic on performance horses. Chiropractic manipulation
is often useful when a horse is "off", but not
really lame. Caught early enough, many problems with hesitations
in performance or transitions can be corrected. We refer
to massage therapists, homeopathic veterinarians, acupuncturists
and herbalists when such therapies are in the best interest
of your horse. |
 |
| |
|
| Dentistry |
|
As
part of our annual physical exam we will check your horse's
teeth. Each of our veterinarians is equipped
to do a through job in correcting dental problems. Good alignment
and the absence of sharp points will make the bit in your horse's
mouth more comfortable and will lengthen his or her life span. |
 |
| |
top of page . . . |
| |
|
| Reproductive
Services |
|
|
| |
| |
|
| Parasite
Control Program |
|
Parasites
are a huge problem in horses. This is because most horses
are kept on relatively restricted pasture. Without a definite
veterinary guided worming program the concentration of worms
will get worse with time. Worms in horses cause definite
health problems. |
| |
|
 |
For
many years we have run a unique deworming program for hundreds
of our clients. It is helpful if you are tired of the worry
and hassle of making decisions on what type of wormer to use
and having to shop around for the best price. |
| |
|
|
| Here
is how it works: |
1.
One of our vets will have a consultation with you to
determine what's best for your farm. Fecal samples
will usually be taken at that time.
2. We send the right amount of wormer
to you for the # of horses you have and for your farm
situation. The correct wormer arrives 2 to 3 days before
it is due to be given. A complete record of all the
worm medicine we have sent is kept at the office and
is reviewed each time your farm is due.
3. Because we buy in quantity, the
cost is usually less than it would be from buying
in tack shops or grain stores.
4. The medicines are rotated so that there is never any danger of parasite
immunity.
5. If you are on the program, annual
fecal exams are at a reduced rate, and samples are taken
when we vaccinate your horses. |
|
|
| |
top of page . . . |
| First
Aid Kit: |
|
Our
First Aid Kit has everything that we would want you to have
on hand for emergencies. It contains materials for cuts, colics,
and a number of other common problems. It has diagnostic instruments
like a stethoscope and a thermometer as well as surgical soap,
bandages, and several ointments and medications. Instruction
sheets are included. The supplies are in a very rugged case
that has stood the test of time. |
 |
| |
The
kit has been a life saver in a few situations, and many times
has meant that a farm call hasn't had to be made. We replace
anything in the kit that is about to outdate at no charge.
Give us a call or talk to us about it when we are on the farm.
We usually carry one with us to show you. Many have been purchased
as gifts. |
| |
top of page . . . |
| Other
creatures |
|
We've
found that people who love horses usually love all animals.
It's a pretty unusual farm that has just a horse or two. We
more commonly see at least one dog around and of course a barn
cat or two. The occasional sheep, pig, and goat are not rare
either. Llamas and alpacas are more and more common. |
| |
|
We
understand that you may not want to take all of your barn cats
to your small animal veterinarian to get their rabies shots.
We are happy to take care of the routine needs of your barn
cats, sheep, goats, llamas, and whatever while we're on your
farm. |
| |
|
Each
species has its own particular issues. If your non-equine
animal situation is over our head, we'll tell you and guide
you to the appropriate veterinarian. Dr. Flaherty has taken
an interest in camelids (llamas and alpacas) and has attended
a number of continuing education courses on their care. |
| |
top of page . . . |
| Client
education |
|
All
of us at Maine Equine feel that client education is an important
part of our business. While most of that occurs at the side
of your horse, we also try to make ourselves available to groups
that would like a speaker at their meeting.
We would appreciate a call at least two weeks before the date, and we'll try
to accommodate.
|
 |
| |
| For
first notification of future seminars,
send us your email address. |
| |
| |
New
Gloucester, Maine 04260