As a horse owner, you are welcome to book a home visit with one of our equine veterinarians. We examine and treat your horse directly on the farm or in the stable, which reduces stress and saves time.
If further investigation or advanced diagnostics are needed, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, we will of course arrange a referral to an appropriate clinic. We currently offer home visits for horses in the Stockholm area.
Vaccinating your horse is a critical part of responsible pet ownership. Vaccines protect your horse from potentially dangerous and contagious diseases that can be both serious and life-threatening.
Protection against infectious diseases
Vaccination protects your horse against serious infectious diseases such as influenza and tetanus. It is an important part of preventive health care – both for the individual and to reduce the spread of infection in stables and at competitions.
What is basic vaccination?
Basic vaccination means that the horse receives two or three doses at the correct intervals to build up a effectively protection. Thereafter, regular refilling is required according to current recommendations.
Vaccination schedule
Common schedule for influenza and tetanus: 1st dose: from 4-6 months of age - 2nd dose: 4-6 weeks after the first. 3rd: dose 5-7 months after the second. Booster: Every 6 or 12 months depending on competition rules and risk level.
Why is it important?
Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness, suffering and interruption of training or competition. Several events and insurance policies also require valid vaccination.
Adaptation and exceptions
In some cases, such as pregnancy, illness or high infection pressure, the vaccination plan may need to be adjusted. Email us and we will help you find the right solution for your horse.
Limping is a common sign of pain or impaired function in the musculoskeletal system. Early investigation increases the chance of a quick recovery and reduces the risk of long-term problems.
Common causes of lameness
Lameness can be caused by anything from hoof abscesses and sprains to arthritis, tendon injuries or deposits. Back or saddle problems can also affect the movement pattern and cause lameness.
Symptoms
Uneven gait or marking in trot. Shorter strides or reluctance to move. Swelling, warmth or tenderness in legs or joints. Reduced performance or behavioral changes when riding.
Diagnosis
A lameness investigation begins with a clinical examination in motion, sometimes supplemented with bending tests, diagnostic anesthesia, X-rays or ultrasound. We are not able to perform X-rays or ultrasounds in the field, but we will of course help with a referral for this if it is deemed necessary. The goal is to locate the cause of the lameness and relieve the pain.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include rest, medication, injections, physical therapy, or corrective measures such as shoeing. We tailor a treatment plan for each individual.
Colic is a collective term for stomach pain in horses and can range from mild to life-threatening. Prompt detection and proper treatment are crucial.
Common causes
Colic can be caused by gas buildup, constipation, feed changes, parasites, intestinal torsion, or other gastrointestinal problems. Some horses are more susceptible than others.
Symptoms to watch out for
Restless or depressed general condition. Scratches with front hooves or rolls. Looks at belly, lies down more often. Decreased appetite or lack of bowel movements. Sweating, increased breathing or pulse.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, bowel sounds, body temperature, pulse and mucous membranes. Rectal examination, probing and sometimes blood or abdominal fluid samples may be needed to determine severity.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause, but may include pain relief, fluids via tube, movement, or in severe cases, referral to surgery. We offer both emergency assessment and follow-up.
Wounds are common in horses. If the wounds are small, they can often be managed and healed on their own as long as the area is kept clean and protected. If the wounds are larger, they may need to be stitched, drained or flushed. If the wounds involve a joint or tendon sheath, the patient may need to be anesthetized and the joint/tendon sheath flushed. It is always important to take wounds seriously as infections can occur and spread throughout the body if not treated properly.
Book an appointment at 08-25 99 68 or support@vetathome.se
Common causes
Wounds can be caused by anything from kicks and bites from other horses to lacerations or the horse itself falling over.
Saying goodbye to your beloved pet is a tough decision, but it is also an opportunity to give your family member a dignified end. We will help you when the time comes to make the farewell as peaceful and stress-free as possible for both your pet and yourself. We adapt to how you want the farewell to go.
How it works
We start by reviewing any questions, concerns and/or requests. You will then fill out a consent form which includes your horse being put to sleep followed by us making the payment so that we can then focus on what is to come. The horse is given a syringe with a sedative, this makes the horse a little drowsy, relaxes and reduces anxiety. When the horse is calm, an access is placed in the vessel in the neck, here the anesthetic is then injected, which makes the horse fall asleep. The agent is an overdose of anesthetic that causes the brain to stop working in a few seconds and shortly afterwards the heart and breathing also stop. When this happens, the horse lies down, sometimes falls over when it loses consciousness, so it is good to be in a place that is not too cramped. The veterinarian then checks that the heart has stopped beating by listening with a stethoscope.
What do we do afterwards?
There are two options for the aftercare of the horse's body. It is up to you as the animal owner to decide on this and book a pick-up of the horse after it has fallen asleep. Either you can choose separate cremation when you receive the ashes back in an urn. The most common is that you book a pick-up from an approved carrier, such as the Swedish Agricultural Service.
Adult animals should only be dewormed if a parasite burden has been identified or in the event of
observed worm presence to reduce the risk of parasite resistance. Symptoms that your horse may be suffering from parasites include weight loss, diarrhea, reduced performance or colic symptoms. If you suspect worms, stool samples can provide answers to what type of parasite the animal is carrying when they are treated with various medications that the veterinarian prescribes.
Deworming of horses
The symptoms that occur with a parasite burden can of course be the result of other diseases. If you suspect that your animal has worms, you can make an appointment with one of our veterinarians for help. If you have already done a stool sample analysis on your horse, this can be sent to us for correct treatment.
A health check for your four-legged friend is an important step in ensuring their long-term well-being. During a health check, your veterinarian can identify changes in your pet's body that might not otherwise be noticed until they cause long-term problems. Many diseases tend to develop gradually, which means they can be identified at an early stage through a health check.
How does it work?
During a health check, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough clinical examination of your horse. This includes assessing the general condition, coat and eyes, among other things. The veterinarian will also listen to the heart and lungs to detect any abnormalities. They will check how the horse moves and feel the bones and joints. Blood tests may be part of the health check, but this will be discussed with the animal owner first. If the veterinarian notices something that seems wrong during the health check, a more in-depth examination and investigation may be required. This may include ultrasounds and X-rays, for which we can send a referral in such cases.
The eyes are sensitive and it can be difficult to distinguish between a minor condition and a problem that requires urgent attention. Eye problems can be distressing and painful, which is why it is important to seek professional help quickly if you notice any signs of discomfort or irritation in your eyes.
Common eye problems in horses
– Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) can be caused by many different things, such as dust, wind and pollen, but also bacteria, viruses and parasites. Conjunctivitis often causes a red and irritated eye with increased tear flow. The tear flow can be yellow and sticky. – Corneal ulcers cause symptoms such as the horse squinting, increased tear flow and sometimes a cloudy appearance in the eye. This is an acute condition that requires a veterinary visit quickly. – Tear duct problems such as blocked tear ducts cause symptoms in the form of a chronically runny eye, sometimes only on one side. Veterinarians treat this by flushing the tear ducts.
When should you contact a veterinarian?
Contact a veterinarian if you notice the following in your horse: – Squinting – Discoloration or if you see a wound on the eye – Changed tear flow – Redness, swelling or difficulty opening the eyelids
How can the veterinarian help?
The vet can perform an eye examination and in many cases suggest appropriate treatment. In some cases, a more specialized examination method or surgery is required, after which a referral may be written.
