Services
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Complete Equine Veterinary Services
Examinations | Vaccinations | On Farm Surgery | Alternative/Complementary Therapies
Dentistry | Reproductive Services | Parasite Control | First Aid Kit
Online Pharmacy | Other Creatures
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 also use ultrasounds for reproductive issues and lameness problems, and an endoscope to aid in diagnosing throat and lung problems.
“I want to thank Dave so much for his wonderful years of experience that recently brought a tremendous amount of relief to my husband and I when our dear ‘Whinny’ couldn’t keep herself out of trouble! What we thought was a disaster, (and potentially was), he’d dealt with before and he just erased the stress we felt and assured us she would be fine and that horses are wonderful healers…based of course on what he’s seen over his many years of experience. Dave’s love of horses is very special, and we are so grateful for it.”
- Catherine
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.
Alternative/Complementary Therapies
We don’t believe that there is only one approach to every problem. Both Dr Jefferson and Dr Tirrell use Applied Kinesiology in their chiropractic work on sport and race horses. Dr Jefferson also uses acupuncture when indicated. Dr Tirrell is trained in nutritional response testing to aid her in diagnostics and treatments. These disciplines are often useful when a horse is “ADR”, (Ain’t Doin’ Right.) Caught early enough, many problems with hesitations in performance or transitions can be corrected. Veterinarians at Maine Equine Associates refer to massage therapists, homeopathic veterinarians, and herbalists when such therapies are in the best interest of your horse.
“This is to let you know that the chiro work on Rose, my Friesian mare, has made a notable difference. Not only is she looser, softer, more supple, but also seems more willing to try the next stages of collection and lateral work. A very nice difference, and I think much of the change is in the back, where you worked on her pelvis. The bends are even both ways (no funny chin tilts instead of neck bends), and she’s just been a real pleasure to ride. Woo-hoo! Thanks.”
- Heather
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.
Reproductive Services
Maine Equine Associates provides reproductive services for mares. We use Ultrasound Technology as a tool in our reproductive work.
For mares showing negative behaviour during their heat cycle, we have options for treatment, including placing a marble in the uterus to simulate pregancy and halt the heat cycles.
Parasite Control Program
Internal parasites (worms) have always been a problem for domestic horses because they are kept on relatively restricted pasture. (acres vs hundreds of square miles) Without a veterinarian guided worming program the build up of parasites may get to the point where they will affect the health of your animals.
The latest research shows that instead of the old system of worming every 2 or 3 months year round it makes more sense to do fecal exams on every horse on the place to identify what we call “shedders.” Shedders are horses that seem to provide a wonderful habitat for worms. A shedder may not be the skinny horse that you would think, but is the one that houses a lot of worms which lay a lot of eggs and contaminate the ground when manure is passed.
Here is what we do:
1. One of our vet will have a consultation with you about your pasture and paddock lay outs, and will take fecal samples on all your horses.
2. The samples will be checked for type and quantity of worms. On the basis of the exams we make specific recommendations as to what should be used for each horse, and when.
3. If you do have a shedder we will recommend more frequent deworming. The
others may only have to be dewormed twice a year.
Using this system of targeted worming we have found that we are usually able to cut way back on the amount of yearly wormer used on most farms.
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 provided it is unused. 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.
Online Pharmacy
Check out our online pharmacy >>
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 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.
