Vet Services

Services include:

• Lameness investigation and treatment.
• Digital radiography.
• Digital ultrasonography.
• Video-endoscopy.
• Dentistry.
• Routine surgery.
• Foal medicine and surgery.
• Stud medicine / reproduction.
• Semen collection.

Lameness investigation

Lameness evaluations can be challenging and require detailed and time-consuming examinations in order to be performed thoroughly. 

Clinical examinations often precede nerve blocks, joint and/or tendon sheath blocks, and diagnostic imaging such as x-ray and ultrasound. In some cases we may need to refer your horse for a bone scan (scintigraphy) or MRI.

Surgery

Foaling injuries, such as perineal lacerations, rectovaginal fistula or cervical lacerations, are not uncommon in large breeding populations. 

We routinely perform surgery in the standing patient to reconstruct the normal anatomy of the urogenital tract. 

Other surgeries we perform relating to the reproductive tract include the removal of ovaries from mares with ovarian tumours or related behavioural changes. 

In male horses, we frequently perform procedures to treat common tumours of the penis (squamous cell carcinoma) or breeding injuries.

We also perform vasectomies for teaser stallions, and cryptorchid (rig) surgery (removing testicles that haven’t descended into the scrotum).

General surgeries also routinely performed include:

• Castrations.
• Umbilical / inguinal hernias.
• Surgery of the head, including sinus cysts, dental infections and mandibular fractures.
• Epiglottic entrapment.
• Sequestrum removal.
• Fractured splint bone removal.
• Joint and tendon sheath flushes.

Foal surgery includes entropion correction, periosteal strips, umbilical and scrotal hernia repair, ruptured bladder repair, and joint flushes. 

If we’re unable to perform the specific surgery required, we’ll refer the horse to a specialist surgeon or invite a specialist surgeon to Willinga Park. Horses in our care have access to the highest degree of proficiency, across a complete range of surgical services.

 

Foal condition and conformation

The development of a horse from foal to yearling to a correct, sound, healthy animal – with minimal interruption – is the ultimate aim of every horse breeder. 

Unfortunately, from the moment of conception, during gestation, and in the period around foaling, a number of challenges can affect the mare and foal, compromising a straightforward start of life. 

Once born, a foal starting with no significant immune system must find its feet quickly, ensuring a healthy intake of quality colostrum. Potential exposure to infectious diseases like Rotavirus, Salmonella, Rhodococcus Equi (rattles), Streptococcus Equi (strangles), tetanus or worm burden can seriously jeopardise a foal’s growth and hinder it from reaching its potential.

Conformational problems like flexural and angular limb deformities, and foot imbalances, can be managed in the majority of cases by regular assessment, and good communication between client, veterinary surgeon, and farrier. 

Only a small percentage of foals require corrective surgery. Regular inspections and assessments to monitor the foal’s growth, condition and changing conformation, help facilitate a smooth transition into a well-balanced weanling and yearling.

Our team has a wealth of experience and knowledge. We provide a comprehensive service for breeders, from conception and pregnancy to birth and beyond.

Contact

Willinga Park Vet Hospital
02 4405 5658
vethospital@willinga.com.au