Basic Wellness Package

---

A comprehensive examination of your horse’s body condition and health will be performed at the time of enrollment including careful examination of the eyes, heart, lungs, abdomen, feet and legs, skin and other areas as deemed necessary. Guidance on proper nutrition and deworming will be provided as needed.

Dr. Drake's core vaccine protocol includes: 

• Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE): These are two types of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) that are almost always fatal. They are caused by viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes - meaning every horse in this area regardless of environment can be exposed. It is considered a core vaccination by the AAEP.
• Rabies: A severe neurologic disease caused by a virus. Rabies is spread by bites from wild animals. This disease is always fatal in horses and is zoonotic (can be spread to humans). This makes it a public health concern. Due to its risk to public health and mode of transmission, it is also considered a core vaccination by the AAEP.
• Tetanus: This is a neuromuscular disease (affecting brain and muscle) caused by a bacteria commonly found in the environment. Horses are typically exposed via a break in the skin. Any horse in this area regardless of work or environment can be exposed. It is considered a core vaccination by the AAEP.
• West Nile Virus:  (WNV) is another mosquito borne disease that causes neurologic signs. As with Eastern and Western encephalitis, it is very difficult and expensive to treat and is typically fatal. As with other mosquito borne diseases, any horse in this area regardless of work or environment can be exposed. It is considered a core vaccination by the AAEP.
• Equine Potomac Horse Fever: (PHF) is a bacterial infection spread by water insects. It causes diarrhea, fevers (as the name suggests), and, in some cases, laminitis (inflammation of the soft tissue of the foot). The vaccine is not 100% effective but has been shown to lessen the severity of the disease.(as the name suggests), and, in some cases, laminitis (inflammation of the soft tissue of the foot). The vaccine has been shown to lessen the severity of the disease.

The Coggins test is a blood test used to detect Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a viral disease that can be fatal to horses. EIA is spread through the bite of infected insects, such as mosquitoes. Horse owners must have a current negative Coggins test certificate for any horse that they take to an equine event or other public place. To prepare for your Coggins test we have a handy worksheet here: Coggins Worksheet

Fecal Testing or fecal egg count (FEC) in horses helps determine the presence and quantity of parasite eggs in a horse's feces, aiding in identifying potential worm infestations and guiding targeted deworming strategies. 

Your horse's teeth continually erupt throughout his lifetime and require routine maintenance to avoid uneven wear. Uneven wear can cause sharp enamel points and dental imbalances that cause discomfort and prevent horses from adequately chewing their food. An equine dental exam begins with a thorough examination of the horse’s oral cavity using a speculum with sedation. The veterinarian will check for problems such as ulceration of the cheeks and tongue (caused by the teeth), periodontal (gum) disease, excessive growth of certain teeth, and missing or cracked teeth. Dental health should be addressed by a licensed veterinarian. In many states, it is illegal for non-veterinarians to perform any equine dental procedures.

Horses should also have their teeth floated once a year. We use a Power Float to achieve this. Power Floats use a circular motion that is gentler on the horse and more advanced than the older hand float method, which used a back-and-forth motion and can lead to injury if not performed correctly and carefully. Power Floats also allow for more precision than hand floats.  If necessary.  More complex dental conditions may need to be addressed during a separate appointment at additional cost.

Dental sedation is a good time to perform routine grooming such as Sheath, Udder, Ear, etc.. cleaning that your horse may not allow otherwise.

Wellness programs help keep your horses performing at their best, healthy and happy. Plus wellness programs can help you detect issues early before they become more severe and more expensive.

Pre-paid Wellness Plans offer hundreds of dollars in discounts compared to paying for services individually.  PLUS you get discounted Travel Feed and Discounted Emergency Visits!

When you enroll in a Wellness Plan with Dr. Drake we put you on the schedule so you won't need to worry about remembering to call, having to wait for an open slot - your vaccinations are being kept up to date and no more expired Coggins.