We know how important routine care is to the well being of your horse. Establishing yourself and your horses with a regular veterinarian is crucial to your horses overall health for a few reasons. Once we know your horse's "normal" baseline it helps both owner and Doctor notice when health issues arise and ruling problems out faster. Being established also gives you the benefit of having access to Emergency daytime and after hours care.
A thorough physical exam is one of the most important tools your veterinarian has for evaluating your horse’s overall health. Regular wellness exams can help identify subtle changes, catch potential problems early, and provide your veterinarian with a baseline for future care. Jacksonville Equine Associates provides comprehensive equine physical exams and wellness care for horses throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
When Does Your Horse Need a Physical Exam?
Physical exams are an important part of routine and preventative veterinary care. Your veterinarian may recommend an exam:
-
Before administering vaccinations
-
As part of an annual or routine wellness visit
-
When establishing care for a new horse
-
Before or during certain veterinary procedures
-
When your horse develops unexplained symptoms or changes in behavior
-
When you have concerns about weight, appetite, performance, or overall health
A physical examination allows your veterinarian to evaluate your horse as a whole rather than focusing on a single symptom or concern.
Checking Your Horse’s Vital Signs
During a routine equine physical exam, your veterinarian will evaluate several important indicators of your horse’s health.
This typically includes checking your horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate. Your veterinarian will listen to the heart and lungs and evaluate gastrointestinal sounds throughout the abdomen.
The eyes, mouth, gums, and other visible structures may also be examined for abnormalities or signs of illness.
These findings provide valuable information about your horse’s current condition and can help determine whether additional evaluation is needed.
Reviewing Your Horse’s Medical History
Your horse’s history is another important part of the examination.
Your veterinarian may ask about previous illnesses or injuries, medications, vaccinations, deworming, dental care, diet, exercise, travel, and recent changes in your horse’s behavior or performance.
If your horse is a new patient, providing as much information as possible about previous veterinary care can be especially helpful.
Hands-On Examination
Your veterinarian will also perform a hands-on assessment of your horse.
Different areas of the body may be palpated to check for swelling, heat, tenderness, asymmetry, or other abnormalities. Depending on your horse and the reason for the visit, the veterinarian may also evaluate the legs, hooves, lymph nodes, skin, body condition, and other areas of concern.
Any abnormal findings can then be investigated more closely.
Additional Testing
Not every wellness visit requires additional diagnostic testing. However, your veterinarian may recommend further testing based on your horse’s age, medical history, physical examination findings, or individual risk factors.
Additional diagnostics may include bloodwork or other testing when appropriate.
Routine examinations are also a good opportunity to discuss preventative care and any concerns you have about your horse’s health.
Your Local Equine Veterinarian
Jacksonville Equine Associates provides ambulatory equine veterinary care throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, with our service area divided into five zones.
-
Zone 1: Green Cove Springs, Middleburg, Starke, Lawtey, Keystone Heights, Florahome, and Orange Park
-
Zone 2: Fruit Cove, Ponte Vedra, Switzerland, St. Augustine, Elkton, and Hastings
-
Zone 3: Bryceville, Baldwin, Macclenny, St. George, Callahan, Hilliard, Folkston, Woodbine, and White Oak
-
Zone 4: Pumpkin Hill, Fernandina, Yulee, and Amelia Island
-
Zone 5: St. Marys, Kingsland, Waverly, Brunswick, and St. Simons
