Care for every animal on the place, big or small.

Horses are prone to stomach ulcers, often from stress and stomach acid. Many horses with ulcers look healthy, and the only accurate way to diagnose them is to look inside the stomach with a camera.

Subtle signs can include poor appetite, dullness, attitude changes, weaker performance, reluctance to train, poor body condition or hair coat, weight loss, low-grade colic, girthiness, and reluctance to go downhill or pick up speed.

Case study, Painter (8-year-old ranch gelding): he was cinchy, stiff and stressed around saddling and feed. After treatment for both types of ulcers, his owner reports a calmer, relaxed horse that stands well for the farrier and has his lateral flexion back.

• Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus: spread by mosquitoes. Vaccinate at the start of mosquito season each year (end of May or early June).
• Rabies: fatal and reportable in Canada. Prevented by vaccination.
• Tetanus: usually from contaminated wounds. Vaccinate annually.
• Strangles: highly contagious. Isolate new horses for a month, and vaccinate young horses leaving the property.
• Influenza: very contagious. Vaccinate high-risk horses, with frequent boosters.
• Rhinopneumonitis (herpes): vaccinate horses going to shows, sales or arenas. Pregnant mares need it at 5, 7 and 9 months.

Vaccines protect against contagious and sometimes fatal diseases, and rabies vaccines protect your family as well. Even indoor pets should be vaccinated.

Puppies and kittens need a series of shots between 6 and 18 weeks of age, then boosters. Keep them away from unvaccinated or sick animals and busy dog parks until the series is done. Ask about titre testing at your annual exam.

Dogs: core vaccines are distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and rabies. Kennel cough is non-core.
Cats: core vaccines are panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and rabies. Chlamydia and leukemia are non-core.

Reactions are uncommon. If you see facial swelling or trouble breathing, call right away, and tell us if your pet has reacted before.

Spaying or neutering is the only permanent birth control for dogs and cats. It lowers the urge to roam, reduces the risk of several cancers, and can cut down on marking and aggression.

Waiting until about one year of age, especially for large breeds, may help joint development. Our vets will help you pick the right time for your pet's breed.

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork checks kidney and liver function, blood cells, electrolytes and blood sugar so anesthesia is as safe as possible. IV fluids support blood pressure, give quick access for emergency drugs, and help pets recover faster.

Routine spays and neuters usually go home the same day. Plan on 5 to 10 minutes at drop-off and about 10 minutes at pick-up. The person dropping off should be the main decision-maker. While your pet is under, you can add a microchip, ear cleaning, nail trim or tattoo. We'll call the day before to confirm.