Have you floated your horse’s teeth lately? Have you gotten your horse’s Coggins test done this year? Do you know what equine infectious anemia is? If you have horses, you need to know the answers to all of these questions. If you have had horses all your life or are just getting started, we have the clinic just for you. Read on below to learn more about these common veterinary horse terms and an upcoming equine Coggins and dentistry clinic.
Coggins testing is very important because it tests your equine for equine infectious anemia (EIA). EIA is a viral disease that could be fatal to your horse. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. Signs that your horse may have EIA include: anemia, weakness, weight loss, and fever. Horseflies, deerflies, or other large biting insects typically transfer EIA from one horse to another. It can also be transferred by contaminated equipment, such as needles, with blood from an infected horse. It is possible for a horse to be a carrier of the disease and not exhibit the same signs as a horse with a greater concentration of the virus. By taking a blood sample, veterinarians are able to use the “Coggins” test to determine if an animal is positive or negative for EIA. Annual testing is recommended for equine owners.
Do you know if your horse’s teeth are in good shape? Do you have an older horse that seems to be dropping feed more often? By having a dental examination of your horse’s teeth (free at the upcoming clinic!) you can see if your horse needs dental care. Floating your horse’s teeth is another term for filing your horse’s teeth. If your horse is outside grazing pasture all day, they are continuously eating, meaning they are wearing their teeth down daily. This can eventually cause your horse to have teeth that do not fit together, making it harder for your horse to properly chew and break down feed. Scheduling regular dental checkups, typically at your horse’s annual examination, is a good way to ensure your horse’s teeth are in proper working order.
Livestock Veterinary Service’s Dr. Justin Martin has partnered with NC Cooperative Extension and REINS (Regional Equine Informational Network System) to present a Coggins and Dentistry Clinic to be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Lenoir County Livestock Arena. Dr. Martin will be available for vaccines, dental examinations and floating, as well as Coggins testing. Please call any of the following three contacts: Dr. Justin Martin (Livestock Veterinary Services) at (252) 933.1483, Gina Cox (REINS Coordinator) at (252) 286.4241 or Margaret Bell (NC Cooperative Extension) at (252) 448.9621 to reserve your spot and for a price list.
If you have any questions, please contact your local Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 448.9621 and speak with Livestock Agent Margaret A. Bell.
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
