Leven Equine Veterinary Services in Sprent, Tasmania | Veterinary surgeon

Leven Equine Veterinary Services

Locality: Sprent, Tasmania

Phone: +61 476 504 007

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• Pet service
• Veterinary surgeon

24.01.2022 LEVS will be taking a short break between 21st August and 01 September. Equine veterinary services will re-commence on Wednesday, 02 September. Although we wont be performing any clinical work, enquiries are still welcome via email, FB messenger or mobile text message. ... Appointment bookings are still being taken for 2nd September onwards. Email: [email protected] Mobile no.: 0476 504 007 See you in spring!

24.01.2022 Feet fetish they say...

24.01.2022 Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year Thank you all for your support over the last year, it has been a privilege.

23.01.2022 An important but often misunderstood topic. Definitely what every horse owner should learn more about!

22.01.2022 Congratulations to all riders and their horses who successfully completed the gruelling 160km track at the TQ18 over the weekend! Commiserations to those who did not complete the course. Dont give up, look after your horses, and see you at future rides.

21.01.2022 LEVS is proud to announce the addition of our mobile xray equipment to our diagnostic imaging repertoire. We can now offer radiography out in the field, at your doorstep!

21.01.2022 The last 12 months have been a roller coaster for this little horse. He was recovering from a septic wound in one hind leg when the pedal bone of his other foot rotated through the sole from limb-loading laminitis. On top of that he developed right dorsal colitis (RDC) from phenylbutazone (bute) toxicity and had to be intensively treated with intravenous fluids and other medications to manage his ongoing foot pain and help repair his colon. In the last 6 months he also had 3 ...episodes of colic. Throughout this time, he was a bottomless pit for affection and food (except the few days when he had RDC). He has been mostly sound since Feb and just this weekend past we managed to complete a 20km ride and vetted through with a perfect scorecard. Below are sequential radiographs of his foot throughout his rehabilitation (first 3 photos), and photos of his current foot after trimming today. The last radiograph is also of his current foot taken today. It is not where wed like it to be yet and there is more to do in terms of corrective farriery but we are pretty happy with where we are at present. I am very pleased with this little man and he has proven time and again that he has a big heart and a great will to live.

19.01.2022 To all my valued clients, may you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and appreciation for all your support throughout this challenging year. Xx Celine

19.01.2022 Points to ponder

18.01.2022 Every horse is different, know what is normal for your horse with these indicators.

18.01.2022 Please share to relevant parties

18.01.2022 Expecting a foal is very exciting. However, it is vital to be prepared for when it arrives. Knowing what to expect, recognizing abnormal from normal and having a contingency plan can expedite decision making and save time in those precious moments.A checklist should include and is not limited to the following: 1) Due date (average gestation length is 330-340 days depending on breed and individual mares). 2) Check mares udder daily at least 2 weeks prior to due date for enlar...gement and presence of any secretions at the teats. The udder fills with colostrum 24-48 hours prior to foaling. If your mare "leaks" or "run" milk several days before she is due to foal, there is high likelihood that substantial amounts of colostrum is lost. In these cases, management plans should be made to supplement the foals immunoglobulins when it arrives. Udder development and milk production more than 2 weeks before due date is abnormal. 3) Stages of labour - Stage 1 the mare may show mild colicky signs such as flank watching and restlessness.Signs may be intermittent and extend for several hours. Stage 2 is usually quick (average 20-30 minutes) with rupture of the "water bag" releasing watery fluid and the birth of the foal soon after. 4) Remember your foaling 1,2,3s (from previous post) 5) Have your veterinarians number handy for when you need it! Happy foaling!

18.01.2022 *BUSINESS HOURS UPDATE* Dear valued clients, From 01 June onwards LEVS will be reverting our business hours back to pre-covid19 schedule (as follows):... MON-TUE: CLOSED WED-SUN: Consults by appointment Hygiene precautions and physical distancing measures will still be in place. Please inform me prior to your appointment if you or anyone in your household have any respiratory symptoms or a fever, or have had flu like symptoms in the week leading up to our appointment. If you are unwell, in quarantine or self-isolation, a representative may be arranged and be present at the appointment and the consult may take place via telephone conversation. Lastly and more importantly, thank you all for your support and understanding during these evolving and challenging times.

17.01.2022 Four colics in two days... Taking a moment to appreciate the view....

16.01.2022 What are parasite refugia and why are they important in parasite control? Here, Dr. Nielsen explains the concepts and why keeping some horses undewormed can he...lp slow down the development of resistant worms. The handsome fellow in the background is Standardbred stallion Peak, who stands stud at Alabar Stud in New Zealand. You can support Dr. Nielsens research program here: https://uky.networkforgood.com//8423-nielsen-parasitology-

16.01.2022 We want to hear from you! LEVS is inviting you to submit questions or suggestions for a topic that may be of interest to all horse owners. A topic/question will be picked and published periodically. To maintain our confidentiality policy, all questions or suggestions will only be accepted via PM, text or email. There is no cut off date so keep the questions or suggestions coming!

13.01.2022 Spring is in the air! Some timely reminders to: 1) re-assess feeding requirements, especially as the weather becomes warmer and grasses emerge from dormancy. This is especially important in horses and ponies prone to laminitis. 2) start checking faecal worm egg counts to determine the need for timely deworming. 3) Enjoy the riding season ahead!

13.01.2022 Downward rotation of the pedal bone with solar penetration is not something we see very often but can happen as a consequence of severe acute laminitic episode. These are radiographs of a case we are rehabilitating currently. The first radiograph shows the pedal bone penetrating the sole. When this happens, the horse is usually in a lot of pain and is non-weight bearing on the affected foot. The second radiograph was taken approximately 12 weeks into rehabilitation. We have ...managed to re-align the pedal bone with the growth of the new hoof capsule using corrective/remedial farriery techniques and multi-modal pain management. The road to full recovery is a long one and an uncertain one for soundness. **Please note that all aspects of this case including all care and management is under direct and constant veterinary supervision**

12.01.2022 Hello everyone, LEVS is going to the Quilty! Not as a vet this time, but as a strapper! So although I wont be around on the NW Coast, I will still be contactable. If you fancy a drive on Sunday morning, join us at Santarena Park Scottsdale to watch the fittest horses in the country strut their stuff during the best conditioned workouts.

12.01.2022 We have had a number of call outs to colics in the last couple of weeks. So, for those who are new to horse ownership or not have had to deal with colic in your horse, I thought I might highlight some things to look out for to recognise if your horse is "colicky". First things first, the term colic generally means abdominal pain. There are many causes of colic, but they generally look similar to start with. Mostly, the first subtle sign you may see is a change in demeanor. H...orses tend to become more quiet than usual, separate themselves or lag behind from the herd, stand in one spot or corner of the paddock or yard for a prolonged period. No interest in food is also a common accompanying sign. Rolling or laying down tend to be a common feature most people look out for. Being able to differentiate between "normal" and "abnormal" is important as most horses if not all do enjoy a good roll every now and then, as well as laying down at some point during the day. However, not all horses will roll. Some will lay down either on their side or with their legs folded beneath them. The horse may "flank watch" whilst laying down; they will turn their heads and point their nose towards their belly. Some horses may show agitation such as stamping of feet, kicking up at belly, showing restlessness by laying down and getting up repeatedly. Other useful information or something to take note of is whether or not your horse had passed manure recently or when was the last time it did. If it has passed manure, take note of the size and consistency. This may be more difficult to determine if your horse is kept with other horses in a paddock. Colics can start out mild and become severe or persistent if left untreated. It is important to be able to recognise these signs and ring your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Your veterinarian may be able to advise you on what to do in the meantime whilst waiting for them to attend to your horse.

11.01.2022 TQ2019 Imbil, Queensland, 296 horses and riders, 160km, 24 hours. Congratulations to all successful completions, commiserations to those who were not.

11.01.2022 If you are planning a trip to the mainland and taking your horses with you, there are a few things to remember. 1) ensure that your horse is healthy and well hydrated before embarking on your journey. 2) make sure necessary vaccinations such as Tetanus, Strangles and Hendra** are up to date at least 2 weeks before you travel. 3) stop every 3 hours or so to let your horse have a rest and put its head down to graze if possible. ... ** The course of Hendra vaccination differs from Tetanus and Strangles and is as follows: 2 doses 3-6 weeks apart followed by a booster 6 months later. Annual boosters follow. A microchip is also necessary for registration of the Hendra vaccinations. Please contact your regular veterinarian for details.** So make sure you plan well ahead and bon voyage!

11.01.2022 This is why we need to re-think our shoeing and trimming cycle lengths and practices. No hoof no horse!

10.01.2022 Dear all, as I look forward to this new year with more exciting things to come for LEVS, my thoughts keep drifting back to the devastating bushfires affecting communities, pets, livestock and wildlife right across our country. As I am sure most of you have contributed or will contribute to the bushfire appeals, I would like to remind everyone about the recent surfacing of scammers and fake donation funds. If you are still undecided as to where or how you can contribute or don...ate, the following are a few organizations that would be a good start. 1) Australian Red Cross 2) Salvation Army 3) Vinnies 4) WIRES (NSW wildlife information, rescue and education services) 5) Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Hospital I am not asking you to help me help them, as I believe that any donations would best be directed to the organisations of your choice. We have chosen to make a donation to one of the above organisations. Following the advice from authorities, cash donations would be most useful at this stage. No contribution is too small. It also does not have to be immediate if your circumstances do not allow for it, as the rescue efforts and re-building of livelihoods in the affected areas will continue for months to come yet. Another way to contribute to these communities is to visit these areas when it is safe to do so and spend money at their local businesses. LEVS wishes to express our deepest sympathies to all those affected. Keep safe and best wishes Photo credit: Reuters

09.01.2022 Happy vet nurses day to all the wonderful people out there who make each working day possible for us vets! i have been blessed to have met and worked with some of the most amazing nurses who put their heart and souls into making each day work. Cheers!

09.01.2022 Must be something fishy...

08.01.2022 Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe Chrismas!

08.01.2022 Do you have an "easy keeper" or a "good doer"? A horse or pony that you cant keep the weight off? If you do, your horse or pony is more likely to suffer from Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). EMS is characterized by insulin dysregulation, generalised or regional deposition of fat, resistance to weight loss and an increased risk of laminitis. First signs of EMS are usually seen in young to middle aged equids. The development of EMS is influenced by a combination of genetic an...d environmental (husbandry) factors and increased influence of either factor results in the development of disease. Be aware that EMS can exist in horses or ponies that are not obese. Any horse or pony with a lean body type that is prone to developing laminitis should be examined by a veterinarian and potentially tested for EMS. Hormonal testing is available to diagnose EMS. EMS can be managed effectively and treated if necessary. Please contact your veterinarian to further discuss testing, treating and management strategies for EMS affected equids. Feel free to contact me should you wish to discuss or have any questions on this topic. For more information on laminitis/founder, look out for my next post!

07.01.2022 Do you own or know of a horse that spooks or shies constantly under saddle, but is absolutely fine in hand? Perhaps it is one that you have tried every trick in the book to correct its behaviour under saddle but nothing seems to work or help. I recently met "Charlotte", a young up and coming athlete that showed great promise when she was started. When she was brought back into work after a spell, she started shying and spooking at everything and anything. However, she only do...es it under saddle and is absolutely fine when lead in hand. Her owner was at her wits end as Charlotte was becoming too dangerous to ride. Upon examination Charlotte appears completely normal. She walked around and avoided obstacles without blinking. However, upon further examination, she was found to have impaired vision in one eye! That explained why she carried on whilst under saddle but not in hand as there was no guide for her to follow. Following a couple of weeks worth of treatment, Charlotte showed marked improvement under saddle. Upon re-examination, she showed improved vision in the affected eye and was a much calmer ride. This case represents a small percentage of an apparent behavioural issue that may have medical causes. The take away message is that not all behavioural issues are that of your horse being naughty! Cartoon credit: Emily-cole.com

06.01.2022 *UPDATED 05 April 2020* **Changes to business hours** Thurs & Fri - CLOSED Consultations by appointment SAT-WED... In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, LEVS is providing services and consults as per usual. However, I do require that the following health and safety precautions be followed in accordance to Government recommendations. Please inform me if: 1) You or the person in attendance is suffering from FLU like symptoms (runny nose, coughing, fever etc) 2) You or anyone in your household has returned from the mainland or overseas travel in the last 14 days. 3) You or the person in attendance have been in contact with someone diagnosed or is suspected to have COVID-19. 4) You or the person in attendance is in 14-day self-isolation. 5) You or the person in attendance consider yourselves a vulnerable person in the current context. Appropriate measures will be taken to ensure our well-being and health in all circumstances. Physical distancing of at least 1.5m will be adhered to at all times. Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation at this difficult time.

06.01.2022 I was pleasantly surprised and touched to receive this card in the mail this week. It was a privilege to have been able to contribute to a sport where there are so many talented riders and horses. Thank you Danielle Whatley for making this Christmas extra special. Congratulations on your achievements at the Show Jumping State Championships!

06.01.2022 Not long now.... All the best to our riders and their horses of TQ2018. Look after yourselves and your steeds, to complete is to win!

05.01.2022 Are you expecting a foal this season? Here is a simple guideline that is easy to remember: 1) A foal should be standing in ONE hour 2) A foal should be nursing from his/her dam in TWO hours 3) The mare should pass the placenta/foetal membranes in THREE hours... Remember that foals can deteriorate quickly, so call your vet if you are concerned and have both mum and bub checked. Better safe than sorry!

04.01.2022 No hoof no horse

04.01.2022 *Business hours update* Dear valued clients, it is with great pleasure I announce that after 2 years, I am able to provide equine veterinary services full time! I am now taking appointments and call-outs on Mondays and Tuesdays in addition to my normal hours. This would not be possible without your ongoing support. Thank you!

04.01.2022 Some interesting cases presented over the last two years

03.01.2022 No hoof no horse! I came across some old photos of my early days in Melbourne whilst completing my Masters degree in 2008, which fueled my passion for the humble hoof.

03.01.2022 Thank you everyone for your suggestions and questions! Our first question from the community is as follows: how do you manage a horse who has signs of a cold runny nose bit flat but not that unwell that you cant ride or when should you get vet out?... There is no straight forward answer to this question. There are many reasons why your horse could have a runny nose and be a bit flat. Examples of disease that can display clinical signs like those are sinusitis, inflammatory airway disease, polyps, strangles, and many more. Being a bit flat may also be a separate issue to the runny nose. A diagnosis would be needed in order to provide you with proper management strategies for your horse. Routine management practices such as feeding from the ground to facilitate mucociliary clearance from the trachea and good hygiene whilst handling multiple horses especially if they are showing clinical signs of respiratory disease may help mitigate occurrence of respiratory disease. On the question of when you should get your vet out, timing is everything when it comes to something insidious like this. Waiting to see if the runny nose clears up by itself is ok for a couple of days, but it might be worth getting your vet out sooner rather than later. This is because some respiratory disease can be highly contagious and most issues are better dealt with properly early in its disease course rather than later before complications set in. Waiting too long before your vet examines your horse may complicate diagnosis and treatment options.

02.01.2022 Laminitis - Inflammation of the laminae within the hoof capsule. Also sometimes referred to as founder. Everyone who owns or has owned a horse/pony knows or has heard about it. We all know the devastating effects it can have if it is not recognised, treated and managed appropriately. The classical signs of laminitis are familiar to most horse owners. Reluctance to walk, a stilted gait, leaning back on the heels etc. However, laminitis does not always show overt clinical si...gns such as those described above. Increased/bounding digital pulses at rest, usually in both front or all four feet, and a shortened or shuffly gait are subtle signs that can easily be missed. Individuals that suffer from long-standing (chronic) laminitis often display only these signs. However, one can usually tell if the horse/pony suffers from chronic laminitis from looking at their feet. Abnormal pattern of hoof growth goes hand in hand with chronic laminitis. Although the shape of the hoof capsule does not indicate current disease, it reflects previous disturbances to the health of the hoof laminae. Have a look at your horses or ponys feet today. Consult your regular hoof care professional or your veterinarian if you have any worries. Remember. no hoof no horse.

02.01.2022 Happy Easter!! Have a good weekend ahead and travel safe. We will be in Scottsdale for an endurance ride between 02-04 April and will not be able to attend to any urgent call outs during that time. As per usual, non-urgent messages or appointment bookings may be sent via email, text or business page messenger. ... Photo: Strongyle eggs

01.01.2022 Foot abscesses.. Probably the most common cause of acute non-weight bearing lameness in the horse. It can come on suddenly over a matter of days or it can take days or weeks. Lameness may be acute and severe like the one in the video or it can wax and wane over days and weeks before increasing in severity. ... The horse will recover and walk almost instantly better once the pressure has been relieved by rupture of the abscess. Recurring abscesses in the same foot and location warrants further investigation. Just remember that common things are common!

01.01.2022 Before spending a fortune on the latest supplement fad.