quine hock arthritis is a common condition that affects many horses, particularly as they age or participate in intense physical activities. This degenerative disorder primarily impacts the hock joint, leading to pain, swelling, and a reduced range of motion. Recognising the clinical signs—such as lameness, stiffness, and decreased performance—is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.

A veterinarian will undertake a thorough physical examination, including flexion tests and diagnostic imaging, to confirm the presence of hock arthritis. Treatment options are varied and may include anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, and even surgical interventions in more severe cases.

By understanding the signs and seeking timely veterinary care, horse owners can help ensure their equine companions maintain a comfortable, active lifestyle despite the challenges of hock arthritis.

A thorough lameness examination by your equine veterinarian is essential for maintaining your horse's health and performance. Lameness can stem from various issues, including injuries, joint diseases, or hoof problems, making accurate diagnosis vital.

During the examination, your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes visual evaluation, palpation of joints and tendons, flexion tests, and possibly diagnostic imaging like X-rays. This systematic approach allows for precise identification of the cause, leading to a tailored treatment plan.

Effective treatment can include medications, rehabilitation programs, and preventative measures to ensure your horse remains sound and healthy. Investing in a lameness examination not only addresses current issues but also promotes long-term well-being and performance in your equine companion.

For optimal horse health, don't overlook the importance of a lameness examination. Trust your equine veterinarian to guide you in keeping your horse happy and sound.

Cats are the master at disguising when they are in pain or when they aren’t feeling well. So how do you determine if they are starting to feel their age, or noticing sign of osteoarthritis?

Cracker night is nearly here for southern Tasmania. For many it is a fun night, but for some pet owners its a night filled with concern for our pets. This article supplies some tips and tricks for management of stress during this period.

What is equine choke, what to do if you think your horse has choke, and how to prevent it from occurring in the future.

Why do we vaccinate sheep and when should this be done? This is a brief over view of routine vaccinations for sheep in southern Tasmania!

What can you do to make your animal comfortable in their later life? Read some tips and tricks for osteoarthritis management.

Did you know chocolate is toxic to dogs? It contains a chemical called methxylanthines theobromine, as well as caffeine. Both of these chemicals are stimulants and dogs can not metabolise them like humans.

Vet in the Valley offers peaceful, compassionate and stress free in-home euthanasia services.

Pain Relief is now commonly being used when performing routine husbandry procedures for lamb marking. We recommend that producers organise their required product prior to required use.

Overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP), otherwise known as Kissing Spine, occurs when the vertebrae in the spine are too close together - this can result in the processes touching or overlapping. Read more information about it here.

Oh dear, it’s Cracker Night! It’s always a little stressful if you have animals that are sensitive to loud, unexpected noises. Have a read to be across the top tips for managing you animals with Fireworks!

Exercise is an important element in your dog’s day to day management. It’s vital for their mental stimulation, physical therapy, weight management and owner/patient bond. However, exercise may have to look a little different when your dog has osteoarthritis. We have to remember that our dogs don’t have the forethought that hours of boisterous play, ball chasing, working, or running off lead is likely to cause them pain later.

We know that day to day obstacles of daily living, that were once easy to navigate, but with a physical impairment become a risky challenge. As a dog with osteoarthritis loses their muscle mass and as function reduces, there is a loss in strength, balance, reaction times and agility. They lose their physical coping mechanisms, and what was once easy becomes hard.

Do you have an older horse or pony? Are you aware of the clinical signs of Cushing's Disease? There is a new medication available - please call us if you would like more information.

Is your dog showing the signs of slowing down? Do they take a few extra circles on the bed to settle? Are they a little hesitant to jump onto the couch? It might be worth having a read about canine osteoarthritis!

Flystrike can be devastating to sheep flocks. Read about the ideal conditions, the treatments and prevention.

Equine sarcoids are one of the most common forms of skin cancer amongst equines. 2-8% off all horses will have some form of sarcoids during their life. There are can be locally infiltrative and aggressively tract through muscle planes. There is a huge variation of sarcoids and treatment depends on location, type of sarcoid and size.

A bull breeding soundness examination (BBSE) is essential for any cattle producer to be prepared prior to either to sales or joining. Our experience livestock vet, Dr. Liam produce certificates through the BULLCHECK Reporter program, an efficient way to summarise the results of the BBSE.

An Equine Pre-Purchase Examination is a comprehensive exam designed to understand the health and fitness of the horse and identity conditions which may affect the horse’s ability to undertake the activity the buyers intends for the horse. Vet in the Valley uses the Equine Veterinarian Australia protocol.