With this exam Northern Equine will diagnose and treat specific illnesses. The mobile veterinary service will come to your house to evaluate and treat your animal. Some of the most common medical cases Northern Equine sees are lameness, lacerations, respiratory diseases and weight loss or ill thrift.

These exams are the backbone of Northern Equine’s focus on large animal preventative medicine. The goal is to catch an illness prior to becoming a major problem. These are routine visits and a wonderful way to build report between Dr. Folkers and your animal.

Floating your horse's teeth takes down sharp points that can cause cheek or tongue ulcers. Not every horse will need this done yearly, but they should be checked by a veterinarian every year. Signs your horse may have dental issues: dropping food, difficulty chewing, weight loss, bit discomfort, facial swelling, excessive saliva or foul breath.

A lameness exam will include flexion tests, hoof testers, lunging for gait abnormalities and a full physical exam. They may also include joint blocks or recommendations for imaging. Unfortunately Northern Equine does not currently have x-ray capabilities and may need to refer you to a local large animal veterinary clinic to get these done.

5-way CoreEQ (EWT/Rabies/West Nile)

These core vaccines are to be done yearly to prevent against life threatening diseases. Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis which is a neurological disease. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that horses can get from cuts, barbed wire or nails. Rabies and West Nile are both endemic here in Flagstaff.

Flu/Rhino (Influenza/EHV 1 and 4)

These vaccines are to be done every 6 months to prevent against the highly contagious upper respiratory infections, Equine Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis.

The Coggins test is for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and is necessary for horse travel or shows. This blood test is good for 1 year. A veterinary certified health certificate is also needed for horse travel. The health certificate is good for 30 days and must be done 10 days prior to travel.

Routine blood work is recommended to establish a baseline to respond if your animal becomes ill. Basic blood panels will check for anemia, signs of infection, electrolyte levels, liver and kidney function. Northern Equine may also may recommend recommend hormone tests for diseases such as Equine Cushing's. Other diagnostics may include fecal to test parasite load, culture and sensitivity of bacteria for upper respiratory infections or cytology of masses to check for cancer.

This is one of the hardest decisions to make as a horse owner. Most of our clients have owned their horses for 20 plus years and have developed a strong connection to their animals. We understand how difficult it can be to lose a loved part of your family and take every step to make it an easy procedure for all involved. Your horse will receive a pain sedative injection prior and will not feel any pain or discomfort. Body disposition is the owners responsibility but we can assist you in those options.