Equine Wellness and Preventative Care in Covington, GA

At Countryside Equine Hospital, we believe that proactive care is the key to keeping your horse healthy and ready for anything. Our experienced veterinarians are here to guide you through every aspect of equine wellness, from routine physical exams and vaccinations to prophylactic dental care and customized deworming programs. With over 30 years of experience serving Covington and the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for our equine patients and their human partners.

Staying ahead of your horse’s health has never been easier. Give us a call at (770) 787-4711 to ask about our Annual Wellness Plan or to schedule an appointment.

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Vaccinations

We follow the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines to ensure your horse receives the necessary core vaccinations to stay protected against life-threatening diseases. Core vaccines help prevent serious illnesses that often have no effective treatments, which is why we prioritize their administration.

Core Equine Vaccines Include:

  • Tetanus
  • Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE)
  • West Nile Virus
  • Rabies

Depending on your horse’s age, breeding status, location, and lifestyle, we may also recommend risk-based, noncore vaccines. For example, we recommend that all horses in boarding stables, training facilities, and show and trail settings receive the rhino/flu vaccine consisting of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1), equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV4), and influenza every 6 months.

To further protect your horse from illness, regularly monitor the Equine Disease Communication Center’s website for real-time alerts of infectious diseases.

Why Choose Our Veterinarians to Vaccinate Your Horse

Customized Care:

We tailor vaccine plans to your horse’s age, health, and exposure risk to avoid unnecessary vaccinations.

Proper Handling:

Our vaccines are stored and administered correctly to ensure maximum efficacy and safety.

Manufacturer Guarantee:

Many vaccine companies will cover diagnostic and treatment costs if a vaccinated horse contracts a disease—only if administered by a licensed veterinarian.

Routine Dental Care

Regular dental care and treatment is an essential part of preventative equine care and should be undertaken every 6 to 12 months, depending on your horse’s age and any pre-existing dental conditions. Younger horses, whose teeth are still changing, may need more frequent attention to address developmental changes.

During your horse’s routine dental exam, our veterinarians will perform a full visual and manual examination of the teeth, palate, tongue, cheeks, bars, and lips. Upon completing a comprehensive oral exam, we will float teeth as needed to prevent sharp edges from causing discomfort.

If your horse requires more complex dental care to chew properly, remain comfortable, and compete at the top of their game, our team is well-versed in providing advanced oral health services.

More About Dental Care

Targeted Deworming Programs

Deworming isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead of adhering to outdated deworming rotation programs, we take a targeted approach to parasite control by performing fecal egg counts (FEC) to determine the specific needs of each horse. This helps us minimize overuse of dewormers, reducing the risk of resistance and saving you money in the long run.

Our Deworming Approach Includes:

Spring and Fall Fecal Egg Counts:

Monitor each individual horse’s worm burden and whether they are high, moderate, or low egg shedders.

Fecal Egg Count Reduction Tests:

We ensure the deworming program is effective at appropriately managing and controlling egg shedding.

Tailored Treatment Plans:

We provide focused parasite control based on your horse's individual needs, rather than that of the entire barn or herd.

Parasite Testing Machine

Microchipping for Identification and Security

Microchipping provides a reliable way to identify your horse in case of theft, loss, or emergencies. A tiny, rice-sized chip is safely implanted in the nuchal ligament and remains in place for the horse’s lifetime. Many organizations, including the USEF and USHJA, require microchipping for competition horses.

Microchipping benefits include:

  • Permanent identification for peace of mind.
  • Facilitation of a reunion in case of a natural disaster or emergency.
  • Compliance with industry regulations and competition requirements.

When to Schedule Your Horse’s Wellness Exam

The best time to book preventative care is before your horse's busy season—whether that means competition, trail riding, or breeding. A comprehensive wellness exam, necessary vaccinations, appropriate deworming, and routine dental care ensure your horse is in top shape and ready for whatever lies ahead.

Pre-Purchase Exams

Purchasing a horse is an exciting step, and ensuring your new partner is in optimal health is essential. Our comprehensive pre-purchase exams are designed to give you confidence in your decision by thoroughly assessing the horse’s soundness and overall well-being.

What’s included in a pre-purchase exam:

Musculoskeletal & Cardiovascular Evaluation:

We’ll carefully examine the horse for any signs of swelling, old scars, past injuries or cardiac problems that may affect their performance or long-term health.

Neurological Soundness Testing:

We’ll evaluate the horse's neurological function to rule out any issues that could impact coordination or behavior.

Flexion Tests & Lunging:

To assess joint flexibility and check for lameness, we perform flexion tests followed by lunging, ensuring the horse moves freely and comfortably.

Blood Draw & Drug Screening:

We collect a blood sample for potential drug testing, which we store for up to 30 days for your peace of mind.

Our pre-purchase exams give you a complete picture of the horse’s health and help you make an informed decision. Reach out today to schedule your exam and safeguard your investment!

Preserve Your Horse’s Health with Preventative Care

At Countryside Equine Hospital, we’re here to partner with you in providing the very best care for your horse. This means that we strongly focus on preventive care to ensure your horse is in top physical, mental, and emotional condition so they can compete at the top of their game or enjoy life as a pasture companion.

Call us today at (770) 787-4711 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our wellness services.