The number of older horses is increasing and today many horses are expected to live 30 years and even longer. The most important factor in helping them to live as long as possible is a twice-yearly exam by your veterinarian. Although vaccinations are important to protect your horse from disease, the examination your horse receives at the time of vaccinations is just as important. This is why it's a good idea to have your veterinarian vaccinate your horse and not buy the vaccine out of a catalog. Only a veterinarian can examine your horse and determine if your horse is healthy or if there are concerns. You may be wondering what your vet might find on the exam and is it worth it.

When I vaccinate a horse, I start a physical exam at the head and examine every body system; this is most important on older horses. Dental disease is a serious problem, especially in older horses, and the exam is not just to see if the teeth need floating. Horses can have loose teeth and infection that can cause major health problems. The only method of checking for this is a thorough dental exam by your vet. Just because your horse does not need floating doesn't mean there isn't a problem and only your vet is trained to sedate and examine your horse. The eyes should be checked for evidence of cataracts and the ears for ticks. Many older horses develop heart disease that your vet can detect during the exam. Also nutrition is a big problem in older horses and during the exam, your vet can assess your horse's condition and make recommendations to keep your horse in good shape. Join us next time for specific recommendations for feeding the older horse.