Equine News Feature Archives - Matamata Veterinary Services

September 20, 2023

Exciting News! 🐴✨

We are thrilled to announce that MVS Equine has purchased EquiBreed NZ, and from the 1st October 2023 it will now be known as MVS EquiBreed!

🌟 This development is the brainchild of Drs Dave Keenan, Andrea Ritmeester and Lee Morris. The team at MVS EquiBreed will include Drs Lee Morris, Ria Harteveld and includes the support of the equine repro team from MVS Equine.

A new company formed by Dr Lee Morris, called EquiBreed ART will provide ICSI, embryo shipping, freezing and research breakthroughs to MVS EquiBreed.

This partnership marks a new chapter in our journey, combining the expertise and passion of two incredible equine organizations. Our commitment to providing the best choices in equine reproduction, exceptional equine care, and cutting-edge technology remains unwavering.

Stay tuned for updates on all the exciting developments and advancements coming your way. We can’t wait to continue serving our loyal customers and equine enthusiasts with even more excellence in equine breeding and reproduction. MVS EquiBreed will provide “all things in equine reproduction” for you!

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to the future of MVS EquiBreed!

MVS Equine (07) 888 8193

EquiBreed ART (07) 870 1845

Dave Keenan – Day in the life of a Vet (Loveracing.nz)

January 8, 2023

Christmas Hours

December 21, 2022

Wishing all of our clients, friends, and family a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!!

Here are our clinic hours over the holiday period:

24th-27th Dec – Closed (emergencies only)

28th-30th Dec – Open 8am-5pm

31st Dec-3rd Jan – Closed (emergencies only)

4th Jan onwards – Open 8am-5pm

We will have a vet on call 24/7 during this period so please ring 07 888 8193 if you have an emergency.

COVID19 – Level 2

September 7, 2021

On Wednesday, 8th September when the Waikato region drops to Alert Level 2 we will continue to provide all of our usual services in a way that is safe for both our clients and our staff.

As outlined by the Government we must continue to maintain social distancing and follow strict hygiene protocols to keep everyone safe, and we must also maintain a system for contact tracing recording. This means every visitor or client to the clinic will be asked to scan the clinic QR code or sign in and out to ensure we are meeting our contact tracing obligations. Please maintain a 2m distance from others when visiting the clinic.

The clinic building will be open to clients however this will be on a restricted basis. This means only one client at a time will be permitted in reception and we continue to encourage you to phone ahead of time to coordinate the collection of supplies and dropping off of samples outside the clinic. Clients are required to wear a face covering whilst on site. We ask that clients accompanying horses to remain in their vehicles during treatment unless required to be present.

If you have recently traveled, have had contact with a known infected person, are exhibiting cold or flu-like symptoms or are currently in self isolation for any reason (confirmed COVID or COVID household) please stay home! If your horse must be seen please let us know – it must be brought in by someone else and will be taken off that person by a nurse and handled with PPE. Please be aware that providing veterinary care under these conditions takes more time and effort than normal.

We understand how difficult and challenging this period has been for so many and we want to say a heartfelt thank you to you all for your positivity and continued support.

COVID19 – Level 3

August 31, 2021

On Tuesday, 31 August 2021 when the Waikato region drops to alert level 3 at midnight, we move from being able to provide emergency veterinary services only to being able to provide all of our usual essential services for your horses and businesses. This means we can start booking in work that we routinely perform this time of year, including yearling screening radiographs, castrations, lameness work-ups and surgeries.

However, the Government is very clear that we must provide these services in a way that safe for both our clients and our staff. We must maintain social distancing and our services will remain contactless to keep everyone safe. This means our hospital building will continue to be a staff-only zone like it was in Level 4, and there will be no physical interaction between staff and clients. Mask-wearing is mandatory. There is a strict no-hand-shake policy in force and hands must be sanitized frequently. All horses will be taken from you on arrival at the hospital and held by a nurse for the exam. Please remain in your vehicle for the duration of the exam/procedure.

If you need to collect supplies or drop off samples please phone the office ahead of time in order to coordinate a collection time – all supplies will be collected from outside the building.

Please be aware that providing veterinary care under these conditions takes more time and effort than normal. There are many procedures, bookings and services that we haven’t been able to provide during the lock- down and we are now going to be pushed to provide all these services at once. We will make every effort to book you in as soon as possible and ask for your patience as we do our best to get up and running again swiftly.

COVID19 – Level 4

August 17, 2021

Veterinary Care has been listed as an essential service during the COVID-19 Alert level 4 lockdown period over the next 3 days. Currently, until further notice, we are working under the guidance of the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

Effective from midnight Tuesday 17/08/21 for 3 days:

• All non urgent consults will be cancelled

• Services currently ‘permitted’ include

o Emergencies: including colic, foalings, severe respiratory distress, fractures, severe or non-weight bearing lameness, choke, severe haemorrhage, acute illness, major injuries/wounds (especially near vital structures/joints), eye injuries, euthanasia.

o Non-emergency services where an absence of veterinary care would compromise animal welfare: including severe respiratory conditions, non-routine dentistry involving inability to eat and weight loss, severe weight loss, neurological conditions, severe skin conditions, wounds and injuries, abortion, ongoing case management, post op checks.

o Access to veterinary medicines (vaccines, anti-parasitics, antibiotics, pain relief, mineral supplements etc.)

o Animal health and welfare consultancy (conducted by phone)

We are going to minimum staffing levels to enable us to provide essential services while managing exposure of staff to COVID-19. A veterinarian will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency services as per our usual out-of-hours service; however, the equine hospital will be shut during this time.

We ask that all enquiries relating to emergencies and medication requirements to be made over the phone 07 888 8193 where further guidance will be provided based on the nature of your call. If you need a visit from a vet, please don’t be upset if we ask if you have been in close contact with someone who has/or you have had flu/cold symptoms. Please remember to stay over 2m distance from veterinary staff during any visit.

If you need veterinary supplies please phone us ahead of time. A pick up time will be organised for these – please do not drop into the clinic as we will not be open. Please remember that the services we are able to provide may well change over the coming days/weeks. We will continue to update you as we work on the details of these services. We ask for your patience and trust we have the wellbeing of your horses as our top priority. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call us.

Dry July

July 8, 2021

Its July already and time to put your dry mares “under lights” to advance the breeding season.

Mares are long day, seasonal breeders. Meaning their regular oestrous cycle occurs in response to increasing day length.

Over the winter (shortened day length) the pineal gland in the brain releases the hormone melatonin. At the same time the mare secretes less gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinising hormone (LH). The change in these hormones results in a period of anoestrus (stops cycling). As days lengthen, melatonin production decreases and GnRH secretion increases causing the anterior pituitary gland to release LH. These changes allow the mare to transition back to normal cyclicity.

The transitional period (between winter anoestrus and oestrus) can last 60-80 days. It is characterized by multiple waves of follicular growth and regression and can be associated with erratic oestrus behaviour. These transitional heats are not fertile and can be frustrating for broodmare managers and vets.

Factors other than day length, that affect duration of anestrous and onset of spring transition include; latitude, climate, age, body condition and nutrition. Mares in good body condition begin cycling on average a month earlier than mares in poor condition. Similarly, an increasing plane of nutrition or grazing green pasture is associated with earlier returns to cycling. Younger mares cycle earlier than older mares. Ambient temperature is also a factor.

A New Zealand study looking at reproductive performance of Thoroughbred mares in the Waikato region, showed light exposure significantly increased the odds of dry mares conceiving by the end of the season. This occurred due to a combination of an increased first cycle pregnancy rate and increased number of service opportunities in a season. The start of mating to conception interval was also shorter in dry mares under lights.

Light protocol

An artificial light protocol should begin 60 days prior to the start of the mating as mares still need to transition. It is generally agreed that a minimum of 14.5 hours of continuous light, at an intensity of 107 lux (100-watt bulb) is required.

A common regime is to extend light exposure at the end of the day giving 15-16 hours of light followed by 8-9 hours of dark. This is easily implemented by housing or yarding mares

in the evening with lights coming on before dusk and with a timer to turn them off a few hours later.

Alternatively, breeders may choose to use a light mask such as an Equilume, which directs light to a single eye. These masks are programmed to turn on before dusk and off 5-6 hours later. The masks enable mares to be managed at pasture, reducing labour, bedding and feed costs associated with indoor housing. Under New Zealand conditions this can be a good alternative to housing and yarding mares for light exposure.

Providing artificial light to simulate increased day length before the start of breeding in dry mares is relatively easy and can significantly improve reproductive performance.

A filly that starts her breeding career under lights and is placed under lights when dry (not in foal) has on average 3 more foals over the span of her breeding career.

Rochelle Kerr BVS, BAgSci, DipAgSci CVA

Inter Dominions 2019 at Alexandra Park

December 7, 2019

Matamata Vet Services IDOM Pacing Champs H6 (Mobile Pace) – Race 8, Alexandra Park, 6 December 2019

Winner – Cruz Bromac

“Race Images Photo”

Animal Welfare Matters

October 24, 2018

On 1 October this year new animal welfare regulations come into effect. Check out the information here – www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs

If you’re already doing it right, you won’t see a lot of change. Most of the regulations reflect existing standards, but a few do set new rules and requirements, such as prohibiting tail docking of cattle and dogs.

Regulations make it easier for MPI and the SPCA to take action against animal mistreatment. New penalties such as fines will be issued for certain actions. We will continue to prosecute the worst offenders under the Animal Welfare Act.

We’re making life better for animals, and you can help others get it right too.

Check! Are you doing it right? Encourage others to check too – www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs
Ask! Email us your questions – animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz
Tell! Call us about an animal welfare issue – 0800 00 83 33

Key messages for horse owners: Companion horses

Regulation18: Horses tethered for the purpose of grazing.

Tethering your horse for grazing is not recommended. If you have to tether your horse for grazing, your horse must have constant access to a supply of water, food, shade, and protection from heat and cold. If you don’t provide this to horses tethered for grazing, you can be fined $300.

Check your horses regularly when tethered. Tethering for grazing is not appropriate for long periods of time, as horses need exercise.

Regulation 19: Use of equipment that may injure horses.

Any equipment used on a horse must not cause injuries such as cuts and abrasions that bleed or discharge, or swelling around the head and neck.

Equipment used on a horse must ensure the horse is able to breathe and drink normally. Equipment can include, but is not limited to, halters, bridles, lead ropes, bits, and nosebands. Keep your equipment clean, and ensure saddles and covers are

fitted correctly. Horses that wear equipment need to be checked regularly/daily. If you use equipment that causes injury to horses you can be fined $300.

Regulation 20: Persons must not strike a horse on its head.

Horses must not be struck on the head, with hands or any other object. If you strike a horse on its head you can be fined $500.

Regulation 54: Castrating horses.

Castration is a painful, surgical procedure that must be carried out by a veterinarian using local or general anaesthetic. If a horse is castrated without local or general anaesthetic you could face a criminal conviction and a fine of up to $5000 for an individual or $25,000 for the business.

Key messages for horse owners: Racing and sport horses

Regulation 18: Horses tethered for the purpose of grazing.

Check your horses regularly when tethered. Tethering for grazing is not appropriate for long periods of time, as horses need exercise.

If you need to tether your horse, you’ll be fine as long as you ensure that the tether you use

Is an appropriate length and material to allow for normal breathing and drinking.
Keeps the animal from being caught up on nearby objects and injured.

Otherwise you can be fined $300.

Regulation 19: Use of equipment that may injure horses.

Any equipment used on a horse must not cause injuries such as cuts and abrasions that bleed or discharge, or swelling around the head and neck. All equipment used on a horse must ensure the horse is able to breathe and drink normally.

Use equipment that is approved for use in your sport. Equipment that is not clean, ill fitted to your horse, or not used appropriately can cause injuries and swelling, or result in the horse experiencing pain or distress.

If you use equipment that causes injury to the horse, or swelling around the head or neck, you can be fined $300.

Regulation 20: Persons must not strike a horse on its head.

If you strike a horse on the head you can be fined $500

Regulation 54: Castrating horses.

Regulation 48: Prodding animals in sensitive areas.

You must not strike or prod an animal in sensitive areas with a goad. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in a $500 fine. A goad is any object used to make an animal move. Electric prodders are not recommended for use at all.

MVS Success at the 2018 New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association Conference

June 25, 2018

We are very proud of three of our veterinarians, Barbara Hunter, Jonathan Tam and Therese Ritson, who presented at the New Zealand Veterinary Association conference in the Equine stream.

A massive congratulations also goes to Jonathan who won the award for Best Young Practitioner Presentation at the New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association Conference for his presentation on POD (palmar/plantar osteochondral disease).

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