Knowing When to Call a Vet for Your Pony

with Catherine Shelley

NCAS EA SSTA/ CE Level 2 General Coach, NCAS Level 1 RDA Coach, Dip. of TB racing - Melton Equestrian accredited with EA Ready, Set, Trot program.

Owning a pony comes with its pleasures and responsibilities. As an owner, it’s vital to be watchful about your pony’s health and well-being. While some problems can be managed at home with proper care and attention, there are times when professional veterinary involvement is necessary. Knowing when to call a veterinarian can mean the difference between a minor concern and a serious medical emergency for your very much loved pony.

As a pony owner, you know your pony better than anyone. If you have an instinctive feeling that something isn’t right with him, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice.

Observing Physical Symptoms

The first step in identifying when to call a vet for your pony is to detect any physical symptoms that may indicate an underlying problem. These symptoms can vary widely but may include:

Lameness or difficulty moving: If your pony is limping, favouring one leg, or showing signs of stiffness, it could indicate an injury, laminitis, or other musculoskeletal issues.

Changes in your pony’s eating or drinking habits: Keep an eye on any sudden decrease in appetite or water intake; this could be a sign of illness or digestive issues such as colic.

Breathing problems: Laboured breathing, coughing, or nasal discharge may indicate lung infections or allergies.

Abnormal vital signs: Keep an eye on your pony’s temperature, pulse, and respiration rate. Any significant deviations from normal ranges could signal an underlying problem.

A normal temperature for a pony ranges between 37.5 to 38.5 c.
Normal resting heart rate ranges between 38 – 40 beats per minute.
The average breath per minute of a pony at rest can range between 8 and 15 breaths per minute.

Digestive issues: Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or stomach discomfort can indicate intestinal problems that require urgent veterinary attention.

Excessive restlessness or agitation: Restlessness, pawing, or repeatedly lying down and getting up could be signs of discomfort or colic.

It is always a good idea to constantly check out your pony’s environment.

Environmental factors can also contribute to your pony’s health and well-being. Consider the following:

Changes in feed or diet: Any sudden changes in diet or introduction of new feeds should be monitored closely for adverse reactions.

Changes in living conditions: Environmental factors such as changes in pasture conditions, weather extremes, or exposure to toxic plants can impact your pony’s health.

Separation from his paddock friends: Ponies are social animals, so if yours is suddenly isolating itself from the other horses, it may be that he is feeling unwell.

Exercise and activity levels: Overexercise or inadequate exercise can lead to all sorts of health issues or aggravate existing health issues.

Signs of severe colic (rolling and pawing the ground), requires immediate veterinary attention.

Monitoring Behavioural Changes

In addition to physical symptoms, changes in your pony’s behaviour can also be indicators of health issues.

Pay attention to changes in his attitude or temperament. A normally calm pony suddenly becoming irritable or aggressive could mean that he is experiencing pain or discomfort; remember, they cannot tell us verbally, so we must try and understand their body language.

Tiredness or unhappiness: If your pony seems unusually tired, uninterested in activities, or sad, it may be a sign of underlying illness.

If your pony’s symptoms persist or worsen over time, it’s most important to involve a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Then there are Emergency Situations

Any signs of severe pain, distress, or trauma involving your pony requires immediate veterinary attention. This includes severe colic (rolling and pawing the ground), traumatic injuries (wounds. bleeding), choking, or sudden collapse.

Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and deworming are essential for maintaining your pony’s health.

Trusting Your Instincts

It’s always better to err on the side of caution and have a professional assess your pony’s condition.

Knowing when to call your vet requires attentiveness, knowledge, and a deep understanding of your pony’s normal behaviour and health. By staying watchful for signs of illness or injury, monitoring changes in your pony’s behaviour and physical symptoms, as well as trusting your instincts, you can ensure that your pony receives timely and appropriate veterinary care when needed. Remember, your pony’s well-being is worth every effort to keep them healthy and happy for years to come.

NOTE: The above is just a guideline, and I am not a qualified Veterinarian to give expert advice, so when in any doubt at all, ring your vet.

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