Equine Preventive Medicine

Proactive Care for Long-Term Equine Health

Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to protect your horse’s health, performance, and longevity. At Homestead Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive wellness and disease-prevention services for horses across St. Clair, Franklin County, Washington, Union, Sullivan, and nearby Missouri communities. Our veterinarians work closely with owners to create customized programs that address each horse’s environment, workload, lifestyle, and risk factors.

 

Wellness Exams

Routine wellness exams allow us to evaluate your horse’s overall condition, detect early signs of illness, and monitor changes in weight, soundness, and behavior. These exams provide an opportunity to discuss nutrition, dental health, parasite control, vaccination needs, and any concerns that may affect long-term wellbeing. Consistent exams help us establish a health baseline and identify subtle issues before they become more serious.

 

Vaccination Programs

A well-designed vaccination program is essential for preventing infectious diseases. Our veterinarians tailor vaccination plans based on your horse’s age, travel schedule, housing situation, and exposure risks.
Common core and risk-based vaccines may include:

• Rabies
• Tetanus
• West Nile Virus
• Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis
• Influenza
• Rhinopneumonitis
• Strangles

We will help determine the most appropriate schedule to keep your horse protected year-round.

 

Deworming and Parasite Control

Internal parasites can cause weight loss, colic, poor coat condition, and long-term organ damage. Because parasites develop resistance to certain medications, a one-size-fits-all deworming plan is no longer recommended. Instead, we develop targeted parasite control strategies based on your farm environment and your horse’s needs.

 

Fecal Egg Counts

Fecal egg count testing helps determine the parasite load of each horse and allows us to design deworming programs that are effective while reducing the risk of drug resistance.

Fecal testing can identify:

• High, moderate, or low shedders
• Seasonal trends in parasite burden
• Effectiveness of current deworming routines

 

Nutrition and Weight Management Guidance

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in preventing metabolic issues, supporting performance, and maintaining overall health. During wellness visits, we assess body condition, feeding routines, and pasture or hay quality. Our veterinarians can help tailor feeding plans that support your horse’s activity level and health goals.

 

Preventive Care That Supports Every Horse

Whether your horse is a young athlete, a broodmare, a senior companion, or anything in between, preventive medicine helps reduce the risk of illness and allows your horse to stay comfortable and active. By combining routine exams, targeted vaccinations, parasite control, and individualized management strategies, Homestead Veterinary Hospital provides proactive, evidence-based care to support your horse’s long-term health.