Prevention is better than cure: with this in mind, we offer age-appropriate veterinary care plans for a long and healthy life for your horse – from foals to seniors.
Welcome to the world – on day 1, health care for foals begins with an initial examination including umbilical cord check and an IgG (= immunoglobulin G) rapid test. This provides immediate information about your foal's immune status so that action can be taken immediately if the IgG level is too low. Your vet will also advise you to apply for an equine passport, which is mandatory for all horses in the EU. This requires the insertion of a microchip for unique identification. This must be done by law before the foal is 6 months old. However, the foal should be at least 4 weeks old for this.
At 6 months, your foal will be vaccinated against tetanus, influenza, and herpes for the first time. In addition, its teeth will be checked for the first time and the position of its limbs will be assessed. Your vet will also advise you on feeding, deworming, and weaning.
The second vaccination takes place at 7 months of age.
At 13 months, a third vaccination completes your yearling's basic immunization. The teeth and limb position are checked again. Your vet will advise you on further regular deworming.
The first booster vaccination takes place at 19 months of age. This includes a dental check-up and assessment of the current limb position, as well as advice on feeding and deworming.
From the age of 2, you should schedule a preventive care appointment with your veterinarian every six months. Preventive health care for horses consists of:
The blood test consists of a complete blood count and the most important organ values, so that diseases of the kidneys, liver, muscles, or metabolism, for example, can be detected and treated at an early stage.
From the age of 15 to 20, your horse is considered a senior and should continue to undergo a veterinary health check every six months. This consists of:
In addition to a complete blood count and the most important organ values for older horses, the senior blood test also includes the trace elements zinc and selenium, as well as an examination to assess the immune status.
Your veterinary practice can send you a vaccination schedule via petsXL. This means you will automatically receive notifications when it is time to make another appointment. The petsXL health passport clearly displays all your horse's weight data and medical information, such as allergies, pre-existing conditions, medications, and operations. The petsXL treatment file contains all laboratory findings, examination results, and X-ray images. This means that petsXL gives you a complete overview of your horse's health status at all times.
The Maine Coon is an impressive cat breed: large, muscular, and with a friendly, people-oriented nature. Its powerful build and thick coat make it a real showstopper and an ideal companion for people who have plenty of space and even more affection to offer.
FORL stands for feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions and is a very painful dental disease in cats. Almost every second cat is affected from the age of five. Even for veterinarians, FORL can only be detected with the naked eye in its final stages. X-rays of the teeth provide clarity.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by domestic ticks. It occurs mainly in dogs, but also in horses, cats, sheep, goats, cattle, and humans. The infection causes acute fever, sometimes high. If left undiagnosed and untreated, recurrent episodes of the disease occur, with lameness and neurological disorders.
Named after Swiss ophthalmologist Johann Friedrich Horner (1831–1886), Horner syndrome is not a separate disease, but rather a complex of various symptoms affecting the eyes of dogs and cats, all of which are caused by damage to the sympathetic nerve.
Fleas are small, blood-sucking parasites found worldwide. Their enormous jumping ability allows them to move quickly on and between their hosts. This can lead to veritable flea infestations. The most important measure is prevention.
Dirofilaria are long threadworms whose larvae are transmitted by various species of mosquitoes. Depending on the species, they colonize either the skin or the large blood vessels of the lungs, and in severe cases, the heart. This is why they are known as heartworms. Dirofilaria and the mosquitoes that transmit them are mainly found in the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, and North America. The disease is brought to Germany by travelers and through the importation of dogs from abroad. Due to the climate-related spread of mosquitoes to the north, it is becoming increasingly important.
Your dog not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your dog achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
Your cat not only looks good at its ideal weight, it is also healthier. Being overweight in particular promotes the development of many diseases. Your vet can provide professional support in helping your cat achieve and maintain its ideal weight.
The Ragdoll impresses with its relaxed, friendly nature and striking appearance. Its bright blue eyes, silky coat, and size are just some of the characteristics that make it one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. In addition to its distinctive appearance, this gentle and people-oriented cat also has a unique personality.
Lyme disease is a globally widespread infectious disease transmitted by ticks that can affect both humans and our pets, especially dogs but also horses. Even though the disease is very rare in horses, Lyme disease should always be considered in cases of long-standing lameness, neck pain, or coordination disorders with no clear cause.
It's good that our dogs need to go outside regularly! This gives us the opportunity to take a break from our everyday routine of work, household chores, and everything else, to get some fresh air, relax, and do something for our bodies. Your dog can also be your exercise partner! There are various sports that are suitable for this. Make sure that you adapt the activity and level of exertion to your dog's breed, age, and health. It is also important that you do not overtax your dog and adapt the training to the circumstances. For example, a jog in the summer can push him to his physical limits, but you may not even notice because he is faithfully following you. Unfortunately, this can also have fatal consequences for your four-legged friend. So always be mindful—towards yourself and your faithful companion.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Beagle is one of the top 10 most popular dog breeds worldwide. With its friendly nature and even temperament, it is suitable for many families. Its active nature, history as a hunting dog, and independence make it an exciting dog breed with special needs.
