Racetrack Veterinary Services

25/04/2025

On ANZAC Day, it’s a good time to look back on the contribution of horses in World War I.

During the First World War, the Army relied on its horses to perform a wide range of jobs. The requisition, transportation and care of these animals was therefore of huge importance.

22/04/2025

21/04/2025

Why we love Ice-Vibe Boots: Backed by science, trusted by veterinarians, and loved by horse owners everywhere.

Purchase your Ice-Vibe boots today through our website:

https://racetrackvetservices.com/collections/ice-vibe-range

Or give our office a call on 03 5975 6586 to discuss the benefits of the Ice-Vibe range of products, we are here to help!

19/04/2025

Racetrack Veterinary Services would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

We would like to take the time to sincerely thank all our clients and their families for their on going support, we look forward to what the rest of the year has in store!

Happy Easter!

18/04/2025

Strapper prizes and sunshine today at the Mornington Racecourse! ☀️

Racetrack Veterinary Services are continuing to provide Strapper Prizes for the best presented horse and strapper of each race during todays Mornington Cup at our local Racecourse Mornington.

A $100.00 prize will be awarded the best presented strapper and horse of Race 9, the Sportsbet Mornington Cup and $50.00 prizes will be awarded to the best presented strapper and horse for the remaining races.

If you know someone who is strapping at the Mornington Cup TAG them to make sure they know!⁠

This is our way of saying THANK YOU for all the hard work our Strappers put into each horse, day in and day out.

Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

17/04/2025

The perfect way to start the long weekend!

Beach rides, a sunrise and a rainbow for Giga Kick and trainer Clayton Douglas.

17/04/2025

There’s no sound more thrilling than the thunder of horses hooves as they round the bend and charge down the home stretch!

16/04/2025

Racehorse recovery involves strategies to help horses return to optimal performance after racing or intense training.

This includes active recovery like trotting or walking, cooling techniques such as a bath, adequate diet, hydration, electrolyte replacement, and potentially therapeutic treatments like acupuncture or massage just to name a few.

The specific recovery methods and duration depend on the intensity and length of the exercise, as well as the individual horse's fitness and needs.

10/04/2025

When do I call the vet?

Your horse's health is our top priority! Knowing when to call us can make all the difference. Here are some signs that it’s time to give us a call:
- Colic symptoms (rolling, pawing, looking at their side).
- Severe lameness or inability to bear weight.
- Profuse bleeding or deep wounds.
- Sudden swelling or deformity.
- Persistent coughing or nasal discharge.
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
- Skin problems like hives, hair loss, or wounds not healing.
- Behavioural changes or reduced performance.
Change in vital signs (spike in temperature, elevated pulse and/or respiratory rate ect..)

Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to call. We’re here to help keep your horse happy and healthy!

Need a vet? Reach out anytime—we’re just a phone call away!
03 5975 6586, available 7 days a week, 24/7.

04/04/2025

Clipping Horses Over the Winter Months

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, you might consider clipping your horses to help manage their coats. Whether you compete during the colder months, have a horse that sweats excessively during work, or simply want to make grooming easier, clipping can be beneficial. With the arrival of daylight savings and shorter days, clipping can also help streamline your routine by reducing drying time and grooming needs when daylight is limited.

Post-Clipping care is very important, here are our top tips:

Check for Skin Irritation – Keep an eye out for clipper rash or sensitivity.

Groom Regularly – Clipped coats can get dry or flaky, so regular grooming and moisturizing sprays or oils are essential.

Monitor Temperature – Adjust rugs and shelter as needed to ensure your horse stays warm but not overheated. Remember, just because you're cold doesn't mean your horse is!

It's important to note, some horses can be sensitive to being clipped, make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions when clipping your horses!

31/03/2025

Competing at Boneo Park and don’t want to sit in the holiday traffic on Peninsula Link?

Back by popular demand this Easter long weekend…

Horse flights from Mornington to Boneo - 3 times a day.

Just call our office and quote APRILFOOLS to book one of the limited spots.

Terms & Conditions: Must be booked by 12 noon on 01/04/25 otherwise April Fools will have come and gone.

21/03/2025

Leaping into the weekend!

It's incredible to consider the sheer power and strength a racehorse needs to explode out of the gate - true athletes!

19/03/2025

We have mentioned many times before that your horse's heart rate should sit between 28 - 44 beats per minute. But how do you measure their heart rate?

To take your horse’s heart rate using a stethoscope, place the buds in your ears so they point forward, slide the head forward underneath your horse’s elbow on the left side until you hear the heartbeat. When you listen you will hear a “lub” and then a “dub” sound followed by a pause. The “lub” and the “dub” together count as one beat. Listen for 15 seconds, count the beats and multiply the number by four.

Or alternatively feel their pulse on the facial artery or digital artery. These two arteries are easy to find for most people. The facial artery runs along the outside of the bottom of his jawbone. The digital artery runs on the outside of their leg at the level of his fetlock. Press down gently over the artery to feel the pulse.

19/03/2025

Colic

It can be difficult to provide a definitive list of dos and don’ts when dealing with colic, as every horse presents symptoms differently. Their bodies respond in unique ways, and the severity of colic can vary.

With the recent increase in warm days and limited forage available in paddocks, there has been a noticeable rise in colic cases. To help reduce the risk, ensure your horse has constant access to clean drinking water and consider increasing their electrolyte intake. This may include adding more salt to their feed, which can encourage drinking. Additionally, avoid riding during the hottest part of the day and maintain a consistent feeding routine.

While waiting for the vet, closely monitor your horse’s vital signs and overall condition. This information will be valuable in assisting the veterinarian upon arrival, allowing them to assess and treat your horse more efficiently.

Do you know the normal ranges for your horse's vital signs?

Your horse's vital signs should sit between the following ranges:
Temperature: 37.0 - 38.5 degrees
Heart Rate/Pulse: 28 - 44 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate: 10 - 24 breaths per minute
Mucous Membranes: Moist and Pale Pink
Capillary Refill Time: Less than 2 seconds
Hydration: Skin pinched in the neck should snap back in less than one second, a prolonged skin tent can indicate dehydration.
Appetite: A sudden reduction in appetite usually indicates ill health.

It is important to note temperature, pulse and respiration can be affected by exercise, excitement, size, age and environmental factors.

Should you require a veterinarian, we can be contacted 03 5975 6586

13/03/2025

The importance of conditioning your horse.

Conditioning your horse may refer to conditioning them to a competition or race day environment, allowing them to experience different noises, a different routine and a different environment is important to improving their performance.
How would you feel if you were taken out of an environment and a routine you know all too well, then asked to perform at your best?

A horse's level of fitness will play a vital role in your overall result on competition or race day. Ensuing your horse is fit for the task that is put in front of them is just a small aspect to ensuring success.

Additionally, their muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones should also be conditioned to the varying environments of a competition or raceday.
It is important to incorporate a well rounded routine which enables your horse to gain fitness, exposure and strengthen their muscles, tendons ligaments and bones so therefore, they are likely to be fit, healthy and strong.

We all know it is no secret that the surface your horse is working on, on a day to day basis will not be the same as when you're competing. We also know that the routine your horse will have off property may affect their performance should they not be conditioned to this environment.

Experience, patience and time will be your best friend.

This is your reminder to get your horse out of their usual routine, exercise them in a paddock, take them on a trail ride and expose them to the flapping flags hanging off your neighbours fence.

10/03/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Racetrack Veterinary Services has been named as a finalist in the Veterinary category of the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards! 🏆

This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the trust you’ve placed in us to care for your horses. Thank you to our amazing clients and equine community for your unwavering support. We couldn’t have done it without you!

06/03/2025

Grooming is a fundamental aspect of horse care that goes beyond just making your horse look good. Here’s why grooming is so important:

Skin Health: Regular grooming helps remove dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells. This reduces the risk of skin conditions like rain rot or dermatitis by keeping the coat clean and allowing the skin to breathe.

Parasite Detection: Grooming provides an opportunity to check for signs of parasites, such as lice or ticks. Early detection can prevent more serious infestations and health issues.

Improves Circulation: Brushing stimulates blood flow to the skin and underlying muscles. This can enhance overall circulation and contribute to muscle health.

Muscle Relaxation: Grooming, especially with a good curry comb, can help relax muscles and relieve tension, making it an excellent complement to your horse's exercise routine.

Strengthens Bond: Regular grooming sessions help build and reinforce the bond between you and your horse. It’s a time for positive interaction, which can improve your horse’s trust and cooperation.

Identify potential health issues: During grooming, you can spot potential health issues such as lumps, swelling, cuts, or unusual heat. Early detection of these problems can lead to quicker intervention and treatment.

Shiny Coat: Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, giving it a healthy shine and improving its overall appearance.

Grooming is not just a cosmetic practice; it’s a critical aspect of maintaining your horse’s health, comfort, and well-being. It fosters a positive relationship between you and your horse while ensuring they remain in top condition.

02/03/2025

We are delighted for Mandy and all the team Motree Thoroughbreds 🥂