b"Vet continued from page 5with peers than does a veterinarian in a multi-personFACILITIES EXPECTATIONSpractice but has plenty of opportunities to consult throughEquine specialists may have their facilities for surgery andKeeping in mind that all veterinarians make errors at the telephone and the internet. treatments, or they may rely on the referral of complicatedsome time, your veterinarian should be willing to admit cases to local referral hospitals. Decide whether youwhen he or she is wrong and learn from the experience. Be On the other hand, using a multi-vet practice couldrequire a practice to have every piece of diagnostic andreasonable in your expectations. Not all health challenges give you access to more experience and knowledge thansurgical equipment and if you are willing to pay a higherend well, no matter how skilled the veterinarian.one vet might offer. There are also definitive advantagesprice for that.that come with larger vet clinics and the organizationalPlease remember that veterinarians are human, andFall intoresources they can provide, even if it means your horse isIn the case of an emergency, you will be glad that yourthey are dealing with a species that not only cant tell seen by whatever vet is on-staff that day. veterinarian is located closer to your animals. Virtually allus what is wrong but is also difficult and sometimes large animal veterinarians are mobile and come to yourdangerous to examine.AVAILABILITY animal for treatments or emergencies. You will generally No matter how talented a veterinarian is, if he or she is notbe charged a home visit fee for this service. ManyIf you have a good equine veterinarian, please treatavailable to you when you need them, they will not be ableveterinarians also offer an office location where you canhim or her well. Such veterinarians are not always easyto effectively help your horse. Ask about availability, both forhaul your animal for treatment without incurring a hometo find. Maintaining the optimum health and well-beingroutine and emergency appointments. You should discussvisit fee. In all cases, it is easier for both you and yourof our horses is a team effort, and knowledge of disease nighttime/weekend backup plans with your veterinarian, noveterinarian if your animals are located close to the homeand treatments is constantly evolving. Veterinarians, F matter the type of practice so that you can be prepared. base of your veterinarian. farriers, and horse owners must work together for the ORAGE In most cases, the mobile veterinarian will providegood of the horse. you with excellent service, reasonable prices, andIf you are not satisfied with your veterinarian, carefully individualized attention. Virtually all private practiceanalyze the situation to see if your reasons are valid. If mobile veterinarians have associates to handle theyour veterinarian refuses to give a particular treatment workload in these situations.because he or she feels the procedure is too risky, for example, do not feel the vet is not giving your horse THEIR FOCUS proper care. In some circumstances, you may wish to Some veterinarians specialize only in treating horses.pursue a second opinion. Your veterinarian should be Others have a more general large animal practice, treatingperfectly comfortable with your doing so, as well as willing cattle, small ruminants, and pigs, as well as horses. Still,to discuss and possibly pursue other diagnoses, diagnostic SAVE WITH STANDLEE You want to be comfortable talking aboutothers have a mixed practice where they treat almost allapproaches, and treatments. animal species. Determine if the veterinarian provides the services youAmerican Association of Equine your horse's care with the veterinarian youneed. A veterinarian that has expertise in lameness mayPractitioners at aaep.org can assist choose. Communication is the key to yournot offer dentistry or reproduction services. Maybe youyou in finding a veterinarian in your want someone who can provide holistic modalities sucharea with the expertise you need.horse receiving the treatment he needs.as acupuncture and chiropractic.BUY 3, SAVE $5.00 Visit standleeforage.com/coupons to download offerCoupon required at time of purchase. Offer valid September 1 to October 31.Proud sponsor of:ArizonaRealCountry.com September 2020 7"