What To Expect At A Horse Health Check Up

At Vaquero Equine Hospital in Waco, Texas, we believe in proactive care that keeps your horse healthy, sound, and thriving year-round. Whether you’re a first-time owner or manage a working ranch or competition stable, understanding what happens during a routine horse health checkup can help you stay informed and confident in your animal’s care. Regular wellness exams are essential to catching early signs of illness, maintaining peak performance, and extending your horse’s quality of life.

Arrival and Initial Observations

Your horse’s visit begins the moment you arrive. Our trained staff observes your horse’s posture, attitude, movement, and overall demeanor before a single instrument is used. Horses often show subtle signs of discomfort through body language, and this first impression gives us early clues to investigate further. We’ll ask about any recent changes in behavior, eating habits, activity level, or medical history to help guide the evaluation.

Vital Signs and Physical Exam

Next, your veterinarian will take vital signs—temperature, pulse, and respiration—and perform a comprehensive physical exam. This includes listening to the heart, lungs, and gut sounds, checking for abnormalities in the eyes, ears, teeth, and hooves, and evaluating the condition of your horse’s coat and body. We’ll assess hydration levels and check lymph nodes and skin for any signs of irritation, swelling, or injury. This head-to-hoof assessment helps identify underlying health issues, even when symptoms aren’t obvious.

Dental Evaluation

Dental care is a crucial part of your horse’s health. During the checkup, we’ll examine your horse’s mouth for sharp points, uneven wear, or infections. Most horses need their teeth floated once or twice a year to ensure proper chewing and digestion. Dental issues can lead to weight loss, behavioral problems, or colic, so a thorough oral exam is always part of the visit.

Vaccinations and Deworming

Based on your horse’s age, lifestyle, location, and use, we’ll recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule. Core vaccines often include protection against West Nile virus, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, tetanus, and rabies. Performance or traveling horses may require additional vaccines. We’ll also assess your horse’s parasite control program and recommend deworming strategies tailored to current fecal egg counts and seasonal risks.

Hoof and Lameness Assessment

Healthy hooves are essential for any horse’s comfort and mobility. We’ll check the condition of the hooves and discuss your farrier routine. If lameness is suspected, we may conduct flexion tests, gait analysis, or imaging diagnostics such as radiographs to identify issues early. Catching joint inflammation, tendon problems, or hoof imbalances early can help prevent long-term complications.

Nutrition and Weight Monitoring

Your horse’s diet plays a major role in their health, energy, and performance. We’ll evaluate body condition score (BCS), muscle tone, and fat distribution, and then discuss your current feeding plan. Whether your horse needs to gain, lose, or maintain weight, we can make science-based recommendations for forage, grains, supplements, and hydration that meet their specific needs and activity level.

Optional Diagnostic Testing

For senior horses or those with chronic conditions, your vet may recommend additional diagnostics like blood work, Coggins testing, or metabolic screenings. These tests help us identify issues like anemia, infections, or organ dysfunction before symptoms develop. If your horse travels frequently or is being sold, certain tests may be required for compliance with state or federal regulations.

Customized Health Plan

Before wrapping up, your veterinarian will review the findings, answer your questions, and provide a written health plan. This includes any medication, follow-up treatments, dental or farrier appointments, and reminders for future vaccinations or deworming. Our goal is to work with you to keep your horse on a consistent wellness routine that supports their lifestyle—whether it’s trail riding, ranch work, or competition.

Conclusion

A regular checkup is one of the best ways to safeguard your horse’s long-term health. At Vaquero Equine Hospital in Waco, Texas, we combine expert care, detailed assessments, and personalized service to ensure your horse receives the attention they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your horse’s wellness exam and experience the difference of compassionate, professional equine care.