Trusted Care Backed by 60+ Years of Experience
Large Animals We Treat in Shawnee
- Horses
- Cows
- Pigs
- Sheep
- Goats
- Llamas
- Alpacas
- And more!
* Please call to see if we can treat your large animal if not listed above.
A Stress-Free Arrival: Unloading Area and Barn Facility
First impressions matter, even for livestock and large animal pets. We have an unloading area designed with the animals’ comfort in mind, ensuring we reduce stress and prevent injuries upon arrival.
We also have a dedicated barn facility for the examination and treatment of livestock and large animal pets. Our specific setup ensures optimal care and comfort for your animals during their visit.
Efficient Handling: Our Hydraulic Chute
When it comes to handling and treating large animals, efficiency and safety are paramount. We have a hydraulic chute to provide a secure and humane way to work with your livestock during routine checks and medical procedures. It also minimizes stress for both the animals and handlers, ensuring that vaccinations, deworming, and other treatments can be administered with precision and care.
Livestock and Large Animal Wellness Exams in Shawnee
At our Shawnee, OK animal hospital, we understand the importance of regular wellness exams for all animals under our care, including livestock and large animal pets. These wellness exams are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your animals, as they allow our veterinarians to assess their overall condition, detect any potential health issues early on, and provide appropriate preventive care measures.
Large Animal Pets
Large animals, such as sheep, llamas, alpacas, and pigs, require routine wellness exams to ensure they are in good health and free from any underlying health concerns. During these exams, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough physical examination, checking for signs of illness or injury, assessing their body condition, and evaluating their overall health status. They will also discuss your animals’ nutrition, housing, and management practices to ensure they are receiving adequate care and support.
Horses
Horses, being large animals with unique health considerations, also benefit from regular wellness exams. These exams allow our veterinarians to assess your horse’s overall health and address any specific concerns or issues they may be experiencing.
During a horse wellness exam, our veterinarians will evaluate your horse’s conformation, dental health, hoof condition, musculoskeletal system, and overall body condition. They will also discuss your horse’s diet, exercise regimen, hoof care, and management practices to ensure they are receiving optimal care.
Vaccinations for Large Animal Pets and Livestock in Shawnee
We provide comprehensive vaccination services for livestock and large animal pets. Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive care, helping to protect animals from a range of infectious diseases. Our veterinarians tailor vaccination protocols to meet the specific needs and risks of each individual animal, ensuring they receive the most appropriate and effective protection.
For large animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and pigs, vaccinations play a crucial role in maintaining herd health and preventing disease outbreaks. Horses, with their unique health considerations, require specific vaccinations to protect against common equine diseases.
During vaccination appointments, our veterinarians will discuss your animals’ vaccination history, lifestyle, and risk factors to determine the most suitable vaccination plan.
Parasites and Deworming for Livestock and Large Animal Pets in Shawnee
We offer comprehensive parasite testing and deworming services for livestock, horses, and large animal pets. Parasite infestations can pose serious health risks to animals, affecting their overall well-being and productivity. Our veterinarians conduct thorough parasite testing to identify any underlying parasite infections and develop tailored deworming protocols to effectively treat and prevent parasite infestations. They can also implement a strategic deworming schedule, based on the types of parasites present in your area and the life cycle of your animals, to help maintain your herd’s health and productivity. By prioritizing parasite control, we help ensure the health and vitality of your animals, promoting their longevity and performance.
Diagnostics for Livestock and Large Animal Pets
In addition to conducting thorough physical examinations, our veterinarians may recommend additional diagnostic tests or procedures to further evaluate your animals’ health. These may include blood tests, fecal examinations, imaging studies (such as x-rays or ultrasounds), and other specialized tests as needed. These diagnostic tests help our veterinarians identify any underlying health issues or conditions that may not be apparent during a physical examination alone.
Based on the findings of the wellness exam and any diagnostic tests performed, our veterinarians will work with you to develop a customized wellness plan tailored to your animals’ specific needs and requirements. Our goal is to help you keep your animals healthy and happy, ensuring they lead long and fulfilling lives.
Additional Large Animal Services in Shawnee
- Coggins testing – results typically within 24-48 hours Health Papers for travel within state, out-of-state, and even international
- De-horning – Reduces the risk of injury and makes handling easier and safer. It also prevents potential damage to facilities and equipment.
- Castration – This procedure, which involves the removal or inactivation of the testes, is carried out for various reasons, including behavior management, quality control, and population control.
- Veterinary house calls
- Herd health consultations
- Shockwave therapy
- Breed and reproductive care
- Emergency services
Equine Dentals in Shawnee
Dental health is crucial for equine wellness, impacting feeding, performance, and longevity. Modern horse diets, with increased grain consumption, can lead to sharp tooth points. Regular dental care prevents discomfort and ensures optimal oral health for your horse’s well-being and performance.
Other Common Equine Dental Problems Can Include
- Discomfort or pain caused by the bit
- Overly long, or overly worn teeth
- Tooth loss or pain
- Misalignment of the teeth
- Infection
- Irregularities of the teeth
Pain caused by dental issues can have a domino effect, leading to behavioral issues, mouth ulcers, erratic head movement when the bit is in the mouth, and more.
Signs of Dental Problems in Horses
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of dental problems in horses can help you catch issues early and seek professional help.
Changes in Eating Habits
One of the first signs of dental issues is a change in eating habits. If your horse is dropping food from their mouth, eating slowly, or showing reluctance to eat, they may be experiencing dental discomfort.
Weight Loss or Poor Body Condition
Dental problems can lead to weight loss or a decline in body condition. If your horse is not able to chew their food properly, they might not be getting the necessary nutrients, which can impact their overall health.
Bad Breath or Nasal Discharge
Bad breath or a foul odor from the mouth can indicate an infection or tooth decay. Nasal discharge, particularly if it’s only from one nostril, can also be a sign of a dental issue.
Behavioral Changes
A horse with dental problems may show changes in behavior due to pain or discomfort. This can include head tossing, bit avoidance, or resistance to bridling.
Swelling or Asymmetry of the Face
Swelling or any asymmetry in the face or jaw area can be a sign of a dental problem such as an abscessed tooth or other infection.
Excessive Drooling
While some drooling can be normal, especially when horses are eating fresh grass, excessive salivation can be a sign of dental issues.
Quidding
Quidding is when a horse forms chewed food into balls and then drops them. This is a clear sign that the horse is having difficulty chewing.
Undigested Food in Manure
Finding whole grains or pieces of hay in a horse’s manure can indicate that the horse is not grinding their food adequately due to dental problems.
We recommend annual dental exams for horses to treat or prevent these dental conditions. It is important to pay special attention to the teeth between the ages of 2-5, when horses’ teeth are undergoing the greatest changes.
What Is Involved in Horse Dental Cleaning?
We’re proud to host a certified equine dentist weekly at our hospital. Offering professional equine dental cleaning, often referred to as power floats, we ensure optimal oral health for your horse’s teeth. Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Initial Examination – Before any dental work begins, your horse will undergo an initial examination. Our equine dentist will check your horse’s head and neck for any signs of pain or discomfort. They will also examine your horse’s bite and look for any abnormalities or signs of dental issues.
- Sedation – To ensure the safety of both the horse and our equine dentist, sedation is used during dental procedures. This helps to relax your horse and prevent any sudden movements that could lead to injury.
- The Use of a Speculum – Once your horse is sedated, a full-mouth speculum is placed to safely hold your horse’s mouth open during the procedure. This allows our equine dentist to have a clear view and access to all teeth.
- Removal of Sharp Points and Hooks – The primary focus of horse dental cleaning is to file down any sharp points or hooks that have developed on your horse’s teeth. These can cause discomfort and even lead to cuts in your horse’s mouth. Using unique tools, our equine dentist will carefully float (file down) the teeth to create a smooth, even surface.
- Balancing the Mouth – In addition to addressing sharp edges, our equine dentist will also work to balance your horse’s mouth. This involves ensuring that the upper and lower teeth align properly and that your horse can chew efficiently without any obstruction.
- Checking for Other Dental Issues – While floating the teeth, our equine dentist will also check for other potential dental problems, such as loose teeth, cavities, or signs of infection. If any issues are detected, they can be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.
- Post-Procedural Care – After the procedure, your horse might require some recovery time from the sedation. Our equine dentist will provide instructions for post-procedural care, which may include a soft diet for a few days and monitoring for any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior.
Equine Farrier in Shawnee
Our farrier services cater to the Shawnee community, offering top-notch hoof-trimming and shoeing for horses.
Our skilled farrier blends the expertise of a blacksmith with the veterinary understanding of anatomy to ensure optimal hoof health. Recognizing that their role extends beyond mere shoeing, they meticulously trim hooves to maintain proper proportions. Given that hooves are dynamic structures, constant attention and precision are essential to safeguard the horse’s well-being.
In addition to conventional horseshoes, they are adept at applying contemporary solutions like glue-on horseshoes, keeping pace with modern advancements in equine care.
Find a Large Animal Vet Near Shawnee, OK
Locating a large animal vet nearby in Shawnee couldn’t be simpler. Just call 405-275-0990, and we’ll schedule your appointment! Whether you’re a new or existing client, we welcome all to our Shawnee Animal Hospital.
