Equine practitioners are veterinarians who specialize in the care of horses, donkeys, and kiangs, among other equids. Horses, donkeys, and mules are the most common equine patients. Those who work with zebras and their wild relatives work in zoos, wildlife parks, and conservation centers, and are usually wildlife veterinarians who have chosen to specialize in equids rather than large animal veterinarians who work with horses in particular.
Depending on the area in which an equine practitioner practices, the work of an equine practitioner can be quite varied. Working horses, race horses, pleasure horses, and competition horses can all be cared for by practitioners. Routine examinations to ensure that horses are healthy, visits to diagnose and treat sick horses, care for pregnant horses, and surgery on horses in need of surgery are all examples of horse care.
When possible, many equine practitioners travel to their patients. They usually have vehicles with some basic tools of the trade, and some may also have mobile X-ray machines, ultrasound units, and other diagnostic equipment. Vaccinations, dewormings, floating teeth, trimming hooves, and other routine equine care can all be done while on the road. Horses are usually brought in for surgery so that the practitioner has a sterile operating room with equipment like a lift.
Some equine veterinarians choose to focus on specific aspects of equine care. An equine reproductive specialist, for example, is responsible for caring for pregnant horses, supervising matings, and assisting owners in determining why their horses are having trouble getting pregnant. In areas where horses are bred for specialized tasks such as racing or competition, reproductive specialists are frequently employed. Equine specialists can also specialize in the care of a specific breed of horse, such as sport or draft horses.
Farriers, who specialize in horseshoeing, are frequently entrusted with hoof care. An equine specialist may collaborate with a farrier to develop a treatment plan for a horse with special needs or a hoof infection. For many horses, hoof and lower leg care is essential, but it can be difficult at times.
Because they don’t want to traumatize their clients, equine practitioners who work with wild equids like zebras take a more hands-off approach with them. They assist in the management of the herds they work with and perform routine examinations, vaccinations, and other duties. When animals become ill, the equine specialist determines the cause and administers the necessary treatment.