Owning large animals, whether they are beloved horses, a herd of cattle, or a few hobby farm goats, is a rewarding lifestyle. However, it comes with a unique set of logistical challenges. Unlike a cat or dog, you can’t simply pop a horse or a bull in the back seat of the car when they need a check-up. The stress of loading, the cost of fuel, and the time required to transport large animals to a clinic can be a significant barrier to getting them the care they need.
We believe that high-quality veterinary care should be accessible to every animal, big or small. That is why we offer a dedicated Large Animal and At-Home Service for Bundaberg and the surrounding regions. We bring our expertise and equipment directly to your property, ensuring your livestock and horses receive professional care in the safety and comfort of their own environment. From routine horse dental work to emergency livestock assistance, we are your partners in rural animal health.
The Benefits of a Mobile Large Animal Vet
Our mobile service is designed to make your life easier and your animal’s life less stressful.
1. Reduced Stress for Your Animals
Transporting large animals can be a high-stress event. Loading a nervous horse onto a float or trying to muster cattle for travel can spike their adrenaline, which can sometimes mask symptoms or exacerbate injuries. By examining them in their familiar paddock or stable, we get a truer picture of their health and behaviour.
2. Convenience for You
Forget the hassle of hitching up the trailer or borrowing a float. We come to you, saving you valuable time and effort. This is particularly helpful for owners with multiple animals, as we can perform health checks, vaccinations, and dentals for the whole herd in a single visit.
3. On-Site Herd Health Assessment
Visiting your property allows our veterinarians to see the environment your animals live in. We can offer tailored advice on pasture management, nutrition, and biosecurity that is specific to your property’s setup.
Expert Horse Dental Services in Bundaberg
One of the most common reasons we visit properties is for equine dental care. Just like humans, horses need regular dental check-ups, but their needs are quite different.
Why Horses Need Dental Care
Horses’ teeth erupt (grow) continuously throughout their lives. In the wild, they would graze on rough, fibrous grasses for up to 18 hours a day, naturally wearing their teeth down evenly. However, domestic horses often eat softer feeds and hay. This can lead to uneven wear, resulting in sharp enamel points, hooks, and ridges that can cut their cheeks and tongue.
Our Equine Dental Process
We recommend an annual dental check for most horses. Our service includes:
- Sedation: To ensure the procedure is safe and stress-free for the horse and the handler.
- Examination: A thorough check of the entire mouth, including gums, tongue, and teeth.
- Floating: Using safe, motorised equipment to file down sharp points and balance the dental arcades.
- Wolf Tooth Removal: If these small, vestigial teeth are interfering with the bit.
Signs Your Horse Needs a Dentist
- Dropping food while eating (quidding).
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition.
- Fighting the bit or tossing their head while riding.
- Bad breath or nasal discharge.
- Undigested grain in their manure.
General Livestock and Farm Animal Care
We are proud to serve the diverse agricultural community of Bundaberg. Our large animal services extend beyond horses to cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, and pigs.
Cattle Health
Whether you have a commercial herd or a few house cows, we provide:
- Pregnancy Testing: Accurate diagnosis to help you manage your herd’s productivity.
- Calving Assistance: Emergency help for difficult births (dystocia).
- Sudden Illness: Diagnosis and treatment for “downer” cows, metabolic diseases, or infections.
- Castration and Dehorning: performed with pain relief and proper surgical technique.
Small Ruminants (Sheep, Goats, Alpacas)
Hobby farms are growing in popularity, and these smaller livestock have their own specific health requirements. We can assist with:
- Parasite Management: Advice on worming and drench resistance.
- Hoof Trimming: Corrective trimming for overgrown hooves.
- Vaccinations: Establishing protocols for diseases like Tetanus and Pulpy Kidney.
When Do You Need a Vet Visit?
While routine care like vaccinations and dentistry can be booked in advance, it is important to know when to call for sick animals. If your large animal is isolating themselves from the herd, is off their food, is lame, or is showing signs of distress (teeth grinding, kicking at belly), please contact us.
We are equipped to handle a wide range of medical and surgical procedures on-farm. However, for complex cases requiring hospitalisation, we can discuss the best transport options to our facility if needed.
