Frequently Asked Questions
What are normal equine vitals?
Temperature = 99.5 – 101.5 Fahrenheit
Pulse = 36-42 beats per minute
Respiratory rate = 12 – 16 breaths per minute
Gums should be pink and moist with a capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds (to determine capillary refill time, press on gums and count how many seconds it takes to turn from pale white back to pink)
What are normal canine vitals?
Temperature = 99.5 – 102.5 Fahrenheit
Pulse = 60 – 180 beats per minute (Pulse may be higher in toy breed dogs)
Respiratory rate = 10 – 30 breaths per minute
Gums should be pink and moist with a capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds
What are normal feline vitals?
Temperature = 100.5 – 102.5 Fahrenheit
Pulse = 140 – 220 beats per minute
Respiratory rate = 24 – 42 breaths per minute
Gums should be pink and moist with a capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds
What are some examples of equine emergencies?
* Colic – horse not eating, laying down, rolling, biting at sides, pawing, and/or unable to keep horse up
* Severe bleeding
* Mare/Foal – mare having difficulty with delivery, foal not nursing and/or lethargic, labored breathing
* Choke – difficulty swallowing, nasal discharge
* Fever – temperature above 102.5
* Puncture and laceration wounds – horse should be seen within 8 hours for suturing and to determine joint involvement
* Eyes – any pain, colored drainage, and/or keeping the eye closed
* Stumbling/non-weight bearing – difficulty retaining balance, noticeable stumble or dragging of feet, holding limb up
* Retained placenta – greater than 3 hours post delivery
What vaccination schedule is recommended for pregnant mares?
Mare should be vaccinated for rhinopneumonitis (pneumabort) at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation. Approximately 30 days before delivery, the mare should be vaccinated for the following: WNV, rhino/flu, VEWT, rabies. Strangles vaccination is not recommended for pregnant mares. Other vaccinations may be indicated in special circumstances.
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for my kitten?
At 6 weeks: general exam, FeLV/FIV test, FVRCP, fecal exam, deworm
At 10 weeks: FVRCP, revolution, rabies, +/- FeLV vax
At 14 weeks: FVRCP +/- FeLV, revolution
If starting at 8 weeks: visits should be at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks
After 16 weeks of age, cat must be revaccinated at 1 year, then every 3 years after that.
What is the recommended vaccination schedule for my puppy?
At 8 weeks: general exam, DHPP, fecal exam, deworm, flea control, heartworm control
At 12 weeks: DHLPP, rabies, heartworm control, flea control
At 16 weeks: DHLPP. Heartworm control, flea control
After 16 weeks, dog must be revaccinated at 1 year, then every 1-3 years after that.
Dr. Matthyssen recommends spaying/neutering your pet at 4-6 months of age.
Tail docking and dewclaw removal must be done at 2 DAYS of age
What is Southwest Hills Veterinary Hospital’s payment policy?
Payment is due when services are rendered. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. If you are unable to make payment in full, we offer a 3 month payment plan through Care Credit. Please call our office for details.
How do I get in touch with the vet if I have an after-hours equine emergency?
If you have an after-hours equine emergency, please call our answering service, Medlink, at (512) 323-5465. You will reach an operator who will take your name and telephone number and contact the veterinarian on duty. Your call will be returned in a timely manner. Please continue to be available by phone so that the veterinarian can speak with you directly.