Question

[MiniaturePrincess429]

This goes out to all of you Mini people, but especially the breeders.

If you had the Option of using an Equine Theriogenologist (Veterinary Equine Reporuction Specialist, a/k/a a horse vet who obviously specializes in Repro, but does other things too), and a Regular Equine Vet, so long as they were "educated" in the "Small Equine" world, would you? Or would you only go to them during breeding season?

Just wondering, because this is what I want to do, along with breed my own Mini's and Shetlands, and I wanted to know how many people would "use" some one like this.

Thanks

ETA: that the major difference between the two is that The ET has extra training in Reprodctive areas, and has taken a test to become Certified.

 

[Joanne]

I would be thrilled to have an equine reproduction specialist available.

Unfortunatly the closest to me is about 5 hours away!

Personally I think it is worthwhile cultivating several veterinarian relationships. You never know when one will be out of town when you need them and it is easier if you have established a relationship with the one in town.

 

[wildoak]

I don't know whether my vet is certified as a repro specialist, but she certainly is one. She's a great vet in general, but repro is her "thing" - she was excited the other day at the prospect of breeding season getting underway. She also has another full time vet in the firm now, and a visiting surgeon who comes in every couple of weeks. All in all, a great team and yes - they do it all for my horses.

Jan

 

[Karin - NaKar Miniatures]

I am very very fortunate to be close to the LSU Veterinary School here where I live. They are only 25 minutes away. Many of the "regular" equine vets around here do very little repro. work. I do my own flushing and A.I. ing so the only time I really depend on a repro. vet is when I encounter a mare that is having a bad dystosia. If I can't get the baby out, then I am off to LSU.

It is important to me to save the mare and make sure she will still be a viable breedable mare after removal of the foal. So far every mare that I have had to take to LSU has never had any damage. The repro vets there are amazing!

I had one little mare that they couldn't get the baby out. They prepared her for a c-section. While she was on the table the vet tried one more time, low and behold, he got the baby out. The mare didn't have to have the c-section. He thinks that when they lifted her onto the table that the baby shifted. I was so glad! I was dreading the billl I would have had with a c-section. But I would have gladly had it done to save the mare.

 

[MiniaturePrincess429]

actually LSU (although I am far away from being ready to get in to vet school, as im only a senior in HS) is one of my top Vet School Choices, because they have a very good repro program.

I also want to breed my own horses (minis, and Classic Shetlands), and breeding is something that has always facsinated me as it's not an exact science, and it's kinda like christmas everytime a foal is born, whether it's yours or not. PLus I want to work with owners to try and produce more QUAILTY horses, and less QUANTITY horses.

As is, I am beginning a research project that will ast a life time, but since i don't have my own horses, I'm trying to learn everything that I can about breeding, and Miniature lines, and such.