Your horse's health and wellbeing are important to you, and Dr. Dan Kirby, an experienced equine veterinarian, will make every effort to give your animal optimal care. Dr. Kirby and the staff operate a first-rate, full-service equine hospital that provides routine medical care, including vaccinations and medication prescriptions. Dr. Kirby also provides dental and surgical care as well as emergency services.
The compassionate equine veterinarian can also guide you in every aspect of your horse’s maintenance regimen, including day-to-day care, nutritional requirements and any specific needs.
Common Conditions That Dr. Kirby Treats
Horses are like any other animal, in that they are prone to certain diseases and illnesses. When it comes to equines, there are a number of conditions that can occur, including the following.
- Tetanus (lockjaw): a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system and starts after bacteria enter the body through a wound. Early signs of infection result in stiffness and colic, but, over time, the jaw, hind legs, neck and muscles spasm.
- Equine influenza: This flu causes the horse to exhibit dry coughs, despondency, fever and increased mucus production.
- Colic: abdominal pain
- West Nile virus: When a mosquito carrying the virus bites and passes the infection onto the horse, inflammation of the brain and its lining, as well as swelling of the spinal cord, can occur.
- Lameness: Often affecting the hooves, this condition can cause limping, pain and difficulty standing or moving.
- Equine herpes virus: a type of cold, sometimes called “snots,” that causes white discharge to come from the nose
- Strangles: a type of bacterial infection that causes the glands adjacent to the throat to enlarge and ultimately rupture
Dr. Dan Kirby, a licensed veterinarian in San Antonio, is familiar with these and other diseases and is trained to, not only treat them, but also to give you the tools and tips you need to prevent them from reoccurring.
Some of the signs of these illnesses are faint, so it's important to report any changes in your pet’s habits or behaviors, as Dr. Kirby will rely on these details to help diagnose and treat your horse, whether the veterinarian is treating your horse to promote general wellness care or address a serious condition.