The Rivers Equine Vets

04/10/2026

Sand!
This horse had presented with intermittent colic signs and when Katherine listened to its stomach sounds it sounded just like waves washing on the shore…🤔 The presence of sand was confirmed with abdominal radiographs. This is something that is very commonly seen in WA due to the soil type over there, not so common here in the Northern Rivers but never say never! This horse was treated with serial nasogastric drenches containing psyllium, paraffin oil and Epsom salts. She is now on a diet tailored to help clear the remaining sand and has so far remained colic free 🤞

03/10/2026

Can anyone guess what we are looking at in this radiograph? … Answer to come tomorrow … no cheating with AI 😆

24/09/2026

22/09/2026

Here are some pics from our last gastroscope day 🔍

Pic 1: Bot fly larvae that have taken up residence on the margo plicartus (junction of the glandular and squamous regions of the stomach).

Pic 2: This poor horse has a pyloric ulcer. Luckily he had a very dedicated owner and is receiving gold standard treatment 👏

Pic 3: Grade 2 Squamous ulcers on the greater curvature of the stomach. These are the most common type of ulcer we see and are generally simple to treat.

14/09/2026

Spotlight Corner! Eyes are Emergencies

Buddy was the best boy tolerating his medications and is lucky to have such a dedicated and patient owner 🌸

Left Image - fresh Stromal Abscess that developed within the last 24hrs. Note the downturned eyelashes, eye discharge and clouding of the eye surface, these are really painful and without prompt treatment can lead to complete loss of vision. Some of these cases will require surgery, luckily Buddy did not.

Middle Image - a few weeks into treatment with topical and systemic medications. The red haze is from blood vessels that have migrated across the corneal surface to help heal the area. Buddy is feeling more comfortable.

Right Image - 6 weeks into treatment. Corneal scarring left from the abscess that will slowly contract over time. Buddy will likely always have a small scar on his eye but it should reduce in size with time.

10/09/2026

Can you guess which one of our vets has done further study in chiropractic and is certified with the International Veterinary Chiropractic Society? 🧐

08/09/2026

How to safely administer oral medications - including wormers - to difficult horses!

Dr Gemma Pearson is a world renowned specialist in Equine behaviour. Based in the UK, she works primarily with The University of Edinburgh. Dr Gemma has a holistic approach to reducing horse stress during veterinary treatment. She prioritises a positive and safe experience for horse, handler, and veterinarian.

We recommend watching the 'Don't Break Your Vet' informational series for horse owners on Youtube. Here, she discusses various common problems, including overcoming needle phobia, head shyness, and disdain for clippers!

In the video linked below, Dr Gemma explains the process of shaping; she describes shaping as all the little steps required to reach the desired outcome. For example, starting with a syringe full of molasses, and applying pressure to the cheek. Each time the horse brings their head down and relaxes, pressure from the syringe is removed. With each repetition, the syringe slowly moves closer towards the lip commissure, until the horse comfortably accepts the syringe inside the mouth.

We encourage all owners to please advise us if your horse can be difficult to medicate - this allows us to plan and put steps in place to keep everyone safe and minimise stress for your horse.

Equine vets have one of the highest injury risks of all civilian pr...

16/08/2026

Did you know we offer reproductive services?

- Mare scans (leading up to breeding and post breeding)
- Twin reduction
- Chilled AI
- Foaling assistance

If any of these services interest you please get in touch, we also have foaling kits and information sheets available so you can be prepared for the big event.

Pictured: A healthy early pregnancy

11/08/2026

In case you haven’t heard our Gastroscope Days are coming up!
Not long left now to book a spot for your favourite family member 😉

10/08/2026

Spotlight Corner! It’s Not All Bad News!
*photo warning.
Two-year-old Standardbred Sauv Blanc Frost recently had an unfortunate encounter with the road, resulting in a significant wound.

Dr Katrina was quickly on scene and spent over an hour carefully cleaning and debriding the wound, meticulously removing gravel, sand and debris before it could finally be sutured closed.

A great example of how prompt treatment, thorough wound management and a little patience can make all the difference. We’re looking forward to following Sauv Blanc Frost’s racing career with two starts under her belt post recovery and racing today in the Sires heats at Albion park! Good Luck! 💙