Swiftsure Equine Veterinary Services

08/25/2026

Dear Swiftsure Clients,

Last week, there was a positive case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA or ‘Coggins’) in the Cowichan Valley. The horse has been isolated on its private property since its arrival in BC last winter from Alberta. It has not travelled to any horse shows, clinics or boarding facilities. The CFIA is employing strict biosecurity protocols, testing other horses on the private property, and placing the property under strict quarantine until they can assure there is no further risk of disease spread.
The risk of transmission from the infected horse to other horses on the lower island or surrounding areas is extremely low. The infected horse will be humanely euthanized. Our heartfelt condolences to the family losing their beloved horse.

EIA is a blood-borne disease spread by biting insects. There is no vaccination against the virus. Testing horses arriving from Alberta or Saskatchewan, where the disease is prevalent, is recommended. Please contact the office if you have any questions or would like to book a Coggins test.

07/28/2026

Hi All
Our office will be closed Monday August 3rd for BC Day!
As always, there is a Veterinarian on call for any emergencies!

Have a great August long weekend. Don't forget the sunscreen!

06/25/2026

Swiftsure will be closed Wednesday July 1st for Canada day

As always, a veterinarian will be on call for emergency services that day

03/31/2026

03/26/2026

Springs News from Swiftsure!
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dianne Meney as our new full-time veterinarian! Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting her, but for those who haven’t, she’s a fellow horse owner, full of energy, and incredibly excited to get to know our community and your four-legged friends. She was born in Canada and raised in Australia, where she grew up with a strong love for animals.

She loves connecting with horses and their people, and has already become part of the SEVS family.

Dr. Reina Fennell is following her passion for adventure. She’s off on an amazing journey overseas, starting in Australia, but plans to do more traveling and exploring new places. We’re so grateful for all the care she gave our horses and clients over the years, and we wish her success in her new challenges and opportunities.

Hopefully everyone will get an opportunity to meet Dr Dianne Meney and share in our excitement for this next chapter at Swiftsure Equine!
Thank you all for your continued support

03/04/2026

Just in time for horse show preparation!
Boehringer has generously provided a spring rebate for horse owners purchasing Gastrogard. If you purchase the tubes within the timeframe, submit your proof of purchase through the portal below for your rebate!

https://www.promo-trak.com/Requirements.aspx?offer=621K6&cn=Equine

12/15/2025

Great tips leading into a cold snap!

As the cold winter weather trudges on, here are some important tips and reminders to keep your equine companions safe during extreme weather. ❄️

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source, just more frequently.

2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being in a stall, now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure they have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well-fitting blankets are great but be sure that horses do not get sweaty under them, or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold and covered is worse than dry, cold and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!!!) to double check.

7. Entice your horses to consume extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water.

8. The tips of your horses' ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting on a WATERPROOF ear bonnet or other WATERPROOF ear covering can protect them from wind chills.

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your horses safe this winter, contact your veterinarian for advice.

12/15/2025

We want to wish all our clients a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
Please view our limited office hours over the next few weeks and get your prescriptions in this week before the shortened days start!

Have a great holiday season everyone!