Epona Equine Veterinary Services Ltd

01/09/2026

We're about to head into foaling season this spring and these are some great tips for anyone who will be welcoming a new filly or c**t into the world!

If you're considering breeding your horse in 2026, now is the time to contact us to get on our 2026 breeding list. Send us an email at epona.equinevet@gmail.com to get started!

FOALING SEASON IS UPON US! Do you have any mares due soon? Here's what to expect when you're expecting (a foal): 🐴

If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost there. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated. However, being a prepared and informed owner will help you keep your anxiety in check so you can assist the new mother and foal get off to a great start.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the arrival of the foal:

• Consult with your veterinarian well in advance of the birth. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours and ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available.

• Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide adequate bedding.

• Wash the mare's udder, v***a and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

• Wrap the mare's tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long, as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail.

• Time each stage of labor to help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress. Take written notes! When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time can become distorted.

As always, these are general guidelines, and you should contact your veterinarian for more information specific to your situation. Good luck!

01/06/2026

Happy 2026! 🎉 We hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays and celebrated the start of a new year, the Year of the Fire Horse! 🔥 🐴

12/22/2025

Just a friendly reminder, tomorrow is the last day to pick up prescriptions before our Epona team takes our winter holiday break! 🎄 If you need a refill, please connect with us ASAP!

12/12/2025

With the holidays fast approaching, we're sharing our holiday schedule so that you have ample time to order prescription refills before our office closure 🌟

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟰𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 for our staff to take some time to rest and recharge over the holidays 🎄 If your horse is on prescription medications, please ensure you request a refill & pick up by December 23rd.

While we won't be seeing regular appointments during this break, you can rest assured that our clients & patients will be well taken care of as 𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟮𝟰/𝟳 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 and urgent appointments during our entire break. If you think that your horse is experiencing an emergency, or if you're unsure if they need to be seen ASAP, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 (𝟮𝟱𝟬) 𝟮𝟭𝟴-𝟲𝟲𝟭𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻-𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘃𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻.

During our break, text messages, emails and Facebook messages will NOT be monitored. When in doubt, give us a call!

Our office will resume regular business hours & regular appointments on January 5th, 2026!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! ✨

12/09/2025

PROTEK GI is now available in Canada and Epona Equine is excited to be able to bring it in for our clients! We'll be placing an order this Friday, December 12th. If you'd like in on it, please reach out to us to order!

What is PROTEK GI?
PROTEK GI is Kelato's ultimate product for horses, which helps maintain both foregut and hindgut health to promote total digestive health.

PROTEK GI's unique formulation helps to promote both foregut and hindgut health by forming an alkaline slime barrier to promote stomach health. It does this by coating the stomach lining while supporting a normal stomach pH environment. For hindgut health, PROTEK GI helps to maintain normal hindgut pH and promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.

PROTEK GI is formulated in collaboration with world leading EGUS authority Dr Ben Sykes (BSc BVMS MS MBA DipACVIM PhD FHEA).

12/02/2025

There has been a recent confirmed case of West Nile Virus in the interior of BC. While Vancouver Island has yet to see a confirmed case of West Nile Virus, but we never know when it may make its way here.

We recommend that all horses travelling off of Vancouver Island receive a West Nile Vaccine (and booster if necessary) prior to travel to keep your horse safe 🦟

This graphic from the AAEP is a helpful educational tool for horse owners!

Have questions? We’re always here to help!

12/01/2025

In an effort to educate the equine industry on the current EHV-1 outbreak in the United States, the AAEP and Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) hosted a webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 25 for horse owners, trainers, and barn managers to offer the most up-to-date information on this issue.

Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) explained what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and how to prevent its spread.

A recording of this educational session is now available to view on-demand!

Watch Here 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XzuuYmIEQY

11/20/2025

We have had some questions about Equine Herpes Virus with recent outbreaks making headlines. Here is some more information.

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

11/17/2025

Winter weather can bring muddy paddocks and with that many problems, including "scratches"

Scratches, also known as pastern dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects the lower legs of horses, especially around the back of the pastern and fetlock. It often looks like scabby, crusty, or raw patches and can make the area sore or swollen.

What Causes Scratches?
• Wet, muddy, or dirty conditions
• Irritation from sand, bedding, or rough surfaces
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Sometimes, tiny mites or allergies

What to Look For:
• Redness, swelling, or heat in the lower leg
• Scabs, crusts, or hair loss
• Horse may be sensitive or sore in the area

How to Help Prevent Scratches:
• Keep your horse’s legs clean and dry
• Avoid letting your horse stand in wet or muddy areas for long periods
• Avoid sharing wraps or boots between horses, especially without cleaning/disinfecting between uses
• Check legs regularly for early signs

How to Treat Scratches:
• Clean the Area: Gently wash the affected area with a mild antiseptic shampoo or solution to remove dirt and scabs. Be gentle—don’t scrub hard or pick at scabs.

• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure the area is completely dry. Moisture can make the problem worse.

• Apply Topical Creams: You can use creams or ointments recommended by your veterinarian, such as those containing silver sulfadiazine or other antibacterial/antifungal agents.

• Keep the Area Protected: If possible, keep your horse out of wet or muddy conditions while healing.

• Monitor for Infection: If you notice increased swelling, pain, or pus, or if the condition doesn’t improve, contact your veterinarian.

Remember, severe or persistent cases should always be checked by your veterinarian to make sure your horse gets the right treatment. If you have questions or concerns about your own equine, contact your veterinarian.

11/11/2025

In honour of Remembrance Day, our office will be closed Tuesday November 11th.

A veterinarian will be on call for client emergencies 24/7 - please CALL and leave a message at (250) 218-6610.

A friendly reminder that we can only accept phone calls outside of regular office hours. Text messages, emails and Facebook messages will be checked again on Wednesday!

Lest we forget.

11/07/2025

Were you at our ulcer talk? Did you forget your earrings? Let us know!

11/06/2025

Despite the storm, our talk tonight all about Gastric Ulcers is still ON! 🎉

See you tonight 🐴✨