Franklin Vets Equine

08/04/2026

It’s back!

We’re pleased to offer FREE ACTH testing to our clients. This is an opportunity to screen for Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses showing signs or considered at risk.

PPID is caused by a hormonal imbalance that can significantly impact your horse’s health and performance. ACTH testing helps with early detection, allowing for timely management and improved long-term outcomes.

📞 Contact our team on 07 238 2471 to book your horse’s free test.

Limited spots available.

23/03/2026

Equine Cushing’s Disease and EMS – Understanding the Difference 💚🐴🐾

To read the article article, click the link below:

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), commonly known as Cushings disease, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are two of the most common endocrine disorders affecting horses and ponies.

05/03/2026

We are so proud of Darby, our Customer Service Rep from Waiuku, and her horse Buster for taking out the award for ‘Overall Ridden Standardbred Exhibit of the Show.’ Congratulations Darby, you must be so proud! 💚🐴

05/02/2026

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13/01/2026

🌞 Hot Weather & Dehydration in Horses 🌞

As temperatures rise, horses can lose large amounts of fluid through sweat. Dehydration can develop quickly, particularly in working horses, older horses, and those with limited access to water.

⚠️ Signs of dehydration to watch for:
• Reduced appetite, or early signs of colic
• Dark or reduced urine output
• Lethargy or dullness
• Dry gums or prolonged skin tenting
• Reduced sweating

💧 How to help prevent dehydration:
✔️ Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water
✔️ Offer electrolytes during hot weather or increased work
✔️ Provide shade and good airflow
✔️ Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day
✔️ Monitor water intake, especially when travelling or competing

If you’re concerned your horse isn’t drinking enough or is showing signs of dehydration, early intervention is key.

📞 Contact Franklin Equine Vets for advice or assistance, we’re here to help keep your horses healthy and comfortable through the summer.

Stay cool and stay hydrated! 🐎💦

23/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Closure – Equine Services 🎄

It's nearly Christmas so please note that our equine clinics will be closed on the public holidays. We recommend checking your supplies and prescriptions now so you’re well prepared and don’t get caught short.

🐎 Emergency & After-Hours Care
Our equine emergency/after-hours vets will be on call during the public holidays for urgent animal health needs.

Between public holidays, normal equine operating hours apply.

Wishing you and your horses a safe and happy holiday season 🎅🎁

08/12/2025

Working as a team to deliver the best veterinary care possible. 💚🐴

29/11/2025

Crooked legs in Foals – Don’t Wait to Get Them Checked!

Foals grow fast—and so do their bones! If your foal’s legs look crooked, angled in or out, it could be an angular limb deformity (ALD).

⏳ Early assessment is crucial.

There is a limited window of opportunity to correct these issues effectively, as the growth plates responsible for alignment begin to close earlier than most owners realise, as early as 3 months, depending on the joint involved.

Early veterinary intervention may involve simple farriery and conservative management, but more severe cases may require surgical intervention. If left untreated ALD's can result in long-term unsoundness.

If you have a newborn foal or notice changes as they grow, it’s always safest to have a vet assess them promptly. Most ALD's respond well when treated early!

📞 If you’re unsure about your foal’s limb alignment—book an assessment sooner rather than later.

11/11/2025

💚Foaling Season Has Begun! 💚

It’s that exciting time of year again — foaling season is officially underway here at Franklin Equine Vets! 🐴✨

We’re already welcoming some gorgeous new arrivals, and our team is on hand day and night to make sure every mare and foal gets the very best care. 💚💙

To celebrate, here’s a few photos of one of our favourite characters, Matilda the mule, keeping a very close eye on all the action! 👀🐾

If you have a mare due to foal soon, don’t hesitate to get in touch for advice or to book a pre or post-foaling check, we’re always happy to help.

31/10/2025

Getting prepared for Guy Fawkes night (Wednesday 5th of November)
While fireworks can be fun for us, they can be terrifying for horses. A little preparation goes a long way.

Here are a few ways you can help keep your horses safe this Guy Fawkes:

✨ Keep them in a safe, familiar paddock or stable.
✨ Check fences and gates are secure.
✨ Leave a light or radio on to help mask noise and flashes.
✨ Stay calm and keep routines as normal as possible.
✨ Let neighbours know you have horses nearby — they might choose to set off fireworks further away.

If your horse is especially nervous, speak to your vet ahead of time for extra support options.

Let’s keep this Guy Fawkes safe and stress-free for our four-legged friends. 💕🐴

16/10/2025

🐴Meet Izzy 🐴

Izzy graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2023 and has since been working at a busy first-opinion practice in the UK. She enjoys all aspects of general practice with a particular interest in wound management and internal medicine.

In her spare time, she can be found hiking, swimming and attempting to surf. As a newcomer to New Zealand, Izzy is eager to explore the beautiful countryside and meet new people. Izzy will be with us throughout the Spring and Summer months before doing some travelling and returning home. 💚💙

09/10/2025

🐴 Meet Dan 🐴

After graduating from the University of Glasgow in 2019, Dan spent his first three years working in a busy equine practice in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. For the last three years, Dan and his wife Heather have been working as locum vets throughout the UK and in Australia, enjoying some travelling along the way.

Dan has a keen interest in stud medicine, lameness, and dentistry, and is looking forward to spending the Spring and Summer season here with Franklin Vets. Heather is also working in the Farm department, and they hope to get some hikes and camping adventures in during their spare time. 💚💙