EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES

SUPPORTING EVERY HORSE, FROM PADDOCK TO PERFORMANCE

At Gippsland Veterinary Group, we understand the unique needs of horses, ponies, and donkeys. Whether they're family companions, competitive athletes, working animals or treasured paddock ornaments, our dedicated equine team delivers comprehensive, compassionate and professional care both in the field and at our purpose-built Livestock and Equine Centre in Leongatha.

With a deep commitment to horse health, extensive diagnostic capabilities, and a strong community presence, we are proud to offer some of the most trusted equine veterinary services in South-Eastern Victoria.

WHAT OUR EQUINE SERVICE INVOLVES

Our equine team offers a full range of veterinary services to support horse health, performance and welfare. We provide care both on-farm and at our Livestock and Equine Centre, depending on the needs of the horse and the procedure.

CORE SERVICES INCLUDE

General health examinations and preventive medicine
Routine and advanced dentistry using professional-grade equipment
Lameness examinations with trot-up, lunging and ridden assessments
Digital X-ray (wireless, field-capable)
Reproductive work during the breeding season

Comprehensive blood testing both on-farm and in-clinic
Pre-purchase examinations and insurance certificates
Vaccinations and parasite management, including in-clinic faecal worm egg count testing, advice and treatment
Emergency care and short-term hospitalisation

Field surgeries (e.g. castrations, hernia repairs)
Gastroscopy (3-metre scope for ulcer diagnosis), including quarterly reduced-rate gastroscopy days
Upper airway endoscopy
Microchipping and studbook ID/DNA certification
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All care is delivered with professionalism, a calm and respectful approach, and an appreciation for what your horse means to you.

You can learn more about our Equine Reproductive Services, Advanced Diagnostics, Leongatha Equine Centreand After-Hours Services on their dedicated pages.

EQUINE DENTISTRY

Our equine vets have all completed postgraduate training in equine veterinary dentistry.

We perform dental work both on-farm and in-clinic using our purpose-built crush. Sedation, lights, and mirrors are used to allow for safe and thorough oral examinations.

Services include radiographic assessment if needed, floating and balancing of sharp points and overgrowths, extractions including wolf teeth, and management of periodontal disease, including diastemata (gaps between teeth that can trap feed).

LAMENESS INVESTIGATION AND JOINT CARE

Lameness is a common and frustrating issue for horse owners. Our team offers in-depth lameness workups both on-farm and in-clinic, using a combination of gait assessment, flexion testing, diagnostic nerve blocks, digital X-ray and ultrasound.

We’re equipped with wireless digital X-ray for high-resolution images of limbs, feet, neck, dorsal (upper) thoracolumbar spine and head. This portable system allows us to collaborate with farriers for foot balance assessments, perform survey screening of joints in young or for-sale horses and investigate a range of performance issues including kissing spines.

We also offer intra-articular treatments (joint injections), including Pro-Stride®, an advanced regenerative therapy made from your horse’s own blood. Pro-Stride delivers anti-inflammatory and healing benefits and is a valuable option for managing joint inflammation and early osteoarthritis.

ADVANCED EQUINE DIAGNOSTICS

At GVG, we know that timely, accurate diagnosis is critical to achieving the best results for your horse. That’s why we offer a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostic services—both on-farm and at our purpose-built Livestock and Equine Centre in Leongatha.

Our experienced team uses modern veterinary technology to identify issues quickly and precisely, helping you make confident, informed decisions about your horse’s treatment and ongoing care.

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EQUINE REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES

At Gippsland Veterinary Group, we provide professional and comprehensive reproductive care for mares and foals. Whether you’re breeding for performance, pedigree or pleasure, our experienced equine team is here to support every stage of the journey — from pre-breeding assessments to safe, healthy foaling.

With advanced ultrasound technology and purpose-built facilities, we ensure a safe and supportive environment throughout the breeding season.

We offer both on-farm services and in-clinic care at our Livestock and Equine Centre in Leongatha — providing flexible options based on what’s best for you and your mare.

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PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATIONS

We offer 2-stage and 5-stage pre-purchase examinations to help prospective buyers assess whether a horse is suitable for their needs. Each examination involves a comprehensive clinical assessment at rest, followed by a lameness evaluation with flexion tests, lunging and sometimes, ridden exercise (5-stage only).

At the purchaser's request, or if recommended by the attending veterinarian, additional diagnostics may also be performed, such as: radiography, endoscopy, ultrasonography and/or blood testing.

All examinations are carried out in line with Equine Veterinarians Australia guidelines, and purchasers receive a complete written report at the conclusion of the examination.

GASTROSCOPY

Gastroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and other stomach issues. Using a specialised 3-metre video endoscope, our vets can directly view your horse’s stomach lining and detect ulcers or abnormalities that are not detectable by external examination. We recommend gastroscopy if your horse shows signs such as poor performance, weight loss, girthiness, reduced appetite or behavioural changes, and also as a follow-up after treatment to confirm healing. Horses are usually admitted the evening before to fast (however they may be fasted at home if facilities allow), with the procedure performed safely under light sedation. Results are available immediately, and our vets will discuss a tailored treatment or management plan with you on the day.

SIGNS YOUR HORSE MAY NEED VETERINARY ATTENTION

If you notice any of the following, we encourage you to contact us promptly:

Lameness, reluctance to move or shortened stride
Coughing, nasal discharge, or noisy breathing
Poor performance or behavioural changes under saddle
Weight loss or poor coat condition
Signs of dental discomfort (e.g. dropping feed, head tossing, quidding)
Colic signs - restlessness, pawing, rolling
Swelling or wounds
Changes in appetite or drinking habits

Our experienced equine vets are available to assess and treat any concern, big or small.

WHY CHOOSE GIPPSLAND VETERINARY GROUP FOR YOUR HORSE?

Dedicated Equine Team
Four vets focus solely on equine care, including one of our practice directors, supported by our broader large animal team

After-Hours Service
With dedicated equine vets rostered on every weekend during the busy spring and summer seasons

On-Farm and In-Clinic Options
Choose what works best for your horse’s needs

Pro-Stride Therapy
Regenerative joint treatment using the horse’s own blood for anti-inflammatory benefits

Equine Dentistry
Postgraduate-trained vets using sedation, mirrors, lights, and motorised handpieces for safe and accurate dental care

Zone Travel Days
Weekly rotating elective visits to Trafalgar, Traralgon, Yarram, Phillip Island and surrounding areas, with a fixed reduced travel fee

Experienced, Qualified Vets
Including postgraduate qualifications and active continuing professional development

Specialist Support
We have close professional relationships with two local equine referral hospitals and regularly consult with specialists in surgery, medicine, dentistry and ophthalmology to optimise your horse's care

Friendly, Skilled Equine Nurses
Our equine nurses are experienced horsewomen who calmly and capably assist with radiography, anaesthesia, surgery and patient care on-farm and in-clinic

Trusted by the Region
Decades of service to the Bass Coast and South Gippsland horse community

FAQs

When should my horse have a dental check?

Do you offer point-of-care blood testing on farm?

What’s included in the Zone Travel Days?

Do you offer targeted therapies for joint care?

How do I book a visit or ask questions?

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SPEAK WITH OUR EQUINE TEAM

Whether your horse, pony or donkey needs a routine dental check, a pre-purchase exam or urgent medical care, our equine team is here to help. Down to earth care, anytime.

Contact the Livestock and Equine Centre or your nearest GVG clinic and dial extension 2 to make an appointment with our equine team.