Grove specializes in equine care, offers mobile clinic

Daniel Grove, DVM, owner of West Coast Equine Medicine Incorporated, is pleased to provide a very personalized service to his equine patients by offering a mobile clinic. This practice handles a vast array of equine care, including routine exams and emergency work.

“Think of me as your general practitioner for your horses; I’m your primary care veterinarian,” said Grove.

A California native, this University of Illinois graduate offers state-of-the-art equipment in his practice, including digital radiography, motorized dental equipment and advanced reproductive procedures.

“Digital radiography is the latest and greatest of x-rays,” he said. Digital images offer the opportunity for instant, highly-detailed viewing. Those days of waiting for film to process is now obsolete.

“Having digital radiography is really the gold standard today if you want to be on the cutting edge,” he noted.

The days of floating an equine’s teeth with a file has gone by the wayside as more advanced dentistry techniques include using motorized equipment.

“I know it sounds rougher because you are using a motorized tool, but it really is easier on the horse,” said Grove.

A small grinding disc, about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, rotates in the cavernous oral cavity. Gum bleeding is reduced with this method and there is less dramatic impact to the animal’s teeth.

Adept in equine reproductive techniques, Grove offers a wide range of services to assist in the breeding process, including artificial insemination, frozen semen, embryo collection and stallion training.

Grove said there are continuing improvements in equine medicine and he finds this fascinating and exciting, since he has a distinct passion for his work. He enjoys encountering medical situations in which he has the opportunity to come up with an answer and best treatment option for the horse owner.

Horse owners often describe Grove as a “no-nonsense” kind of doctor and very punctual. “Well, at least as punctual you can be for a veterinarian,” he said, chuckling.

Grove’s mission for his practice is to help educate horse owners and let them decide what’s best for their animal. “I always give them options,” he said.

With Independence Day just hours away, Grove has some advice for horse owners: “If you don’t know how your horse is going to react to the loud noise and they have not been in the area with this type of noise before, it may not be a bad idea to have a mild sedative on hand.”

Taking off for the weekend on the trails with your trusty steed might be a good option, too. Grove said in his experience past Independence Day celebrations have not caused a lot of significant alarm for horse owners.

Summer months also bring blazing heat in some areas. Consider what’s best for your equine companion, said Grove. “Put yourself in the place of a horse. If it’s going to be over 100 degrees at 2 p.m., would you really want to be carting someone around?”

On hot days, ride your horse either early in the morning or early evening. Consider the ultimate wellbeing of your horse and give it proper “cooling off” time in a good environment. Hosing down your horse after a ride will also help.

“Feeding electrolytes is key,” said Grove. “Make sure your horse has plenty of fresh, clean water. Horses are not indestructible; they are animals.”

Not following heat-related guidelines for equines can lead to dehydration, heat stress, heat exhaustion or colic.

And last, Grove advises horse owners keep up with their horse’s vaccinations. This includes the West Nile virus inoculation. “Keep up with the annual revaccination, or if your horse has never had the vaccine before, then it’s a two-shot initial series,” he explained.

Grove calls the West Nile inoculation “cheap insurance.” If horse owners take preventative measures against this disease that can have catastrophic effect on the animal, they can avoid a very costly and stressful situation.

“Back in Illinois, I was involved in nearly 20 West Nile virus cases and I’ve seen how bad it can be,” Grove said.

This caring veterinary professional thoroughly enjoys his line of work and is pleased to offer outstanding care to existing and new patients.

For more information on West Coast Equine Medicine, visit http://www.WestCoastEquineMedicine.com or call (760) 723-3606.

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