Be ready for cost of veterinary emergencies

There’s an old saying that "buying the horse is the cheapest part of owning them."

In many ways, this is true. Feed, board, tack, blankets, supplements, farriers and, of course, veterinary care are the expensive requirements of owning and caring for a horse.

When it comes to the cost for veterinary services, most people will be able to anticipate the standard yearly costsm such as vaccinations, routine dental equilibration, yearly exams and maybe the occasional need for an anti-inflammatory.

However, many will be surprised when they encounter a major veterinary issue. Having worked in many equine hospitals throughout North America, I can provide some rough estimates that will convey the gravity of expenses that can occur when your horse gets sick.

Colic is one of the more common events. A typical colic work-up by an equine veterinarian will run between $250 and $700, depending on the amount of intervention needed during that initial exam phase. Colic surgery will range between $5,000-$10,000, including about five days of post-operative intensive care.

In general, intensive care of any major illness (colitis, colic, pneumonia, abdominal surgery, systemic infection, laminitis, endotoxemia) will usually cist around $1,000 for the first 24 hours and then $300 to $700 every 24 hours thereafter.

Much of the expense is for trained staff and veterinarians as well as medications and medical supplies needed to maintain critical, life-supporting care to these large animals.

To help insulate against these large expenses there are two strategies — buying insurance or a creating medical fund or account.

Equine insurance is provided by insurance brokers and companies in categories such as mortality only, mortality with major medical/surgical coverage (of varying amounts) and loss-of-use coverage. These coverages all come with monthly or yearly premiums but provide piece of mind and a budgeted approach to covering expensive veterinary bills.

With a medical fund or account, the onus is on the account holder to fund it monthly or yearly so it will be available to use for emergencies. The benefit of this approach is that if, in five years, no emergencies have occurred, all the money you have put into the account is still yours and not lost to insurance premiums.

Remember to prepare for the unexpected — the best offense is a good defense.  

Chris Bell is an equine veterinarian and surgical specialist who operates Elders Equine Veterinary Service, with clinics in Cartier and Winnipeg. See www.eldersequineclinic.com.