Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply
4200 W. County Rd. 54G
Laporte, CO 80535 (970) 490-1999
Laporte, CO 80535 (970) 490-1999
Equine Notes
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3333 W. County Rd. 54G
Laporte, CO 80535 (970) 490-1999
Laporte, CO 80535 (970) 490-1999
> Equine dental care
> Farriery (including therapeutic shoeing)
> Equine medicine
Laporte Animal Clinic & Supply
What is a Coggins test and why do I need one?
The Coggins test is a blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The test name is the last name of the person who
developed it.
EIA is a viral disease spread by flies and grooming equipment and tack. Initially, the disease can cause fever, anemia, edema
and small hemorrhages and death. It can also have a chronic form with depression, weight loss, edema and depression.
The problem is that there are horses that develop no or mild signs and never appear sick. These healthy looking horses can
pass the virus (via flies, etc...) to other horses who may get very sick or die. The Coggins test is used to determine if a horse is
a carrier of the virus despite looking normal.
Most states require that a horse be tested for EIA before entry for events, trail rides or to stay. Most states require a test within a
year of transport, but some require the test within six months. The results are noted on the health certificate that is written by a
veterinarian. Some private shows, boarding stables, and horse hotels require a negative Coggins test. So, before transporting
a horse to another state or even to a show it is important to find out the requirements. It is also wise to have Coggins test run
when purchasing a new horse. Let the veterinarian know at the time of the pre-purchase examination.
What is a health certificate and why do I need one?
A health certificate is a document signed by a veterinarian that he or she has examined the animal or animals and that they are
not exhibiting any signs of disease. Signs of disease might be an abnormal temperature, runny eyes or a runny nose.
Diseases like vesicular stomatitis have specific lesions that can be identified. Horses with abscesses may have pigeon fever.
States or riding stables or show grounds obviously do not want disease on their turf. Most states require a negative Coggins
test and some states have additional requirements. People shipping horses to other states should be responsible to find out
exactly what is required well before the shipping day.
Having a Coggins test result form does not constitute a health certificate. These are 2 separate things. The results of the
Coggins test is usually required on the health certificate. The Coggins test should be done before or at the visit for the health
certificate examination. The results of the standard Coggins test take about 2-4 days and so planning ahead is essential.
Rapid testing can be done, but at added expense.
What about brand inspections?
Brand inspections are not the realm of veterinary medicine, but the are needed to transfer ownership of horses and to cross
state lines and to travel over certain distances within a state. So, they often go hand in hand with getting a horse ready for sale
or transport. They phone number for the brand inspectors in your area can be found in the phone book.
The Coggins test is a blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The test name is the last name of the person who
developed it.
EIA is a viral disease spread by flies and grooming equipment and tack. Initially, the disease can cause fever, anemia, edema
and small hemorrhages and death. It can also have a chronic form with depression, weight loss, edema and depression.
The problem is that there are horses that develop no or mild signs and never appear sick. These healthy looking horses can
pass the virus (via flies, etc...) to other horses who may get very sick or die. The Coggins test is used to determine if a horse is
a carrier of the virus despite looking normal.
Most states require that a horse be tested for EIA before entry for events, trail rides or to stay. Most states require a test within a
year of transport, but some require the test within six months. The results are noted on the health certificate that is written by a
veterinarian. Some private shows, boarding stables, and horse hotels require a negative Coggins test. So, before transporting
a horse to another state or even to a show it is important to find out the requirements. It is also wise to have Coggins test run
when purchasing a new horse. Let the veterinarian know at the time of the pre-purchase examination.
What is a health certificate and why do I need one?
A health certificate is a document signed by a veterinarian that he or she has examined the animal or animals and that they are
not exhibiting any signs of disease. Signs of disease might be an abnormal temperature, runny eyes or a runny nose.
Diseases like vesicular stomatitis have specific lesions that can be identified. Horses with abscesses may have pigeon fever.
States or riding stables or show grounds obviously do not want disease on their turf. Most states require a negative Coggins
test and some states have additional requirements. People shipping horses to other states should be responsible to find out
exactly what is required well before the shipping day.
Having a Coggins test result form does not constitute a health certificate. These are 2 separate things. The results of the
Coggins test is usually required on the health certificate. The Coggins test should be done before or at the visit for the health
certificate examination. The results of the standard Coggins test take about 2-4 days and so planning ahead is essential.
Rapid testing can be done, but at added expense.
What about brand inspections?
Brand inspections are not the realm of veterinary medicine, but the are needed to transfer ownership of horses and to cross
state lines and to travel over certain distances within a state. So, they often go hand in hand with getting a horse ready for sale
or transport. They phone number for the brand inspectors in your area can be found in the phone book.