Doctor's appointment coming up

Tomorrow Dude and Bestie are getting their fall shots, flu/rhino and Potomac. There are usually a few cases of Potomac in our area at some point in the fall so we vaccinate to be safe. And they'll get a once-over by the vet for their Preventicare exams. We're on Pfizer's Preventicare program, which involves an annual reenrollment, hence the physical, and the dosage by the vet of wormer once a year (and once more by us), and daily Strongid. Successful enrollment in the plan means that Pfizer will reimburse us up to $5000 for costs related to colic surgery and up to 3 days of post-op care. We've been on the plan for a number of years now. Again, the ol' better safe than sorry approach!

A visit from the vet is always cause for much excitement. Most of the time neither horse is a good patient. Bestie does the head tossing, semi-rearing thing. Dr. Emily plies her with a few treats, which sometimes buys a bit of reluctant cooperation. Other times there's a jointly made decision to hold off on that procedure until she's tranquilized for her teeth cleaning. Dude's modus operandi is to menacingly snort and back away. He usually gets his large rump backed right into the corner, where he also reluctantly submits to whatever "horrible treatment" he's scheduled for.

It's best for the vet to mosey into the stall like they are just there for a friendly visit. Dr. Phil is a very tall guy, so I think it is hard for him to do a casual mosey. Under no circumstances should a syringe be visible. My role is to hold the lead, rub their ears (horse's, not vet's), and croon soothingly, "Who's the BEST horse for the doctor?" This has worked like a charm on some visits, but on others it's like the horses have a sudden flash of "I know what this person did to me LAST time and I want NO PART of this!"

Given this behavior, I'm always amazed that Dr. Emily and Dr. Phil never fail to greet me with a smile and my naughty equine kids with a pat. I always want to say to the horses, "Look, this is for your own good. And these are really nice people. It'll only take a minute. Just be cooperative!"