Horse owners in Dubbo are being warned to pay attention to forecasts after an increase in the number of serious injuries caused by dust storms.
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Veterinarian Ross Pedrana said there were a number of serious injuries that could occur to animals, predominantly horses, during dust storms.
"Owners of horses need to pay attention to weather forecasts and try to ensure their horses are taken to secure areas prior to the dust storm hitting," Dr Pedrana said.
Dr Pedrana is the director, practice manager and principal veterinarian of the Dubbo Equine Hospital. He has provided veterinary services to Dubbo and the surrounding regions since 1974.
Dubbo Equine Hospital provides an equipped equine surgical and hospital facility.
This facility is the first of its kind in Western Regional NSW and provides access and opportunity for equine surgical, diagnostic, medical and intensive care for the western region equine community.
Dr Pedrana said the injuries to horses could be caused by the animals running into fences, and some could be so severe they require surgery.
He said horses could even succumb to some of the injuries that can be obtained during a storm.
According to Dr Pedrana, seven horses required his care at the Dubbo Equine Hospital in just one day last week due to injuries that had been obtained during a chaotic dust storm the day before.
Those included serious leg injuries, injuries to the lower body and hoof injuries.
Owners of horses need to pay attention to weather forecasts and try to ensure their horses are taken to secure areas prior to the dust storm hitting...
- Dr Ross Pedrana
Some of those injuries also required surgery.
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Dr Pedrana said the injuries are predominantly caused by horses being spooked and as an outcome running into wire fences, causing problems so severe they can be fatal.
According to experts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) dust storms can not be forecast, but a good inkling that one may be in store includes strong frontal winds being forecast, especially during a drought or during hot and dry weather conditions.
You can find more information regarding weather conditions and forecasts on the BoM website.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
