Kids Ask A Question About Santa’s Reindeer, Vets From All Around The World Respond
Horse Vet Corner is a Facebook group where people ask equine-related medical questions which are then answered by professional veterinarians. However, recently, one woman’s children found themselves concerned about Santa’s reindeer’s health. Kids are smart, and they sure understand that eating too much candy can cause some serious health issues, therefore, they asked their mom whether reindeer can get sick because of their nutrition. Not knowing where to turn for the answer, mom took it to Facebook, where she hoped a vet could comment on it. She probably did not expect that her post would blow up like this, and many vets from all around the world took time to address kids’ concerns.
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One woman’s children were very concerned about Santa’s reindeer’s health
Image credits: Hans Splinter
“I posted a question that the kids had about reindeer nutrition on Horse Vet Corner, just hoping it didn’t get deleted because it kind of stretched the rules for that group. I was absolutely blown away by the response I got,” Maggie Knox shared on her Facebook.
“Dozens of large animal vets on five continents responded, telling us about a global organization called “E.L.V.E.S.- Emergency Landing Veterinary Expert System” that checks the reindeer’s metabolic and provides water, feed, and electrolytes along Santa’s route. It is much like our P&R’s at NATRC. My inbox is full of messages, and it’s been really sweet to read all the responses. People are offering their barns and pastures as emergency LZ’s, and the whole thing is making me fall in love with the equine community for the umpteenth time. What a trip!” the young mom said.
So she asked veterinarians whether they can get laminitis due to overeating candy canes, cookies, and carrots
Image credits: Maggie Knox
She noted that the question is not an emergency by any means and is “a bit unusual.” Maggie went on to say that her children are worried that Santa’s reindeer can get laminitis due to “overeating candy canes, cookies, and carrots.”
The vets took the question very seriously, and replies started flowing from all around the world
Image credits: Maggie Knox
Image credits: Maggie Knox
Image credits: Maggie Knox
“Very good and valid question,” a veterinarian named Paula Williams replied. “I can understand the concern with such high levels of sugars, however, what we have to remember is that Santa’s reindeer are highly tuned athletes and have a feat of phenomenal endurance to achieve, thus requiring an easily utilizable source of energy. That said, carrots or hay would be more highly recommended than candy canes. Also, around the world, there are many veterinarians on call and checking these athletes. We are also ready to attend as a priority any health issues en route.”
“The reindeer have already undergone extremely stringent health checks prior to takeoff.”
“I am very humbled to be part of the team supporting the reindeer on the Australian leg. As they enter our airspace from New Zealand, there are several of us across this vast continent.”
“The group is known as E.L.V.E.S.,” Paula continues. “The Emergency Landing and Veterinary Expert System and is a worldwide organization.”
Maggie was blown away by the awesome reply from the professional Aussie veterinarian. She said that the kids “will easily be able to relate to “P&R checks” for the reindeer.”
Other veterinarians also joined in, confirming that the E.L.V.E.S. organization is ready for the reindeer arrival
Image credits: Maggie Knox
“Checking in from the middle of the USA – Illinois, to be exact. Today, we are taking extra time to ensure our protocols and supplies are in order. We will be at the ready as part of E.L.V.E.S.,” one vet wrote. Other vets “checked in” from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Switzerland, and Spain. The organization’s members from all around the world confirmed that they are ready and good to go for Christmas.
Image credits: Maggie Knox
Image credits: Maggie Knox
Image credits: Maggie Knox
People found the replies from vets wholesome and awesome
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Share on FacebookI love how suddenly vets from all over the world united and checked in for service! Amazing :D
Am I the only one who wasn't aware that Santa's reindeer are fed candy canes?
No. I used to snuggle a handful of grass clippings to feed the reindeer at Christmas (unless my mother found it.)
Load More Replies...Caribou are my favorite deer. I just learned this week that make caribou shed their antlers in late November/early December, while female Caribou keep theirs until early spring. So all of Santa's antlered reindeer used in his Christmas flight are female!
I absolutely adore that so many vets were volunteering to be part of E.L.V.E.S to assuage kids concerns. This would make an awesome movie.
Santa had cookies. The reindeer had a shoebox with a bare lining of dried grass clippings...
This is the most awesome and cutest thing!!! I hope this is on going through out the years for the kids who might be concerned about the reindeer.
I love how suddenly vets from all over the world united and checked in for service! Amazing :D
Am I the only one who wasn't aware that Santa's reindeer are fed candy canes?
No. I used to snuggle a handful of grass clippings to feed the reindeer at Christmas (unless my mother found it.)
Load More Replies...Caribou are my favorite deer. I just learned this week that make caribou shed their antlers in late November/early December, while female Caribou keep theirs until early spring. So all of Santa's antlered reindeer used in his Christmas flight are female!
I absolutely adore that so many vets were volunteering to be part of E.L.V.E.S to assuage kids concerns. This would make an awesome movie.
Santa had cookies. The reindeer had a shoebox with a bare lining of dried grass clippings...
This is the most awesome and cutest thing!!! I hope this is on going through out the years for the kids who might be concerned about the reindeer.
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