Now is the time of year to plan management for horses with sweet itch
Sweet itch is a frustrating condition caused by hypersensitivity to salivary proteins produced by culicoides midges. Affected horses typically are worst affected around the mane and tail regions, with hair loss, scabbing and sores forming. Some horses can display more generalised itching. Most treatments available are only partially effective and good management of sweet itch-prone […]
The Equine Foot – “No Foot No Horse”
The equine foot is made up of complex external and internal structures designed to adapt to varying terrains and environmental conditions whilst withstanding tremendous forces. Our vet Rebekah McFarling explains here why it is vital that the horse’s feet are kept in good condition and balance, with correct care, regular trimming and, if required, shoeing. […]
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
We wish all our clients and their horses and ponies a very happy and healthy Christmas! Our offices will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Wednesday, 25th and Thursday, 26th December 2024) and on New Year’s Day (Wednesday, 1st January 2025), when the vet on call will be available for emergencies only. Should […]
Time for an end of season MOT?
The end of the season is a great time to look back and reflect upon your and your horse or pony’s competition performance throughout the year. It is also a good time to assess any less than perfect outcomes and to address any training issues, knocks, niggles or other physical problems that may be affecting […]
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a painful condition that describes erosions and -lesions in the lining of the stomach and proximal gut of horses. Two distinct diseases have been identified which can affect different areas of the stomach; Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD), and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD), with less understood about the […]
Equine Emergencies: when should you call the vet?
As an owner, when your horse requires urgent veterinary attention, it can be a worrying time. There are a number of emergency situations that require immediate attention from a vet. These include, amongst others, colic, haemorrhaging (profuse bleeding), collapse, dystocia (difficulty foaling) and fractures. We’ve put together some useful information and tips to help make the […]
New Equine Flu Vaccination rules from 1st January 2024
Did you know that Equine Influenza (flu) vaccination rules have changed for many of the equestrian disciplines from 1st January 2024? This includes the disciplines that fall under British Equestrian (BEF) (British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping), The Pony Club, British Riding Clubs and other organisations. Also, some venues will have their own rules, […]
Impaction Colic
As it gets colder, our vets see an increase in the number of cases of impaction colic. Impactions are often linked to increased time spent stabled, particularly where this represents a change in routine for the horse or pony. The combination of a reduction in physical activity and reduced water content in their feed (hay […]
A Can of Worms…
Worm control in horses is becoming a real cause for concern in the UK, with increased resistance reported for most currently available anthelmintics (‘wormers’). For many years it was rare to see clinical disease associated with worm infestation, but over the past few years it has again become increasingly common. Together as vets and horse […]
Winter Management of your Horse
As winter approaches, the prospect of managing our horses during months of poor weather and the shorter days of winter make us all long for the warmer days of spring. The drop in temperature, muddy paddocks, the reduced availability of forage and the lack of daylight hours for riding all carry their challenges. The importance […]