01363 77286001363 772860
01363 77286001363 772860
Sweet itch is an allergic skin condition which is frequently encountered in the UK horse population. It commonly affects British native pony breeds, heavy horses and other European native breeds (e.g. Haflinger, Icelandic, Friesian and Fjords), but can affect any horse or pony. As many as 1 in 20 horses may be affected and there is no known cure.
The disease is caused by hypersensitivity to the bites of the Cullicoides midge which produces skin irritation. Affected horses will scratch...
Late in the afternoon, of Friday 13th March, the surgery received a call from a very worried owner whose elderly pony was stuck in a ditch. The fire brigade were in attendance and needed veterinary assistance to get poor Bella out of her predicament!
Fortunately Clare was not far away and arrived to find Bella in a rather tricky situation. It appears that she had been reaching over the fence for some grass, and...
The launch of the UK’s first campaign to bring together the farrier and vet to work as a team to help horse owners keep their horses’ sound was launched at World Horse Welfare’s Norfolk-based Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in March 2015.
The collaborative campaign, ‘Keep one step ahead’, has been developed by members of the independent veterinary group, XLEquine, who have worked closely with World Horse Welfare to deliver the initiative.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Stuart...
The CARE about laminitis project (a collaboration between The Royal Veterinary College and the Animal Health Trust, with funding from World Horse Welfare) is collecting monthly information from horse and pony owners across Britain, regarding the animal’s management, health, weight and condition. Information is collected online via the dedicated website: www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk
Since its launch in August 2014 until...
Annual vaccination for your horse is an excellent opportunity for a full health MOT, including a dental check, but have you ever wondered why vaccination is so important for our equine friends?
This article will help to answer some common questions, but if you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us at the surgery 01363 772860 or email.
Why should I Vaccinate my horse?...
Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is a condition seen more commonly in winter months when horses are stabled more often.
What is RAO?
RAO is reaction of the horses airways to dust or moulds in the environment causing the airways to narrow and fill with mucus.
Why should you be concerned?
RAO can be very distressing as it can cause difficulties breathing in severe cases. It can also affect the performance of your horse....
As the long and very likely wet winter approaches, we are starting to see more cases of Mud Fever and Rain Scald.
Also known as pastern dermatitis, ‘cracked heels’ and ‘greasy heels’; mud fever is a common condition of the lower limbs, where the skin becomes inflamed and scabby with oozing serum. The coronet, pastern and heels of the foot may also become cracked. In severe cases the leg may swell and the horse may develop lameness. The problem is caused by bacteria (which are usually...
ST BONIFACE Vets in Crediton has expanded and Wolfgar Vets of Cheriton Bishop and Tedburn St Mary is now part of the practice.
Everyone at St Boniface Vets is delighted to welcome new staff to the team and are looking forward to getting to know new clients and their animals.
Tony Kemmish, practice principal, said: “We understand that dedicated staff underpin a good veterinary practice; traditional values and a passion for excellent patient care are fundamentals shared by all...
In Spring 2014's Equine Matters, Anna wrote a fantastic article on tips to achieve peak performance in show-jumping. You can view the entire issue here or download the pdf.
Reported Outbreak of Neurological Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) in North Devon
Many of you with horses will be aware that the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV 1) have been identified in North Devon.
St Boniface Vets have been in discussion with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in Newmarket and other leading experts on the subject in order to present you with appropriate information.
The disease
Equine herpes virus is a common virus that...
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