During Horse Health Week, we would like to invite you to take part in a survey and be in with a chance of winning a Gilet!

The results of the survey will help Keep Britains Horses Healthy (KBHH), Horse Health Week and St Boniface Equine Vets to focus our efforts and continue to improve the health of our nation's horses.

Click the link - Horse Health Week Survey to take part.

NB KBHH will contact winners via email to arrange the delivery of the prize.

Taking care of the small things makes a big difference to the health and welfare of horses on your yard, and helps to protect against the threat of infectious disease.

Are all the horses on your yard protected?...

Help keep the horses on your yard as healthy as possible.

Download your handy A4 Yard Checklist, covering daily, weekly, monthly and annual yard checks.

Knowing what is normal for your horse is an essential part of responsible horse ownership.

Identifying small changes in your horse makes a big difference to early detection of potential problems or disease, and allows you to ensure you can keep your horse as healthy as possible.

Download your Horse health checklist straight from our website.

Could my horse get Tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by a bacterium (Clostridium tetani) which is found in the soil.

Although most animals can be affected, horses are particularly susceptible. The bacteria enter the body through wounds, with punctures of the sole of the foot a common route of infection. The bacteria then cause disease by producing toxins that affect the nervous system.

Signs include:

On 24th May, we were very lucky to host Rowena Rogers, from MSD Animal Health, who gave a very interesting presentation on infectious respiratory disease in horses. 

The evening was well attended and very informative; please get in touch with the surgery if
you have any suggestions for future meeting topics!

Following on from Rowena's discussion of infectious respiratory disease, Clare would like to further discuss allergic respiratory disease.

In conjunction with MSD, St Boniface Vets are hosting a client evening on 19th April, 7pm.
 
Rowena Rogers, from MSD, will give a presentation on Infectious Respiratory Disease including Influenza, Strangles and Equine Herpes Virus.  She will give you some information about common respiratory infections, how to treat and prevent them.
 
Clare will then give a short presentation on the causes and management of non-infectious respiratory conditions.
 
We would be delighted to see you on the evening and will be providing light refreshments.
 

The other horses on my yard have their teeth rasped every year – is this really necessary?

Routine dentistry is an important part in keeping your horse fit and healthy – his teeth should be examined at least once a year and vaccination is often a convenient time to do this.  Recent studies have shown that up to 80% of domestic horses have significant dental problems.

We have recently become aware, that there is a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) at a local yard, and understandably many of you have called us for advice.

Equine Herpes Virus may cause respiratory disease, most commonly in youngstock.  Less common symptoms are abortion in pregnant mares, and rarely neurological signs.

Signs of respiratory disease due to EHV-1 infection include:-

Many of you will use Devils Claw (Harpagoside), or supplements containing this natural remedy to treat your horses.  Devils Claw is commonly found in pain relief products such as NoBute and Devils Relief.

From 1st January 2016, Harpagoside has been added to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substance List.  This means that any horse competing under rules that adopt the FEI Clean Sport policy (including BD, BE, BS and many Riding Club activities) cannot be treated with Devils Claw.