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.

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 slipped into a newly dug ditch.

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.

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  
 

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.

What are the symptoms?

As the long and very likely wet winter approaches, we are starting to see more cases of Mud Fever and Rain Scald.