Equine Veterinary Services
Routine Equine Health Care
Influenza, tetanus and EHV vaccination programs are vital to control the spread of disease through the UK’s equine population. We have a thorough understanding of the differing vaccination rules for different disciplines so can ensure your horses are always covered.
Worming programs need to be tailor-made to the yard, taking into consideration paddock size, paddock management and numbers of horses. We are able to draw up programs for you on request.
Microchipping and equine passporting is being regulated more and more heavily, so don’t fall foul of the rules. We can help you get the right identification documents for your horses with minimal fuss.
Lameness Investigations
Lameness assessments are carried out where the horse is stabled, assuming there are adequate facilities for trotting up and lunging. Our vets will carry out a thorough assessment of the way the horse moves, to identify the likely problem areas. Nerve blocks and joint blocks will often be utilised to help accurately isolate the lame area and we can then follow this up with xrays and/or ultrasound scans to visualise the problem and make an accurate diagnosis.
Once the nature of the problem is understood, a treatment plan can be put into place. Joint injections, local infiltration of anti-inflammatory medicines, PRP (platelet rich plasma), mesenchymal stem cell implantation and shockwave therapy can all be easily carried out on the yard, in conjunction with formulating a specific exercise rehabilitation program. We will also liaise closely with owner's farriers to make sure everyone is working together to achieve soundness for the horse.
Medical Investigations
All our vets are experienced at dealing with all aspects of equine internal medicine. Colic is the most common medical problem in horses, and we are able to diagnose, manage and treat the majority of our colic cases on the owner's yard, even if multiple visits are required. Other common complaints include coughs, skin diseases including sarcoids, ophthalmic disease, gastric ulcers, COPD or RAO and liver disease.
Our practice has forged excellent professional relationships with some of Europe's leading medical specialists and receives the support of advanced equine laboratories and state of the art referral hospitals if and when they are required.
Pre purchase examinations and vettings
We carry out a large number of PPE’s for clients both in this country and abroad, as well as insurance vettings on behalf of equine insurance companies. A vetting is an essential procedure that should be carried out before the purchase of nearly every horse. The aim is to thoroughly examine the animal and highlight any issues that may increase the risk of the purchase. We carry out both 2 and 5 stage vetting’s, often supplemented with X-rays, scans and scopes to ensure the horse is suitable for its intended purpose. We aim to work with the purchaser to ensure they acquire a horse that will do exactly what they need it to do.
Poor Performance Investigations
These types of investigations form a significant part of our workload. Causes range from low grade viruses to subclinical multi-limb lamenesses. Often challenging and complex cases, they are also incredibly rewarding, and with the use of modern diagnostic equipment and procedures, experience and common sense, improvement in the horses' performance is usually achievable.
Equine Dentistry
We carry out a large proportion of our client’s dental care, both routine and remedial. All the vets carry the latest battery powered motorised dental equipment designed especially for horses’ sensitive mouths. With a small amount of sedation, motorised rasping is a quick and uncomplicated procedure that is far less traumatic for the horse and more controlled than manual rasping without sedation. We have close relations with specialist equine dental surgeons who we can refer work to for advanced endodontics and complex extractions.
International equine exports
Our vets are certified Official Veterinarians and are authorised by the UK authorities (DEFRA) to carry out all the veterinary care and export requirements of horses travelling anywhere in the world. We have experience in setting up and monitoring isolation facilities, carrying out all official and courtesy pre-export tests and liaising closely with DEFRA to ensure all shipments run smoothly. We work very closely with the major shipping agents around the world to ensure horses get to their destinations fit, healthy and on time.
As well as routine European exports, we are regularly involved in the export horses to South America, North America, the Middle East, Africa and all over Asia.