Latest from Horse & Hound in Equine-vets

Massive changes to veterinary legislation will affect all who treat horses

Lucy Elder — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:51:28 +0000

Most vets are welcoming the “biggest reforms to the veterinary sector” in 60 years after the Government shared plans to overhaul the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966).

The Defra white paper, published on 9 July, outlines major reforms to the veterinary sector and paves the way for regulating others working in animal care under one overarching system. This includes farriers, barefoot trimmers, chiropractors, equine dental technicians and more.

It includes proposals to regulate veterinary and animal healthcare businesses – not just individual vets – and protect the title “veterinary nurse” so it is only used by qualified professionals. Other titles could be added to the protected list in future.

It also sets out plans for a new licence-to-practise system for vets, vet nurses and allied veterinary professionals, a veterinary ombudsman for a clearer complaints process and a fitness-to-practise system focused on current risk and competence rather than only past misconduct. It proposes to abolish the Farriers Registration Council (FRC), as farriers would be regulated by the new system.

The white paper also considers the Competition and Marketing Authority (CMA) recommendations into pricing and transparency, following the CMA report (news, 2 April). It states that time to discuss it will be secured “as soon as parliamentary time allows”.

Tim Hutchinson, president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK, said these proposed reforms “are even more significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare” than the CMA recommendations.

“These changes are essential for protecting animal health and welfare and for maintaining public confidence in the veterinary professions,” he said.

H&H vet Karen Coumbe said she is “very positive” about the reforms, adding that this is a “crucially important topic for the wider veterinary world, not just equine vets”.

“Defra’s proposals are significant for the public interest and animal health and welfare, however as with everything, the devil will be in the detail,” she said.

“In recent years, many veterinary practices have changed from small mixed practice ‘James Herriot’ style surgeries to large, often single-species businesses, not necessarily owned by vets.

“Currently individual vets themselves and registered vet nurses are held accountable for their actions, but the veterinary practices where they work are not fully regulated, when they should be. This applies to every single veterinary business, all of which need to focus on their responsibilities to their staff and most importantly the animals under their care.

“This should apply for all animals, be they farm animals, domestic pets or horses or any other animal undergoing any form of care or treatment.”

She added that currently, the qualification of a veterinary nurse is not properly recognised and, and welcomed the proposal that this title be protected and reserved for those who “are properly trained and appropriately responsible for animals under their care”.

Dr Coumbe also said that anyone involved in looking after and treating any animal ought to be fully regulated.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has set out an explainer on its website, breaking down what the proposed reforms mean for equine vets, nurses, students and allied professionals.

“For BEVA members, the key message is this: the white paper supports long-overdue reform, but the equine detail now matters enormously. BEVA will be working to make sure the final legislation and the rules that follow it are safe, proportionate and workable for equine practice,” said a BEVA spokesperson.

The FRC responded to the Defra consultation this year, saying that it disagrees with the reform as proposed in the consultation, but is “open to reform where it delivers better regulation for the benefit of animals and the public”. It stated that “what is proposed appears to fly in the face of Government’s own desire for better targeted, agile and proportionate regulation”.

On 17 July, a FRC spokesperson told H&H: “The observations made by the council in response to the Government consultation were valid and relevant to the issue of new veterinary legislation. That they have not been adopted in the white paper – for which no explanation has yet been offered – makes them no less valid and relevant now.”

● What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok are not a substitute for calling the vet, horse owners warned

Lucy Elder — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:14:33 +0000

Equestrians are being warned that artificial intelligence (AI) does not replace calling the vet, after new RSPCA research considered the way pet owners use chatbots.

New data from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index, the charity’s annual UK survey into public attitudes towards animals that includes the views of almost 7,000 people, found that 10% of pet owners are routinely using AI for advice and support in looking after their animals.

The RSPCA is concerned that increased reliance on “conversations” with AI could lead to complacency from owners and untreated illnesses in animals.

The most common reasons people seek help from AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok are symptom checking for ill pets (62%), advice on behaviour and body language (49%) and dietary tips (30%).

Gemma Hope, RSPCA assistant director of policy, advocacy and evidence, warned that this could spell “an inadvertent ticking time bomb”.

“Whether we like it or not, AI is a game changer – including for animal welfare,” she said. “And it can be one of many helpful tools responsible pet owners use to understand their animals, or to get tips on things like enrichment, play time ideas and more.

“But we’re worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare.

“AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain.

“However good or clever AI may seem, if someone is in doubt about their pet’s health or notices rapid changes, it’s vital to reach out to a vet immediately.”

Lucy Grieve, veterinary projects officer at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), told H&H artificial intelligence “can be a useful tool for accessing general information, but it cannot replace a veterinary examination”.

“Horses cannot tell us how they are feeling, and diagnosis often relies on physical assessment, diagnostic tests and professional clinical judgement. AI-generated advice may not always be accurate or recognise when an apparently minor problem is actually a sign of serious disease.

“We would encourage owners to seek advice from their veterinary practice whenever they have concerns about their horse’s health or welfare.

“Digital tools, including video consultations, can support veterinary care in some situations, but they work best when used as part of a professional veterinary service rather than as a substitute for it.”

CBBC presenter and small animal vet Rory Cowlam, who has backed the RSPCA’s call, highlighted that there is a “massive difference” between a vet using clinical AI tools to support an examination, and an owner using a chatbot to skip one entirely.

“AI can be a great tool for brainstorming general pet tips, like how to keep your pet entertained, or enrichment ideas. But when your animal is genuinely sick, a chatbot is not where you should be looking for advice. If in doubt, log out from AI and reach out to a professional,” he said.

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Do you know when to call the vet? Study raises concerns – as many horse owners still reach for outdated treatment

Becky Murray — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:31:53 +0000

Owners can lack confidence when deciding whether to call the vet for equine wounds – and some are still reaching for outdated treatments, research has highlighted.

In a study published in Animals, researchers from the University of Nottingham, with support from the British Horse Society, aimed to understand owner-reported causes, management and outcomes of equine wounds. The work gathered data to expand on existing wound evidence, which has predominantly been expert reviews or referral hospital studies.

Owners submitted information for 219 horses with injuries. The most common reason for wounds was wire/fencing injuries and the most common place was the lower half of the hindlegs. Owners gave first aid in just over two-thirds of cases and three-quarters of horses needed veterinary attention – but owners were not always confident in deciding whether the wound needed the vet.

The study highlights “several areas where information and resources could support behaviour change in owners and improve wound outcomes”, including on planning for emergencies and the need for guidance on when to call the vet and giving first aid.

Co-author Sarah Freeman told H&H the most common emergency vets get called to, after colic, is wounds.

“Vets see one perspective, but there’s an awful lot that owners see and vets don’t – so this gives us a different picture of what’s going on in the horse population,” she said, adding that there is further work taking place on wounds due out later this year.

“Some of the findings weren’t surprising, like the most common place for wounds – but it was interesting to understand the things that owners are commonly doing. We can look at whether they fit with best practice and what information we can provide; that’s maybe small things like washing hands before giving first aid, or helping people decide when to get to the vet or how to bandage.”

Professor Freeman added that the study showed some owners are applying products, such as Sudocrem or purple and silver sprays, which are “not ideal in quite a number of wounds”.

“There’s been years and years of people using these products, but over time products have evolved or changed and the ingredients are not always clear,” she said, adding that some can prevent wounds being able to breathe or slow healing.

In the study, 80% of horses who had veterinary intervention were given antibiotics. H&H vet Karen Coumbe said this proportion was “somewhat surprising” and that when it comes to wound care, “effective cleaning and dressing” may mean antibiotics are unnecessary, avoiding “overuse of such precious medication”.

Ms Coumbe added that “the position of a wound is crucial”, rather than the size.

“Even if it is relatively large it might not be as bad as one might imagine, whereas a small deep puncture near a joint may be catastrophic, if it penetrates into a vital structure,” she said.

“If in doubt, always consult your vet – it is not difficult to send photographs or video to help obtain advice, although phone pictures can be misleading and it helps to see the injury to ensure all is well.

“If a horse seems lamer than expected or depressed, unwell or uncomfortable, always contact your vet.”

British Horse Society horse care and welfare education manager Emmeline Hannelly told H&H the research provides “valuable insight” and helps raise awareness of the importance of effective wound care.

“Wounds are a common problem and one that owners should be prepared for,” she said, adding that injuries can lead to infection and serious complications if they are not assessed and managed appropriately.

“Prompt assessment and treatment are important, and knowing when to seek veterinary advice can make a significant difference to the outcome.”

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New enhanced veterinary suite to pop up at horse trials in 2026

Lucy Elder — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:29:58 +0000

A new on-site temporary veterinary suite designed to give a better space for horses to be looked after and for vets to work in is popping up at events this year.

BEDE Events, which runs multiple horse trials, has entered a long-term partnership with temporary stabling provider Woodhouse. This includes looking at temporary stabling through the lens of horse welfare and wellbeing, including the environment around them, how they are designed, built, prepared, managed and used at events.

The new veterinary suite is part of this partnership. It was in place for the first time at The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby (3 to 5 April) and will be used at all BEDE’s international fixtures this year, including both Aspen Cooling Osberton International fixtures (22 to 24 May and 1 to 4 October).

It features an office space, for privacy and a place for vets to do paperwork, four stables for treatment, isolation and testing, plus a covered tie-up area for investigation work.

“This is about recognising that temporary stabling isn’t just a background part of an event. It directly affects how horses settle, recover and perform,” said Woodhouse owner and managing director Dan Hassall Woodhouse.

“There’s still a tendency to treat temporary stabling as something that just needs to be there. In reality, it has a direct impact on horse welfare, and that comes down to how those spaces are set up and managed, not just that they exist.

“Working with BEDE, there’s a clear alignment in how we approach that. We’re focused on getting the environment right for horses, and this partnership allows that to be delivered consistently across their events.”

BEDE events director Stuart Buntine added: “We’ve worked with Dan and the Woodhouse team for several years now and not only have great faith and trust in the product but also the service they deliver. Our shared vision on equine welfare is one we want to build upon and share with our competitors.

“At Thoresby we unveiled our new veterinary suite, an area that gives our vets adequate space and privacy to work and also gives horses that may require treatment or testing the quiet that is needed. This will now be a regular feature at all BEDE international fixtures, much to the benefit of our competitors.”

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Big ethical questions up for debate as FEI overhauls veterinary rules

Lucy Elder — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:10:45 +0000

Big ethical questions were laid out for vets and the global horse industry to debate as the FEI prepares to overhaul its veterinary regulations this year.

Could icing right before a horse inspection be masking issues? Do current rules around pergolide need to be reconsidered? Should drips given without a veterinary diagnosis be stopped? Where is the line on whether a “dangerous horse” is fit to compete? Should the FEI have a right to take DNA tests from horses at competitions and at home? And how can the right balance be struck in making a rule while taking into consideration the fact horses are all individuals?

Those are just a few of the key questions the FEI is asking experts, federations and the wider industry, after the topics were raised by top FEI vets Jenny Hall, Caterina Termine and Göran Åkerström at the FEI Sports forum (30 to 31 March).

Mr Åkerström told the forum the FEI is looking into having a set “fitness to compete” rule, which will include mental fitness. He explained that while fitness to compete underpins the regulations, there is no clear and general rule on what that means.

The FEI is also considering amending its rules on neurectomy, removal of all or part of a nerve. The FEI rule currently bans horses with hyposensitive or hypersensitive areas of the body from competing.

Mr Åkerström said the rule is “difficult to understand” and queries about it are “among the most common questions” the veterinary department receives.

“It is also very difficult to enforce, because it puts all the burden of evidence onto us,” he said, adding that “most importantly” the Palmar neurectomy in particular presents a “major risk” for horses.

He said that the FEI is proposing that either all forms of neurectomy are prohibited – which has previously been an FEI rule – or that the Palmar nerve neurectomy, which removes sensitivity in the foot, is banned. He added that future mandatory registration of neurectomy in the FEI’s Equipass app has also been suggested.

A member of the audience said having a clearer rule would support vets.

Dr Hall replied that the FEI does recognise that potentially “neurectomy” is part of some other surgical procedures, such as those involving horses’ backs, which is why the FEI felt clarifying that this is concerning Palmar neurectomy “would simplify it and may be the real way forward”.

The FEI is also considering the ethics around the drug pergolide, a common drug for horses with Cushing’s disease (also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, PPID). It’s a controlled medication, which means it has a veterinary purpose but cannot be a horse’s system on competition day.

Mr Åkerström raised the point that this means owners stop giving the treatment to horses before a competition, which could lead to health issues. But he sais this also raises other questions.

“Is a horse that requires medication to maintain its health fit to compete at FEI level? And if so, should a TUE [therapeutic use exemption] be allowed in all disciplines, because questions around enhanced performance have been raised if this is given to horses who don’t have the disease,” he said, adding that the FEI would like to hear views and that it will also conduct an ethical evaluation, with equine ethics professor Madeleine Campbell and a leading specialist.

The FEI is also proposing tightening up on situations where horses are given what is dubbed “comfort fluids”, where reportedly fluids are given intravenously (IV) without a clinical reason, which Mr Åkerström said poses a health risk to some horses.

He stressed that this does not mean that the FEI wants to stop IV fluids, but that they want these to be administered based on a veterinary examination and proper diagnosis.

He added that the FEI has commissioned two studies on the topic, which will inform rule changes.

“We can’t really say what exactly [the new rule is] going to be, but I’m sure there’s going to be limitations in how intravenous fluids can be administered at FEI events,” he said. “We would probably also need to introduce a sanction for IV administration of fluids without documented clinical assessment. Today, that is not always happening, and it’s just not acceptable.”

Another proposal is to prohibit cooling with ice within 30 minutes of a horse inspection (or re-inspection), as Mr Åkerström said that there are concerns that icing could “actually mask the pain that the horse inspection panel is supposed to detect”.

Suggestions around body condition scoring, an end to non-emergency injections at FEI events, and pony measuring were also mooted.

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Reforms for small animal vets likely to change expectations among horse owners

Lucy Elder — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:37:12 +0000

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has welcomed the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) review into veterinary services for household pets.

On Tuesday (24 March), the CMA concluded that vet practices should publish price lists and tell clients they may be able to find medicines cheaper elsewhere, and must make it clear if they are an independent business or part of a group.

The CMA reforms include a cap on prescription fees, written estimates will need to be provided for treatment expected to cost more than £500, except for emergencies, and the industry will be required to set up a price comparison website, which the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) will take on.

The CMA is expected to put orders in place by 23 September and businesses are likely to have a few months to implement changes.

H&H asked BEVA what the review means for equine vets and practices and was told that the obligation is only for vets treating household pets, but in reality, “there will be inevitable crossover into other types of practice, even if only as a result of changing client expectations”.

BEVA veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve told H&H BEVA “welcomes the CMA’s review and supports its aim of improving transparency, consumer confidence, and animal welfare”.

“We agree that clearer client information and proportionate business regulation are important,” she said.

“It is essential that the distinct, largely ambulatory and time-critical nature of equine practice is recognised.

“Measures such as standardised pricing and written estimates must be applied flexibly to remain practical.

“BEVA supports proportionate, risk-based regulation and will continue to work with government and regulators to ensure reforms are workable and deliver positive outcomes across all sectors, including equine practice.”

She said the “bottom line” for BEVA members is that nothing is legally enforced yet, but expectations have already changed.

She added that the key points over the next year are that practices that prepare early will be in a stronger position and that the biggest immediate shifts are more transparent conversations, more pressure on medicine pricing and early moves towards structured pricing and documentation.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) senior vice president Linda Belton, said the RCVS is “glad that, in developing this final package of remedies for the sector, the CMA has listened to feedback from the college and others”.

Alan Hough, owner of independent Celtic Equine Vets, told H&H he is a bit disappointed with the outcome.

He said the review was an opportunity for the CMA to have more involvement with the corporatisation of the profession and that he does not believe the reforms will reduce veterinary costs particularly.

“They’re requiring practices to put prices on websites, provide estimates for treatment and offer prescriptions for medications – if you speak to most vets working in good, reputable practices, we do that anyway,” he said.

He added that this is good in terms of transparency – while noting that his practice already provides prescriptions on request and has had prices on its website for years – and said that the cap on prescription fees “is not going to make a huge difference” to the cost of treatment.

Highlighting the scope of certain big corporations, he said that in some cases, those that own veterinary practices also own labs, crematoriums, insurance companies and online pharmacies, and said that “nothing in this report has said that they need to divest”. Nor has it said that they cannot have controlling elements in certain areas where they have a monopoly.

“Unfortunately, the CMA hasn’t dealt with any of that, which is a bit disappointing. They have said that corporate-owned practices must clearly signpost who owns them – that’s welcome, that’s long overdue. I think that will have a positive outcome,” he said.

But he cautioned that the outcome might be that vets’ fees increase.

“In any business, you need to have operating revenue, and in veterinary, some of that comes from professional fees, but quite a significant portion comes from drug sales. If it’s mandated that you must encourage clients to seek that medication elsewhere, you’re going to have less operating revenue in that business,” he said. “So the only way that you’re going to make enough money to operate the business is to put up your professional fees.”

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‘Horses are in good hands’: new research shows post-surgery equine deaths are declining

Becky Murray — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 13:33:12 +0000

The number of equine deaths associated with general anaesthesia has declined in the last 20 years, data has shown.

Researchers – who formed the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities Community Interest Company (CEPEF CIC) – have published their latest phase of the enquiry, CEPEF4, into general anaesthetic-related horse deaths since the 1990s. The work, published in 2025, involved analysis of data from 47,000 procedures across 93 veterinary practices and hospitals, in 23 countries and four continents.

The aim was to build on the work of the original studies published in 2002 and consider the seven-day outcome for horses following general anaesthesia. Key findings include the fact that the death rate in otherwise healthy horses – those who underwent anaesthesia for an elective procedure rather than for emergency abdominal surgery such as colic or caesarean section – has decreased from 0.9% to 0.6% since CEPEF2 in 2002. Whereas 33% of deaths in these cases previously related to cardiac arrest, this figure has dropped to around 12% in the last 20 years. This decline has been attributed to a change in some of the drugs used, new techniques and improved monitoring in equine general anaesthesia. The new data found that, in those non-colic cases, the main causes of death were fractures occurring during the recovery period (35%) followed by post-anaesthetic colic during the seven-day period (20%).

As expected, mortality in compromised patients was higher but decreased from 7.8% to 4.2% in the last two decades. The main reasons for this are the improvements in perioperative management of colic by both referring vets and the specialised treatment provided in referral hospitals.

Lead researcher Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla of the University of Edinburgh told H&H that even with this reduction in death rate, risks of anaesthetising a horse are still much greater than a dog. For example, horses are more prone to complications owing to their size and the fact of being prey animals, especially in the immediate recovery period after general anaesthesia. When they recover from a general anaesthetic, horses are more at risk of panicking and try to stand, which can lead to fractures. Good management of anaesthesia during the operation, maintaining a healthy blood circulation and respiration will reduce the likelihood of disaster such as post-anaesthetic myopathy which may lead to catastrophic recovery.

“The reduction in deaths is mainly because the drugs and techniques we are now using are safer, vets are better trained in monitoring and stabilising the more compromised patients pre-operatively in an adequate manner, apart from providing better pain management,” said Dr Gozalo-Marcilla.

“We also know more about certain risk factors – a compromised patient with colic, a pregnant mare, a very fat or skinny horse or if the anaesthetic is longer than two hours, all increase the risk of the horse not surviving the seven-day period. We were also able to identify some protective factors too, like giving a little sedation before the recovery phase to reduce the risk of the horse panicking.”

“The results are promising but there are still some unanswered questions; particularly around post-operation recovery, the critical phase. We can let a horse recover on its own, or ropes can be used to support them, but there’s still no evidence as to which is better – and whether we should be ventilating patients. We want to know how we can reduce this 0.6% death rate further.”

Dr Gozalo-Marcilla said the message to owners is that general anaesthesia in horses is very high risk – more so if a horse is unwell going into it – but that “things have improved massively in 20 years”.

“Things have changed for good, we know there have been improvements and when owners send their horses to a referral setting, they are in good hands,” he said.

Horse Trust director of research and policy Jan Rogers told H&H: “The Horse Trust was pleased to be able to fund this study, which drew data from nearly 48,000 cases across the world.

“The results are reassuring, that there are fewer horses lost under general anaesthetic than was shown in a similar study 20 years ago and that good information is available about the causes of the losses that did occur. This means we can continually improve by monitoring and supporting patients better and by careful use of pre-medication and sedation during recovery – all of which can help to lower risk factors and inform clinical decisions and patient safety.”

The CEPEF CIC are: Dr Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla (University of Edinburgh), Dr Polly Taylor (Taylor Monroe, UK), Dr Mark Johnston (Vetstream Ltd, UK), Prof Regula Bettschartt-Wolfensberger (University of Zürich, Switzerland), Prof José Ignacio Redondo García (Universidad Cardenal Herrera – CEU, Spain).

The authors would like to thank as sources of funding the Association Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA), Kate Borer-Weir Memorial Fund and the AVA Trust, and the Horse Trust.

“Also, the open-mindedness, hard work, honesty and diligence of the personnel, ambassadors and every single user of each collaborating centre who submitted the cases for the standing sedation study,” said the authors.

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‘I’m assessing horses’ fitness for purpose – not whether buyers can ride them’: Vets and dealers debate the vetting process

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:35:03 +0000

Work on consistent interpretation of X-rays and moving towards a risk assessment rather than “passing or failing” have been suggested for the future of pre-purchase examinations.

A panel with extensive veterinary and horse-selling experience discussed vettings at the 2026 National Equine Forum on 5 March.

Vets Lucy Grieve, Sam Cutts and Mark Georgetti were joined by Julia Martin of Kings Hill Equestrian, in a debate chaired by British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) CEO David Mountford. The session was in part sparked by the new seller declaration form introduced by BEVA last year, as part of its online toolkit for vets.

“Buying and selling horses is one of the oils that keeps the engine of the horse industry turning,” Mr Mountford said. “Gone are the days when the vet would rock up, have a look at the horse, trot it up, listen to its heart and wind and probably say, ‘That looks like a good one to me.’ We move forward and that evolution may have made things better in many cases, but it also may have made things worse.

“We’re going to try to look under the bonnet of vettings and see how well it’s running and consider whether we could do any better. That’s not just for the benefit of sellers, buyers or vets, it’s for the industry as a whole.”

Dr Grieve, who was instrumental in putting the BEVA guidance together, explained that vettings developed to perform in a similar way to surveys on houses, to ensure people are buying something fit for purpose, but these involve living animals.

Vettings: not a guarantee or warranty

“You’re seeing it for that small amount of time and trying to judge what you seem to see, and whether that horse is right for the person,” she said. “It’s not a guarantee or warranty, it can’t detect future soundness, performance or behaviour, and it certainly can’t guarantee whether that horse can be insured fully – insurers will have their own opinion on findings of a vetting.

“As we’ve seen more people getting into horses, there’s been an expectation drift. I think people expect more from the vetting than is possible. It’s more certainty they want, rather than understanding that it’s a risk assessment.”

Dr Georgetti agreed that many people wrongly talk about horses “passing or failing”.

“We’re really doing a diligent examination, finding things and discussing the risks associated with that,” he said. “It’s putting those risks into context for that individual.”

Ms Martin said she does not think the system is sustainable; too many clients want vets to tell them horses are perfect, which is not realistic.

“These people want perfect, there’s no perfect,” she said. “They want protection for their money on a vetting. That’s not going to happen and too many horses are being written off.”

Ms Martin said 40 years ago, she would sell 250 to 300 horses per year, and one in 10 would “fail” the vet.

“Now I’m down to two in 10 ‘passing’,” she said. “The horse world is growing but we’re selling less horses.”

Post-purchase disputes

Dr Cutts, who has served as an expert witness in this area, said post-purchase disputes are split evenly “between a failure of examination and a failure of expectation from the purchaser”.

“Things do get missed at vettings; we can all make mistakes, but when things go wrong, it’s often that the purchaser has bought the wrong horse,” she said. “If we’re asked to do a vetting, we’re assessing whether the horse is fit for the purpose that’s been described. If I’m asked if I think this horse will be fit for being a grand prix dressage horse, that’s what I’m assessing. I’m not assessing whether the owners are going to be able to ride it.”

Dr Cutts added that vets may find issues that do not significantly increase the risk of a horse not being able to do its job, but that insurers may not agree. This could mean a long list of exclusions, or buyers walking away.

Dr Grieve added that vets learn about vettings by shadowing, gaining experience of the reality of horses’ fitness for intended purpose, and that the online toolkit and seller declaration should help.

“We’re trying to get the vet out of the history-taking part; having that on a signed document gives that bit more confidence and hopefully encourages [sellers] who may be a little more relaxed about the truth,” she said. “The idea is to provide a more supportive network to older vets but also younger ones who are really trying to get through to feeling confident.”

Dr Cutts also cited legal disputes, adding: “In years gone by, if it’s a really good horse and it doesn’t work out, bad luck. These days, if somebody buys a horse and it doesn’t work out, it’s got to be somebody’s fault – it’s definitely not their fault, so if it’s not Julia’s fault, it’s my fault.”

She said a way for vets to protect themselves against such disputes is to document all findings, but then there is more for insurers to exclude.

Difficult situation

“It’s difficult circumstances,” she said, and Dr Grieve agreed, adding that she has seen younger vets who do not want to carry out vettings.

“They’re scared,” she said. “Those are the cases that keep you up at night, for months, because you know these people might come back at you six months later and say the horse has started bucking. Having support to look after these vets is important.”

Dr Cutts said she would like to see Britain move away from horses’ being classed as fit or unfit for the intended purpose, towards the European system of classing horses as low, medium or high risk for the purpose, which she thinks would mean more horses finding the right homes.

The panel was asked what impact buyers wanting pre-purchase X-rays has had, and Dr Georgetti said these are the most common “extra” his practice is asked to do.

“I feel there’s quite a wide variability between vets’ interpretation of findings,” he said. “I think that’s partly due to experience, partly because there’s no really good clinical knowledge base to work from for significance of a radiographic finding. So a consensus on significance [would be helpful] as [X-rays] sometimes provide more questions than answers.”

What do you think should change in vettings? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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#savethevetschool campaign successful as vet education to continue at Cambridge University

Becky Murray — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:20:05 +0000

Veterinary education at the University of Cambridge will continue as “the strength of feeling in the community” is heard – but staff and students say “there is still work to be done to ensure stability and confidence”.

In December H&H reported that the university’s council of the school of biological sciences had made a recommendation that veterinary education at the university should finish once the final cohort of students is expected to graduate in 2032.

The recommendation, which followed a period of uncertainty around the school’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons accreditation, was described as a “bolt out of the blue” by staff and students. A campaign, #savethevetschool, was launched calling on the “university authorities to pause and reconsider a hasty, unjustified and flawed process”.

This week the university’s general board had a “detailed discussion” about the future of veterinary education at the school – and “having heard the strength of feeling in the community around Cambridge”, it was agreed to continue admitting students on to the course.

In a statement the board set out six points it had agreed to, including the need for new leadership in the vet school to support the department “in addressing its many challenges”, recognition that the school of biological sciences “cannot be solely responsible for the future of veterinary education”, and that immediate cost savings identified by the vet school “should go ahead without delay”.

“The general board has agreed next steps in light of the analysis put forward by both the school of the biological sciences and the department of veterinary medicine, and the concerns of many in the Cambridge community and the veterinary profession more widely,” read the statement.

“The general board acknowledged the long-standing and serious challenges facing veterinary education at Cambridge, and thanked the school of the biological sciences for their work and their support of the department of veterinary medicine during a critical phase of their accreditation process and in appraising the options.”

A spokesperson for the #savethevetschool campaign said the outcome had followed “an unprecedented level of engagement and support”.

“We also recognise that there remains uncertainty about what the future will look like internally for the vet school community. There is still work to be done to ensure long-term stability, clarity and confidence for staff and students,” he said.

“However, it is important to acknowledge this moment. The recommendation for closure, which caused significant concern across the sector has been denied. That is no small outcome. It reflects the strength of the evidence presented and the extraordinary unity shown by this community.”

The spokesperson said the “message throughout has been clear”.

“The vet school’s contribution to education, research, clinical excellence, social mobility and animal health is vital and must continue,” he said.

“On behalf of the vet school, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who raised their voice, shared information, submitted responses and stood alongside us during this period.”

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Your ‘once-in-a-generation chance’ to have your say on changes to ‘outdated’ vet regulations

Becky Murray — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 13:31:23 +0000

A consultation on reforms to the “outdated” Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) has been described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” – as vets and the public are urged to respond.

Defra has announced an eight-week consultation on proposed changes to the 1966 Act. These include regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses and allied professionals, protection of the title ’veterinary nurse’, and modernised registration and fitness to practise processes.

The proposals follow the Government’s competition and markets authority (CMA) provisional decision on its investigation into the veterinary services market (news, 30 October) – and last month’s publication of the Government’s animal welfare strategy, which stated work was under way to assess how the CMA’s recommendations, alongside planned reforms to the Act, “can help modernise and strengthen the provision of veterinary care”.

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons president Tim Parkin said the VSA consultation is a “historic moment for UK animal health and welfare and the veterinary sector”.

“We are so glad that the Government has recognised the need to replace the current outdated legislation with something flexible, forward-facing and future-proofed,” said Professor Parkin.

“It is very important that members of the professions and the public respond to this consultation, because it’s no exaggeration to say that the next few decades of the professions will be influenced by the decisions made over the coming years with regards to the new legislation.

“This really is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of veterinary professions and animal healthcare services, and to introduce a modern framework that’s fit for purpose in the 21st century. At nearly 60 years old, the Act is in urgent need of reform – it’s time for change.”

British Equine Veterinary Association veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve told H&H reform of the Act is “long overdue”.

“The CMA investigation has resulted in further recommendations, but it is important to note that it was not the sole reason for the proposed reform,” she said.

“Modernising the framework and legalities under which vets operate should bring benefits to all key stakeholders, fundamentally to the animals they are designed to care for and protect.

“The rise in vet fees over inflation may be attributed to a complexity of reasons, but one factor which may need to be considered is that vets were possibly undercharging for services and professional fees for a very long time.”

Take part in the consultation

The CMA, which is due to publish its final decision in March on recommendations including requiring vet businesses to publish price lists and disclose if they are part of larger groups, has “welcomed” the VSA consultation.

“Our vets investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose and need reforming to keep pace with commercial practice and further build pet owner trust in veterinary businesses,” said Martin Coleman, chair of the CMA inquiry group.

A spokesperson for CVS Group, one corporate group that owns small and equine practices, told H&H the organisation “believes reform will help strengthen consumer confidence in the profession” and ensure “enhanced regulation”.

IVC Evidensia spokesperson, another corporate that horses small and large practices, told H&H the group is “pleased to see the Government taking action” – but added it is important that the consultation “reflects the significant progress in clinical standards and consumer expectations for advanced care”.

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‘Miracle’ pregnant mare temporarily blinded by life-threatening sepsis survives – and keeps her unborn foal

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:09:59 +0000

The owner of a pregnant “miracle” mare who survived life-threatening sepsis that made her temporarily blind has praised the vets who saved her – and her unborn foal.

Di Johnston faced the possibility of having to put her seven-year-old miniature Shetland Parlington Flair down as she was so ill with the condition, triggered by an abdominal infection that had spread to her eyes.

She was taken to Rainbow Equine Hospital in North Yorkshire, where the team could only give her a very low chance of survival, and keeping her unborn foal.

A spokesperson for VetPartners, which owns Rainbow, said Di’s usual vet took a sample of fluid from Flair’s abdomen after she had stopped eating and was showing signs of discomfort. This showed she was suffering from bacterial peritonitis, which led to sepsis. Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to an infection, causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and organs.

“I decided that I had to do what I could to save Flair; she’s only seven and she’s extremely special to us,” said Di. “We bred her, as well as her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her line goes back six generations. She was very sick, but I knew I could trust the team at Rainbow to give her the best chance.”

Rainbow vet Lizzie Cullen, a European specialist in equine internal medicine, said Flair was seriously ill and had to be carefully unloaded when she arrived at the hospital as the infection was affecting her vision.

She added that Flair was a particularly challenging case because as well as peritonitis and sepsis, she had uveitis affecting both eyes, inflammation in her colon and high levels of fat in her bloodstream.

Flair is now recovering at home (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“After discussions with her owner, the decision was made to treat her medically, to avoid performing surgery that the unborn foal would not survive,” the spokesperson said.

Flair was given pain relief, intravenous antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and anti-thrombotics to prevent blood clots. She was given intestinal adsorbents, substances that soak up toxins, intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated and progesterone to support the pregnancy.

Lizzie said: “When Flair arrived at Rainbow she was very ill and the odds were stacked against her.

“She had a number of complications and the fact she developed septic uveitis is very unusual. It’s something often seen in critically ill foals, but it’s rare in adult horses and meant Flair was so sick there had been a breakdown of the protective blood-eye barrier, leading to inflammation inside the eye.

“Flair was at Rainbow for 10 days and our focus was on giving her the best possible supportive care. She had vets, nurses and the yard team monitoring her every day and throughout the night, and it was a real team effort to save her. Everyone was absolutely delighted when she turned a corner and felt well enough to eat again.”

Lizzie said it is still unclear what caused Flair’s illness, and she is very lucky her condition responded to the medication.

“Some of the common causes of such severe peritonitis, such as a penetrating wound or a leak in the gastrointestinal tract, would require surgery and the foal wouldn’t have been able to survive, and such causes are also commonly fatal for the horse,” she said. “We don’t know if the foal has been affected by the medication Flair received, but when we gave her a final check before she left the hospital it had a strong heartbeat, which is positive.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Flair is back at home, Di’s Parlington Miniature Shetland Stud.

“Everyone at Rainbow was amazing,” Di said. “It’s due to their care that she’s still here and I can’t thank them enough. Lizzie was great and explained everything clearly, so we understood what was happening and could make informed decisions, and we were sent regular updates on how she was doing.

“We breathed a huge sigh of relief when they sent through a photo of Flair eating a bowl of grass when she started feeling better. It was my mum, Barbara Johnston’s, 95 birthday, and she set up our stud in 1956, so hearing that Flair was getting better made it an extra special day.

“I’m also very grateful to our usual vet Ellie Keightley of Bainbridge Vets who saw Flair when she was first unwell and diagnosed her quickly and referred us to Rainbow.

“It’s so lovely to have Flair back home with the herd and she’s been out grazing happily and even had a buck in the field, so she seems to be feeling well. It feels like a miracle that Flair is still here, but it will be the perfect ending if she gives birth to a healthy foal next spring.”

Signs of sepsis in horses:

Any source of infection can lead to sepsis if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. Here are some signs to watch out for, although some are not specific to sepsis and can be caused by other diseases:

Lethargy and depression
Fever or an abnormally low temperature
Rapid heart rate
Rapid or laboured breathing
Dark red or purple mucous membranes (gums)
Cool extremities
Weak or absent pulses

If you think your horse could be suffering from sepsis, contact your vet as an emergency.

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Oh yes he did! Vets to the rescue as pantomime horse suffers respiratory and dental issues

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:04:46 +0000

All the best pantomimes have horses, villains and cross-dressing dames – not all have advice on equine dentistry, gags about turmeric and the chance to win £100 towards your vet bills.

But one production of Rapunzel, put on by RW Equine Vet at the Queen’s Hall Theatre in Cranbrook on 10 December, had all the above and more.

The independent East Sussex practice is run by husband and wife Reuben and Sarah Whittaker, who decided last year that their December client evening should run in panto style – and it went down so well, they did it again for 2025.

The production of Rapunzel, complete with plenty of audience participation, seamlessly interspersed the story of the long-haired heroine with talks from RW vets Barbara Portal and Gonçalo Seren. Both came to the rescue to inform the audience as they investigated Maximus the pantomime horse, aka practice manager Clare Young-Brown and vet nurse Katie Holloway, for his respiratory and dental issues.

“It was a really good event,” Sarah, who played Rapunzel, told H&H.

“Reuben and I didn’t really have time to rehearse so it was a bit stressful beforehand! But it was great fun and the whole team enjoyed it.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

More than 150 people enjoyed mulled wine, mince pies and prosecco, and a raffle with prizes such as £100 vet treatment vouchers raised £510 for East Sussex charity Brownbread Horse Rescue.

The production was a true family affair; Sarah played Rapunzel and Reuben – whose singing voice and flair for acting is surely wasted on a vet – her mother and the dashing hero Flynn Rider. Their 11-year-old twin sons Isaac and Arthur starred as robbers, Sarah’s sister Angela was the narrator and her parents Roger and Mandy served the prosecco.

Sarah thanked Penny Tobin of the Cranbrook Operatic and Dramatic Society for her help, which included adding sound effects for Maximus, and when Rapunzel gave her hero a wallop with a frying pan.

“We loved it,” Sarah said. “It’s really good for the whole team to get together, and we think it’s nice if client evenings aren’t just sitting in a village hall but are a bit of fun. And it’s a nice chance for people to catch up with like-minded friends, especially when so much is online these days, and talk to the vets.”

Sarah added that it takes about three months to recover from a pantomime, from “never again!” to “what can we do next?”

“We like to do things that are a bit of fun,” she said.

Reuben, who paid tribute to Sarah, Penny and his whole team, added that the idea “keeps getting bigger and bigger”, and that staff who were not involved last year were keen to be part of it this time.

“It’s going to be even bigger still next year,” he told H&H. “I don’t know what we’re going to do yet! Lucky us.”

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#savethevetschool: thousands back campaign as veterinary degree at top university at risk

Becky Murray — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:30:20 +0000

Thousands have backed a campaign to save the Cambridge University vet school – following a recommendation that the university “ceases veterinary education”.

The recommendation, made by the university’s council of the school of biological sciences, has been described by staff and students as a “bolt out of the blue”.

“Following careful consideration, the council of the school of the biological sciences has recommended that the university cease veterinary education at Cambridge once the final cohort of students is expected to graduate in 2032,” a spokesperson for the University of Cambridge said.

“The school has also recommended that the admissions process for October 2026 entry proceeds as planned.”

The spokesperson said that the recommendation comes after the general board asked the school council “to consider various options for the sustainable delivery of clinical services”. Research and postgraduate qualifications that do not depend on clinical services would continue.

“All options were explored in depth and weighed up carefully against the school’s strategic vision and plan, their implications for teaching and research, financial impact, and achievable implementation, either within the university or through external partnerships. After careful consideration, it was concluded that there was no viable long-term solution,” said the spokesperson.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for colleagues and students in the veterinary school and are putting in place support structures for both staff and students who may be affected.”

The news follows a challenging 18 months for the vet school; in November 2024 it was given 10 months to make improvements to its veterinary degree after a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) accreditation visit in May 2024 identified “wide-ranging concerns”. The vet school was given “conditional accreditation” – described by the RCVS as a “final warning” – for its degree as it had met only 27 of the 77 RCVS accreditation standards.

Last month the RCVS reported that a subsequent accreditation visit took place in September 2025 and “while there remained a significant number of standards still to be met, many of the recommendations for improvement had either been achieved, or significant progress had been made towards them”. The conditional accreditation was extended by a year, with a plan in place to “guide how and when the 20 outstanding recommendations would be met”. The next accreditation visit was scheduled for October 2026.

H&H has asked the university if the recommendation to cease education relates to the RCVS conditional accreditation.

Staff and students of Cambridge university’s veterinary department have launched a campaign #savethevetschool, which has been supported by thousands of students, alumni, clients and members of the public.

In a statement on 12 December the veterinary department said “the decision to recommend the closure of what the Times Higher Education Supplement ranks as the best undergraduate veterinary course in the world has come as a bolt out of the blue”.

“Staff, students and supporters of the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital and department of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University are calling on the university authorities to pause and reconsider a hasty, unjustified and flawed process,” read the statement.

“As well as lacking transparency and proper consultation about such a serious and irreversible move, closing the veterinary medicine course also has much wider implications, which are not being taken into account.”

The statement said that if another pandemic occurs, “those with world-class knowledge of animal to human disease transmission – both vets and researchers – will be of vital importance”, and highlighted the shortage of vets in the UK, stating that the majority of the school’s graduates “are from the UK and go on to work here”.

“When questioned by us yesterday, the university body which made the recommendation was unable to provide clear and compelling justification for it,” read the statement.

“They would not or could not explain if this rush to judgment is based on concerns about the financial sustainability of the school, about the quality of teaching, or about criticisms of the veterinary department raised by the RCVS in 2024.”

The statement added that the staff and students believed the school of biological sciences is acting “precipitately based on a misunderstanding of our finances”.

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‘Star’ teaching horse who grew rare stone in his cheek is ‘model patient’ for hospital’s new scanner

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:48:48 +0000

A 19-year-old quarter horse with a salivary stone in his cheek was the “model patient” for a veterinary hospital’s new CT scanner.

Joe Juice, who is a member of the teaching herd at the UC Davis Center for Equine Health (CEH) in the US, developed the hard mass just as the William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s (VMTH) diagnostic imaging service was preparing to open a new imaging centre. Part of that preparation included training sessions imaging animals on the new equipment, including a large-bore equine computed tomography (CT) scanner.

“Four years ago, Joe Juice had a sialolith removed from the right side of his face at the VMTH,” a UC Davis spokesperson said. “He recovered quickly and returned to his role as a member of the CEH teaching herd.

“Fast forward to the summer of 2025, when Joe Juice’s CEH care team discovered a visible bump on his cheek and suspected another sialolith based on his history.”

Sialolithiasis, or the formation of salivary stones, is uncommon in horses. The hard masses usually start small, as items such as small pieces of food make their way into the salivary duct and grow as layers of calcium form around them. As they grow, they can cause inflammation, infection and difficulty eating, as well as potentially altering saliva production and affecting digestion.

A study reported recurrence of sialoliths after surgical removal in 24% of cases, the average time to recur noted as just under three years.

“Since Joe Juice was already in need of imaging to confirm the sialolith, his veterinary team decided to utilise him as one of the first training models for the new equine CT scanner,” the spokesperson said.

The scan showed a large oval structure, of some 2x3x6cm in the soft tissue of Joe Juice’s cheek.

The stone can be seen on the left of the scan image (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Joe Juice was a model patient for our standing CT training,” said Mathieu Spriet, director of imaging services at the VMTH. “His sialolith was definitively diagnosed with the standing CT, giving surgeons a clear and concise assessment of the growth. This equipment’s ability to determine injuries and disease without full anesthesia is already proving to be tremendously valuable for our patients.”

The sialolith was removed, under standing sedation, by Scott Katzman, Stephanie Ortiz and David Orozco-Lopez, and Jo Juice was able to go home to the CEH shortly afterwards.

“Joe’s case is a great example of the importance of routine check-ups for your animals,” said Dr Katzman. “His first sialolith was discovered during a routine procedure several years ago, and this second one was discovered early because his care team routinely examines him for abnormalities. It’s also a great example of what we’re able to do with sedated standing procedures, instead of full anesthesia.”

The new equine CT scanner allows more diagnostic capabilities for horses and other large animals, the UC Davis spokesperson said, adding that the previous machine could only scan the limbs and heads of fully anesthetised horses. This one is integrated onto a platform that can be moved vertically and horizontally, so horses’ heads and limbs can be scanned under standing sedation, and it allows scanning of the stifles, pelvis and entire vertebral column.

“We’re so grateful for the imaging, anesthesia, and surgery expertise at the VMTH,” said CEH director Carrie Finno. “Joe Juice has been a star member of our herd for 17 years. He is one of our go-to horses when it comes to teaching veterinary students. His kindness and patience help them learn about everything from lameness exams to cardiology.”

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‘Major reforms’ planned for small animal vets raise questions and concerns for equine sector

Becky Murray — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:03:05 +0000

“Major reforms” proposed for small animal veterinary practice have raised questions for the equine sector.

On 15 October the Government’s competition and markets authority (CMA) released its provisional decision from an investigation into the UK’s veterinary services market. This was the result of a review into “how veterinary services are bought and sold amid concerns that pet owners may not be getting a good deal or receiving the information they need to make good choices”.

Among its findings, the CMA reported that pet owners are often unaware of the prices of common services and whether practices are part of a large national chain, have no effective way of comparing prices and may be paying twice as much for commonly prescribed medicines from practices than they could pay online.

“These factors are market wide and mean consumers do not benefit from strong competition between vet businesses. Average prices across the market rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023 – well above inflation,” read the report, adding that on average owners pay 16.6% more at large vet groups than at independent practices.

“For at least three of those large groups, average prices increased faster at practices they bought than at practices that remained independent. For a substantial part of the market as a whole, profits are much higher than they should be if competition was working well.”

The CMA said the “current regulatory system is not fit for purpose” and only regulates individual professionals, not businesses.

CMA inquiry group chair Martin Coleman said pet owners are “often left in the dark” about pricing and whether a practice is corporate-owned.

“We are proposing major reforms aimed at bringing about a transformation in the experience of pet owners and empowering them to make the best choices for their circumstances,” he said.

The CMA’s independent expert inquiry group has provisionally decided on 21 measures. These include requiring vet businesses to publish price lists, make it clear if they are part of a large group, tell owners if they can save money buying medication online and provide written prescriptions and breakdowns for pet care plans. The CMA also recommended that the Government “urgently prioritises” a new Veterinary Surgeons Act and updates regulation to include vet businesses as well as individuals.

A consultation on the provisional decision is open until 12 November, and the final decision is due in March 2026.

Although the report refers to small animal practice only, it has generated much discussion in the equestrian community, as some of the corporate groups own large-animal vet practices. Although many vets have “welcomed” the CMA report and a review of the act has been called for across the industry for some time, concerns about some of the CMA proposals have been raised by corporate groups and independent vets.

Alan Hough, owner of independent Celtic Equine Vets, told H&H the report raises questions around buying medications online – and could push vets’ fees up.

“We’ve always accepted that if you source medicines online you’ll get them cheaper – we don’t have the bulk-buying power online pharmacies do. But I think the CMA is missing the point that if you drive all drug sales from practices to online, we recoup quite a significant portion of our operating costs from those sales, we still need the same amount of money to run the practice. It means our professional fees will have to rise and people need to be aware of that,” he said, adding that many online vet pharmacies are owned by the six corporate vet groups.

“The CMA is trying to make out that all the money vets make is profit, and it maybe is to the larger groups, but to most independent practices we’re operating at a level to make enough turnover to reinvest in staff and update some technology, but none of us have second homes in Barbados.”

Independently owned Hambleton Equine Clinic “welcomed” the CMA’s call for greater transparency in pricing – but warned “equine care cannot be simplified into standard price lists”.

“The equipment we use, such as advanced imaging, diagnostics and surgical facilities, requires significant investment and expertise. Quality care can’t be reduced to a simple price comparison. Our responsibility is to provide the right care, not just the cheapest option,” said Hambleton director Phil Cramp.

A spokesperson for corporate vet business IVC Evidensia, which owns small and large animal practices, said the rise in vet bills over the past decade “reflects major advances in capabilities, diagnostics and treatments, and a response to customer demands for advanced care”.

“Over the past five years, IVC Evidensia has invested over £200m in our clinics, equipment and training, and invested significantly in increased salaries and benefits,” he said.

“We have long advocated for a complete overhaul of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, and are pleased the CMA is recommending this as a priority. While we already comply with a number of the CMA’s proposals, the full package will inevitably increase the administrative burden for the sector.”

British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) CEO David Mountford told H&H the CMA proposals “raise questions for the whole sector”.

“We welcome efforts to improve transparency and client communication, which are central to good veterinary care. However, we’re also conscious of the risk that new regulatory or business requirements designed for companion animal practice could be applied uncritically to equine work,” he said.

“BEVA will be engaging closely to ensure any future changes are proportionate, workable and reflect the needs and realities of equine veterinary care.”

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Farewell to vet and true horsewoman ‘full of life, love and laughter’, aged 65

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:06:10 +0000

Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher, the lifelong horse lover, the ultimate vet, a beautiful person full of life, love and laughter has died unexpectedly, aged 65.

Rebecca (Becca) was born and grew up in Richmond on Thames, but her happiest childhood memories were the weekends and summers spent with her family at their cottage in Rempstone on the Isle of Purbeck. This was where Rebecca acquired her first pony, Twinkle. The spark was lit, the flame fanned and a world with horses beckoned.

Rebecca’s ambition was always to be an equine vet, and she graduated from the University of Bristol with honours in 1983.

She worked in various practices; she was resident vet at Whitcombe racing stables when Cool Ground won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1992, then spent a short time at Avon Lodge in Salisbury. Becca set up a two-woman equine practice, then moved to Endell Equine hospital in Salisbury, where she stayed for 25 years.

In 1990 while she was at Whitcombe, Becca suffered a neck injury in a fall from her horse Touché and in her period of limited action, met Jan Puzio, a partner at Endell Equine, who helped her with some cases.

Becca and Jan married in 1994, set up home in the New Forest and their daughter Bethany was born in 1999. Rebecca was incredibly fond of her life in the New Forest, devoting time outside work caring for her New Forest ponies bred on the forest from Wellhouse Betsy, under the prefix Halestorm, whom she and Jan bought as a yearling in 1997.

Betsy won best mare on the forest in the 2011 gradings, and still roams the New Forest at the age of 29, although she still knows which gate to stick her head over in the quest for some extra treats.

Becca was naturally incredibly supportive of Bethany’s inevitable love of horses, seeing her thrive through showing, dressage, eventing, and Pony Club with the Wilton Hunt branch. Wilton camp riders will remember the jars of worms Becca would bring when she would educate on the importance of equine veterinary care, inspiring further generations of equine vets.

In 2012, the Connemara Smokin’ Gun (Gunner) joined the family, and he and Bethany formed a formidable partnership, representing Bethany’s school and Pony Club branch at a national level on numerous occasions. When Bethany decided to focus on university, Rebecca took over the reins of Gunner, competing in dressage, showing and working equitation.

Her incredible knowledge of equine care and wellbeing shone through as she took veteran classes by storm. Highlights included winning veteran ridden champion at the Royal Bath and West, and winning the senior-plus ridden pony title at Royal Windsor two years running (Gunner aged 25 and 26) with Jan by her side as groom.

With so much commitment to her work and personal fulfilment competing Gunner, Becca still found time to share her passion for equine welfare. She wrote frequent letters and articles for H&H expressing her thoughts on the veterinary industry and the importance of monitoring horse welfare inside and out of competition circuits (vet clinic, 12 June).

She was also an integral member of the riding establishments sub-committee, working tirelessly to improve the standard of riding establishment inspections with the goal of elevating equine welfare, as well as rider safety.

There have been staggering numbers of tributes from clients, colleagues and friends; Becca was a supportive colleague, gave her valuable advice to anyone and cared for every horse and owner. She was a true horsewoman, always sensitive and supportive when colleagues lost a loved one, saying, “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

She was the ultimate vet. Her mantra was: “A horse or pony is not naughty, there is always an underlying problem.”

Becca will be missed very dearly but lives are richer for those of us who were lucky to know her. Rest in peace.

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(Image credit: Future)

‘He feels amazing’: horse with life-threatening tumour saved by pioneering surgery

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:53:48 +0000

A horse who underwent “pioneering” surgery to remove a life-threatening tumour from his stomach is back in work and “feeling amazing”.

The owner of 15-year-old warmblood Valtano had asked Rainbow Equine Hospital to investigate suspected gastric ulcers last autumn and was shocked to hear he had a 12cm growth in his stomach. The team at Rainbow used a keyhole technique to remove the mass, and a scan six months later showed it had not regrown.

Katie Boddy, who has owned the 17.1hh gelding for seven years, said: “I’m so grateful to Rainbow for all they’ve done for Valtano. It’s so exciting that Valtano has a future ahead of him and it’s all thanks to the team at Rainbow.”

Vet Lizzie Cullen, a European specialist in equine internal medicine, discovered the mass. A follow-up a few weeks later showed it had grown “significantly” to the point it was life-threatening.

“It was blocking food material from passing through the digestive system and causing it to build up in the horse’s oesophagus and stomach,” a Rainbow spokesperson said, adding that Valtano’s stomach was at risk of rupturing.

Gastric surgery is uncommon in horses but the Rainbow vets used the advanced keyhole technique; they made an abdominal incision and were able to pass instruments through smaller incisions in his stomach wall. Two surgeons, guided by a camera fed down Valtano’s throat, were able to cut the mass away.

“The Rainbow team has specialists in multiple disciplines, so Lizzie was able to discuss the case with her colleagues to find a solution that would save Valtano,” the spokesperson said. “Her husband and colleague Matthew Cullen is a European specialist in equine surgery and he suggested keyhole surgery.”

Valtano with, from left, Lizzie Cullen, Katie Boddy and Matthew Cullen. Picture courtesy of VetPartners (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mr Cullen, who performed the operation with fellow surgical specialist Jonathan Anderson, said the procedure combined techniques that have been used before, but not together.

“Gastric surgery is not common in horses as the stomach is deep inside the abdomen, making it difficult to access,” he said. “The keyhole approach allowed us to get bigger instruments into the stomach and also improved our access to the base of the mass so we could remove more of it.

“Valtano was anaesthetised and placed on his back for the surgery, then his abdomen was opened using a J-shaped incision to make it easier to access the stomach. Small keyhole incisions were then made in the stomach so laparoscopic instruments measuring 1cm in diameter could be inserted to operate on the mass. At the same time, Lizzie passed a gastroscope into Valtano’s stomach so we could see the mass and the surgical instruments.”

Mr Cullen said the team was very pleased with the surgery; they were able to remove most of the mass, cutting it close to the wall of the stomach.

“As well as successfully helping Valtano, this surgical method could be beneficial in the future by giving us another option to operate on the inside of other hollow organs inside the body that are difficult to access, such as the bladder, uterus and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract,” he said.

Valtano was kept under observation at Rainbow Equine Hospital for two weeks after his surgery in October and a six-month follow-up gastroscopy in April showed no regrowth of the mass.

Mrs Cullen said: “Valtano made really good progress after his surgery and everyone was delighted to see him recover – he became very popular with all of the team.

“We had been concerned that the mass was cancerous because it looked quite nasty, but a sample was sent away for analysis and we were delighted to find out it was benign. The lab report said it was benign hyperplasia, an overgrowth of normal tissue. This is not something commonly found in horses.”

Valtano underwent a rehab programme at Katie’s Sprixton Grange Equestrian Centre.

Valtano is back in work. Picture courtesy of VetPartners (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“It was a huge shock when Lizzie told me about the mass inside his stomach, as I’d been expecting a diagnosis of ulcers based on the signs he’d been showing and because he’d suffered from them before,” Katie said.

“At first, the mass appeared quite small but I took Valtano back to Rainbow a few weeks later because he’d started to eat intermittently and pass droppings infrequently, and that’s when we found out it had grown quite rapidly and was now causing serious issues. I needed to make a big decision quickly; have him put to sleep or have the surgery.

“Rainbow talked me through all the options and what I needed to consider, and while at that point we didn’t know if the lump was cancerous or not, I wanted to do what I could to save Valtano. He’s such a lovely horse with a big personality and I knew that he was in safe hands and Rainbow would do the best for him. After the surgery he was bright and alert straight away and it was such a relief when we heard that the mass wasn’t cancerous.”

Valtano had 12 weeks’ box rest, then progressed to a pen and a small paddock.

“He’s done really well, I’ve brought him back into work slowly and he’s now being ridden and rebuilding his fitness,” Katie said. “He feels amazing to ride and I’m hoping to go out competing in dressage soon.”

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Culture change needed as vet injuries played down and ‘discussed like pub stories and banter’

Becky Murray — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 12:03:12 +0000

Injuries sustained by equine vets get “discussed like pub stories”, as new research highlights concerning attitudes towards kicks and bites, and the need for a culture change.

H&H reported that CVS Equine vets and nurses will wear safety helmets when handling horses. This was a result of research published by the University of Liverpool on 25 April, which found that more than 90% of vets had been injured while working (news, 29 May).

The study also found that one in four recent injuries required hospital attendance and 16% resulted in a fracture. The most common injuries were kicks to the leg and head, and although 58% of injured vets took more than a week to physically recover from an injury, only 6.7% took more than a week off work.

Lead researcher John Tulloch, who published a paper in January on a lack of injury reporting in the industry, told H&H the work considered events leading up to an injury – and the behaviour of those injured afterwards.

“The aim was to identify areas where we can try and minimise the number of injuries occurring in future but also minimise the severity,” said Dr Tulloch.

“The second most common injury was a kick to the head and that in itself is quite terrifying. If there’s any way we can help stop those things happening, or reduce the severity, that’s going to be a really good thing.”

One vet quoted in the study fractured a foot and instead of taking time off, cut a hole in their shoe and carried on doing the job.

“There are lots of instances like that where they should have stopped working or done desk work until they were better. Some of that was to do with the guilt of burdening colleagues, which is understandable, but also a sense of inevitability that injuries are always going to happen when you’re working with horses,” said Dr Tulloch.

“That shows a culture that needs tweaking, because if you’re injured, you’re much more likely to get injured again and you’re increasing the risk to others around you.”

Dr Tulloch said creating a culture change is “challenging” when there is an acceptance of injury.

“I know, from working in the vet world, injuries are sometimes discussed like pub stories – and because you’ve come out the other end and you’re ok, it’s talked about in that bantering kind of way, but without necessarily the reflection side of ‘What can I do differently, how can we improve this so others in future don’t get injured?’,” he said.

“That’s where CVS’s hat policy is really good, but the main drive will need to be that change in culture, and adopting personal protective equipment is part of the bigger picture to get that attitude and behavioural change.

“There has been lots of focus around rider safety, cross-country and road safety, and keeping the general equestrian injury-free – and I think the same effort now probably needs to be put on vets and others working with horses.”

Lucy Grieve, the British Equine Veterinary Association’s projects officer, told H&H the study “serves as another reminder of the dangers faced by vets working with large animals”.

“While we know there are risks which cannot be completely avoided, there are measures we can take to minimise the overall chance of injury as well as the severity if it were to happen,” she said.

“As Tulloch et al highlight, there is still a ‘c’est la vie’ attitude to injury in the farming and equestrian industries, which isn’t helping us learn from mistakes. If we want people to be safer and horses to be calmer, we have to view incidents, including near-misses, with the respect they deserve. Why did they happen and how can they be prevented in future?”.

Miss Grieve said this change will only happen if “we start recording, discussing and examining those situations properly”.

“Then we can start to learn, employ appropriate techniques and put measures in place. This may include better training for staff and clients, which many have already undertaken, whether it’s adding to the 120,000 views of BEVA’s ‘Don’t break your vet’ YouTube videos, demonstrating training techniques to help horses and their handlers to undertake routine procedures from clipping and loading to worming and injecting – or vets and nurses completing BEVA’s online modular ‘Hold Your Horses’, created by vet and specialist in equine veterinary behaviour Gemma Pearson to provide a course to learn about equine behavioural science and apply techniques in practice to help their patients’ welfare and improve the safety of veterinary teams in their day-to-day work.

“There is no doubt that carrying out veterinary work in a suitable environment with appropriate facilities and necessary equipment, which may include hats and steel toecap boots, will help prevent people sustaining injuries that could range from minor wounds to life-changing, or even fatal.”

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‘A frightening scene’: days-old foal found with broken jaw saved by expert vets

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 30 May 2025 15:18:44 +0000

A tiny foal who was found unable to nurse as she had somehow smashed her lower jaw on both sides was saved by expert vets – who bolted external plates on to her face.

Breeder Amanda Johnson was confronted by a “frightening scene” in her yard, in California, US, late February; she found her five-day-old filly Quincy with a bloody face and her lower jaw hanging, broken on both sides.

Amanda called her vet, who recommended Amanda take the foal to the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) veterinary hospital.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

When Quincy arrived, vets found that other than the obvious injury, she was “alert, responsive, and in good health”.

“X-rays showed complete displaced fractures of both of her mandibles,” a UC Davis spokesperson said. “The injury left the foal unable to nurse, so a nasogastric tube was placed for feeding. Faculty surgeon Sandra Valdez manually reduced the fractures and bandaged the wound for short-term stabilisation until surgery.”

A CT scan helped classify the fractures and allowed the surgeons to plan their approach.

“After discussion with Amanda Johnson, it was determined that the fractures would be stabilised with external fixators,” the spokesperson said. “Faculty surgeon Scott Katzman and surgery residents Bridget Ratliff and David Orozco-Lopez reduced the fractures and placed locking compression plates on the exterior of her face.

Quincy, with her dam Buckin Bay Rose, has recovered well (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Quincy recovered well from anesthesia and was able to nurse just one day after surgery. She was hospitalised for the following week before being discharged to continue her recovery at home. X-rays at her two re-check appointments showed appropriate healing, and the fixators were removed five weeks after surgery.”

Amanda said she was pleased with the foal’s recovery and “looks forward to her foal’s bright future”.

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Vets to wear safety helmets after study shows 90% injured by horses

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 25 May 2025 19:21:36 +0000

ALL CVS Equine vets and vet nurses are now wearing safety helmets when dealing with horses to reduce injury risk – and bring the profession into line with others.

The company, which owns 22 practices across the country, introduced the rule as a result of a three-year research project undertaken with the University of Liverpool, which found that 90% of vets have been injured while working.

“It is hoped that the move will reduce injuries to the head – one of the most common injuries sustained by equine vets identified by the research, usually when examining horses’ lower legs,” a CVS spokesperson said.

John Tulloch of the University of Liverpool, who led the research, pointed out that many horses are on heightened alert during a vet visit, so their behaviour may be less predictable than usual.

“Vets are often in a vulnerable situation when examining a horse, and it’s difficult to pick up on a horse’s signals, especially when examining areas such as lower limbs,” he said.

“Our research found that many injuries happen when a horse kicks or pushes a person over and the person’s head makes impact with the ground. So wearing a hard hat will be a big step towards preventing traumatic head injuries if this happens.”

H&H reported on the research after its publication; it found that many equine vets regard getting kicked as an “everyday norm”, and suggested the number of injuries in veterinary practice could be higher than reported.

CVS Equine director Sophie Ignarski said: “In asking our vets and nurses to wear hard hats, we are just joining other professions – such as airline and construction – who have introduced similar changes to improve safety, now established in their culture.

“Our clinicians are at risk in their day-to-day work, even when working with the best behaved, mildest-mannered horses. So we ask that clients are not concerned when our colleagues wear their hats.

“We are grateful for the support we have already received from clients in relation to this change, and hope they will continue to work with our vets and nurses to help keep our staff safe. And if clients would like to show further support, we’d encourage them to think about wearing their hats too.”

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‘A future she wasn’t going to have’: horse facing euthanasia is ‘sound and happy’ thanks to dedicated treatment

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 03 May 2025 19:21:54 +0000

The owner of a mare who faced being put down as she had severe canker in all four feet said she hopes her recovery will give hope to others in a similar situation.

Lyndsay, who said she felt “completely hopeless” about her nine-year-old mare Rita’s future, had been told by vets there was not much more that could be done to help her.

“Euthanasia was suggested, but I really didn’t feel it was the right option at that stage,” she said. “I felt strongly that Rita deserved a chance and was determined to explore all options.”

Rita contacted Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre in West Sussex, which took a different approach. Canker, which is painful and notoriously difficult to treat, is caused by bacteria that infect the deeper tissue of the frog and the heel. This causes the intertubular horn to disintegrate; the condition can advance to undermine the sole and loosen the hoof wall.

Many horses will only have one or two hooves affected but Rita had a severe infection in all four.

Moorcroft chief executive Mary Frances told H&H Rita’s feet were thoroughly cleaned with antibacterial spray, dusted with antibiotic powder and bandaged. The bandages were changed every other day, and corrective trimming carried out by qualified podiatrist Trevor Jones every three weeks.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Each time we removed the bandages we saw an improvement, which kept us going,” Mary said. “The pain began to subside, and Rita felt better about being handled.”

Rita was managed very carefully; she was hand-grazed and not allowed to go out in wet conditions. Long-reining helped stimulate circulation, and at times she wore hoof boots to prevent infection, although she also needed time barefoot to allow the tissues to “breathe”.

“With the above treatments the condition has not returned and we are thrilled to have given this horse a future she was not going to have,” Mary said, adding that Rita is now a “happy, sound horse”, enjoying gentle hacking.

“I was thrilled when I reached out to Moorcroft as the charity and its team of experts were so prepared to help her and take a different approach,” Lyndsay said. “Their methodical and dedicated treatment of her very sore feet began to work, resulting in her being much more comfortable in just a few weeks.

“I hope Rita’s experience gives hope and reassurance to other horse owners who may be going through a similar situation. I couldn’t be more pleased with Rita’s recovery.”

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The perfect teacher: tiny pony rescued from neglect finds his niche training vet students

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 18:51:50 +0000

A rescued pony who is helping train vet students while enjoying life with his herd is being celebrated this World Veterinary Day today (26 April).

The theme of the day is “animal health takes a team”, and 14-year-old Welsh section A Redwings Zeus, who has a heart murmur, is part of the team at the University of Cambridge department of veterinary medicine.

“Zeus was rehomed to the department in January last year, after they approached Redwings looking for a friendly and safe-to-handle horse with a heart murmur to join their teaching herd,” a Redwings spokesperson said. “Zeus helps students learn to detect the condition, as well as provide general equine behaviour and handling experience.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Zeus was rescued in 2014 with a donkey called Rio. Zeus had a large and untreated sarcoid and Rio such overgrown hooves, he could hardly walk, the spokesperson said. The owner was prosecuted and banned from keeping animals, and Rio and Zeus settled into their new home at Redwings’ Caldecott centre in Norfolk.

Rachel Angell, who leads the charity’s rehoming scheme, said: “When we heard what sort of pony the team at Cambridge were looking for, we thought Zeus was just the chap for the job!

“Although a pony with his health issue would have a home for life in the sanctuary, we knew the department of veterinary medicine would be perfectly placed to manage his condition.

“We are super proud of Zeus for his unique contribution to their team, and the role he is playing to help educate vets of the future.”

The spokesperson said Zeus has been a hit in his new home, with staff and students.

Samantha Stevens, large animal skills coordinator at the department, added: “We’re delighted to celebrate Zeus and what he brings to our team this World Veterinary Day. He settled into life here well and won us over quickly with his cheeky and kind personality.

“As well as helping to teach the diagnosis of heart murmurs, he helps students learn how to perform clinical examinations, as well as trot-ups, which are used to assess any possible lameness.

“When he’s not working in his teaching role, he is a much-loved member of our herd and enjoys spending time in the paddocks alongside his new friends.”

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Money-saving measures launched to help horse owners

Becky Murray — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:01:09 +0000

Money-saving measures and rewards platforms have been launched to help equestrians in tough times – as owners are reminded that “prevention is better than cure”.

As the cost of living continues to be a concern for many, a number of equestrian businesses and organisations have launched initiatives to ease financial pressures.

For some time, many vet practices have offered pay-monthly equine health plans, often including annual vaccinations and dental checks, worm egg counts and discounts on routine visits or procedures.

Oxfordshire-based independent practice Hook Norton Veterinary Group (HNVG) has taken this a step further with its “groundbreaking” £30-monthly Equiplan Gold scheme. It offers free pre-booked routine examinations, annual hoof balance X-rays, a 50% discount on lameness examinations and a 10% discount on Agria insurance among its benefits – as well as vaccinations, dental treatment and a worming programme.

HNVG director Sam Cutts told H&H the scheme was launched to help owners seek preventative health care for their horses.

“We’re aware that people’s disposable income is being tightened at the moment. We launched the scheme because we’ve got clients who really want to look after their horses as best as they can, but were starting to worry about the cost of calling the vet and therefore were potentially sitting on things – and then inevitably these can become bigger problems,” she said.

“It’s about prevention rather than cure, and trying to say to people, ‘We want to work with you to keep your horses as healthy as possible’ rather than having a situation where people turn to ‘Dr Google’ or bury their heads in the sand because they’re worried about the cost.”

Ms Cutts added that the practice “heavily promotes” hoof balance X-rays and it “made sense to make these affordable”.

“We know that an enormous number of lamenesses come from potentially poor foot balance. If people can do these X-rays once a year, rather than thinking, ‘It’s several hundreds of pounds and I can’t afford it,’ then we can work with farriers with this extra information provided by X-rays,” she said.

British Horse Society (BHS) chief operating officer Sarah Phillips told H&H rising costs can create “added pressures” for owners.

“There are many effective steps owners and carers can take to minimise spending. It is essential, however, to prioritise your horse’s health and welfare, even during tough times,” she said.

“Avoid false economies, such as skipping vaccinations, dental check-ups or hoof maintenance, as these can lead to serious health issues and higher costs in the long run. It is of vital importance that your horses’ care and welfare is at the forefront of your decision-making. The BHS horse care and welfare helpline is here to provide advice and support about all aspects of a horse’s wellbeing”.

Insurance provider SEIB has launched a rewards programme for its classic horse insurance policyholders, designed to “give back”. SEIB Rewards offers discounts, giveaways and special offers from equestrian brands, including Dengie, Equine Faecal Egg Count Solutions and PolyJumps.

“We’re committed to expanding the programme to offer our classic horse insurance policyholders increasing value. We’re excited about the partnerships already established and those on the horizon,” said SEIB’s digital marketing manager Katie Oswald.

Last month British Eventing (BE) announced changes to its membership offering, including more subsidised training, allowing payment for membership and training in three interest-free instalments, and a new rewards platform giving high-street discounts and offers with BE’s equestrian partners (news, 19 December 2024).

“We know times are hard and understand how difficult balancing the books can be. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that we can offer the best value offering possible to our members, while ensuring we can cover our costs and continue to reinvest back into the sport we all love,” said BE chief executive Rosie Williams.

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Mary, Joseph and Muriel the mule battle Cushing’s and foot abscesses in pantomime with a difference

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:21:55 +0000

A female Joseph, a male Mary and a veterinary star travelled to Bethlehem with a mule just before Christmas – having to deal with a couple of foot abscesses and PPID (Cushing’s)-related issues en route.

Reuben and Sarah Whittaker, who run RW Equine Vet covering East Sussex and Kent, thought their idea to run their December client evening as a pantomime at Queens Hall Theatre, Cranbrook, was a splendid one – until shortly before the performance.

“I’d never been on stage before and was suddenly terrified!” Sarah told H&H. “We hadn’t really had time for a proper practice, so we rented a village hall a couple of days before, and not everyone could make it – but on the night, everyone really enjoyed it, and the clients did too.”

Reuben and Sarah, who set up the practice in 2018, told H&H they have always aimed to make their client evenings as interesting as possible, such as one in which they dissected equine guts, spreading the whole area out on a table to help understanding of colic.

“We always do a Christmas one; we used to rent a hotel’s wedding room and greet everyone with prosecco and canapes, and once we went to the Sternbergs’,” Sarah said. “Then Reuben and I came across the Cranbrook theatre, got chatting to the guy who runs it and found out they would hire it out.”

Initially, the plan was to have PowerPoint presentations on the theatre’s big screen – but then the plan changed.

“One night, we’d had a couple of glasses of wine, and we started thinking we could make it really interesting, and make it into a panto,” Sarah said.

Initially, Reuben was to play Joseph and Sarah Mary, but a few weeks later, their roles were reversed, so Reuben appeared on stage complete with fake blonde plaits and a pillow under his robes, while Sarah sported a fake beard to play her husband’s husband.

Their alternative Christmas story started in a familiar way, with pregnant Mary needing to get to Bethlehem, but as the donkey was apparently poorly, they enlisted the help of Muriel the pantomime mule, aka vet nurse Katie and practice manager Clare, and office administrator Jane as the star who lit the way.

“Muriel was a bit older; as it was based on caring for older horses, so she was drinking a lot of water as she had Cushing’s, then she was limping across the stage with a foot abscess!” Sarah said, explaining that as each ailment was found, a screen came down with information, and a vet appeared in a cameo role to explain how to treat it.

“Then the screen went up and we went back to being silly,” Reuben said.

The Whittakers’ 10-year-old twin sons also joined the cast as elves (Image credit: creditUnknown)

There was more unplanned mayhem when Sarah’s sister got herself locked out of the Whittakers’ house in the village, while the sausage rolls were still in the oven, so Reuben had to make a dash for it between scenes, through the streets still dressed as pregnant Mary.

“We did worry that people might think it was a bit weird but nearly 200 came and everyone said it was such a laugh, they all seemed really to enjoy it,” Sarah said.

One vet was still on call, as the practice prides itself as one of the remaining independent vets that provide their own out-of-hours cover, but the staff are all keen to repeat the event next year.

“They want to do it bigger and better next Christmas,” said Reuben.

Sarah joked that she needs 10 months to recover first, but Reuben added: “I’ve already started writing it!”

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Equine vets view kicks as ‘everyday norm’ – concerns injuries are not reported

Becky Murray — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:30:29 +0000

Equine vets view getting kicked as an “everyday norm”, as new research suggests the number of injuries occurring in veterinary practice could be higher than reported.

The University of Liverpool and CVS have conducted the “largest ever” study on veterinary workplace injuries, with the aim of improving safety. In the first stage of the project 740 respondents, including large and small animal vets, nurses, and veterinary office staff, took part in a survey on how individuals define injuries, and when these should be reported.

The findings, published in scientific journal Occupational Medicine, revealed that of the vets who took part, the highest injury prevalence occurred in equine practice. When asked to describe a work-related injury that did not need reporting, a large proportion of the study’s respondents said that they would report all injuries – but this was lowest among equine vets. Injuries that were not reported included horse kicks, and one example was “being knocked into a wall by [a] horse causing pain initially but no visible bruises”.

The researchers discussed that many veterinary professionals will “only report a severe injury, and therefore, reporting statistics will underestimate the true prevalence”.

“Equine and production animal vets have a high threshold before acknowledging an incident is a work-related injury,” said the researchers, adding that this needs to be accounted for when interpreting injury reporting figures.

John Tulloch, lecturer and European specialist in veterinary public health at the University of Liverpool, led the research and told H&H that many equine vets said they would not define something as being an injury unless they could not work as a result.

“If you asked a member of the public if being kicked by a horse was an injury, they would immediately say ‘yes’. But for many working with horses, there’s an element of ‘a kick is an expected thing to occur’. It’s then what do you do about it if you have been kicked, and these are some of things we want to understand from a behavioural side, and how they approach these situations in the future,” said Dr Tulloch, adding that the next part of the project, due to be published early this year, will be equine vet-specific.

“The results also imply that people are getting straight back to work and carrying on, when sometimes there might be a need to get checked out, or take some time off.”

CVS director of clinical research Imogen Schofield said the results from this stage of the research have been “both startling and complex”.

“They highlight a profession in drastic need of cultural change and personal attitudes, with respect to injury prevention and mitigation,” she said.

In 2018 the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) launched the “Don’t Break Your Vet” campaign to help reduce the risk of injuries to vets– and in 2024 launched an online course “Hold Your Horses” for vets and nurses on applying equine learning theory in their everyday work.

BEVA veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve told H&H the new research “represents some interesting information” – and suggests that equine vets have “a higher threshold” when it comes to injury reporting.

“This may be because injuries are somewhat ‘normalised’ by vets, and it even goes on to state that kicks and being crushed by horses is less likely to prompt concerns and further action. While this would imply that equine vets are understanding of the higher risk they face, it also indicates that those individuals are possibly putting themselves at risk unnecessarily,” she said.

“We have an enormously improved understanding of equine behaviour nowadays, which enables vets, owners and anyone working or involved with horses to approach horse training, management and interventions in ways which are appropriate to equine learning theory. By doing so the risk of injury to all is massively reduced, as is the mental distress or potential psychological harm, to the vet and the horse.”

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Client expectations are a major concern for vets

Becky Murray — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:33:07 +0000

A survey has provided a “snapshot of the current state of the veterinary profession” – as client expectations of vets remain a concern.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has published results from this year’s “surveys of the professions”, an exercise carried out every four to five years with vets and veterinary nurses across large and small animals. The aim is to give the RCVS, the wider veterinary world and the public a “comprehensive view” of the industry on key issues.

More than 6,900 vets took part and topics included challenges in the industry, wellbeing, and health. Client expectations/demands, stress levels and affordability of veterinary services were considered the main challenges facing the profession.

Of the survey’s respondents, 34% said they had been on the receiving end of harassment and bullying from clients in the past 12 months, and 17% said that they had a long-term physical or mental health condition that has substantial effects on their everyday activities.

When asked what vets thought the RCVS should “do more of”, themes included better educating the public/clients on the nature of the veterinary profession and work to manage expectations, providing more proactive mental health and wellbeing support, encouraging diversity and inclusion, and “regulating the corporate ownership of practices”.

“The responses we get from these surveys really do go into the foundations on which we will build our next strategic plan, providing the all-important statistical snapshot of the professions, as well as a temperature check of how the professions are feeling generally, and on specific issues,” said RCVS chief executive Lizzie Lockett.

“We look forward now to taking some of the key learnings and suggestions forward to our next strategic plan which we are in the process of finalising and will publish early in 2025.”

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Calls for riders to talk to – not about – each other on World Mental Health Day

Becky Murray — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:44:04 +0000

Mental health in the workplace has come into the spotlight again, as equestrians are encouraged to seek support and talk to each other.

Workplace mental health is the theme of the World Federation for Mental Health’s annual World Mental Health Day today (10 October). The charity said that 15% of UK workers are estimated to have a mental health condition, 875,000 suffered from work-related stress, depression and anxiety in 2022/23 and the fifth most common reason for sickness absence from work is mental health.

“There are many things that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, from providing staff training on mental health to tackling discrimination and bullying. Importantly, a mentally healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

Equestrian Employers Association president Tullis Matson told H&H that ensuring workplaces meet good employment requirements not only provides compliance with legal obligations, but can help in managing mental health issues at work.

“By following good employment practice, such as providing employees with contracts and adhering to national minimum wage amounts, stress and anxiety at work can be reduced for both employees and employers,” he said.

“As an employer, you also have a responsibility to operate with an open door and listening management approach. I ensure that my team understand who their line manager is, as well as how seriously we take mental wellbeing, and within our staff handbook our processes are clear in relation to this.

“Both these actions significantly benefit the atmosphere at our establishment and assist with creating a calmer and happier environment.”

Mental health is a key talking point in the veterinary industry, and the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has updated its mental health online resources, which include podcasts, continuing professional development resources and advice on preventing injuries at work and eating healthily.

BEVA council member Sophie Eaden told H&H vets can experience “big extremes, emotionally and mentally” during their working day.

“You can go from putting down an elderly pony to a vetting. Ultimately, you’re in the car on your own, so you really have to have quite a lot of resilience to navigate those emotionally and mentally challenging situations and then be able to compose yourself and be prepared for the next call,” she said.

“I think we dismiss that quite a lot as a profession because it’s just what we’ve always done and what we always do, and sometimes we don’t necessarily recognise the toll it’s taking. We hope that by sharing these resources, BEVA members have got things they can turn to when things are feeling a bit challenging and piling up.”

Mental health charity Riders Minds is encouraging the equestrian community to “share a cup of tea and talk” on World Mental Health Day, in a campaign to “inspire to ask, care and talk to those around them”.

Riders Minds chair and founder Victoria Wright said: “There is so much time in the horse world spent talking about one another rather than to each other. It’s time to change that and unite. Let’s have conversations on the yard that discuss ideas and are positive.

“Take the time to ask how others are doing today and be the reason they smile and you smile too. Life is too short to waste time with negativity, it’s down to us personally to create positivity.”

The charity also encourages people to “ask twice”, if they suspect someone might be struggling with their mental health.

“The simple act of asking again, with interest, can help someone to open up for the first time,” added a Riders Minds spokesperson.

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Horse’s dislocated shoulder successfully put back thanks to ‘once in a lifetime’ surgery

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:08:36 +0000

The surgeon who led the extremely rare procedure to replace a dislocated equine shoulder hopes to get the message out that this is possible, adding: “It’s so good when you can make such a difference.”

Cheryl Bell’s 15.3hh Irish sport horse/Connemara mare Willow could hardly bear weight on her left foreleg, after, it is thought, she landed badly having jumped out of her field. But after her operation, she towed Andy Fiske-Jackson, associate professor of equine surgery and deputy head of Royal Veterinary College (RVC) equine, back to her stable with barely a limp.

“It’s nice to be able to make such a difference to a horse in such a short space of time,” Mr Fiske-Jackson told H&H.

Mr Fiske-Jackson said miniatures and Shetlands are more likely to suffer such an injury than full-size horses, for whom it is “incredibly uncommon”, and “even less commonly attempted to fix”. He said there have been a few cases, in the US, or one of an Icelandic horse whose shoulder popped out immediately after surgery, so was anaesthetised straight away to put it back in.

“But this was two days down the road, and a big horse,” he said. “Beforehand, I told the owner it was very unlikely to work and there was no precedent, no evidence to draw on.”

Mr Fiske-Jackson consulted colleagues internationally, none of whom had carried out the procedure.

“It was either ‘Try it but it probably won’t work’ or ‘You should probably euthanise as it won’t work’,” he said. “Apart from the difficulty in replacing it, there’s often collateral damage to the joint itself – something has to be injured for the shoulder to pop out – which renders the prognosis much poorer.”

But X-rays revealed no bony abnormalities so Willow was anaesthetised, and a sling readied should she need its support.

“There was an audible pop and a jolt as it went back in,” Mr Fiske-Jackson said. “When she got up, it was in a very sensible way, and she was incredibly more comfortable. It was the middle of the night and she was practically dragging me back to her stable; from her not being able to walk, I could hardly hold her. It was surreal; amazing, but worrying!”

The main fear was that the ease with which the joint went back in meant it could pop back out, but Mr Fiske-Jackson paid tribute to Willow’s calmness after anaesthesia, which undoubtedly helped. After a day or two she went home, for box rest and physio exercises. Mr Fiske-Jackson said there was muscle damage in the area and there may be cartilage injury, but this should heal.

“It’s a really good result,” he said. “I wasn’t even supposed to be on call that night but I’m glad I was there. One of those once-in-a-lifetime cases, and it’s important as if it happens to another horse, there will now be realisation that it’s worth trying.”

Cheryl told H&H she found Willow on three legs; although she had never jumped out of her field before, Cheryl thinks she must have gone over a double fence and landed awkwardly.

“She was dragging her leg like it was broken,” she said. “When the vet X-rayed and told me it was dislocated, they said it wasn’t something they’d ever done before.

“No one knew whether it would stay in; I thought I would have to have her put to sleep; the vets said it wouldn’t be the wrong thing to do, but they said they’d give it a go. I cried when I got the call afterwards.”

Cheryl said she knows it is a long road, and even if Willow cannot go back to the jumping and pleasure rides they have done together, she is happy just to have her still.

“It means everything,” she said.

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The change that vets being run by corporates has brought to the horse world

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:02:33 +0000

Corporisation has changed the equine veterinary and wider industries – but the question remains as to whether this is for the better or not.

This is the opinion of one vet who has worked for both corporately owned and independent practices, who was on a panel discussing the issue at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress (11–14 September).

At the start of the debate, vets in the audience were asked whether they thought corporatisation had been had been good for equine vets and the industry as a whole; opinions were equal on the first question but on the second, fewer than 20% thought it had been a good thing for the horse world.

The panel featured vets in both types of practice. Tom Hughes is a former partner at Liphook Equine Hospital, which was sold to Vet Partners in 2018. He said that conditions, for example for vets who are parents, have improved, for example by using on-call services for emergencies.

“I think all those things have improved during the period corporates have owned more practices,” he said. “I suspect some of those improvements would have come without corporatisation, but I think corporate practice has helped enable some of those changes, and has maybe accelerated that process, although I suspect independent vets would have got there in the end.

“In terms of the equestrian industry, I’m not sure it makes that much difference. I think having vets come at night who haven’t had to work all day and all the next day is probably a good thing. I think on the whole, the most important thing to those horses is the vets that come and see them. And I think those vets haven’t changed, by and large, as a result of corporatisation.”

But Alison Walters, founding director of the “fiercely independent” Hambleton Equine in North Yorkshire, does not believe corporatisation has been beneficial.

“I think the arrival of corporates did make us all pull our socks up a bit; it made us look at our businesses and things like working conditions,” she said. “But I think there are more negatives. There’s definitely been more reputational damage to the profession, largely driven by things like price increases that have definitely been pushed by the corporates. We’re definitely seen as kind of money-grabbing.”

Ms Walters said she thinks corporates are more profit-driven, and some vets who work for them do not feel comfortable with “the upselling they sometimes have to do”, and that there can be lack of choice, in equipment and drugs, but also the direction of a career or the practice. She said this could result in lack of engagement from vets who see less opportunity for career progression.

“This is me speaking to colleagues in corporate practice and comparing it to how we do things in my independent practice,” she said. “I’m sure there are lots of differences between individual practices; really good independent practice and really good corporate practice. But I think the main thing is increased prices, increased cost to the client.

“I think some clients like having different out-of-hours providers, but lots of independent practices use out-of-hours providers as well. So I don’t think you can use that as an arguing point.”

Lesley Barwise-Munro, of CVS-owned Alnorthumbria Vets said she found the transition to a corporate practice hard at first, but thanks to a change of mindset, is “as excited about my job now as I ever was, and as motivated”.

She feels corporation is beneficial, as it has “given the profession a shake-up”; she said it was “antiquated”, and practices were in a “race to the bottom” with prices, which were too low. She said conditions are better, such as for parents who can work full-time, and with HR support.

“There are pros and cons of both, and I think we can acknowledge those,” she said. “And I do think there’s a good future. I think there’s going to be a bit of turmoil in the meantime but hopefully we’ll all go forward in an amicable way.”

Gemma Dransfield, who has worked for independents and corporates, said she can see the pros and cons of both. She said CVS was the first to offer increased maternity leave and the others followed suit, which has been positive, but that independent practice is now in line on such issues. She said CVS’s out-of-hours initiative Equicall has been positive for many practices.

“But I do feel that the middle bracket of vets are the ones that have lost out,” she said, adding that new graduates have benefited from better salaries and training. Vets who were partners may have benefited from sales but “the middle bracket of vets who were very experienced, didn’t benefit from a buyout, are expected to stay and work in the same way,” she said. “It’s very, very hard.

“I think the old model of coming up and buying into a partnership and working for 20, 30 years has changed, and it may well have changed for good, because people look at alternatives now; is that worse? I don’t know.

“In terms of clients. I think it all depends on the vets working in a practice, and as long as their vet turns up and they’ve got the trust, that’s the most important thing.

“So I think in some ways it’s benefited the profession, in some ways it hasn’t; it would be wrong to say whether it was all good or all bad. One thing it has done is change the profession, and it did need to change. So I guess the jury’s still out on whether it’s changed it for the better.”

The initial questions were asked again at the end of the debate; slightly less than half then thought corporatisation has benefited equine vets, and just under 20% thought it has benefited the equestrian industry.

The issue had been discussed at the 2017 BEVA Congress, when panellists debated the motion “Corporatisation of equine practices is inevitable and will benefit vets and their clients” (news, 21 September 2017). Before the debate on that occasion, some 44% agreed, and 56% disagreed. After both sides had had their say, this changed to 28% in agreement and 72% against.

What is your experience of equine vets owned by large corporations? Has it been positive or not? Let us know at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county for the chance to be published in the letters page of Horse & Hound magazine

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Towel in a bowel: tiny filly undergoes surgery to remove unsuitable snack

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:21:53 +0000

Towels don’t fit through donkey bowels, as vets treating a miniature filly found out.

Specialists at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, US, had to operate on three-month-old Harper, as it turned out she had eaten a whole towel.

A spokesperson for the hospital said Lexi Tarpy, manager of Stone Ridge Stables, brought Harper in after she developed a fever and showed signs of colic.

“We brought her in here because our vet said it was an emergency situation,” Lexi said. “Come to find out when they went in for surgery, she ate a towel — an entire towel.”

Vets performed an exploratory celiotomy, a surgical procedure to enter the abdomen, and removed two pieces of towel that were blocking Harper’s colon.

“Removing foreign bodies from the digestive tract of an equine like a horse or donkey is uncommon,” said Elaine Claffey, assistant clinical professor of large-animal surgery.

“They’re usually pretty good at sticking to the things that they should normally eat; we don’t do as many foreign body removals as a small animal veterinarian would because dogs, as we know, are indiscriminate eaters and eat all sorts of things that they shouldn’t.”

Picture by Lexi Huck (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Harper’s condition improved quickly after the surgery but her dam Daisy then went downhill.

“Daisy arrived the day after surgery to allow Harper to nurse and put them back together,” Dr Claffey said. “But she developed a couple of fevers and had some medical issues, developed a little bit of enteritis, which is inflammation in the intestines.

“When we recognised she had these additional illnesses, our internal medicine team took over and took primary care for her case, which was great, because we really needed their expertise for her.”

Daisy was treated with IV fluids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication and both she and Harper made a full recovery.

“It’s been hard because we couldn’t come up and see Harper and Daisy so often but they were in great hands, and we’re ready for them to come home,” Lexi said.

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The challenges of identifying – and managing – pain in horses

Becky Murray — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:23:26 +0000

Pain is not always considered first when a horse presents changes in behaviour or performance, as a new study shines the light on managing pain in horses.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool have investigated owners’ and vets’ decision-making around chronic pain management. The study, which was presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress (12–14 September), involved interviews with vets and owners, and observations of veterinary consultations.

Lead author Becky Smith told H&H the aim of the study was to understand what led owners to seek veterinary advice for their horses and times when pain may be a consideration.

“We wanted to understand the decision-making that led to veterinary involvement, and how the interactions between vets and owners during consultations not only shaped the vet’s approach, but impacted on the decisions made,” Dr Smith said.

“The really strong theme was that owners had developed strong knowledge of their horses over time, and through that would make interpretations of their behaviour. Commonly during the study, pain was not generally the primary concern that owners would report to the vet, it might be changes in behaviour or performance.”

Among the findings, the results showed that “owners generally viewed pain as indicative of something requiring a vet visit” but that other management strategies or forms of advice “often preceded” veterinary involvement. Some owners opted to try avenues, such as box rest, having a saddle checked or asking others on the yard before seeking veterinary advice.

“We know that with a pain-related issue, seeking veterinary advice as early as possible is really important, and from previous research we know that every interaction between the owner and vet shapes when a vet is brought in in the future, so I think building those vet-owner relationships so the vet is an earlier source of advice is going to be beneficial,” said Dr Smith.

The study found that vets’ approaches to management and the discussions with owners were shaped by factors including horse age, lifestyle, and perceptions of owners’ goals. The uptake of veterinary recommendations was “influenced by the practicalities” for owner and horses.

“It’s important for vets to support owners and provide opportunities for them to express their concerns, or discuss practical or ethical considerations about management approaches, said Dr Smith, adding that owners’ approaches to pain management were “very individual”.

“When it came to things like the use of alternative therapies like magnetic bands for example, it was perceived that if they were something they had used on themselves or family members, they would be something they would be more open to using on their animals,” she said.

The Horse Trust, which funded the research, is home to many retired horses – some of which receive chronic pain management. The Horse Trust vet Nicky Housby-Skeggs told H&H that as horses are prey animals, they do not want to show they are in pain, so sometimes it can be difficult to recognise.

“I think that’s the first challenge,” she said. “There might be times when people notice a horse is lame, but they won’t associate that with the fact that the horse is in pain – or they might be dropping food, but they might not associate that with dental pain for example.

“People often recognise signs, but don’t necessarily link it to pain. We see it a lot with behaviour cases too, where perhaps people might say the horse is being ‘naughty’, but actually the horse is in pain.

“Once we recognise something is related to pain, we can then think about how to manage that and make that horse’s quality of life better. That doesn’t necessarily mean a horse is going to be filled with drugs, but it might mean incorporating medication, additional supplements, physiotherapy, or a change in shoeing. We try to think about multimodal pain relief, where a combination of things together can all make a difference.”

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‘So much will to live’: filly who fractured skull, lost eye and severed tendon fights back to recovery

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 18:51:49 +0000

The owner of a filly who fractured her skull, lost an eye and severed a extensor tendon as a result of a freak stable accident hopes the story of her remarkable recovery might inspire others.

Carol Webber and Mitchell Hickley do not know exactly how their 14-month-old home-bred Go With The Flow suffered her horrific injuries in June – but they have been fighting as hard as they can to save her as this is a filly who “wants to live”.

“She’s been showing so much will to live; even the vet said she can see Flo wants to be alive and is fighting everything that’s thrown at her,” Carol told H&H. “We felt we had to give her the chance and that’s what we’ve done.”

Carol said Flo lives at Mitchell’s yard and that some liveries found her very early in the morning when they arrived to go to a show. She said they heard a loud bang and ran to the stable, where they found Flo.

“We still don’t know exactly what happened; there were cameras up but you still can’t see what freaked her out,” Carol said. “But she attempted to jump out and left her foreleg so she was hanging on the door. She must have pulled the door off and we can only imagine she hit her head on the concrete, and her eye on the door. She had a massive wound at her poll – I could put my whole hand in it – a huge haematoma on her eyelid and the tendon on the front of her right foreleg was severed; cut all the way through. It was horrific.”

Flo was taken straight to Bell Equine veterinary hospital in Kent, where MRIs showed no brain damage.

“But the front of her skull and her jaw on the left were fractured, and her left eye socket,” Carol said. “We were trying to save her eye but the best thing was to remove it.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Flo’s condition improved and she was allowed home to East Sussex about six weeks later where Carol, a nurse, was changing her dressings daily.

“But then her head started to swell and there was an odour,” she said. “It wasn’t right, we thought there was an infection.”

Flo went back to Bell where the vets found she had a serious infection.

“They had to open up both sides of her poll, drain it and get all the muck out,” Carol said. “Bell has been amazing; they did it all in house. Flo’s not insured and they’ve been very kind, working with us to keep costs down. They’ve been incredible.”

Warning: graphic picture

As of this week, and after intensive treatment, Carol said, she is hopeful that Flo is properly on the mend.

“She’s such a stoic, strong, fighting little filly,” she said. “At one point we wondered if we were doing the right thing but she kept perking up and we thought ‘Do you know what? She wants to live’. She’s incredible.”

Carol wanted to share Flo’s story to give hope to anyone else in a similar situation.

“She’s growing; she looks incredible, and beautiful,” she said. “The vets said if it had been the tendon at the back of the leg, she would have had to be put down but they hope as it heals, the scar tissue will replace the tendon. Her bandages are off now and she’s walking well. We bred her to event but even if she can’t, she will never go anywhere.

“We would have made the decision to put her down if she was suffering but she’s just kept fighting. I’ve had horses all my life and bred National Hunt racehorses and never seen a foal so strong and with this will to live. We love her so much and she’s given us so much, we wanted to give her the chance.”

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Vets face ‘concerning’ ethical challenges when treating competition horses

Becky Murray — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:24:11 +0000

A new study shines a light on “concerning” ethical challenges being faced by vets treating competition horses.

Researchers from the University of Bristol aimed to understand some of the ethical issues UK equine sports medicine vets are facing. A survey was taken by 97 vets, with questions on topics including conflicts of interest, pressure from owners, duties and obligations for vets set out by sport governing bodies and treatments and procedures used in sport medicine.

The most common challenge raised by the respondents was conflict of interest – notably “balancing the horse’s health and welfare with client wishes, particularly for the horse to compete”. An example given was owners requesting ongoing treatment and management of injuries to allow the horse to continue competing at a high level, where “it might be more appropriate to drop to a lower level/retire the horse”, and pressure put on vets to provide a “quick fix” for a horse for it to compete or be sold.

Other challenges highlighted were owner/trainer disregard of lameness, being asked to administer drugs and not put them on the clinical record as they appear on prohibited substance lists, and owners medicating horses without veterinary advice.

The limitations of the study were noted: vets who had concerns about ethical issues in sports medicine may have been more motivated to respond, and there was potential for response bias – but the researchers said this study provides “a foundation” for future work in this area.

The researchers said some of the findings “will be concerning for governing bodies” – and that the responses revealed areas that “could pose reputational risk to equestrian sport and/or the veterinary profession”.

Lead author Kate Allen told H&H vets face ethical challenges in all areas of practice, not just in sports medicine, but the team wanted to explore “the unique aspects” of being a sports medicine vet.

“It’s that added component of having the pressure for the horse to continue to train and compete, while thinking about horse welfare, rider safety, upholding clean sport – and trying to plan for the short- and long-term health of the horse,” said Dr Allen.

“The biggest challenge to come out is the competing interests of owners and trainers, and the pressure put on vets. There are times when the competing interests, whether that’s the client, or the sport’s regulations, or financial limitations, make it more challenging for you as a vet to meet that primary responsibility to the welfare of the horse.

“It’s also important to acknowledge that sports medicine has developed over recent decades, and there have been some great advances – but as care advances and we can do more and more, we need to think, ‘We can do this, but should we?’”

Dr Allen added that it would be positive for the profession and governing bodies to work closely together on these ethical challenges, and for clearer guidance from governing bodies to be developed on what procedures and treatments are both optimal and permitted, so that vets could use these to help guide discussions with clients.

British Equine Veterinary Association chief executive David Mountford told H&H the paper provides “thought-provoking evidence to substantiate the ethical challenges vets sometimes face in practice”.

“The authors have highlighted the potential limitations of the study, but it is very clear that there are a range of situations experienced by vets which could pose a reputational risk to equestrianism and/or the veterinary profession,” he said.

“Animal welfare is, and should always be, at the forefront of the industry’s collective minds, and this research highlights a need to develop systems that reduce the risk of ethical dilemmas occurring when treating horses.”

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‘Horses will be horses’: blackthorn embedded in ligament remains undetected for a year

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:51:57 +0000

However careful you are, horses will be horses and do the unexpected.

This is the message from the owner of a pony who had a 7mm blackthorn embedded deep in his leg for a year while showing no signs of wounding or discomfort.

Nariece Acworth noticed a small, non-painful lump on New Forest Trenley Tamarillo’s hind fetlock last May, but the thorn was not found for another year.

Vet Kirsten Broadley, from Seadown Veterinary Hospital, explained that “Fergus” was on restricted pen turnout as he recovered from a soft tissue injury in his right hindleg.

“Between assessments, the lump appeared at the back of his left hind fetlock; there was no wound, discharge or pain associated with it,” she said. “We scanned the leg and were surprised to see the level of soft tissue disruption because he was so comfortable. There was no sign at this point of a foreign body or tract from the skin.

“We discussed the possibility of a thorn or piece of wound causing the damage but agreed it was highly unlikely, as Fergus did not have any access to brambles or blackthorn.”

As Fergus was so comfortable and there was no significant damage, Kirsten and Nariece agreed to give him time before they reassessed.

But when he was trotted up again at the end of his rest period, Fergus was slightly lame, and the lump over the annular ligament area was still there. Kirsten started scanning and “an obvious foreign body that had previously been invisible came into view”.

“We were surprised to find a very obvious thorn in the subcutaneous tissue at the back of his left hind fetlock,” Kirsten said. “At that point, a very small fluid pocket had developed around the thorn, making it visible on ultrasound. Images were taken and possible standing surgery was discussed. Within a week, Fergus was admitted to the clinic in order to surgically remove the possible thorn while he was sedated. With the help of a nerve block, ultrasound guidance and an extremely well-behaved Fergus, the offending thorn was successfully removed.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The thorn had been embedded deep in the annular ligament, and was “very firmly attached”. Blackthorns can cause very serious infections, which can result in career-ending damage to soft tissues.

“The thorn was dangerously close to the tendon sheath, with the constant risk of infection,” a Seadown spokesperson said. “Luckily all went smoothly and Fergus made a steady recovery at home, with the help of regional antibiotics and meticulous care from Nariece.”

“There is no doubt that Fergus’s case has been rather unusual,” the spokesperson added.

“There was never an obvious puncture wound from the blackthorn, and Fergus had no infection or major reaction over the year. At the moment, Fergus is on box rest and seeing Kirsten for regular check-ups as he continues his recovery journey.”

Nariece said that she had never experienced anything like it.

“ My advice to others would be no matter how careful you think you are, horses will be horses and do the unexpected,” she said. “I would also say cut down as much blackthorn as possible and fence away from it as a precaution. In Fergus’s case we had already done just that but somehow the blackthorn made its way in to his small paddock, and left no entry wound or anything obvious.