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Is DIY medication dangerous?


  • From toothpaste being recommended to treat sarcoids (news, 15 August) to owners asking for advice on how to treat severely lame horses, leading vets are concerned about a growing trend in owners using online forums to self-diagnose and treat their horses.

    Although many of the treatments suggested online might appear harmless, vets warn there may be sinister consequences.

    “It won’t be long before a horse needlessly suffers or even dies a result of the wrong diagnosis and treatment,” outgoing British Equine Veterinary Association president Keith Chandler told H&H.

    “Social media sites are a really positive thing as they allow owners to discuss and understand their horses. The downside is that the wrong treatment is often recommended.”

    For a full report into the issues surrounding DIY medication don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out today — Thursday 3 October.

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