THE

equine

VETERINARY CLINIC

New Vet Joins the Practice

 

Valerie qualified in June 2007 from the University of Liege, Belgium, and then worked as an assistant at The Equine Sports Medicine Centre where she attained a Master of Science in sports medicine.  Valerie then took an internship at The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, where she developed her skills in lameness and poor performance.  Valerie has joined us after working in France in a practice specializing in equine medicine.  The picture to the right shows Valerie jumping 'Jalousy' her former thouroughbred cross mare in competition.

 

Gavin Attends Scientific Meeting in Finland

In July 2010 Gavin attended the European College of Veterinary Surgeons 19th Annual Scientific Meeting in Helsinki Finland. The conference had over 500 delegates from all over the world and is divided into small animal and equine specialists.

Gavin comments "topics discussed over the 3 days were wide ranging, from eye surgery to lameness and included, a new “glass” prosthetic eye system for horse’s unfortunate enough to need enucleation (They were extremely realistic, however cost around £15,000). There were also new advances in creating “filling” material for horse’s teeth in order to salvage an infected tooth, and advances in “plastic” surgery for correction of congenital defects such as wry nose and skin grafting techniques. There were interactive “problem” case discussions which encourage the sharing of knowledge between renowned international experts to establish best clinical practice and help the wider equine veterinary community manage challenging cases which we all face from time to time. Having never travelled to Scandinavia before, I was overwhelmed by the cleanliness of the city, and the friendly nature of the locals. It is a novel experience to witness only one hour of darkness around midnight before the sun comes up again at 2am. Needless to say this required us to stay out until 4am on the final evening to witness the Northern Lights (and sample the vodka!)".

 

Facebook Page

We are pleased to announce that The Equine Veterinary Clinic now has a Facebook page.   Here you will find up to date news and information, including any special offers we have available.  Click on the following Link and become a Fan! www.facebook.com.

 

'Four For Free'

Just a reminder that we offer a 'Four Horses For a Free Visit' booking structure.   This means If you have four or more horses at the same yard, booked in for treatment on the same day, you will each receive a free visit.  It certainly pays to get together with others on your yard and organise same day treatments.  Please contact reception for further information.

 

 

New addition to Lab Facilities - Worm Egg Counts -

We are pleased to announce that the clinic has invested in state of the art Worm Egg Count (WEC) laboratory equipment.  This means that we no longer have to send your faecal samples away for analysis.  All testing can be done in house cutting down on the amount of time, you the client, has to wait for results. Yards that have relatively static horse populations might like to consider using worm egg counts to determine whether or not there is any need to worm through the summer months.  This can lead to cost savings and significantly reduce the amount of wormers used.  Prices for worm egg counts are ;1-4 samples £8.00 each, 5-10 samples £7.00 each and 10+ samples £6.00 each.  (Prices include Vat)

If you would like to discuss the use of worm egg counting then please contact the practice on 01505 610100. You can Click here for our latest worming regime for 2010.   Wormers are available from the clinic at discount prices!  Equest & Eraquell only £10.00 each and Equimax and Equest Pramox £14.00 each.

 

Foals 2010

 

Dechra Veterinary Products - Pain Matters

A new website has been created by Dechra Veterinary Products, an international veterinary pharmaceutical company providing a wide range of therapeutic solutions in equine medicine, dermatology, endocrinology, ophthalmology and critical care.  The Website www.equinepainmatters.com provides up to date information and guidance on pain management in horses. Written by equine vets for horse owners, it has been divided into easy-to-use reference sections that cover a variety of topics including assessment, diagnostic and treatment methods. There are also anatomy charts and a glossary to further enhance your understanding. Finally they have written a series of 8 factsheets (veteq notes), which can be downloaded free of charge. 

Please click here to gain direct access the site www.equinepainmatters.

 

January Newsletter

You may have noticed that Scotland has been in the grip of one of our coldest winters for a long time.  The Winter months can gnaw away at the fun of owning horses.  Cold, wet and dark days bring the frustration of foot foot problems, skin diseases, coughs and colds, and the struggle to maintain condition.  While there isn't a magic wand that makes winter better, there are ways of lessening the toll that it takes on our horses' health. Our latest newsletter has brought together the members of the practice giving their own tips for surviving this testing time.  Please Click here for Newsletter - January 2010, or contact the office on 01505 610100 for your copy.

 

Equine Gastric Ulceration

On October 13, 2009 a gastroscopy day was held in conjunction with Merial Animal Health at the clinic.  The purpose was to examine horses at risk of stomach or gastric ulcers, or showing signs of the condition, and the day was sponsored by Merial.  Symptoms of gastric ulceration include lack of appetite, weight loss, dull coat, behavioural changes or depression, and repeated bouts of mild colic.  Five horses were examined using the clinic's gastroscope, and the lining of the stomach evaluated for the presence and severity of ulcers.  

 

 

 

 

If your concerned that your horse may be affected by gastric ulceration,  or you simply want to learn more then either contact the clinic on 01505 610100 or go on line to to www.gastriculcerrisk.co.uk where, by answering a simple questionnaire, you will be given an indication of your horse's risk.  An article written by Dr Tim Watson on gastric ulcers for Scottish Horse can be read by clicking here. We plan to hold another gastroscopy day in the spring 2010, so please contact the practice if you would like your horse examined.