B&W is one of only a handful of equine veterinary practices in the UK offering behaviour consultations. Our behavioural medicine service is led by Alex Wood BVetMed MSc CertAVP(EM) MRCVS. Alex is  pre-certified Clinical Animal behaviourist and holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour. Alex combines her specialist knowledge of equine behaviour with over 20 years of clinical experience as an equine vet, as well as being a life-long horse owner and rider herself. She uses evidence- based, ethical approaches to her cases and her training.

The aim of a behavioural consultation is to identify the motivation and underlying emotion for a particular behaviour displayed, and then what factors might be maintaining or contributing to the behaviour. From this information, a detailed, bespoke behaviour modification plan is created which addresses the problem behaviour. This plan usually consists of a number of elements which may or may not include:

• Changes to the horse’s environment or routine
• Specific training including techniques such as positive reinforcement training or desensitisation and counter conditioning
• Medications including pain relief and/or anti-anxiety medications

As a Veterinary Behaviourist, Alex is in a unique position to be able to assess and discuss how physical conditions may be contributing to the behaviour concern, and can discuss the management of this with the referring vet. In addition, Alex is able to see cases as the hospital alongside medical and orthopaedic specialists as part of a multidisciplinary approach.

Examples of cases seen include:

• Aggression towards people or other horses
• Generalised anxiety, separation anxiety and other stress related concerns (including as part of a gastric ulcer management programme)
• Needle/vet phobias
• Loading and travelling issues
• Other handling issues including catching, leading and clipping
• Sleep deprivation and sleep disorders
• Ridden issues
• Abnormal repetitive behaviours

Consultations are available in person within 3-hour drive of B&W Equine Vets (travel fees apply), or UK-wide remotely.

To book a Behaviour Consultation, call us on 01453 811867.

As well as providing full behaviour consultations and training sessions, Alex supports the hospital team in providing a low- stress experience for nervous or vet phobic horses visiting the hospital. She also offers training to veterinary professionals as well as clinics and talks to groups of horse owners.

The Behaviour Consultation Process
 

Alex is very happy to discuss potential cases with referring vets ahead of arranging an appointment. Once an appointment has been arranged the following process is followed:

Ahead of the appointment

A history form is sent to the client to complete ahead of the appointment.

Any video footage demonstrating the problem behaviour can be useful if you happen to have it,  but please do not provoke or elicit any problem behaviours in order to obtain footage. For remote consultations or those taking place at the hospital,  photos and a short video tour of the horse’s home environment will be required.

A full medical history from the referring vet is obtained. 

The consultation process

The consultation itself tends to last 1.5 - 2 hours. Information obtained from the history form will be discussed, followed by observation of the horse’s behavioural and interactions. If appropriate, a clinical examination may be performed. Based on this information, the emotions and motivations behind a behaviour will then be discussed, along with any other contributing or maintenance factors (including physical conditions). A plan as to how the behavioural concern can be best managed is then developed. If required, hands on training techniques will be demonstrated during the appointment.

Following the appointment, you will receive a written report summarising the assessment and detailing the behaviour modification plan. This will be summarised and discussed with the referring vet.

Follow up

A follow up review is then scheduled via phone or email, followed by ongoing support as required. this support is included the consultation cost for 6 months post consultation, though any in person re-evaluation or further training sessions are chargeable.