Latest Blog Posts from B&W Equine Vets https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/feed/ Atypical myopathy, sycamore poisoning, is to be avoided at all costs, so here are a few management tips to help you deal with sycamore seeds and saplings. Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/31/Pasture-Management-of-Acer-Seedlings/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/31/Pasture-Management-of-Acer-Seedlings/ The most common reason for very severe lameness in horses is a solar abscess (or pus in the foot). The aim of foot poultices is to soften the bottom of the foot again so that any infection will follow the easiest direction for escape and break out through the bottom of the hoof instead of tracking upwards where it can be more problematic. Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/30/poultices/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/30/poultices/ The summer heat can be really dangerous to horses especially when it is made worse by high humidity. Horses can become dehydrated, lethargic and generally reluctant to work. Severe heat stress can cause colic, diarrhoea or collapse, so it is important to keep your horse cool. Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/29/hot-weather-care/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/29/hot-weather-care/ Strangles is a highly contagious, bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by Streptococcus equi equi. The disease can affect horses, ponies and donkeys of all ages. Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/28/strangles/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/28/strangles/ Many overweight horses and ponies will appear happy and continue to work at the level we require from them despite being overweight. This doesn\'t mean that their weight is not a problem. Overweight horses are at a higher risk of several health conditions such as laminitis, reduced exercise tolerance, colic due to lipomas, arthritis and insulin dysfunction. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/27/weight-management/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/27/weight-management/ Sweet itch is a skin disease caused by an allergy to midge bites. It presents as pruritis or itching, usually of the mane and tail but can also occur on the underside of the abdomen. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/26/sweet-itch/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/26/sweet-itch/ A sarcoid is a common type of skin tumour, affecting equids only (horses and donkeys). These comprise proliferation of a normal cell type, called fibroblasts, found in the skin and connective tissues in an abnormal way. Sarcoids can take several forms and can appear to be to be fairly benign (do not spread or grow), whereas some are more invasive, locally spreading and growing quickly. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/25/sarcoids/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/25/sarcoids/ Preventative healthcare has a host of benefits for you and your horse. As well as doing everything possible to reduce the risk of diseases such as influenza, tetanus and worm related conditions, it also allows an opportunity for your vet to check your horse over for any other issues and address any concerns you may have. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/24/preventative-health-care/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/24/preventative-health-care/ A hoof abscess describes a painful build up of pus within the hoof capsule. It will often be extremely uncomfortable for the horse causing an obvious lameness at walk. Foot abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the hoof capsule and setting up an infection. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/23/hoof-abscess/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/23/hoof-abscess/ Many wounds only require simple first aid in order to treat them, though more serious ones will require veterinary attention. Arming yourself with some basic first aid knowledge and a suitable first aid kit will enable you to treat minor wounds effectively yourself which will aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/22/first-aid/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/22/first-aid/ Although there are in fact 5 different equine herpesviruses, the one we see most commonly associated with disease in horses is EHV1, which can cause respiratory disease, abortions and neurologic disease. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/21/equine-herpes-virus/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/21/equine-herpes-virus/ The most common sign of choke is sudden coughing, wretching and discomfort immediately after eating. This is often followed by saliva and food pouring from the horses nostrils. It can look extremely dramatic, but will often pass quickly. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/20/choke/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/20/choke/ Equine Metabolic syndrome (EMS) is veterinary term to describe horses and ponies who suffer from obesity, insulin resistance and are at an increased risk of laminitis. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/19/equine-metabolic-syndrome/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/19/equine-metabolic-syndrome/ Laminitis means inflammation of the laminae within a horses foot. The laminae are delicate structures which form the junction between the hoof wall and the pedal bone inside the foot. Inflammation of the laminae weakens them, causing the pedal bone to become unstable within the horses foot. Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/18/laminitis/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/18/laminitis/ Colic is a relatively common disorder of the equine digestive system. The term colic is used to describe a symptom of abdominal pain, which in horses is usually caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Wed, 29 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/17/Colic/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/17/Colic/ Horses, ponies and donkeys are herbivores that have evolved to graze for long periods and one of their key adaptations is a set of hardwearing and specialised teeth that enable them to process forage efficiently throughout their lives. Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/16/Equine-Dentistry/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/16/Equine-Dentistry/ Box rest can be stressful for both the horse and the owner. We have put together some basic advice to try to keep you both sane! Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/15/Box-Rest-Advice/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/15/Box-Rest-Advice/ Trigeminal mediated headshaking is a neuropathic facial pain syndrome. Neuropathic pain is pain from nerves and is different to normal pain. People who suffer neuropathic pain often describe burning sensations, pins and needles and even electric shock like pain. We can only assume that horses experience the same or similar. Fri, 07 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/12/headshaking/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/12/headshaking/ PPID is often called Equine Cushings Disease. (ECD) It is an endocrine disorder that occurs in over 20% of aged horses, ponies and donkeys. Most horses are over 15 years of age when they are diagnosed, and it is very rare in horses younger than 10. Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/11/PPID-equinecushingsdisease/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/11/PPID-equinecushingsdisease/ An appropriate level of fitness is essential for optimising performance and a specific training and monitoring programme should be tailored to suit each horse. As the horse needs to be in full work ready for its first event, you need to plan your fitness programme in advance Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/10/horse-eventing-fitness/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/10/horse-eventing-fitness/ Osteoarthritis comes from the Greek words oeteo (bone) arthron (joint) and the suffix (itis), means inflammation. Osteoarthriitis is characterised by degeneration and loss of normal cartilage and inflammation within a joint. Tue, 25 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/9/osteoarthritis/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/9/osteoarthritis/ Euthanasia is the elective ending of life and it may be required for a variety of reasons either in an emergency situation, such as where a horse has suffered a catastrophic injury, or because you have decided it is the right time for your horse. Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/8/euthanasia/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/8/euthanasia/ As the days get shorter and the weather deteriorates, all equestrians get the feeling of dread for the long winter ahead. For us, winter is not just about wrapping up warm and enjoying evenings in front of the fire! Whilst we pull on some extra layers and brave the mud to ensure our beloved horses can stay healthy and comfortable over the winter months, there are a few things we need to consider. Fri, 06 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/7/equine-winter-care/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/7/equine-winter-care/ B&W Equine Vets is one of 62 veterinary practices across the UK who have become Vet REACT Colic Champions for 2019, in a new scheme coordinated by The British Horse Society and The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham. Wed, 23 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/13/Vet-REACT-Colic-Champions/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/13/Vet-REACT-Colic-Champions/ Whilst most of us understand the need to ensure that our horses do not develop significant worm burdens, there is evidence to suggest that many of us are not treating our horses in the most effective way. With an increasing risk of resistance to wormers, it is vital that we adopt a diagnostic led, risk based approach to worming programme to protect horses and ponies from the threat of irreversible damage. Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/6/worming/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/6/worming/ Dental disease in older horses is well documented. The chance of your horse developing disease within his or her mouth increases as they pass the age of 15 years old. One study found that gum disease is found in 80% of horses over the age of 20 years old. Thu, 16 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/5/veteran-dental-care/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/5/veteran-dental-care/ Periodontal disease is one of the most painful conditions that can occur in the horses mouth and is the number one cause of premature tooth loss in adult horses, potentially able to affect incisors, canine teeth, and cheek teeth. Tue, 07 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/3/introduction-periodontal-disease/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/3/introduction-periodontal-disease/ Every horse owner should be aware of and able to measure their horse\'s normal, healthy vital signs. Tue, 24 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/4/horses-normal-vital-signs/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/4/horses-normal-vital-signs/ Bleeding from equine gastric ulcers is not a common or consistent finding, so faecal blood albumin testing is not recommended. The test is also unable to distinguish between squamous and glandular disease, and so targeted treatment is not possible. A better screening approach is to look for significant clinical signs developing in your horse Mon, 23 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/2/equine-gastric-ulcers-explained-specialist/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/2/equine-gastric-ulcers-explained-specialist/ Atypical myopathy, also known as sycamore poisoning, is a severe and potentially fatal muscle disorder of horses caused by eating sycamore \'helicopter\' seeds and, to a lesser extent sycamore leaves, that fall onto pasture in the autumn and winter or sycamore seedlings which grow in the Spring. The seeds and seedlings contain a toxin known as hypoglycin A HGA. The toxin slows or stops energy production in muscle cells and particularly affects the heart and the muscles which enable the horse to stand and breathe. Mon, 23 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/1/Atypical-Myopathy-Sycamore-Poisoning/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/1/Atypical-Myopathy-Sycamore-Poisoning/ We all know that horses and fireworks can be a difficult combination to manage. As bonfire night approaches make sure you take precautions to minimise the impact they have on your horse or pony. Wed, 02 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/14/equine-advice-fireworks-night/ https://www.bwequinevets.co.uk/article/14/equine-advice-fireworks-night/