Frome Equine Vets

04/12/2024

Tips for caring for your older horses 🧡

👀Pay regular close attention - Monitor changes to body condition, attitude and behaviour, keep an eye on changes to their coat and doesn't begin to look dull, curly or thicker than normal, make sure to address these even if they seem minor.
🦷 Up to date dental checks - problems with the teeth can limit the horse's effectiveness when chewing. Fractured teeth, caries (cavities), diastemata and sharp enamel points can all cause discomfort, and subsequently reduce the ability of the horse to eat.
🌱Good nutrition - Advancing years will affect the horses ability to chew and digest, choose feeds that are easily digestible made with quality ingredients. Also ensure to provide quality forage, that is dust free.
🦶 Regular hoof care - Routine visits from the farrier are still key as horses get older even if they are retired to ensure the hooves remain balanced and healthy. Too long between trims can put extra strain on the joints of the leg and exacerbate degenerative conditions such as arthritis.
🐎 Appropriate exercise - Daily turnout is a minimum form of exercise for retired horses, it is essential for gut health and circulation for the horse to move around as much as possible. For horses that are still ridden make sure to monitor your horses ability to carry out the work being asked, keep it regular so they maintain fitness, consider reducing factors such as height of jumps, speed of work and duration of sessions.

If you would like to book in a health check for your older horse to make sure they are in tip top shape going into winter, give the office a call on 01373 310277 or email [email protected]

22/11/2024

Finding time to exercise your horse when the days are shorter can be challenging, Harriet managed to sneak in a ride during her lunch break making use of the lovely facilities we have access to here at Badgers Cross Equestrian 😍.
Obviously Ruby had to be involved too! 🐶❤️
Let us know how you manage to squeeze in riding around work 💬

19/11/2024

🐴 Desensitizing Needle-Shy Horses 🌟

Having a horse that is needle shy can be an extremely stressful and potentially dangerous situation for you as the owner, the horse itself and the vet. Desensitizing needle-shy horses can be hugely rewarding if done carefully and safely, and will make vet visits much less scary for everybody involved.
By gradually exposing them to needles in a positive way, we can ease their fears and ensure safer vet visits. Patience and consistency are key!
It is important to not go straight in to the moment your horse objects but slowly build up to that point. It is also key to ensure that rewards are given at the correct time therefore a clicker can be extremely useful to mark the behaviour, the timing of the reward (such as a treat) is then less vital.
If you do opt to use a clicker you may start by placing a hand on the shoulder, if the horse remains still and relaxed, click and immediately reward with a treat, repeat this several times until the horse associates the click with getting a treat. Once your horse is comfortable you can move further up the neck, to the point where you can pinch some skin and mimic the sensation of a needle with a pen.
It is suggested that 10 repetitions are needed for the horse to have learned, so make sure not to rush and before moving on to the next step build up duration.
Also try and ask a friend to help and perform the same event so the horse remains calm with someone less familiar.
If you do have a needle shy horse please don't be afraid to let us know so we can allocate more time for your appointment and we can try and make the experience as stress free as possible.

Take it slow, use lots of praise and rewards, stay safe and don't be afraid to seek guidance from a professional if needed.

If you don't know where to start with helping your needle shy horse here's a helpful video to give you some pointers -
https://youtu.be/MRAIdnQmzak?si=H8q_PqzEuMMe_aXL

Share your tips and stories below! 💬

🌈

17/11/2024

***Neurological EHV case diagnosed in Gloucestershire***
Unfortunately, a horse in Gloucestershire was recently diagnosed with neurological EHV (Equine Herpes Virus).
EHV is a highly contagious disease spread by direct horse to horse contact and airborne droplets over short distances (5m) e.g. by coughing and snorting. There are 5 main strains of EHV, but EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common and occur in horses worldwide and can cause respiratory disease, abortion and neurological disease.
Cases of EHV infection are occurring more frequently. This is contributed to by increased national and international travel to competitions.
For many years pregnant mares have been vaccinated to reduce the risk of EHV abortion. However, BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) now also recommends that vets vaccinate the following groups of horses:
• All horses which frequently attend gatherings where horses mingle in close proximity
• All young horses (6 months to 5 years)
• All horses stabled where there is frequent movement of horses on and off the premises
• All horses that may come into contact with pregnant mares
The mainstay of prevention, and minimising spread of the disease in an outbreak situation is to implement excellent biosecurity practises which are aimed at stopping contact between infected or potentially infected horses, and those who have not been exposed.
If you would like to book an EHV vaccination for your horse or speak to one of our vets about it, please give us a call.
For further information about EHV, you can visit the following link: https://www.horsehealthprogramme.co.uk/equine-herpes-virus/

14/11/2024

PREVENT
Colic is the most common equine emergency and cause of death in horses worldwide. You can reduce the risk by following these steps 👇

🍴 A diet composed of predominantly forage
🪱 Have a testing-led deworming plan in place
🦷 Regular dental checks
❄️ Gradual stabling for winter
🐎 Healthy exercise regime

Read the full guide here 👉 bhs.org.uk/preventingcolic

13/11/2024

⚠⚠ POWER OUTAGE - Thursday 14th November ⚠⚠

We will have no power between the hours of 9-4 tomorrow, Thursday 14th November.
Please make sure you have your yard address and/or What 3 Words to hand should you need a visit, as we won't be able to access your records during this time.
Unfortunately we also won't have access to the emails so if you have an urgent enquiry or request please phone the office direct on 01373 310277. This may also mean there is a slight delay in reporting lab results to you, but please bear with us we will do our absolute best to keep everything running smoothly!

12/11/2024

SIGNS
Colic can occur at any time of the year in both grass-kept and stabled horses. How can you spot the early signs of colic? 🔍

Here are the 5 REACT signs to look for 👇

😖🐎 Restless or agitated
🍎🥕❌ Eating less or droppings reduced
🤕 Abdominal pain
🤔🔁 Clinical changes
😴😔 Tired or lethargic

Time is of the essence when a horse has colic. Download the Emergency Care Plan available from the British Horse Society 👉 bhs.org.uk/colic

11/11/2024

I was pulled from my field, from my work, from my play
Ne're to see England in lands far away
Through death and destruction, through blood, sweat and tears
I carried my master, along with my peers
So I ask you to remember a while,
Along with the soldiers in smart rank and file,
Remember our beauty, the strength of our kind,
As we galloped through danger, without care to mind
For we were the horses thrust into war
And we gave up our lives for your peace evermore.

The War Horse 1914 - 1918

31/10/2024

Most horse owners will dread that time in early November (or New Year’s Eve) when fireworks seem to go on forever. This is especially as horses and fireworks can be a difficult combination to manage.
How to help your horse cope with fireworks
As bonfire night approaches make sure you take precautions to minimise the impact they have on your horse or pony.
💥 Find out if there are any displays/fireworks planned near to where your horse is kept. Local press and shop notice boards as well as local radio and Facebook groups are a good source of information.
📞 Contact organisers to explain your concerns. See if there are any measures they can take – for example, moving to the far end of a site and ask about timings so you can manage your horse appropriately.
🏘 It may be worth asking people living locally if they intend to have any private fireworks so that you can express your concerns and also be prepared.
⌚️ Stick to your horse’s normal routine wherever possible as sudden changes may make them more unsettled. If they are usually stabled, keep them stabled. If they are normally out in the field, keep them out there as long as it is safe, secure and not close to a firework display area.
⚠️ Wherever your horse is spending the night make sure it is safe and secure. If they are staying in check the stable for protruding nails or loose string they could get caught up on. If out in the field make sure your fencing is secure with no broken rails, no barbed wire and cleared of objects that could possible injure your horse, such as farm machinery.
🎼 Playing music outside the stable can mask bangs. However, make sure you introduce this before firework night to ensure the music itself does not worry them.
💡 Similarly leaving your stable lights on can help reduce the effect of sudden bright flashes in the night sky.
🫂 Make sure you are with your horse during the scheduled times for any local displays. If you can’t be there ensure you have someone experienced checking on them throughout the duration of any displays.
📱 Leave clear instructions for them as well as contact information for you and your vet should anything happen. If you know your horse gets very stressed around fireworks consider moving him for the night or talking to your vet about sedation.
🙂 Remain calm and be very aware of your own safety when your horse is stressed. An injured owner is no good to anyone, including your horse!
Whatever you do, do not ride when you know there are displays planned near-by.

21/10/2024

Sadly it's come to that time of year that makes horse owners lives that little bit trickier. As the days get shorter and mud is abundant we've got some tips to make sure you're well prepared for the winter months.
🦷 Check your horse's teeth aren't overdue for a rasp, particularly if your horse is prone to dropping condition through the winter, ensuring they are able to eat comfortably is a priority.
🧥 Make sure your winter turnout rugs are clean, waterproofed and rip free so they are ready when you need them.
🧼 Give your stables a deep clean, before the time comes when your horse needs to be kept stabled for longer periods of time it is a good idea to get rid of cobwebs and dust from the walls and to clean out under your rubber mats. All of which will help prevent respiratory problems.
💩 MOT your wheelbarrow! Trying to push a wheelbarrow through mud is not fun so be sure to oil your wheelbarrow's wheel and make sure the tyre is firm.
✂️Have your clippers serviced, nothing worse than trying to do your first clip of the winter and your clippers either won't work at all or leave you with a dodgy clip!
❄️Lag your water pipes, no one wants to be lugging water drums from home, so be sure to insulate your water pipes as well as possible.
❤️If you're worried about your horse at all going into winter book in a health check so you have peace of mind.

08/10/2024

🦷 Dental Clinic 🦷

Bring your horse into the clinic on Thursday 17th October for a routine dental (£94.92 including sedation or included in the HHP) and have a free oroscopic exam saving £179.41.

An oroscope is the gold standard of a dental exam and means that the vet can give your horses mouth a thorough investigation, it also means you will get a close up look at what the inside of your horses mouth looks like!
This is the perfect opportunity before winter hits to ensure that your horse's mouth is comfortable. Perfect for horses that may struggle to keep condition in the colder months, or if you have some niggling performance issues and would like to rule out any dental causes.

Spaces are limited, to book your horse in contact the office on 01373 310277, or email [email protected].

06/10/2024

We have had the most fantastic day! Thank you to all our lovely riders who came to support the event, we hope you had a great time, you were all wonderfully supportive and cheery 😊.
Also a huge thank you to the team and volunteers who gave up their time to organise the event and help the day run smoothly ⭐️
Once again a big thanks to the businesses who generously donated to our raffle which has helped to raise more money for our brilliant charities 🙌🏼
Lastly a massive thank you to our land owners, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible to run and a special mention to Barrow Farm Equestrian for allowing use of their spectacular cross country 😁
Don’t forget to look for your pictures taken by True To You Photography, we would love to see them, so please share them with us!!

We will have a final count up next week with how much was raised and will be in contact with the prize winners from the raffle.

Fingers crossed we will be back with another fun ride next year 🤞🏼

24/09/2024

✨🐎 Our fun ride is just around the corner! 🐎✨
Entries are filling up and are limited so if you are planning on joining us make sure you get your entry in soon!
If you have already entered do join and follow the events page to keep updated.

We have some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs including:
⭐️Water treadmill sessions courtesy of Pepperdrum Aquatherapy
⭐️£100 voucher for arena hire at Midway Manor Equestrian
⭐️£100 voucher for GTR Keen
⭐️Treatment voucher from Alice Frampton Veterinary Physiotherapist
Tickets will be sold on the day so even if you aren't able to ride please do pop up for some refreshments and enter the raffle!

If any of our wonderful clients would like to help with stewarding on the day please do let us know, we would love for you to be involved and will make sure you are fed and watered well!

16/09/2024

‼🐎 Exciting News 🐎‼

We are holding a fun ride in aid of Willberry Wonder Pony and The Brooke charities.
The route is approximately 7 miles with a shorter route available, walkers and cyclists are welcome to come along too for a reduced rate.
£20 riders
£5 non riders

Set off between 9-11am from Quarry Hill Farm, BA11 5HD
What 3 Words are lifeboats.enjoy.crab

✨Raffle prizes to win ✨
Refreshments will be available to purchase and there are toilets onsite.
Entries via Equo https://www.equoevents.co.uk/ViewEvent/ViewEventDetails/49766, numbers will be limited so make sure to get your entries in quickly!

A huge thank you to Barrow Farm and our generous land owners for allowing us access to their land for this event.

All profits from the event will be split between the two charities so please do come along and support our event!

16/09/2024

Come and enjoy an evening kindly organised by the SMS Equestrian team. Alasdair will be discussing what to expect at a pre-purchase examination, and common findings to keep an eye out for when looking at a potential new horse.
We hope to see you there!

Come and join us for an insightful evening to understand what happens during a vetting looking from a buyer and seller point of view with helpful tips for when you are involved in this exchange of a horse 🐎
Our guest speaker is Alasdair Graham from
Email [email protected] to book on.

09/09/2024

Meet The Team - ✨Sophie Avery ✨

❓Why did you become a vet?
💬 I became a vet because I missed living and working with horses. When I went to Oxford for my first degrees my horses stayed at home in Sussex, and seeing them only at the weekends wasn't enough!

❓What is the most interesting case you've seen recently?
💬 Recently I saw a high level competition horse with an unusual swelling on a hind limb. On palpation and ultrasound examination the swelling was actually a thrombus (blood clot) in a vein in the hind leg, which is very unusual. We are treating him successfully.

❓ What cases are you most interested in?
💬 I find all medical cases particularly interesting. This summer I have seen a number of horses and ponies with equine metabolic syndrome, which massively increases the risk of laminitis. There are lots of ways we can help you manage a horse with this condition, and I really enjoy the continuity of care in speaking to owners regularly to hear how you are getting on.

❓ What is an essential piece of 1st aid kit that every horse owner should have to hand?
💬 A list of emergency contact numbers should the need arise - your vet, horse transport (if you don't have your own), farrier, and fallen stock person. When you are stressed and your horse is in trouble you don't have time to start googling numbers!

❓ What can horse owners do to make vet visits as efficient as possible?
💬It is much easier for us if you could get your horse in from the field before we arrive please.

❓ What is your equine background?
💬 My mother had her horses at home so I have always been around them. When I was old enough for my first pony, she bought me a New Forest called Korky who I did pony club and dressage with. I then had a super Welsh pony who was selected for the GB dressage pony squad, so I spent a lot of time competing in FEI shows. After him I had a lovely Dutch Warmblood called Louis who was working at Inter I, and then sadly sustained a sacroiliac injury by getting cast in the stable. He had good veterinary care and a long time off but never came back into work properly - that also made me want to become a vet.

❓ What are your hobbies outside of work?
💬 I sing in two choirs in Bath. One is a choral chamber choir that sings classical music, and the other is a much larger choir that sings classical music and some special commissions. I also love my family’s miniature poodle Klara and regularly go running with her.

02/09/2024

🐴 Introducing the Horse Health Programme! 🐴

Designed to keep your equine friends in top condition all year round! 🌟 Whether you own a single horse or manage a whole stable, our comprehensive care plan offers everything you need to ensure your horse stays happy, healthy, and saving you money along the way.

🔍 What’s Included?
Annual health checks and vaccinations 🩺
Annual Dental to keep those smiles bright 🦷
4 faecal worm egg counts within the year, autumn/winter wormer, tape worm saliva test - ensuring a worming plan that is tailored to your horse’s needs 🐛
Exclusive discounts on treatments and services 💸

📞 How to Join?
Get in touch with our team to discuss how the Horse Health Programme can benefit you and your horse. Together, we’ll create a plan that’s as unique as your equine companion!

Let’s work together to keep your horses at their best! 🐴❤️

26/08/2024

✨ Meet The Team Monday ✨

We thought we would do a little series on the team here at Frome Equine Vets, kicking things off is Harriet!
Harriet is a veterinary technician and is responsible for assisting the vets with procedures such as diagnostic imaging, keeping our pharmacy well stocked, helping with your insurance claims, processing faecal worm egg counts and general admin.