Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care Equine Surgery

04/08/2024

Colin and Emily are on duty today at Hexham Endurance Ride looking after the equine athletes 🐴

Good luck to all those taking part, especially those in the 85km route! 🍀🤞🏽

Endurance GB Northumberland & Tyneside Group

27/07/2024

Newcastle Racecourse here we come!

Please say hello if you see us at Ladies Day 🥂👋

15/07/2024

Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care Equine Surgery now has an FEI Permitted Treating Vet!

Well done to Steph on passing her exam 👏

A Permitted Treating Veterinarian (PTV) is a veterinarian whose role is to treat any horse that develops an illness or sustains an injury during an event. Veterinarians must obtain approval from their National Federations and pass an examination relating to the Veterinary Regulations before they are able to treat horses at FEI events.

15/06/2024

Today we sadly said goodbye to superstar Ellie as she moves on to a new challenge. Ellie has been a part of the Scott Mitchell equine team for six and a half years joining us aged just 17. She brought determination, laughter, enthusiasm and the ability to do six things at once and stay completely calm.
She said “I will really miss the team and all the lovely clients. I feel privileged to be joining the team caring for the mounted police horses and am excited for the new challenges this brings.”
We wish her the very best in this new role and want to thank her for always going the extra mile to support the team. 🤩

06/06/2024

The secret to Suck-ess 🐴👏🏻
It’s that time of year when the equine team are busy with foals being born and with breeding services for brood mares to make next year’s batch of foals.
As most breeders are well aware, getting a foal up and sucking the mare’s colostrum (containing antibodies for the foals immune system) as soon as possible after birth is key to a healthy foal.
Some foals (often called dummy foals) are born in a semiconscious state and without the normal suck and search reflexes to help them to drink soon after birth. Recent thinking is that these foals may not have adequately woken from the unconscious state in the womb. A technique of using a rope to squeeze the foal’s body can help simulate the birth process and in some cases help stimulate the suck reflex. A simple and remarkable technique that can change some foals almost instantly.
Blood test taken at 24-48 hours can indicate the foal’s antibody levels and indicate if additional antibodies might be considered via the use of intravenous hyperimmune plasma transfusion. 🩺

04/06/2024

Meet the team Tuesday!
This week we’ve got Emily, one of our equine vets 😁

What pets do you have?
A snorting Welsh D called Harry, two rabbits called Rupert and Rosie, and a 20year old goldfish I got as my first pet when I was six! 🐟

What is your favourite drink?
Depends on the time of day! Either an iced coffee or a glass of Rosé wine 🍷

What did you want to be when you were younger?
A horse vet 🐴

Favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere hot with a pool/beach, good food and good cocktails

Where did you grow up?
In Selby, North Yorkshire, I still go back regularly to see friends and family but I’m loving living in Northumberland ❤️💛

29/05/2024

Foaling season is upon us 😍
Has anyone else had any bundles of cuteness born recently? Please share your pictures 📸

If you’re expecting a foal, or have any questions about it please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss, 01434 608999 📞

28/05/2024

We’re back this week to meet Rebecca, our equine veterinary nurse…🐴

What pets do you have?
A very needy Labrador called Lana, and a miniature jack Russell with little man syndrome called Milo 🐶

What is your favourite drink? 🍷
Very mood dependent but that mood is often a glass of white

How would you usually spend your weekends?
My weekend are most often young farmers or alcohol related 🍻

What is your biggest phobia? 🕷️
Spiders but I’m working on it

Tell us something that may surprise us? 🤔
As a child my mam encouraged horses but my dad encouraged water sports so if you put some water, a boat and a set of skis in front of me I can water ski (not always the most gracefully)

21/05/2024

Meet the team Tuesday is back…and this week we’re meeting Euan, equine vet & one of our directors…🤠

What is your favourite food?
Fish and chips at the seaside, especially cooked in beef dripping 🤤🎣

What is your favourite holiday destination?
Skiing at Val D'Isere, or any resort in the French Alps ⛷️

What pets do you have?
2 dogs, Lexi (springer spaniel) & Basil (Great Dane x poodle!) I am currently horseless ☹️

What would be your favourite pizza topping?
A classic Neapolitan or Nduja sausage 🍕

How do you spend your weekends off?
I enjoy time on my bike and shooting; but since my family has expanded, my free time is limited. 🚴‍♂️

20/05/2024

How to optimise your foal’s immunity?🐴

At birth the foal’s immune system is poorly developed, so paying attention to management can make a significant difference in their ability to fight infections and remain healthy.
• Make sure foaling boxes are kept scrupulously clean.
• Ensure your foal stands and sucks good quality mare’s colostrum within 6 hours of birth.
• Vaccinating the mare in late pregnancy can boost the antibody levels in the colostrum against for example tetanus.
• Make sure your mare is on the premises in which she will foal for the last month of pregnancy. This allows her to make antibodies to help protect the foal in that environment.
• Testing a foal’s blood antibody levels at 24-48 hours after birth can assess their levels and indicate if their levels are adequate or low.
• Risk factors for poor antibody levels include a mare running milk prior to foaling, thin/watery milk, foal slow to stand and suck.
• Foals with low antibody levels will benefit from a transfusion of plasma with high levels of antibodies.

16/05/2024

📆Next Dental Clinic date;
🔜Wednesday 29th May.

The dental clinic allows us to work more efficiently and so we are able to pass on that saving to you with reduced price routine dentistry💸🙌🏻
Dental clinics are for routine dental procedures only, for example: examination, power rasping enamel overgrowths; and diastema cleaning and flushing; all carried out under sedation.

For further information about routine dentistry ↘️ https://xlvets-equine.co.uk/sites/xlvets-equine.co.uk/files/XLVets-Equine-Rebranded-001-Routine-Dental-Care-Factsheet_0.pdf

Terms and conditions: Payment must be made at the time of treatment. Please arrive at your allocated time and collect your horse promptly after treatment❗️

14/05/2024

✨Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month ✨

I’m sure many of you know Rebecca, but for those who don’t, she joined the team in 2019 as a student equine nurse, and since has become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. 👏🏻🩺

The month of May is National Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month. The aim is to raise awareness of the important work veterinary nurses carry out within the veterinary team, delivering the best care to their patients.
We would like to send our recognitions of all the hard work Rebecca does. Veterinary nursing is a diverse and rewarding career where no two days are never the same. Rebecca works tirelessly behind the scenes looking after horses in our clinic, maintaining and repairing our equipment, as well as doing her own visits to see all your lovely horses…oh and keeping the vets in order 😳

We are endlessly proud of everything you do👏🏻

09/05/2024

Tonights antics included catching up on messages and delivering another informative talk to our Laminitis Prevention Club members! 🌱

Tonight we discussed the science behind grass, including sword length, NSC stats and insulin responses. I also delivered a piece on grazing systems (equicentral and track systems) and a reminder of the benefit of grazing muzzles.🤓

Talks with our LPC members are very much a highlight in my month. We have very committed owners who are supportive of one another and keen to share their successes (and struggles!). It's been a real pleasure to watch the group grow and we all continue to learn together (Liz and I included!).

The suite of memberships Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care Equine Surgery provide to their clients really demonstrates how proactive and committed vets can be. We have made some real change to the lives of our clients through the Laminitis Prevention Club and I really think a lot of people could benefit from the resources we have to offer. 🤗

Thinking about joining?
📩Email: [email protected]

08/05/2024

Happy Donkey Day 🥰here are some lovely pictures thanks to Durham Donkey Rescue.

Donkeys are often thought of as small horses, but donkeys are different, they have different physical and behavioural needs to horses…

What are the similarities?

- Preventative healthcare in horses and donkeys is largely similar.
- Influenza and tetanus vaccines at the same intervals as horses
- Routine dental care every 6-12months, this is especially important due to donkeys living longer than horses.
- Regular hoof care and trimming, usually every 6-10weeks
- Worm control plans – pasture management, egg counts and wormers if required. Note donkeys should not be given combined wormers e.g. Equest Pramox

How are donkeys different?
Diet – Straw!

- Donkeys have evolved to live in areas with sparse and low quality forage, they can digest very fibrous plants. Donkeys are browsers not grazers.
- UK pasture is too lush for them and can lead to problems such as obesity and laminitis.
- Donkeys should be fed 1.5% of their body weight in dry matter for maintenance.
- Donkeys with no dental/health problems should be fed a diet of 75% straw in summer and 50% straw in winter. The remainder should be made up with hay/haylage or restricted grazing.
- Provide vitamins and minerals by an unmolassed lick or a low-calorie forage balancer.

• Behaviour
Like horses, donkeys are herd animals so should be kept with at least one other donkey. They can form strong attachments to their companions.
Donkeys are much more stoic in nature than horses, it’s therefore harder to recognise pain and ill health - often the only signs are dullness, depression or inappetence, which can mean that the donkey is quite ill before it is noticed or treated.

•’Feet
Donkeys have a much more upright hoof angle and thicker sole than horses.
Growth occurs from the heel and weightbearing is on the hoof walls not the sole.
The hoof conformation makes them more prone to abscesses, thrush, and white line disease.


• Common Health Conditions
The most common conditions affecting donkeys are obesity and hoof disease.
Laminitis is a common problem due to incorrect diet (lush pasture) and obesity.
Donkeys are particularly prone to a condition called hyperlipidaemia, it occurs when a donkey enters a negative energy balance (stop eating) and mobilise their fat reserves for energy. This is an emergency; it makes donkeys very sick and can cause organ failure. Obese donkeys are at higher risk, as it is much easier to mobilise fat reserves when you plenty of it.

01/05/2024

Strangles Awareness Week (SAW) kicks off in just 5 days! It's a really important week because we are promoting the BEST preventative actions to safeguard horses against Strangles, empowering owners to take proactive measures in disease prevention.

🗓️ Take part, it's free and easy: Strangles Awareness Week May 6th-12th May 🗓️
Simply follow us on our social media channels to find out how you can enter our SAW competition to win the BEST prize bundle, worth over £5,000! 🤩

https://www.facebook.com/StranglesAwarenessWeek

Because every horse can get Strangles, and every person can make a difference!🌍💚

29/04/2024

How would you feel if your horse had to go through this? 🐴😥

Strangles is something you never think will happen to you and your horse... until it does.

Meet Claire and her horse Otto, who show just how devastating the infection can be, even for a fit, healthy horse and a caring, responsible owner.
Otto's story is sadly just one of hundreds of Strangles cases every year in the UK. 🙌 It's why so many horse owners are supporting our campaign to protect horses from the disease.

Watch and share our short film to help raise awareness of Strangles then simply follow Strangles Awareness Week on social media to find out how you can protect your horse. It only takes two minutes.

Because every horse can get Strangles, and every person can make a difference!🌍💚
🗓️ Strangles Awareness Week, 6-12th May 2024 🗓️

Why are so many equestrians supporting the campaign to protect horses from Strangles? Meet Claire and Otto, who show just how devastating the infection can b...

23/04/2024

Meet the team Tuesday.
This week we’re meeting one of our equine vets, Liz.

How do you spend your weekends off?
Mostly being taxi service for the children, walking dogs, tidying up and being Mitchell family pizza chef on a Saturday night. Sometimes I manage a ride on the ponies too. 🍕

Where did you grow up?
In the southern Lake District and having travelled to many places it is still absolutely my favourite place in the world - especially when the sun shines! ☀️

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Climb a big mountain on a beautiful day and then go for pub supper with gravy!

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Fresh air - I don't like being caged for too long!

If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
The power to know where things are in our house and the ability to look and find things - it seems I am the only one who has it! 🫢

19/04/2024

Wet, wet, wet! ☔️
The endless rain doesn’t seem to be stopping but what does all this rain and mild weather mean for equine health?

1. Bacterial skin infection - areas most exposed to the wet can suffer from this skin condition mostly seen on the lower legs known as mud fever and the back and quarters known as rain scald. The bacterial infection leads to crusting, hair loss and in more severe cases pain and inflammation. Try to keep affected horses dry and avoid over rugging as the moist conditions under a rug can worsen the situation. 🦠

2. Foot conditions - the wet ground conditions increase the likelihood of thrush and white line infections which can lead to abscesses. Try to keep feet clean and dry and scrub out regularly and remove any damaged infected tissue and apply iodine to affected areas.🦶

3. Injuries - wet ground can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Avoid very wet boggy ground when riding and be very cautious when riding through puddles and floods they may hide hazards that could cause injury.🤕

4. Liver fluke - although horses are fairly resistant to liver fluke when compared with cattle and sheep. If they are kept on wet boggy ground where the intermediate host the water snail thrives and co-grazed with cattle or sheep they may be at risk. A blood test is now available. 🪱

18/04/2024

Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care is proud to be a Strangles Awareness Week ambassador.

Meet Kath and Argento, who show just how devastating the infection can be for even a fit, healthy horse and a caring, responsible owner.
Warning: the film does contain graphic images of how Strangles affected Argento.

Watch and share the short film to help raise awareness of Strangles then simply follow Strangles Awareness Week on social media to find out how making simple biosecurity steps part of daily horse care routines can make all the difference in tackling a disease that is far more common than it needs to be.

There’s also a unique opportunity to win a fantastic equestrian prize bundle worth more than £5,000!

Why are so many equestrians supporting the campaign to protect horses from Strangles? Meet Kath and Argento, who show just how devastating the infection can ...

16/04/2024

That time of the week again…meet Clare, our nursing assistant🤗

What pets do you have?
6 dogs, 5 shetlands, 1 pony and 1 Rhino 🦏

What is your favourite drink?
Tough question, I like many drinks. At the moment it is Dry Lady Petrol (Rose Wine), Gin and Bitter Lemon, although a Long Island Ice Tea never goes unappreciated.🍸

If you were a potato, how would you like to be cooked?🥔
Pomme Dauphinoise ( sophisticated, creamy and with a faint whiff of garlic)

If you had to eat a crayon, what colour would you choose?
Orange because it might actually taste quite nice🖍️

Tell us something about you that might surprise us!
I met my husband when I was 3, he was my first boyfriend at 16 and we've been married for nearly 30 years.

Also I used to be able to bite my own toe nails which is why he might have gone out with me in the first place. 🫢

11/04/2024

April newsletter 🌼🐴🐣

09/04/2024

Meet the team Tuesday!
This week we have Helen, one of our Equine Receptionists.

What pets do you have? 2 horses - Dennis who I play at dressage with & Fynn who is retired and a 10 month old Cocker Spaniel called Betty.

What is your favourite meal? Sunday Roast with all the trimmings especially sprouts!! Sprouts are not just for Christmas!!

Where did you grow up? Dudley, not the Brummie one!

How do you spend your weekends off? Riding horses, walking the dog or just chilling with family & friends

What is your biggest phobia? Ooh I have a few! Spiders, small spaces, heights & people who eat loudly!!

08/04/2024

Wound case study...🐎🤕

Libby was found having sustained an injury to her back leg in the field at the start of November last year. Steph went out as an emergency call and provided first aid, but due to the severity of the wound it was recommended that Libby come into the clinic for further treatment. As well as having lacerated the skin with a large portion of skin missing, there was also damage to the soft tissues under the skin.
At the clinic the flap of skin that was still present was sutured back in place. Her leg was bandaged, and she was given pain relief and antibiotic injections. She stayed in the clinic for a few days and then was discharged to continue her box rest and bandage changes at home.
2 weeks later she had a skin pinch graft performed at the yard. This involves taking multiple small pinch grafts from the right side of the neck. These are implanted into the wound by making small pockets in the wound with a blade and the grafts are pushed into the pockets. Skin grafting is a technique used when a large skin defect is present, the grafts took well and enabled the wound to heal quicker.
She behaved impeccably on her box rest and for her bandage changes - not requiring any sedation.
Another 2 months of bandaging and she is doing well. She and her owner are now enjoying going out on hacks again 🙌🏼🤩

05/04/2024

As Spring is now upon on us (although it doesn't often feel like itt☔️) it is time to begin worm egg counts..🪱💩

As most of you are aware there is growing resistance to wormers in the UK. We now recommend a targeted approach to worming, using regular worm egg counts during the grazing season, instead of the traditional process of worming horses at set intervals throughout the year.

It’s important that we DO NOT simply blanket worm our horses. It is proven that only 20% of our horses carry 80% of the worm burden.❌

Doing a simple faecal worm egg count (FWEC) will enable us to target and treat only the horses that need treating. We do this along with an assessment of risk based on age, environment, and management to ensure that you are using wormers only where necessary whilst never compromising the health of the horse.

Method of sample collection is important as we know worm eggs are often not evenly distributed in a dropping💩. *Collect several small pinches from different areas of the dropping (from minimum of 3 different balls) mix them together and place in a zip lock bag. Expel all the air from bag, seal and label with horses name, age, and the date.

*Please collect your free sampling bags from the surgery.

Don’t forget - we offer an annual worming package:

🔬3 worm egg counts and treatment as required.
🐴Equisal tapeworm test
🪱All redworm, tapeworm and larval redworm treatment required, based on risk and test results.
📲Reminders when to test and treat.

For more information, contact the surgery 01434 608999, [email protected].

02/04/2024

Meet the team Tuesday!

This week we have Sara, our Equine Reception manager😃

What pets do you have?
Rags, yorkie/poodle cross and Flora a feisty chestnut mare🐴🐶

What is your biggest fear?
Fear is a good thing; it keeps you safe!

What is your favourite meal?
Do Haribo’s count as a meal…🍭

How do you spend your weekends off?
At the stables and walking my dog. Flora and Rags always come first! May partake in an occasional Rum and Coke.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
May self-terminate if not supplied with tea.⚠️

26/03/2024

Meet the Equine Team Tuesday 😎

This week we find out more about our equine receptionist/physio Kirsten.

What pets do you have?
I have a rescue terrier from the RSPCA called Sophie sprout . . . wow terriers are aloof! Can you tell it’s my first terrier.

What is your favourite meal?
Can I say my favourite food is all the food?! A beautifully cooked medium rare ribeye steak served with a peppercorn sauce and a mountain of exciting salad would be top of the list.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I am afraid to answer this question without sounding corny, but I am happy where I am in this moment, and I would choose to stay here in the present.

What's your favourite holiday?
That is such a hard question to answer . . .. So many fabulous places in the world. Can I put down the place I would like to go to?? Coz in that case, having watched Moana I would like to visit French Polynesia . . .and find me a Maoui.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I have only done Karaoke once in my life and it wasn’t pretty; I was not gifted with ‘the voice of an angel’ . . . so I sang/butchered Meatloaf’s ‘paradise by the dashboard light’ never to be repeated!

19/03/2024

Meet the team Tuesday 🙌🏼

This week find out more about equine vet and director of Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care Steph.

What pets do you have?🐶
Lexi, my whippet cross, loves napping all day on my passenger seat and occasionally getting belly rubs from clients.
Casper is my 6 year old Thoroughbred, who I enjoy bringing on to event.

What is your favourite meal?
I love spicy enchiladas!

What is your favourite drink?
Pink gin and lemonade. 🍸

How do you spend your weekends off?
I like taking Casper out to training and competitions.🐎

Tell us something about your yourself that might surprise us!
I can't whistle or click my fingers!😳

12/03/2024

Meet the Equine Team Tuesday 😎

This week we find out more about our equine process manager Ellie..

What pets do you have?
A lively cocker spaniel called Harper and a retired mare called Clover 🐾🍀

What is your favourite meal?
Sausage and Mash with lots of broccoli -I love it! 🥦

What is your favourite drink?
A straight forward gin and tonic maybe with ice and a slice if I'm feeling fancy!

How do you spend your weekends off?
Going to the gym, running and lovely long walks with my dog. 🥾🏃🏻‍♀️

What three things would you take to a desert island?
An eyelash brush, my mobile phone and of course a bobble hat - because I don't go anywhere without one! 💛

08/03/2024

Wishing all women a Happy International Women's Day! 💐🌻

Today, we celebrate your incredible love, care, and achievements in every aspect of SMVC. Here's to your resilience, strength and boundless contributions to our business that inspire us every day 💫

Again Happy International Women's Day to all the phenomenal women around the world. Let's celebrate your greatness today and every day.🫶🏼

05/03/2024

Meet the team Tuesdays 😎

Ever wondered what the equine team get up to in their spare time?
This week we find out more about vet Colin.

❔What pets do you have?
We have 2 Dogs and 2 Guinea pigs and my wife and daughter have a pony each.

❔What is your favourite meal?
A nice piece of fresh fish, crushed new potatoes and steamed vegetable served with a chilled glass of Sancerre.

❔What is your favourite song?
Annie's Song by John Denver - I will stop the car to listen to this one.

❔How do you spend your weekends off?
Being linesman for my son's two football teams.

❔Tell us something about you that might surprise us!
I have tattoo on each arm and do yoga every morning!