Rainbow Equine Hospital

08/09/2025

At Rainbow Equine Hospital, our medics have a particular interest in ophthalmology (all things eye-related!). We are the only hospital in Yorkshire to provide a specialist-led equine-specific ophthalmology referral service, with four Equine Internal Medicine Specialists providing cover 6 days per week, every week. In addition, we also have an excellent working relationship with world-renowned specialist ophthalmologists at Paragon Veterinary Referrals. This means that at Rainbow, we can carry out highly complex ophthalmic surgery, as well as advanced treatment techniques which need specialist ophthalmic equipment. Diagnostics and treatment can be tailored to your horse’s requirements, and can all be performed whilst they are receiving first rate veterinary care within our equine hospital.

Daisy is a beautiful mare who was referred to one of our Internal Medicine Specialists Lizzie Cullen DipECEIM for evaluation of cataracts. Using specialist diagnostic techniques, Lizzie was able to identify early glaucoma (invisible to the naked eye!) and to recommend Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) to preserve Daisy’s vision. This procedure is done standing, under sedation, and uses cutting edge laser technology to reduce the production of aqueous humour (the fluid inside the eye). Here is James Rushton, a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DipECVO), performing the procedure at Rainbow, along with a picture of a happy and comfortable Daisy, whilst she is closely monitored during her post-operative recovery.

06/09/2025

** CARE WITH COLIC - SPECIFICALLY ACCESS TO HEDGEROWS **

We have seen multiple horses within the last 2 weeks who have had small intestinal and stomach blockages with material they have eaten. These have often required emergency surgery to relieve obstructions. This seems to be related to eating material from hedgerows, specifically Hawthorne type vegetation as detailed in the photographs below. With the general lack of grass this summer, and the weather changes recently, it is possible that horses are reaching for this lush hedging and gorging themselves when they don't normally.

With some caution, as we know horses like to nibble all types of vegetation (!), we suggest reviewing the boundaries of your fields might be prudent to ensure the risks are as low as possible. This is an unusually high frequency of this problem at the moment, with very significant colic episodes.

The British Horse Society BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association

29/08/2025

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28/08/2025

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There were bumper entries at the final full SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier of 2025. Held on the 6th August at Arena…

28/08/2025

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13/08/2025

🌍 We Care for Animals & the Planet

🐾 Energy Smart – LED lighting & low-energy equipment
♻️ Less Waste – Recycling & eco-friendly PPE
💊 Safe Disposal – Medicines disposed to protect wildlife
📱 Paper-Lite – Digital forms & reminders
🚜 Local First – Supporting nearby suppliers

💚 Healthier animals, a healthier planet — together.

11/08/2025

Here we have little Harper, our new apprentice mending the poorly horse at Malton. Well done darling.

06/08/2025

This is an example of an x-ray 🩻 myelogram. This is one of the most important and useful ways we can see if there are things which are compressing / impinging on the spinal cord, as without the use of this special x-ray contrast (type of x-ray dye) the spinal cord itself cannot be seen on a normal standing up x-ray.
In this image, there is a focal soft tissue swelling in the dorsal (top) part of the vertebral canal, which is causing prominent spinal cord impingement at the level of a C6-C7 junction. This type of finding is often associated with ataxia or signs of "Wobblers" syndrome.
This test is performed under a general anaesthetic, and nowadays is often performed alongside a CT scan / CT myelogram to benefit from the advanced scan information this provides ☢

05/08/2025

NOW SORTED THANK YOU 🙏

***FOSTER MARE NEEDED ***

We have a 2 month-old c**t foal who is in need of a foster Mum. The mare is unfortunately very unwell and unlikely to be able to support her foal to weaning.

If you know of any mares or people who might be able to help, please contact Rainbow Equine Hospital (01653695743 or [email protected])

05/08/2025

Ventral stabilisation is one type of neck surgery offered at the hospital. Whilst there are several ways of doing this, the x-ray below shows a strong cylindrical metal basket which fuses between two of the lower neck vertebra, fixing these rigidly in place. This is a vital option for horses with "Wobblers" syndrome and also can have a place for horses with other neck conditions too.
This is most often going to be considered following comprehensive neurological and lameness examinations, neck x-rays and a myelogram. Nowadays, a CT scan with a CT myelogram has become the most useful imaging test for examinations of the horses neck, performed under a short general anaesthesia, stay tuned to find out more about a myelogram tomorrow!

04/08/2025

We had some great responses to the abnormal CT image of the neck we posted last week, and one query was how does that compare to a 'normal' site on a CT scan. So, here we have a normal example, where we can see the 'facet' (articular process) joints are much smaller and there is a wide space below each side where the nerves can exit the neck 👀
Stay tuned for more neck info over the rest of the week!