Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons

06/12/2024

Researchers at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies have made a significant breakthrough in the battle against Equine Grass Sickness by identifying the probable cause as a neurotoxin produced by microorganisms in pasture.

The discovery could lead to novel treatments and improved diagnostics for this devastating disease.

The full paper, published by Equine Veterinary Journal is free to read for 12 weeks.

Read more via the links below 👇

https://edin.ac/4ggMpPm

“After years of feeling deflated by the lack of progress, it's wonderful to see this significant breakthrough."

Researchers have identified the probable cause of equine grass sickness as a neurotoxin. The breakthrough has the potential to lead to novel treatments and improved diagnostics for this devastating disease.

Read on - https://bit.ly/4f5McNQ

04/12/2024

On Thursday, 28 and Friday, 29 November, we held two fully-subscribed BEVA-approved CPD courses at Rossdales Equine Hospital – the first focused on Internal Medicine and the second on Equine Anaesthesia, with more than half of the delegates, from the UK, Europe and the Middle East, attending both courses.

On Thursday, our Internal Medicine: Tricky Cases course was attended by 47 delegates who heard from 9 distinguished speakers about the latest updates on a number of current topics in internal medicine. The format of the course was focused entirely on case-based discussions to highlight interesting conditions and the challenges of their management.

On Friday, 45 delegates attended the Equine Anaesthesia Day – Bringing Principles into Practice, with 6 highly experienced speakers presenting various topics, ranging from preoperative preparations to intraoperative management and post-anaesthetic considerations.

The first (group) image shows some of our Internal Medicine course speakers from left to right:
Charlotte Easton Jones, Catriona Mackenzie, Vicky Savage, Emily Floyd, Fernando Malalana, Annabelle Graham, Katie Williams and Claudia Gittel.

Thanks to our generous course sponsors:
Internal Medicine Course: Bova Specials UK Ltd, Dengie Horse Feeds and FS Animal Health.
Anaesthesia Course: Certus Biomedical

02/12/2024

"We probably shouldn't talk about heart attack, it's cardiac arrest. What footballers and horses get is cardiac arrest." Rossdales internal medicine specialist and cardiology expert Prof Celia Marr talks to Marcus Armytage in The Telegraph about exercise-associated sudden death in racehorses.

A fort­night ago jump racing came under fire when two horses, Abuf­falo­sol­dier and Bangers And Cash, col­lapsed and died in a 3m3½f han­di­cap chase at Chel­ten­ham. One about two minutes after the fin­ish, the other about two-thirds of the way...

29/11/2024

On Wednesday, Andy Bathe joined the intrepid team of core riders on their epic journey covering 1,100km across the UK, which started at Blair Castle in Scotland on 20th November and finishes at The Savoy Hotel in London on Saturday.

The team are raising important funds for two charities, Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust.

Andy cycled 96.3 miles (155km) in 7 hours on the leg to Blenheim, with only one proper stop for half an hour.

Andy said: “Kudos to the team for battling through snow and gale force winds last week, courtesy of Storm Bert. I also got a taste of extreme weather, with torrential rain to start, but the cheering and support on the road really helped!”

Andy is pictured with Ian Stark in the first image, and with the other team members in the second. Find out more here https://www.cycle4caroline.com/riders

Huge thanks to everyone who has already donated - you can show your support for the team by donating here https://givewheel.com/fundraising/4699/cycle4caroline/

Spinal Research
British Eventing Support Trust
Cycle4Caroline

28/11/2024

𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 (𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬) - 𝐄𝐱𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Rossdales Equine Hospital has an exciting opportunity, open to qualified and experienced registered Veterinary Nurses, to join our friendly, professional and dedicated nursing team. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals who are keen to apply and develop their nursing skills to the highest of standards, whilst working in a challenging and rewarding environment.

The position will involve all aspects of nursing care of inpatients across a wide range of disciplines including intensive care and routine in-patient care.

Successful applicants will have excellent all-round nursing skills, with a passion and drive for delivering outstanding patient care. You will be a team player who enjoys working in a supportive environment whilst also being able to use your initiative. You can expect many opportunities to learn and develop your skills.

This is a full-time position, with a shift pattern of three set nights (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) and alternating Saturdays followed by three nights off, working between the hours of 7pm and 7am. Some capacity for flexible working would be an advantage.

RCVS and BEVA membership will be paid for and you will be entitled to three days funded CPD per annum. Excellent benefits package.

For full details about this position and how to apply, visit rossdales.com/jobs/veterinary-nurse-nights

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 11th December 2024

BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association
BVNA (The British Veterinary Nursing Association)

25/11/2024

Our BEVA-approved Rossdales Non-Pregnant Mare and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Course takes place on 22nd-24th January 2025 - and we've extended our early bird discount until 1st December!

This is a comprehensive three day course of lectures, providing delegates with cutting edge research, case presentations and discussion groups covering multiple aspects of mare reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies, delivered by a host of world-renowned reproductive specialists with a wealth of clinical experience.

For those who are unable to attend all three days, or who work predominantly with Thoroughbreds, a two day package is also available.

Find out more by visiting www.rossdales.com/non-pregnant-mare-art-course or by scanning the QR code.

Register now by contacting [email protected]

Main course sponsor: Bova Specials UK Ltd

22/11/2024

Earlier this month, Sophie Edwards’ horse Peanut was the star of Horse & Hound’s ‘Hunter of a Lifetime’ feature (7 November). Sophie, who is a Vet Tech and Office Assistant at our Hertfordshire practice, explained how Peanut, who she has owned since he was 5 and is bred to showjump, has gone from being “the most dangerous, most scary horse I’ve sat on” to being her horse of a lifetime.

Sophie initially spent more time on the ground than on Peanut’s back due to his bucking, rearing, napping and spinning, resulting in serious injury not only to Sophie but also to a professional event rider enlisted to help her.

Against all advice, Sophie turned Peanut away for a year before re-backing him, long-reining and lungeing for a year and a half, then hacking out. Sophie said: “He’d been broken in young and jumped from an early age, so we went back to basics, just having fun.”

Having made progress, Sophie decided to try trail-hunting Peanut, which he took to well after living in a field next to hounds at the local hunt kennels and going out on hound exercise. At only 15.2hh, Peanut has plenty of scope over “serious hedges”, and incredibly he is now also team chasing, which Sophie says he loves. They are pictured here jumping an ‘enormous’ hedge in their first Intermediate team chase.

Sophie said: “Peanut’s only 9 and still throws some shapes, but now it’s out of excitement. He broke me, and I’ve gone through hell with him, but I’m very glad I persevered. We now know each other inside out.” Of his appearance in Horse & Hound, Sophie says: “I’m full of pride and happiness for him.”

You can follow Sophie and Peanut on Instagram .of.a.hedgehopper., or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561896191383

📸 Victoria Dickens Photography and Paul Buddin / Simple Photo Shots

21/11/2024

The following EMS placements for veterinary students to see practice are currently available at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre:

𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧
08 December 2024 to 04 January 2025

𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭
15 December to 29 December 2024
19 January to 02 February 2025
16 February to 09 March 2025 (any 2 week placement between these dates)

Visit our website for full details about Seeing Practice at Rossdales and how to apply.
www.rossdales.com/ems-placements

BSEVA

19/11/2024

𝐅𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 - 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧

We are looking to recruit foal sitters for this year’s stud season on a temporary ad hoc basis between February and July.

Foal sitting is an essential part of providing the best neonatal care in a safe environment for these little ones to thrive. We are looking for people who have a good understanding and experience of mare and foal work.

The role of a sitter would include;

➡️ Assisting our nurses with treatments as required
➡️ Standing and turning recumbent patients
➡️ Under supervision you may be required to monitor vital signs such as heart and respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure and urine output
➡️ General “housework” duties will also be included

This is a paid role and you will remunerated based on hours worked.

Please email your CV and cover letter detailing your interest in this position to [email protected].

There will be an onsite induction prior to you starting with us.

Closing date - Wednesday 4th December 2024

11/11/2024

Today, we honour not only the brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom but also the countless animals who served alongside them. From courageous horses and messenger pigeons, to loyal dogs and even camels, these animals played a crucial role in our history, offering unwavering support in times of conflict.

As we remember the fallen, let us also pay tribute to the animals who gave their lives and helped shape the world we live in today. Together, we honour them all.

08/11/2024

It’s World Radiography Day and today we celebrate the incredible advancements in diagnostic imaging that help our vets provide accurate diagnosis and the very best care for your horses.

At Rossdales, our full range of imaging modalities include radiography (X-ray), CT, scintigraphy (bone scan) and MRI.

In the past year, our imaging team at Exning has been responsible for capturing diagnostic imaging studies from almost 2,000 equine patients. Radiographic examinations have been performed on more than 5,250 horses, ponies and donkeys by our skilled teams across all practice sites, including Exning, Newmarket, Hertfordshire and Lambourn.

06/11/2024

Following the recent post by TVP Mounted Section, we wanted to share their wonderful tribute to Police horse Triton.

Rossdales surgeon Andy Bathe said: "We are sharing a lovely heartfelt post from the Thames Valley Police about their beloved horse Triton. Unfortunately this is not a good news story, but it shows that sometimes however hard you try you can’t always achieve a successful outcome. Triton was real character and became a firm favourite and icon within the yard during his stay with us. He was clearly big in stature, as the photo shows him barely fitting under the trees in our hospital yard [see image in comments], but he was also big in personality. The emotions in the TVP Mounted Section post clearly show how working with horses is far more than just a job."

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562019527065

04/11/2024

Fireworks season can be a worrying time for horse owners and stressful for your horse or pony. Even the calmest of horses or ponies can get spooked or worried by the unusual sound and sight of fireworks, or the sight or smell of a bonfire. By taking these steps, you can to help keep your horse safe and minimise the stress caused by fireworks, both to you and your horse.

🎆 Find out the dates and locations of local firework displays. Speak to the organisers of organised displays, and also to any neighbours who you know are planning their own celebrations, to ensure you know what time the fireworks will be starting and finishing. Warn them that there are horses nearby and ask if they can be considerate about the direction in which they set off the fireworks.
🎆 Maintain your horse’s normal routine as far as possible, keeping them where they will be most calm. That may be in the stable, ideally with other horses nearby for companionship, and you may consider leaving a radio on to help dull the noise of the fireworks. If your horse normally lives out and their field is not too close to the fireworks and is secure, this may still be the best place for them.
🎆 Ensure the stable or field is completely secure and that there are no sharp or protruding objects on which your horse could injure itself easily.
🎆 Make sure your horse has plenty of hay to keep him occupied (even in the field) and consider giving your horse some extra treats, which will help to keep them distracted.
🎆 Ensure someone is able to be at the yard during the fireworks, or is able to carry out regular checks. Try to keep calm yourself so you don’t alarm the horse and if your horse does become agitated, keep a safe distance away to prevent getting injured yourself.
🎆 Have emergency contact details to hand, such as your vet practice’s phone number.
🎆 Check your insurance is up-to-date, including third party liability cover. Should the worst happen, you could be liable if your horse causes an accident or damage. If your horse sustains an injury, you may need to rely on your insurance to pay the vet bill.
🎆 Ensure there is a fire policy in case of any rogue fireworks, including access to a fire extinguisher, water, etc., as well as an evacuation policy for horses in the yard.
🎆 If you have serious concerns about keeping your horse calm when you know there are going to be fireworks nearby, contact your vet in advance of these events to seek their professional advice.
🎆 After the event, check your horse to ensure they have not injured themselves (e.g. cuts, overreaches etc.) and also carry out a thorough check of the field, including water buckets and troughs, to ensure that no stray firework debris has landed in the field.

For any further advice, please contact a member of our veterinary team on 01638 663150 (Newmarket), 01462 790221 (Hertfordshire) or 01488 683522 (Lambourn).

04/11/2024

Our hardworking imaging team at the Diagnostic Centre recently received these lovely cupcakes from Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging, after undertaking 11 CT scans in our standing leg CT scanner throughout September. This is one of multiple diagnostic imaging techniques available at our Diagnostic Centre.

This CT scanner is a walk-in walk-out floor-level system and provides a safe system for our imaging technicians and our equine patients. It delivers fast 3D image sets of the horse’s distal limb in 60 second scan times.

Contact our imaging team on 01638 577754 to discuss or refer a case.

Pictured: Two members of our imaging team, Rachel Pokora and Joana Bourbon

31/10/2024

Good luck to Keysoe International's Fermoy and Cian O'Connor who will be heading out to compete at Wellington, Florida. We look forward to following their progress.

31/10/2024

Last week we were pleased to be involved with the second Newmarket Academy Careers Expo, organised by Newmarket Academy in partnership with Newmarket Charitable Foundation. We were one of 20 local organisations that took part and engaged with over 800 students from Newmarket Academy and All Saints' CE Primary School.

Our team was represented by Vet Nurse Shannon Edmondson and Vet Charlotte Westlake from the hospital, and senior Lab Technician/Lab Manager Melanie Cubitt and Accounts Manager Anita Wilson from our Newmarket practice. They were able to discuss with the students the wide variety of roles and career opportunities available to young people who may be considering a future career in the veterinary industry.

29/10/2024

Two longstanding members of Rossdales’ Dispensary team have received a Neddie Award from the central team at VetPartners, in recognition of their input, contribution and support for the central pharmacy team. Kathryn Thornton at the hospital in Exning and Linda Galpin at our Newmarket practice have each received the award.

VetPartners’ Neddie Awards celebrate team members in equine practice who demonstrate our values of being respectful, supportive, dedicated, approachable and working collaboratively. Congratulations to Kathryn and Linda, and thank you for your great contribution to our team!