Johnny successfully extracted a molar tooth from this elderly patient yesterday! The owner had noticed Chewy was struggling to eat, was dropping food and had also lost some weight during the winter months. On closer inspection by an equine dental technician it was discovered that Chewy had a loose tooth which needed removing, cue Oakham Vets! After some sedation, local anaesthetic and some gentle wiggling, Johnny successfully extracted molar 107! With a short period of recovery in his stable, some pain relief and antibiotics, Chewy was able to go back out into the field with his friends feeling much more comfortable.Providing quality care to our elderly equine patients is always a priority. #EquineDentistry #oakhamvets #equinedentalhealth #OakhamVetHospital
Understanding a mare's season, or oestrus cycle, is crucial for successful breeding management. During her season, a mare experiences hormonal changes that can affect her behaviour and readiness for breeding. This period typically lasts for about 21 days, with the mare being most receptive to a stallion for 5-7 days. Wondering if your mare is in season? Here are some key indicators to watch for: 1. Behavioural Changes: Your mare might become more affectionate, restless, or irritable. She may also exhibit frequent urination and a winking of the vulva. 2. Increased Interest in Stallions: seeking their attention and displaying flirtatious behaviour. 3. Physical Signs: Look for a relaxed vulva and possible discharge. Some mares may also show a slight drop in appetite. Here is Hannah and Matt inseminating a mare with frozen semen after following her cycle closely via ultrasound for ovulation. #EquineCare #MareSeason #HorseHealth #Breeding #VeterinaryMedicine
Tom is a 15 year old thoroughbred who has recently been diagnosed with proximal suspensory desmitis. Alongside other treatments Tom is undergoing a course of shockwave therapy to help improve his lameness.
Shock wave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive medical treatment used in both human and equine medicine to stimulate healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions.
The therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area, which stimulates the body's natural healing response and reduces nerve stimulation causing an analgesic effect.
Our shockwave machine is portable so can be used in the hospital or out on your yard. The horse is usually sedated and treatment takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the severity of the condition.
A consultation with one of our vets is necessary to determine if Shockwave therapy is the right treatment for your horse's specific condition, so call our reception team to book an appointment – 01572 722647.
#oakhamveterinaryhospital #equinevet #oakhamequinehospital #oakhamequine #shockwave #shockwavetherapy #equineshockwavetherapy
Is your horse coming in for an MRI or have you ever wondered how we scan a foot? This patient was an absolute star for his recent MRI scan making our job very easy! #oakhamveterinaryhospital #oakhamequinehospital #equinevet #equinenurse #hallmarqveterinaryimaging #equinemri
There are a wide variety of respiratory issues that affect horses and at Oakham Veterinary Hospital we have all the diagnostic modalities necessary to investigate and diagnose these conditions. The video shows our overland endoscope in action which is used to look at the larynx (throat) during exercise. You can see on the monitor that this horse, after a procedure at the hospital, is able to fully open his airway. Some other common wind problems include: 1. Equine asthma, also known as heaves or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and constriction of the airways. Horses with equine asthma may experience coughing, increased respiratory effort, nasal discharge, and exercise intolerance. 2. Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage: EIPH is a condition in which horses experience bleeding in the lungs during or after intense exercise. This can occur in racehorses, event horses, or any horse engaged in strenuous activities. Signs of EIPH may include coughing, blood-tinged nasal discharge, and decreased performance. 3. Respiratory infections: Horses can develop respiratory infections, such as viral or bacterial pneumonia, which can cause coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and difficulty breathing. 4. Allergies: Horses can also be affected by allergies, such as hay fever or hypersensitivity to certain environmental triggers. Allergies can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. 5. Nasal obstruction: Horses may experience nasal obstruction due to physical blockages, such as nasal polyps or tumours, which can lead to difficulty breathing and nasal discharge. If you suspect your horse has a respiratory issue, it is important to contact
Antibiotic Amnesty 2023...
Antibiotics are essential when treating many conditions in animals and people, but bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics that we use in human and veterinary medicine. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop defences that protect them from antibiotic medications, making treatment less effective.
Using antibiotics when not needed increases the risk of antibiotic resistance and can lead to side effects or delay an accurate diagnosis.
It is also really important to know that inappropriate disposal of unused antibiotics could contribute to antimicrobial resistance. It can also pollute the environment by entering water systems or being consumed by wildlife.
Antibiotic resistance is a global health issue, and we need your help to keep antibiotics working.
That is why Oakham Veterinary Hospital is taking part in the Antibiotic Amnesty 2023 which is returning again for a second year! Throughout November 2023 we are asking pet and horse owners to return any unused or leftover antibiotic medications to us for safe disposal.
Please drop off any unused medications to your practice. You can hand them in to a vet, nurse or the reception team. This medication might be left-over from a recent prescription, antibiotics that you didn’t need or out-of-date medication.
Let’s keep antibiotics working, together! #AntibioticAmnesty
Big Evs @ the Breeders Cup!
As much as we may enjoy the wonder of fireworks many of our equine friends do not share this enthusiasm! To help owners keep their horses safe we have put together some top tips to help during this firework season.
🎆 Know the dates, times and locations of local fireworks events. This can help you prepare in advance if your horse needs to come in to a stable or move field.
🎆 Keep your horse in a routine. If you’re planning to bring your horse into a stable for fireworks night start bringing them in a few days in advance to prepare them before the fireworks start going off.
🎆 Use distractions. Give your horse plenty of hay to keep them occupied, even if they are in a field. If stabled, put a radio on to mask the noise of the fireworks.
🎆 Check your horse regularly during the evening to make sure they are coping and haven’t incurred any injuries.
🎆 Check your field for any stray fireworks or debris which might have landed in there before turning your horse back out.
🎆 Although the likelihood of a rogue firework causing a stable fire is low, it is every owner’s worst nightmare and being prepared for the event of a stable fire could save lives. Make sure you have fire extinguishers or sand and water nearby in case of a fire around the stables.
We have a calmer supplement available that may help reduce any anxiety your horse may suffer during a fireworks display. We can also provide stronger sedatives should you be concerned that your horse will be very upset by fireworks but please remember this will require a visit by one of our vets to examine the horse before it can be prescribed.
#equinevet #oakhamequinehospital #fireworks #oakhamequine
The veterinary team at Oakham Equine Hospital have developed a wealth of experience and knowledge in caring for high performance sport horses and ponies. We have all the latest sports medicine treatments available, including the below in-house regenerative medicine. 💉BMAC – Bone marrow concentrate 💉PRP – Platelet rich plasma 💉IRAP® – Interluekin-1 receptor antagonist protein 💉Stem cells. 🐎 Wonder Boy went lame after exercise a few weeks ago and a lesion in his superficial digital flexor tendon was identified on ultrasound. His owners decided to use Bone Marrow taken from his pelvis to try and help the lesion heal. Once processed bone marrow concentrate contains a small number of stem cells along with growth factors which can be injected directly into the tendon under ultrasound guidance. Wonder Boy was able to go home the same day as his treatment and will be monitored via ultrasound to asses how the lesion heals. As you can see from the video it takes a lot of people from vets, nurses and lab technicians working together to get this treatment completed. #oakhamequinehospital #equinevet #oakhamveterinaryhospital #bmac #sporthorse #equineregenerativemedicine #equinenurse #equine
Every horse that is admitted to the hospital with colic under goes a thorough clinical exam which is repeated every 2-4 hours to monitor for any change in their condition. Nurse Jess is demonstrating parts of the clinical exam you can do at home if you are worried your horse is showing signs of colic or illness. Normal parameters for a horse’s pulse, temperature and breathing rate are as follows: ❤️ 28-40 beats per minute. 🤒 37.5-38.5°C ( 99.5-101.3°F) 😮💨 8-15 breaths per minute ❗️Remember your safety is paramount, if your horse is rolling or agitated wait until one of our vets arrive to examine your horse. #oakhamveterinaryhospital #oakhamequine #colic #equinevet #equinenurse
Jet is a 2yo horse that presented to us last year when his owner noticed he couldn’t canter in the field and he became very wobbly. This coincided with a rapid growth spurt. He has been managed conservatively with vitamin E supplementation and we are pleased to report that although it is unlikely he will ever be ridden he is improving and doing well at home.
Cervical Vertebral Malformation or ‘Wobbler Syndrome’ is a neurological condition that typically affects young horses and large breeds. It involves compression or malformation of the cervical vertebrae, which can result in neurological deficits and gait abnormalities.
The exact cause of wobbler syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a multifactorial origin. Genetics, rapid growth rates, nutritional imbalances and developmental factors can all contribute to the development of abnormal growth that leads to compression of the spinal cord in the neck.
Diagnosing wobbler syndrome usually involves a combination of clinical signs, neurological examination, and diagnostic imaging techniques such as radiographs and advanced imaging like CT. These methods help identify spinal cord compression, misalignment of vertebrae, and other structural abnormalities.
Treatment options for wobbler syndrome depend on the severity of the condition and may include:
• Mild cases might respond to controlled exercise, nutritional adjustments, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve coordination.
• Severe cases often require surgical intervention. Surgery aims to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord by stabilising the affected vertebrae.
•Anti-inflammatory drugs and medications to manage pain and inflammation may be prescribed to support the horse's comfort and recovery.
The prognosis for horses with wobbler syndrome varies. Mild cases can often be managed conservatively and effectively, while more severe cases may require ongoing care and management. It's important to work closely wit
Harry was referred to Oakham for investigation into his sudden onset head shaking behaviour and underwent a standing CT which discovered that he had sinusitis (an infection in the air filled cavities in the skull). Our CT machine has been invaluable tool for providing us with a fast and non invasive way to obtain a diagnosis for many horses with head shaking.
“Headshaking” in horses is a term used to describe a repetitive or intermittent shaking or nodding of the horse’s head. It can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition for the horse and can make riding and handling difficult.
There are several different possible causes of headshaking in horses, including allergies, sinusitis, dental problems, ear infections, and neurological disorders. However, the most common cause of headshaking in horses is thought to be idiopathic facial nerve pain syndrome, also known as trigeminal-mediated headshaking syndrome.
The symptoms of headshaking can vary from horse to horse and may include shaking or nodding of the head, sneezing, snorting, and rubbing the nose. The symptoms may be more noticeable during certain activities, such as riding, or may be more pronounced during certain times of the year, such as spring and summer.
Treatment for headshaking in horses depends on the underlying cause. In cases where the cause is unclear, treatment may involve a trial of medication such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or nerve blocks.
It is important to work closely with your vet to diagnose and treat headshaking in horses, as it can be a complex and challenging condition to manage.
If your horse or pony suffers with headshaking, get in touch to book a consultation with one of our vets. 01572 722647
Beth's owner phoned us recently because she was found distressed and coughing. Her owner was concerned she might be choking.
Choking in horses occurs when food or other objects become lodged in the horse's oesophagus and cannot pass through to the stomach.
Signs of choking in horses may include excessive salivation, coughing, gagging, food material coming out their nose and a swollen neck.
If you suspect that your horse is choking, you should contact us immediately. While waiting for the vet to arrive, you can try to keep the horse calm and comfortable. Remove any food or water in reach and allow the horse to rest quietly.
It is important not to attempt to force anything, including water, into the horse's mouth or throat, as this may cause further injury or worsen the obstruction. Our vets will sedate the horse and pass a tube through its nose and into the oesophagus to remove the obstruction by lavage with water.
Fortunately for Beth she managed to clear her obstruction by herself but no horse should be left unattended or without veterinary advice or examination if they are suspected to be choking as the consequences of unresolved choke can be life threatening.
Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year and includes a rotating team of vets, surgeons, interns and nurses. In the event of an emergency the ‘on call’ vet can provide prompt veterinary attention at your home. If your horse has a more serious condition it can quickly be referred and admitted to the hospital for specialist surgical or medicinal care.
If you suspect your horse is choking, call us immediately on 01572 722647.
#oakhamveterinaryhospital #oakhamvets #rutland #equineveterinaryhospital #veterinarycare #equinevets #choke #equinechoke
Found during the autumn and winter months, rain scald is a condition that affects your horse’s skin, usually on its flanks and back. It is caused by a bacteria called Dermatophilus congolensis. You may also notice that the infection can appear on your horse or pony’s leg if they are kept or exercised in wet and muddy conditions.
Rain scald can be identified by looking at the following symptoms: Scabs, with tufts of hair attached to them that stand up, scabs may have yellow pus under them if removed, scabs are painful to remove but not usually itchy.
As the infection spreads their coat will look coarse with tufty areas. Infections in the legs may cause lameness and swelling.
If you are concerned that your horse or pony has rain scald please contact us at the practice for further support and treatment.
