Robinson Equine Vet & Dental Surgery

06/03/2025

Understanding Sweet Itch in Horses and the Role of Vaccination 🐴💉

Sweet itch, also known as insect bite hypersensitivity, is a common allergic reaction in horses caused by bites from midges, particularly those of the Culicoides species. This condition leads to intense itching and discomfort, primarily affecting areas such as the mane, tail, and belly. Affected horses may exhibit persistent rubbing, hair loss, and inflamed or scabbed skin. Beyond physical symptoms, sweet itch can significantly impact a horse’s overall well-being and behaviour.

Innovative Vaccination Approach 💉

In recent years, a vaccine originally developed to combat ringworm has shown promise in reducing the symptoms of sweet itch. This vaccine is used off-license in the UK for this purpose. The vaccination protocol involves administering two intramuscular injections, approximately two weeks apart, ideally before the start of the midge season. For ongoing protection, the vaccine can be repeated every nine months or restarted annually before the midge season. 

Comprehensive Management Strategies 🛡️

To effectively manage and prevent sweet itch, consider implementing the following strategies:
• Insect Control: Regular application of insect repellents, use of fly sheets or sweet itch-specific rugs, and stabling during peak midge activity periods (dusk to dawn) can help reduce exposure.
• Environmental Management: Keeping horses in open, breezy fields can deter midges, as they are weak fliers. Avoiding pastures near woodlands or standing water, which are common midge breeding grounds, is also beneficial. Regular cleaning of water troughs can prevent midge larvae development.
• Stable Modifications: Installing insect-proof mesh on stable windows and doors, and using fans to create air movement, can discourage midges from entering stables.
• Nutritional Support: There is some evidence that feed supplements designed to support skin health, such as Cavelesse and Brewer’s Yeast, may help alleviate symptoms.

Take Action Now! 📅

As the midge season approaches, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures early. If you’re considering the vaccination for your horse, please get in touch with us to discuss the best approach and schedule an appointment. Together, we can ensure your horse enjoys a comfortable and itch-free season.

06/03/2025

Happy World Book Day! 📚✨

A huge shoutout to Jess Francis & Willow for their fantastic effort bringing some book-themed fun to the children at her primary school! 🐴❤️

Has anyone else managed to get their horses involved in the World Book Day celebrations? We’d love to see—share your photos in the comments! 📖📸

04/03/2025

🌿 A glorious morning in the forest, out on my visits with these beautiful ponies for company. So grateful to work in such a stunning part of the world! 🐴✨

02/03/2025

Reflecting on the last four months of Robinson Equine Vet & Dental Surgery – what an incredible journey! 🌟🐴🦷

It has been an absolute pleasure treating and helping such a wide variety of horses, ponies, and donkeys. I feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful, appreciative clients who make this job so rewarding.

Not everyone gets to have such a beautiful ‘office’—especially when the sun is shining! Long may it continue.

A huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write reviews, share kind words, and post their gratitude on social media. Your support truly means the world and makes all the hard work even more worthwhile.

Exciting times ahead for Robinson Equine Vet & Dental Surgery—watch this space! 🐴🦷

25/02/2025

🐐✨ Today, Beth had the pleasure of X-raying Ant, a goat from All Animal Rescue U.K, who’s been struggling with lameness. Following the advice of Dan, his farm vet, X-rays were the next step in getting to the bottom of the issue.

With the help of our mobile X-ray machine, Beth was more than happy to assist—and Ant was an absolute superstar throughout! He was even keen to check out his own images.

Great teamwork all around! 💪

19/02/2025

100 Years in the Saddle! 🎉🐎

At 100 years old, this incredible lady is still going strong and has no plans to hang up her reins! Her love for riding keeps her young, proving that age is just a number when you’re doing what you love.

Here’s to many more rides ahead! ❤️🏇

Elizabeth Breton says she finds walking boring and so goes horse riding twice a week.

13/02/2025

🌟 Inspiring the Next Generation! 🌟

This morning, Beth had the pleasure of sharing her career journey as an equine vet with 300 students from The Mountbatten School via video link. 🎥🐴

She dived into the fascinating world of equine dentistry, giving students an inside look—literally!—at a horse’s mouth and demonstrating the equipment we use. 🦷✨ Beth also showcased our cutting-edge oroscope, which provides high-definition images for even better equine dental care!

We hope today’s session sparked curiosity and inspired the next generation of equine dental vets. 💚🐎

12/02/2025

🚨 New Client Offer – Sign Up & Get a FREE Equine Goodie Bag! 🚨

Are you looking for expert, independent equine veterinary care? Now’s the perfect time to register with us! Every new client will receive a fantastic goodie bag packed with premium branded treats, including:

🟡 Hi-viz jacket – safety first!
🔑 Keyring – because you can never have too many!
🐎 Hoof pick – an essential for every grooming kit!
🍏 Horse treats – because your horse deserves a little something too!

Beth has even roped in the kids to help pack the bags, so expect a little extra love in every one! ❤️

🎉 WIN a Goodie Bag! 🎉
We’re also giving away 10 extra goodie bags at random! To enter, simply:
✅ Like this post
✅ Tag a friend who might like to win one too!

We’d love to see you and your horses in action— please share a photo of yourself wearing your new hi-viz jacket in the comments below! 📸✨🐴

06/02/2025

Hyperinsulinaemic Laminitis: A Problem for Horses and Ponies of All Sizes

This week, Beth has been busy X-raying two very different patients—one of our smallest and one of our largest—both suffering from laminitis. Despite their size difference, they share a common underlying issue: hyperinsulinaemia.

Hyperinsulinaemic laminitis is a painful and debilitating condition caused by insulin dysregulation, commonly seen in horses and ponies with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s Disease (PPID).
Early detection and management are crucial. Signs to watch for include:
✔️ Foot soreness or shifting lameness
✔️ Abnormal hoof growth (such as divergent growth rings)
✔️ Heat in the hooves and increased digital pulses
✔️ Reluctance to move, particularly in more severe cases

💡 Testing is key – We strongly recommend checking insulin and ACTH levels in all horses and ponies with laminitis.

To ensure a fast and accurate diagnosis, we use our portable digital X-ray machine, allowing us to take high-quality images stable side. Imaging helps us:
🔹 Instantly assess any changes within the hoof, for example rotation or sinking of the pedal bone
🔹 Guide immediate treatment decisions for the best outcome.

By combining imaging with blood testing, we can quickly tailor a treatment plan to help manage the condition effectively.

Managing Insulin Dysregulation

Controlling diet, managing weight, and introducing exercise (when safe) are the cornerstones of treatment. However, in cases of acute laminitis, where exercise isn’t an option, medication can play a critical role.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: A New Approach

SGLT2 inhibitors, such as canagliflozin or ertugliflozin, have shown promising results in reducing insulin levels by promoting glucose excretion through the kidneys. Studies have demonstrated that these drugs can significantly reduce pain within days and help prevent future laminitis episodes.

⚠️ Veterinary supervision is essential. While these medications can be highly effective, potential side effects include weight loss, elevated triglycerides (which can cause serious illness), and possible impacts on liver and kidney function.

Research into SGLT2 inhibitors is ongoing, but they have already been a game-changer in managing insulin dysregulation and preventing painful laminitis episodes.

31/01/2025

🚨 Equine Field Anaesthesia for Yearling Hernia Repair🚨

This afternoon, Tess had her umbilical hernia repaired by visiting specialist Equine Surgeon Safia Barakzai BVSc MSc DESTS Dipl. ECVS FRCVS. Saf is an internationally recognised expert in equine surgery who Beth has had the pleasure of collaborating with for many years, enabling advanced surgeries to be performed stable side, minimising stress and discomfort for your horse.

🌟 What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia is a common condition in foals and young horses. It occurs when there’s an opening in the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord was attached. This causes a bulge or swelling in the abdomen as internal tissue pushes through a weakened spot in the abdominal muscles. While often seen in foals shortly after birth, it can also appear in yearlings.

⚠️ When to Seek Treatment?
If your foal or yearling shows signs of a hernia, don’t wait—early intervention is crucial for a successful recovery. While many small hernias close naturally or can be manually reduced, others may require surgery, particularly if they are large, painful, or growing. Untreated large hernias can lead to serious complications like intestinal strangulation or obstruction, which can be life-threatening.

🔨 Overview of the Surgical Repair:

Anaesthesia:
Beth carefully sedated Tess, prepped the surgical site, and placed a cannula in her vein for NSAIDs and anaesthesia drugs.

Surgical Procedure:
Saf made a small incision to access the hernia and repaired the weakened tissue with sutures, closing the gap in the abdominal wall.

Recovery:
Tess slowly woke up from anaesthesia and stood on her first attempt. She was enjoying soft, wet feed and munching hay within the hour after surgery. A belly band was applied to support and reduce pressure on the surgical site. Tess will have 3 weeks of box rest initially to limit movement, with skin sutures to be removed in 2 weeks.

🔹Safe, effective anaesthesia protocols
🔹 Minimal disruption to your horse’s routine
🔹 Experienced, professional veterinary team

30/01/2025

A lovely afternoon in the sunshine doing routine equine dentistry on the cutest little patients! 🌞🐴
Definitely a welcome change from all the rain and mud! ☔️

01/01/2025

Happy New Year to all our wonderful clients and your amazing horses, ponies & donkeys! 🐴 🎉🫏
May 2025 bring you endless joy, health, and unforgettable moments with your four-legged friends. Thank you for your continued trust and support — we can’t wait for 2025! 🌟

24/12/2024

Wishing all our wonderful clients a festive period filled with joy, warmth, and peace. May the coming year bring health, happiness, and many memorable moments with your horses.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to seeing you in the year ahead.
Beth & all the team at REVDS!
🎄🐴🦷🎅🥂

22/12/2024

It was a pleasure to provide prizes for all the competitors at the West Hants Pony Club’s Christmas Show Jumping today! 😍🐴🎄🎅

Your lovely gifts for all from Robinson Equine Vet and Dental Surgery thank you Robinson equine vet some lovely gifts for all.
Located in the New Forest and covering a vast area with all your veterinary needs and dental needs for your horses🐎

http://robinsonequinevet.co.uk/

19/12/2024

Brilliant! 🤣🎅🐴 🎁 🥰

12/12/2024

You can find us on NFED Equestrian ☺️🐴

Exceptional, personalised veterinary and dental care in the New Forest and surrounding areas of Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset.

10/12/2024

A fabulous team evening making wreaths and getting into the Christmas Spirit! 🎅
I’m so grateful to our incredible team for their expertise, dedication and care. 🎄🐴