South Wales Equine Vets

12/08/2024

I’m sure you were already aware of how crazy we all are here at the clinic, but one of us is making sure he stands out from the crowd!
Ryan has decided that running Cardiff’s Half Marathon was a great idea (crazy right?! 😝)
Not only he has decided to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October but he is also using it to raise money for Dementia UK.
You can read more about what made him do this on the oficial sponsorship page and give your donation to this amazing cause and to cheer for this absolutely crazy out of his mind person!

Just follow the link and any help would be a great help 😃
Also, please leave in the comments your word of encouragement to Ryan! Perhaps you are doing it as well? Tell us everything 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Help Ryan Hughes raise money to support Dementia UK

18/07/2024

Making the most of the sun today here at the Cardiff clinic. Katie and Sophie are doing a marvellous job giving the fences a freshen up.

16/07/2024

Following our previous post and the grass looking greener and growing again. It's probably a good time to remind you of Laminitis and what to look out for.

Laminitis is a condition which is an inflammation of the laminae. Laminae holds the pedal bone in position within the hoof. What causes laminitis?
• Increased sugar intake from fresh spring grass
• Overweight ponies and horses are unfortunately more susceptible and this is often common in our native breeds who are very fond of food!
• It is more likely to affect ponies or horses with EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)
• An increased risk of laminitis is common in ponies or horses with Cushing’s Disease
What are the signs of laminitis?
• Reluctance to walk or move forwards
• Difficulty making tight turns
• Weight shifting from one foot to another
• Bounding digital pulses, these can felt by the back of your horses fetlock
• Very hot feet
• Lameness especially on hard ground
How can you help minimise the risk of laminitis?
• Managing your horse’s weight effectively. Overweight horses are much more susceptible to suffering with laminitis. Your vet can help with a weight loss plan if needed.
• Good regular hoof care with a registered farrier.
• If you suspect your pony or horse may have EMS or Cushing’s seek testing from your veterinary surgeon to confirm this. Having a diagnosis will help you manage the risk.

With laminitis, prevention is always better than cure. If you suspect that your horse or pony may be showing early signs of laminitis please contact your vet immediately to arrange a visit.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

15/07/2024

Goncalo has Jenny’s full attention 👀

Jenny was experiencing some foot related issues, radiographs were taken to guide the farrier and ensure any trimming adjustments were made as necessary. Jenny will now be feeling far more comfortable.

13/07/2024

Although the current weather is frustrating. One minute we are preparing the heatwave we are promised the next digging out out wet weather gear. Did you know this is the perfect for grass growth. When the grass starts to shoot up again is when we need to keep an eye on our 'good doers' and get clued up on weight management.

Whilst horse’s weight naturally fluctuates between the seasons, it’s a good idea to keep track of how they’re doing so that you can pick up any dramatic changes sooner. The best way of doing is a combination of body condition scoring and using a weight tape.

Body condition scoring focuses on key areas of the body: along the neck, along the withers, crease down back, tailhead, ribs and behind the shoulder.

1. Poor – extremely emaciated; bones prominent and no fat palpable
2. Very thin – emaciated; withers, shoulder and neck structure faintly visible
3. Thin – slight fat covering ribs, hip joints slightly rounded with mild fat cover
4. Moderately thin – slight ridge along back, ribs faintly discernible
5. Moderate – ribs easily felt but not visible
6. Moderately fleshy – slight crease down back, spongy fat over ribs, small fat deposits behind shoulders
7. Fleshy – noticeable fat filling between ribs, fat pads
8. Fat - crease down back, difficult to feel ribs, thickening of neck
9. Extremely fat – obvious crease down back, bulging fat pads, inner thighs may rub together


Any questions or if you want to discuss your horses weight please contact the clinic to speak to a vet.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

09/07/2024

How many of us struggle to get rid of ragwort in our pasture? Whilst it is incredibly annoying to see those bright yellow flowers spring up each year after year, it’s vital that we remove the plants as they are very toxic to our horses if eaten and may cause irreversible liver damage.

Whilst horses tend not to eat Ragwort because it has a bitter taste, if it is cut, wilted and dried (whether left in the pasture or found in forage such as hay) it loses its bitter taste and becomes more palatable but is still just as toxic.
If you have ragwort growing in your horse’s pasture, the best way of removing it is to pull the plants up so that the roots are removed from the ground. When ‘pulling’ ragwort:
🌾Always wear gloves and cover your arms.
🌾Try to pull up the plants when they are immature and before they shed seeds – seeds ripen in July & August and are generally shed in September.
🌾Ensure that all the root is removed as otherwise remaining fragments will regrow.
🌾It will be easier to pull it up when the ground is soft or damp after rain.
🌾Ragwort is a biennual plant (flowers every two years) and its seeds lie dormant in the ground so the removal of plants will need to be done annually for at least two years.
🌾When removed, immediately bag the plant or put it into a container which prevents it from spreading seeds whilst transporting it for disposal.
🌾Dispose of it by composting or taking it to your local recycling/composting centre. 🌾If there is only a small amount, it may be burned if it is safe to do so and away from buildings, people and animals. Safe and effective disposal of the removed plants is key to preventing further spread.
🌾It is vital that all dead ragwort is removed from the pasture as it becomes more palatable and is, therefore, more likely to be eaten

As always if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the clinic and speak to one of our vets.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

08/07/2024

As a practice we often provide veterinary cover to local horse and agricultural shows. This weekend was the turn of the and Hannah was the vet on duty accompanied by vets Sarah & Emily and vet dogs Barry, Bootle & Kiwi.

Barry & Kiwi were the stars of the show 😍. Kiwi won the dog with the waggiest tail & Barry won the sausage bobbing competition. He had a record time of 3.71 seconds with his closest rival being over 7 seconds. 🥇🏆

09/05/2024

On Monday we shared Argento's story and how strangles affected him and today we share the story of Otto and the signs and symptoms he showed.

Strangles Awareness Week is designed to show how 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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSKfD0r8HOM



Find out how to get involved with Strangles Awareness Week - https://www.redwings.org.uk/strangles

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...

08/05/2024

**National Receptionist Day 2024**

A day to show appreciation for the hard work our receptionists and support team do in order to ensure we are able to continue offering the very best level of care for your furry friends.

Without a receptionist, there’s no way an office could go about the day to day business smoothly, Receptionist’s Day celebrates these heroes of office life with their very own celebration. You know they deserve it! Receptionist’s Day recognizes the efforts of those who juggle an entire office worth of paperwork and customers and phone calls and appointment setting and-and-and-and… Their work is simply never done, yet they keep on working.

We have a fantastic office team; consisting of Katie, Kat, Caroline, Sophie, Lauren & Julia who do a really fantastic job and the sterling effort does not go unnoticed.

07/05/2024

Spring is looming (Hopefully 🤞) which means warmer weather and unfortunately laminitis season upon us. What better time to brush up on your knowledge of the condition and it possible causes, risks and management? Don't let laminitis catch you out!

Laminitis is a condition and in simple terms inflammation of the laminae. Laminae holds the pedal bone in position within the hoof. Possible causes;
• Increased sugar intake from fresh spring grass.
• Overweight ponies and horses are more susceptible and this is often common in our native breeds who are very fond of food!
• Hyperinsulinemia associated laminitis (HAL) is now considered the most common form of laminitis and includes cases of laminitis associated with PPID (Cushings) or EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)
The reason a horse or pony may be affected by Laminitis remains a mystery. It is believed HAL is triggered by high sugar and starch diets, which in turn increases the insulin levels within the blood. How this contributes to and causes laminitis remains unclear. Research into this condition is ongoing to help us understand it further and find the best way to treat and manage the condition.
Signs of laminitis
• Reluctance to walk or move forwards
• Difficulty making tight turns
• Weight shifting from one foot to another
• Bounding digital pulses, these can felt by the back of your horses fetlock
• Very hot feet
• Lameness especially visible on hard ground (may seem fine in field!)
Who is at risk?
Laminitis is thought to affect 3-5% of the equine population (overrepresented in native breeds in South Wales), although any horse or pony can develop laminitis. Possible risk factors could include
• Genetics (Native Breeds or ponies are believed to be more susceptible)
• Recent weight gain or obesity, particularly in horses and ponies with a body condition score (BCS) of 7 or above.
• Fat deposits or a cresty neck.
• EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) causing insulin dysregulation.
• PPID (Cushing’s) especially in the presence of insulin dysregulation.
• History of laminitis.
• Diets high in sugar and starch.
• Low adiponectin (Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by fat cells that helps to regulate glucose and fat metabolism).
How to minimise the risk of laminitis?
• Good effective weight management. Overweight horses are far more susceptible.
o Consider restricting or removing grazing for horses or ponies at high risk.
• Avoid turning out on sunny frosty mornings as the cold temperature and bright sunlight can cause the sugar levels to spike.
• Think about looking for a hay supply that is low in WSC (Water Soluble Carbohydrates) or sugars. If you are unsure of the content look into having the quality of your hay tested.
• If restricting forage intake to help weight loss DO NOT restrict to less than 1.5% of current bodyweight (Dry Matter) per day (24 hours).
• Good regular hoof care or farriery with a registered farrier.
• If you suspect your horses or pony may have EMS or PPID speak to your vet regarding testing to confirm. An accurate diagnosis will help to manage the risk.

With laminitis, prevention is always better than cure. If you suspect that, your horse or pony may be showing early signs of laminitis please contact your vet immediately to arrange a visit.
Remember:

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

06/05/2024

⚠️Warning: the film does contain graphic images of how Strangles affected Argento.⚠️

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 be for even a fit, healthy horse and a caring, responsible owner.

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 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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dee_mg0CuAk

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 ...

03/05/2024

We are delighted to be supporting Strangles Awareness Week running from next week 6th -12th May. Keep an eye out on our social media pages throughout the week for posts for & a giveaway bundle on offer.

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27/04/2024

World Veterinary Day 2024 is celebrated on 27th of April and has the theme ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers'.

We don't need a specific day to say thank you to our vet team or our support staff for the excellent and hard work they do, as we are grateful for the work they do every single day.

Veterinarians competencies must be regarded as an essential and integral part of health. The application of veterinary science contributes not only to animal health and well-being but also to humans physical, mental and social well-being.

All graduated veterinarians have undergone comprehensive medical training, and regardless of their professional area of practice, are responsible, for promoting public health and food safety and security.

We really do have a great team here at SWEV who pull out all the stops and do such an amazing job!!!

16/04/2024

Hopefully the weather will brighten up soon and allow our horses more turnout! Now is a good time to get clued up on your horse’s weight. Whilst horse’s weight naturally fluctuates between the seasons, it’s a good idea to keep track of how they’re doing so that you can pick up any dramatic changes sooner. The best way of doing is a combination of body condition scoring and using a weight tape.

Body condition scoring focuses on key areas of the body: along the neck, along the withers, crease down back, tailhead, ribs and behind the shoulder.

1. Poor – extremely emaciated; bones prominent and no fat palpable
2. Very thin – emaciated; withers, shoulder and neck structure faintly visible
3. Thin – slight fat covering ribs, hip joints slightly rounded with mild fat cover
4. Moderately thin – slight ridge along back, ribs faintly discernible
5. Moderate – ribs easily felt but not visible
6. Moderately fleshy – slight crease down back, spongy fat over ribs, small fat deposits behind shoulders
7. Fleshy – noticeable fat filling between ribs, fat pads
8. Fat - crease down back, difficult to feel ribs, thickening of neck
9. Extremely fat – obvious crease down back, bulging fat pads, inner thighs may rub together


📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

13/04/2024

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)

Gastric ulcers are sadly a common occurrence in many of our horses, with studies suggesting a prevalence of 37-59% in pleasure horses and up to 80-100% of in-training racehorses, although these figures also vary with the type of ulceration found.

We have attached an image of the anatomy of the equine stomach. The horse's stomach is divided into two sections by a line called the Margo Plicatus, above which is the squamous portion of the stomach, and below which is the glandular region. The glandular region consists of gastric glands that secrete acid, amongst other things.

There are many contributing factors to the development of EGUS and the impact of each of these is not fully understood. Access to forage, companionship of other horses, high starch feeds, access to water and fasting seem to affect the development of the disease, and anecdotally, ulceration is often found alongside concurrent painful diseases.

Gastric ulcers may present with a variety of clinical signs and therefore several conditions may be investigated to determine the cause. Some signs may be:
• poor appetite
• colic
• poor performance/behavioural changes/bucking/nervous disposition
• poor coat condition
• chronic diarrhoea
A gastroscopy will be performed to determine whether ulceration is present, where it is located in the stomach, the severity and what treatment is required.

Squamous gastric disease is graded on severity:
Grade 0 - Epithelium is intact and there is no hyperkeratosis
Grade 1 - Mucosa is intact but there is some hyperkeratosis
Grade 2 - Small, single or multifocal lesions
Grade 3 - Large single or extensive superficial lesions
Grad 4 - Extensive lesions with areas of apparent deep ulceration

Glandular gastric disease is graded by description e.g. haemorrhagic, raised, multifocal lesions.

If you are concerned that your horse may have gastric ulcers, please contact your local practice.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

11/04/2024

The Great British Weather is continuing to fool us and making deciding what rugs to use for our horses very difficult.

When we think of spring, we think warmer, sunnier, longer days and packing the winter rugs away and horses having the chance of a good roll in the field with the sun on their back. However, this year winter is not giving in and the rain keeps coming but temperatures are on the increase and the combination of warm wet weather is making rugging a hot topic ☀️🌡

You should consider:
- Is your horse stabled or turned out?
o If turned out, is shelter available?
- Age and breed / type of horse’s – Younger & Older horses may be less likely to
maintain their body temperature
- Is your horse clipped and the type of clip
- Your horse’s health and condition.
- Your horse’s access to forage.

The attached table is a guide to assist when rugging your horses. All horses are individuals, some may require more rugging, some less and we need to cater to the horse’s individual needs. It is important not to ‘over rug’ your horse as they can become too warm, which may lead to them sweating underneath their rug and becoming very uncomfortable.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

02/04/2024

‼️🚨 URGENT 🚨‼️

Please share the below post with your friends who may be one of our clients so we are able to make contact with clients who are booked in tomorrow.

📞 01443 225010

02/04/2024

**IMPORTANT**

Please can we ask any clients that have an appointment booked for Wednesday 3rd April to contact us on 01443 225010. We are unable to access the vet’s diaries due to the ongoing technical issues.

We do apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for bearing with us at this time.

02/04/2024

‼️We are currently experiencing a problem with our IT systems‼️

We apologies for any inconvenience caused.
If you are expecting a visit today please contact the office on 01443 225010 to confirm your appointment

Thankyou for your patience

28/03/2024

Please be reminded our clinics are closed Good Friday, over the weekend and Easter Monday.

Don't fear, we have a vet on call 24/7 should your furry friends require veterinary assistance.

Have a great weekend.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

20/03/2024

As promised last week, here it is 'A day in a life of a vet on duty at the races' at the Cheltenham Festival & Gold Cup.

Last week Laura worked as part of the veterinary team alongside B&W Equine Hospital's Ian, Henry, Rebecca & Sandra with vets and nurses from other practices also making up the veterinary support team.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

15/03/2024

Laura has had a fantastic week providing veterinary cover alongside B&W Equine Hospital vets at the Cheltenham Festival this week.

Keep your eyes peeled for her day in the life video video on the way 👀

07/03/2024

You may never have seen behind the scenes in a veterinary practice. So take a look at the work our vets and nurses do on the front line every day to look after animals in veterinary practices, hospitals, in the field and on call - so that they receive the best possible care.

Thanks to Molly Case for the poem you have written about our profession.


📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

23/02/2024

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿? 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆?

Dr Veronica Roberts, European and RCVS Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine, is renowned across the world for her research into the diagnosis and treatment of headshaking in horses. Veronica is currently collaborating with the University of Dublin on a project and would like to recruit headshaking horses to be involved in a non-invasive study into a potential management strategy. If you are the owner of a headshaker and would be interested in your horse being involved, please complete the questionnaire (link below) from which suitable horses will be chosen. There is no cost to you if you opt to participate. Thank you.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Headshaking_recruit

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

21/02/2024

**MEET THE TEAM**

We are pleased to welcome Emily Jeacock MRCVS as the newest member of the team here at SWEVS.

Emily joined the veterinary team at the Cardiff clinic last week. Since graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2019 Emily has completed an internship at a busy equine hospital in the Cotswolds, before moving to South Wales and working within the area since. Emily has a keen interest in medicine, behaviour and emergency care.

When not working Emily spends her spare time trail running and walking the Welsh hills with her two dogs Kiwi & Pepper.

I am sure you will all joins us in welcoming Emily to the team and look forward to working with her.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]

20/02/2024

20th February is 'National Love Your Pet Day'. Although probably more aimed at our smaller furry friends, however we consider your horses, ponies and donkeys as just as important. Pets enrich our lives in so many ways, from providing companionship to helping reduce stress.

We would love to see pictures of your beloved pets, feel free to share in the comments.

📞 01443 225010
📩 [email protected]