Stride Equine Vets (2024)

If you would like to register with us, please contact: 01420 551 365

In an emergency, please call: 07740 643469

04/08/2022

So, let’s talk about ‘Strangles’ – including testing

‘Strangles’ = name for infection with bacteria Streptococcus equi equi (S equi equi).

Strangles is extremely contagious, spreading through a population rapidly. Although clinical signs are very unsightly and distressing to experience, it has a low mortality rate if veterinary attention is sought early.

Clinical signs include:
• High temperature (38.6-41oC)
• Thick white/yellow nasal discharge, sometimes being bloody
• Behaviour – Depressed/quiet/unresponsive or dull
• Enlarged swellings around the jaw and neck
• Lowered head, coughing

In some cases, the swelling behind the jaw (in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes) can block the airways. These cases require emergency treatment, sometimes even a life-saving tracheotomy to keep the airways open.

Clinical signs occur 3-14 days after the horse has been infected. Treatment involves strict isolation, maturation of the abscesses using hot compression, and lancing them surgically. Once opened, they require daily flushing. Antibiotics are rarely used (except in the most extreme of circumstances) - they slow down maturation of the abscesses and prolong the infection. Anti-inflammatories are essential to reduce temperature, swelling, and help the horse feel better.

Chronic carriers - Roughly 10% of infected horses become carriers, who continuously shed the bacteria and are very infectious to all other horses. These are treated by direct endoscopic flushing of the guttural pouches with antibiotics, where the bacteria live.

Movement testing – Blood tests (such as a ‘serum ELISA antibody test’) tell us whether there is a likelihood that your horse has come into contact with the bacteria within the last 6 months. If the result is very high, or increases on the second test in 2 weeks, there is a possible active infection. Although useful in assessing risk of an active infection, it is not foolproof. The most accurate test for strangles is to endoscopically flush the guttural pouches with saline, and assess the fluid in the lab for the bacteria directly.

If you are concerned your horse may have Strangles, please contact Stride Equine Vets for a consultation.

16/07/2022

🏇🐎🐴 Laminitis – An overview 🐴🐎🏇

Laminitis = inflammation/damage of the lamellae – the junction between the pedal bone and hoof. Under a microscope, this junction looks like a series of interlocking fingers. This often results in rotation of the bone inside the hoof.

Causes of Laminitis:
• Endocrine Laminitis – around 9/10 of laminitis cases. Associated with Cushings (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Obesity is contributing factor. Many cases have no clinical signs for a long period of time before a sudden/extreme episode.
• Mechanical – Overloading of one hoof resulting in tearing of the laminar junction by excessive/constant force. Can be seen when recovering from a non-weight bearing lameness on the opposite leg.
• Inflammatory/toxic laminitis – Blood supply is compromised to the area, with simultaneous release of toxins and enzymes, causing destruction of the lamellae. Seen during colic, extreme infection (e.g metritis), organ failure, and is a clinical manifestation of severe inflammatory shock (‘systemic inflammatory response syndrome’ SIRS).

Clinical Signs of Laminitis:
• Hooves become hot
• Strong pulses felt at the back of the fetlock at positions 4 and 8 o’clock
• Horse appears lame in walk/trot, often described as ‘footy’
• Reluctance to pick up individual feet.
• Horse will rock back, appearing as if stretching front feet forwards
• In extreme cases the horse will be lying down, sweating, and refuse to get up.

Managing laminitis is extremely challenging for owners and clinicians, with just 6/10 horses returning to ridden work within 8 weeks. There are medical alternatives to ‘Bute’ which should be considered. Management steps include; specialist shoes/pads, diet control, cryotherapy, deep bedding, sand turnout, and testing for EMS and Cushings. It is critical to call the vet as soon as possible – rapid action prevents rotation of the bone and increases chances of recovery.

If you are concerned about your horse, or would like an assessment, please contact 07306 809 999 to register with our office. If you have an emergency, please call 07340 015 812. We are located in North Hampshire, covering a wide area from Surrey to the South Coast.

11/07/2022

🐎🐴 Advice for Heat Stress 🐴🐎

Read below for simple, useful, and realistic guidance on managing your best friend in this extremely hot weather. We experience many calls during periods like these, many of these cases can be avoided with the following guidance.

Horses can become dehydrated, collapse, or even die if not managed correctly in hot temperatures.

In hot sunny conditions like we are experiencing at the moment, we advise the following guidance and checks. Always contact your veterinary surgeon if you are concerned about the health of your horse.

Simple checks to see if your horse may be dehydrated/overheated:

• Re**al temperature above 38.5oC
• Sunken eyes
• Positive skin tent test (skin does not return to flat within 6 seconds)
• Gum membranes – should return to pink/moist in 2 seconds, no longer.
• Breathing rate should not be higher than 30 breaths per minute.
• Behavioural changes – e.g., depressed, ataxic (“wobbly” walking)
• Profuse sweating.

Simple steps to protect your horse from heat stress:

• Ensure shaded areas are available in the field THROUGHOUT THE DAY
• Plenty of water available at all times
• Remove all rugs except fly rugs.
• Do not exercise during hours of 11am-4pm
• Keep in well ventilated stabling from 11am-4pm, if possible.

When to call the vet:

• Heart rate above 55 beats per minute
• Skin Fold test remains above 6 seconds
• Horse is panting with nostrils flared – breathing rate above 30 per minute. Elbows may be outwardly rotated.
• Horse has stopped/reduced sweating without any change to re**al temperature.
• Horse is depressed or ‘wobbly’ when moving
• Muscle spasms or tremors, particularly over the hind-quarters.

First aid to effectively cool your horse while waiting for the vet:

• CONTINUOUS cold hosing over main trunk of body and inside of upper legs
• Move horse into shaded area, preferably with a breeze
• Install fans around horse to aid in sweat evaporation if possible.
• Offer COLD drinking water – add apple juice to aide interest.
• Walk quietly with the horse for 5 minutes, then rest for 15 minutes and repeat.
• Water Scraping a hot horse is an ABSOLUTE NO! It makes the cooling process worse!

As always, if you are at all concerned about your horse and would like our assistance, please call or message our team – contact via whatsapp or phone – 07306 809 999.

24/06/2022

🐎🐴 Looking for a change? 🐴🐎

We are now accepting new clients at Stride Equine Vets - your local, Independent (non-corporate) Equine Veterinary Practice.

With the latest diagnostic technology, along with traditional and regenerative treatments designed to keep your horse in top condition, we bring the hospital to you.

With years of experience from sports performance/lameness, to emergency cover, to routine vaccinations and dentals, we provide expert veterinary care without losing that personal, friendly touch.

Why not get in touch with us to see how we can help you and your horse today.

Address

Telephone

+441420551365

Website

http://www.stride-vets.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Stride Equine Vets posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Stride Equine Vets