B&W Equine Vets

12/12/2024

**🌲Christmas Jumper day🌲**
Members of the team have been taking part in Christmas Jumper Day for Save the Children today - show us you and your ponies in your festive get ups in the comments! 👇

11/12/2024

We are sponsoring the winter dressage league at Green Equestrian & Competition Centre - why not get out and about with your horse or pony this winter with the chance to win a prize!
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1094085042717311&set=a.636913401767813

WINTER DRESSAGE LEAGUE sponsored by B&W Equine Vets

Throughout winter (until the end of March), compete in one or more of our dressage classes at any show and earn points for our dressage league.

1 point per entry.
2 points if unplaced and over 58%
3 points if unplaced and over 60%
4 points if unplaced and over 63%
5 points for 6th place (any percentage)
6 points for 5th place (any percentage)
7 points for 4th place (any percentage)
8 points for 3rd place (any percentage)
9 points for 2nd place (any percentage)
10 points for 1st place (any percentage)

The winner of each level (Intro, Prelim, Novice and PYO Elementary/Medium/Advanced Medium) will receive a champion sash, trophy and dressage saddle cloth.
The reserve champion of each level will receive a sash, feed bowl and stirrer.

Results will be announced on Facebook on 28th March and prizes will be able to be collected from this date.

We would love to set up a jumping league if any businesses would like to sponsor the prizes for a league. Please contact [email protected] to discuss options.

09/12/2024

**CHRISTMAS OPENING**
With the festive period fast approaching, don't forget to plan ahead and order any medication your horse or pony might need - leaving you free to write your horsey wish list for Father Christmas! 🎅

26/11/2024

Amazing work by Breadstone vet Alex Wood- if you have a horse that you think may benefit from Alex's input, please call the clinic on 01453 811867 and Alex will be very happy to help.

Did you know our Alex Wood B&W Equine Vets is an equine vet and behaviourist?

She’s recently helped mare Beta – referred for significant forelimb lameness - who has an extreme fear of veterinary settings.

Beta's vet & needle phobia manifested as panic upon any examination or procedure. Her behavioural response was extreme escape – high-speed pulling back or barging forward to create space between her & a vet - making any examination or treatment very challenging.

Upon arrival B&W Equine Vets Beta underwent behavioural examination & Alex created a tailored plan – to keep stress levels low & change her emotional response.

This started with day before admission - so Beta could settle & to allow for several training sessions. Beta was stabled in the company of other horses. Potential stressors, such as the weigh bridge, were avoided. She was also given anti-anxiety medications prior to any handling.

Alex then proceeded to retrain Beta's responses to examination & injections through positive reinforcement ‘clicker training’. By breaking each procedure down into small steps, Alex was able to gradually desensitise Beta to the procedures without her reaching her emotional threshold. It was clear that firm restraint was also a stressor for Beta, so this was all done with virtually no lead rope pressure. The clicker training gave Beta a sense of control over the situation & allowed her to start to make positive associations with Alex.

The following day, as Beta's baseline stress levels were low & her responses to examination had been retrained, Nadine Ogden was able to palpate & treat Beta's limb without any issues. Beta was then discharged with the recommendation of anti-anxiety medications & EMLA cream ahead of vet visits & further at home training.

Though Alex already holds a master's degree in clinical animal behaviour, she is currently working towards full Veterinary Behaviourist Accreditation. Thank you for this work you are doing over and above to provide the best care for the horses you treat!

19/11/2024

**Luna**
Warning - images of wounds
Willesley vet Tom was called to assist with the rescue of Luna.
After being spooked in her field, Luna jumped the gate and bolted, and in her panic fell into the river. With the assistance of Avon Fire & Rescue Service Luna was walked out of the river and back to her stable. She had several injuries to her legs, flanks and chest which Tom cleaned and sutured, and prescribed a course of antibiotics.
After a period of rest and TLC from her owners, we are pleased to see that Luna is now fully recovered, and is back in work sporting a smart new clip!
Thank you to Lunas owners for the pictures and letting us share her story.

15/11/2024

**MEET THE TEAM - Elise Dudley- Vet support technician**

Hello, I’m Elise! I joined B&W team around 2 years ago after graduating. I have worked both in the hospital as a PCA and now work on the Ambulatory team as a vet support tech. I really enjoy travelling around the countryside, meeting new and familiar faces. I have a specific interest in radiography and gastroscopy.
In my free time I enjoy riding my horse Max, walking my dog, skiing and going out with friends.

14/11/2024

**COMPETITION WINNER**
We had an incredible response to our Halloween fancy dress competition - everyone's entries were fantastic!! The winner of the B&W first aid kit, drawn at random, was Louise Winn with her son Freddie and pony Lottie - congratulations! 🏆

13/11/2024

**COLIC - EMERGENCY PLANNING**
8th-14th November 2024

Have you thought about what you would do if your horse had colic? There are several factors to consider, and time is of the essence in an emergency, especially if the horse’s condition is severe and they require a referral to a veterinary hospital. Taking some time now to plan ahead for some of the key decisions you may have to make will save time and alleviate some stress if you do find yourself in an emergency situation. The BHS has a great free emergency plan that you can download and complete, along with more information and advice about the planning process:

https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/ownership-loaning/owning-a-horse/emergency-decision-making/

12/11/2024

**PREVENTING COLIC**
8th-14th November 2024

Colic is the most common equine emergency and cause of death in horses worldwide. You can reduce the risk by following these steps 👇

🍴 A diet composed of predominantly forage
🪱 Have a testing-led deworming plan in place
🦷 Regular dental checks
❄️ Gradual stabling for winter
🐎 Healthy exercise regime

Read the full guide here 👉 bhs.org.uk/preventingcolic

11/11/2024

**Colic Signs**
8th-14th November 2024

SIGNS
Colic can occur at any time of the year in both grass-kept and stabled horses. How can you spot the early signs of colic? 🔍

Here are the 5 REACT signs to look for 👇

😖🐎 Restless or agitated
🍎🥕❌ Eating less or droppings reduced
🤕 Abdominal pain
🤔🔁 Clinical changes
😴😔 Tired or lethargic

Time is of the essence when a horse has colic. Download the Emergency Care Plan available from the British Horse Society 👉 bhs.org.uk/colic

11/11/2024

I was pulled from my field, from my work, from my play

Ne're to see England in lands far away

Through death and destruction, through blood, sweat and tears

I carried my master, along with my peers

So I ask you to remember a while,

Along with the soldiers in smart rank and file,

Remember our beauty, the strength of our kind,

As we galloped through danger, without care to mind

For we were the horses thrust into war

And we gave up our lives for your peace evermore.

The War Horse 1914 - 1918

08/11/2024

**Movember!**

B&W Equine Hospital specialist Henry Tremaine is taking part in Movember for a great cause - visit their page for more information!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=502116499538699&set=a.130886219995064

🥸 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑽𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖! 🥸

Henry Tremaine is raising money for the Movember charity by growing out his moustache.

The Movember charity is a leading charity changing the face of men’s health, tackling mental health and su***de prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

Join Henry in showing your support by either growing a tache or donating to these important causes through Henry’s Movember page below.

https://movember.com/m/15305015?mc=31

08/11/2024

**COLIC AWARENESS WEEK 8th-14th NOVEMBER**

B&W Equine Vets are proud to be BHS Vet REACT Colic Champions. The scheme, coordinated by The British Horse Society and The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, aims to raise awareness for all those involved with the care of horses to recognise the subtle, early signs of colic and REACT promptly to contact their vet for support. For more information please see the link below:
https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/horse-health/equine-diseases/colic-in-horses/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiKKi67bKiQMV1IBQBh3YSylJEAAYASAAEgI_ovD_BwE

07/11/2024

**MEET THE TEAM - Terri Foxworthy -Receptionst/Administrator**

"Hi I'm Terri, and I have worked at B&W for a year and a half, mainly covering the front desk in reception. I love working at B&W as no day is ever the same, and get to meet lots of different horses and owners when they come into the clinic.

I have 3 crazy dogs, Moomin, Buddy and Mocha and a horse ,Sarah, who is a TB. I have had her for 3 years, but my daughter has now pinched her!

In my spare time I enjoy kayaking with my other half and children when I get the chance.

06/11/2024

***Neurological EHV case diagnosed in Gloucestershire***
Unfortunately, a horse in Gloucestershire was recently diagnosed with neurological EHV (Equine Herpes Virus).
EHV is a highly contagious disease spread by direct horse to horse contact and airborne droplets over short distances (5m) e.g. by coughing and snorting. There are 5 main strains of EHV, but EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common and occur in horses worldwide and can cause respiratory disease, abortion and neurological disease.
Cases of EHV infection are occurring more frequently. This is contributed to by increased national and international travel to competitions.
For many years pregnant mares have been vaccinated to reduce the risk of EHV abortion. However, BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) now also recommends that vets vaccinate the following groups of horses:
• All horses which frequently attend gatherings where horses mingle in close proximity
• All young horses (6 months to 5 years)
• All horses stabled where there is frequent movement of horses on and off the premises
• All horses that may come into contact with pregnant mares
The mainstay of prevention, and minimising spread of the disease in an outbreak situation is to implement excellent biosecurity practises which are aimed at stopping contact between infected or potentially infected horses, and those who have not been exposed.
If you would like to book an EHV vaccination for your horse or speak to one of our vets about it, please give us a call.
For further information about EHV, you can visit the following link: https://www.horsehealthprogramme.co.uk/equine-herpes-virus/

06/11/2024

**Fun at the farm!**
B&W Willesley vet Tom and Lucinda our dental technician visited to carry out routine dental treatment for their donkeys and ponies. The kid goats and pigs didn’t have their teeth done but we thought they were too cute not to post!

05/11/2024

**MEET THE TEAM: Ian Camm- Vet**

Ian will need no introduction to many of our long term clients! As the founder of Bushy Equine Vets (in 1985 for those of you that want to be reminded!), Ian was one of the first vets to attain the RCVS Certificate in Equine Practice. He is the past president of the British Equine Veterinary Association and forms part of the Cheltenham racecourse veterinary team; and was also part of the equine veterinary team at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Ian has a wealth of knowledge of all aspects of equine work and has particular interests in pre-purchase examinations and expert witness cases. Outside of work he can be found riding or taking on cycling challenges!

04/11/2024

**GASTROSCOPE CLINIC**
Are you concerned that your horse may have ulcers? B&W Willesley are running another fantastic discounted gastroscope clinic on 21st November. Please call the clinic on 01666 880501 to secure your place today!