North West Equine Vets Ltd.

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North West Equine Vets Ltd.

Dedicated Equine Vets in the North West

20/01/2025

WOUND MANAGEMENT… ARE YOU PREPARED?

Come and join us for an evening of interesting case studies and practical skills to learn.

• Prioritise between wounds that are life threatening, urgent or non-urgent.
• Understand what you can do when faced with an emergency situation.
• Help to stabilise the patient whilst waiting for the vet, keeping you and your horse safe and promoting recovery.
• Learn practical skills – dressing and bandaging, taking temperature, pulse and breathing rates.
• Assess hydration levels

Please call the practice on 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600 to book your FREE place

13/01/2025

The cost of living is rising, we all feel it, managing routine expenses like veterinary care can make a big difference to your budget. 🐴❤️

✅Our Horse Health Plans Can Help You Spread the Cost

At NWEV, we believe in taking a proactive, preventative approach to your horse's health. We understand how much their well-being means to you, and our Horse Health Plans are designed to help you keep your horse, pony, or donkey healthy and happy for longer.

Our Horse Health Plan is not insurance, but a way to cover the essential routine care, such as vaccinations, worming, dental treatments, and advice – the things traditional equine insurance often doesn’t include.

For existing clients, the plan offers an easy way to spread the cost of preventive care. With regular check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care all included, you’ll be helping your horse avoid preventable issues and stay in top condition. Early detection of potential health problems also gives you peace of mind, knowing your horse will lead a more comfortable life.

✅Flexible and Affordable Horse Health Plans

Our Horse Health Plans provide all the routine care your horse needs, with the option to spread the cost over 12 months through convenient Direct Debit payments. Choose from two affordable options:
• Standard Care Plan: £18 per month
• Premium Care Plan: £23 per month

📞 For more information or to sign up, give us a call at 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600. Our friendly team is here to help! 🐎✨

You can also find out more information, or join online today at https://www.northwestequinevets.co.uk/resources/horse-health-plans/

07/01/2025

Frozen water supplies are the bane of our lives in this weather. Here are some ideas to help keep water flowing at the yard:

• Use rubber buckets instead of plastic or metal. Rubber is a good insulator and will slow down the rate of freezing. If you do not have access to rubber buckets, putting water buckets in a rubber tyre will also help.

• Banking any bedding, straw or shavings around the bucket in the stable may help to slow down the freezing process. You can also put your water bucket inside a bigger bucket and use straw or shavings to fill the space between the two for insulation.

• Think carefully about the position of your water buckets. Putting them inside field shelters or in front of hedges provides a layer of insulation and will slow freezing rate. On cold frosty sunny days such as today ensure they are placed somewhere that will catch the sunlight during the daytime and get as much warmth as possible.

• If buckets or troughs do freeze, do not just break the ice and leave it to float in the water, take it out so the water takes longer to refreeze.

• Another useful tip is to fill a plastic bottle with water and a cup of salt before putting the lid on and placing it in the water bucket. The salt will prevent the water within the bottle from freezing, the bottle will then float in the water which will help stop the water in the bucket from freezing over.

• Leaving a trickle of water running from the tap (if there is a drainpipe underground to catch the flow) is a good idea as running water rarely freezes.

• Wrap external pipes with insulation foam or old horse rugs to help slow the freezing rate.

07/01/2025

Across our area, many of us are affected by snow and ice at the moment. Managing horses in these conditions is not easy and a balanced approach is needed.

• Frozen land
• Frozen schools
• Slippery yards
• Difficult to get vehicles to yards
• Horses becoming bored and agitated

Here are some things to consider and look out for with our equine friends:

COLIC
• Horses can drink less than normal when the temperatures plummet. If water troughs are frozen you must find a way of getting water to them, maybe also tempt them to drink more with a very sloppy mash.
• Ensure plenty of hay / roughage is available for your horse to eat.

WINTER LAMINITIS
• Low temperatures cause sugar levels to increase in the grass. Sunny winter’s days can be dangerous to those prone to laminitis. The bright blue skies with plenty of sunshine allow the plants to photosynthesise during the day, the following cold nights then lead to storage of the sugars that have been produced during the day. When horses eat the sugary grass, the amount of glucose in their bloodstream increases, this causes a rise in insulin which has been shown to cause laminitis. It is therefor important to keep horses at risk of laminitis off the grass in these conditions.

SOLID, RUTTED PASTURE / FROZEN SCHOOLS AND YARDS
• If turning horses out be mindful of the very hard ground and the injury this could cause. Horse’s prone to galloping, bucking, and playing in the sunshine and snow are at risk of leg injuries and lameness, worst case scenario, there is an increased chance of broken limbs.
• Maybe place piles of hay / haylage out for them to eat to try to keep them quiet. The piles must be well spaced out to avoid any bickering between field companions.

HORSES STOOD IN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME
• This brings its own risks as inactivity is far from ideal. Boredom and poor behaviour could set in.
• If this is your preferred choice, maybe try vigorous grooming to keep the blood flowing and the muscles loose.
• Stable toys to occupy the days
• Other horses, neighbours around for company.
• Risk of impaction colic, ensure good access to water and monitor faecal output.

RUGGING AND KEEPING YOUR HORSE WARM
• Remember, horses have a much lower thermoneutral zone (the temperature range where they do not have to expend energy to keep warm) than humans. Horses 5 - 25 degrees. Humans 20 - 35 degrees. This means that if you are cold your horse may not be cold
• Horses have a caecum which acts as a giant internal combustion engine producing heat - the human equivalent is the appendix which produces no heat
• Remember every horse is different, be sure to check your horses ears, not just his body to see if you think he is cold.

DIFFICULTY GETTING TO THE YARD
• Maybe you can buddy up with others and share the work load if someone is struggling. Maybe some have a more suitable 4x4 vehicle.

There are no ideal solutions in these conditions. All yards are set up differently and all horses cope differently. We can all only do our best and keep our eyes peeled for any potential problems arising.

Do not hesitate to give us a call if you have any concerns about your horse or pony. 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600.

06/01/2025

WHY DO WE USE SEDATION FOR DENTISTRY?

Sedative drugs are used by vets on a daily basis for many reasons; equine dentistry being a common one. There are many advantages of administering sedation for both routine and more complex dental work.

The most important reason we would choose to use a sedative is safety; for the horse, the handler and the vet. The heavy metal speculum and long handled dental instruments can easily cause injury if a horse suddenly moves its head. This could be anything from a painful laceration to the horses cheeks or tongue, to a serious head injury to the vet or handler. Horses which will not stand calmly for a dental examination should be sedated to reduce the risk of harm to everyone involved.

Many horses are understandably nervous when undergoing a dental examination. As well as making the procedure safer by reducing the likelihood of a horse acting unpredictably, sedative drugs have an anxiety reducing effect which makes the experience much less stressful for the horse. Over time, this can increase the horses confidence so that future dental checks are better accepted by them.

Part of our standard sedative drug combination is an opioid, which provides mild pain relief in addition to its sedative enhancing effect. In cases of dental disease such as diastemata (gaps packed with trapped food material) or fractured teeth, this can be useful either alone or in combination with local anaesthetics or injectable pain relief to minimise any discomfort. Horses are very good at hiding dental pain, so even those without outward problems can have issues which require this kind of intervention.

Some horses will try to chew on the speculum or move their tongue constantly, making the use of dental mirrors and instruments difficult. Sedation causes muscle relaxation so it can be used to relax the cheeks and tongue, allowing the whole mouth to be accessed and examined thoroughly.

In some situations, a horse may willingly allow a full examination of the mouth but we may decide that the amount or nature of work required would be better performed under sedation. Even the most tolerant horse will only stand completely still for so long! Sedation means that we can perform any necessary treatment to the highest possible standard, ensuring the best outcome for your horse.

Sedation is very well tolerated by the majority of horses and the dose can be adjusted to their size, temperament and individual sensitivity. The effects are relatively short acting and most horses will be fully alert again within 45 minutes to 1 hour. To ensure that cost is not a barrier to sedation when it is needed, we charge a fixed amount of £73 for a routine dental including sedation. This is only £20 more than our routine dental without sedation and we think it represents excellent value.

Please call the office for any further information or if you have any concerns with your own horse 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600

06/01/2025

Are you aware of the extensive dental service that we offer??

At North West Equine Vet’s we are able to provide a complete dentistry service, from routine rasping to surgical correction of serious dental problems.

Our team of equine vets are all experienced and well equipped, with modern hand tools and power tools for correction of larger dental overgrowths.

We are also able to sedate more fractious patients to facilitate a safe and relaxed procedure for both horse and humans alike.

** For yards with 4 or more horses requiring a dental on the same day, we also offer a FREE visit **

Please give us a call to discuss your requirements or book an appointment. 0808 168 5580 or 01524 888 600.

31/12/2024

Azoturia, also known as Tying-Up

Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ERM) is also known as Azoturia, Tying-up, Set-Fast and Monday Morning Disease (traditionally happening after a busy weekend of high exercise). ERM is a disturbance of the normal functioning of the muscles in the horse, causing painful cramps and the breakdown of muscle tissue, primarily in the back and hindquarters. AZOTURIA CAN ONLY BE DIAGNOSED BY TAKING BLOODS FROM YOUR HORSE TO CHECK THE MUSCLE ENZYMES. WE CAN DO THIS AT THE SURGERY.

Causes

Azoturia often occurs due to a combination of factors, including:
• Excessive Energy Storage: Feeding high levels of carbohydrates to horses with low exercise levels can lead to abnormal glycogen storage in the muscles.
• Genetics: Some breeds, may have a genetic predisposition to tying-up, especially those with recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) or polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).
• Sudden Exercise Changes: Overexertion after a period of rest, a period of rest after overexertion, or irregular exercise routines can trigger episodes.
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Dehydration or deficiencies in calcium, potassium, or sodium can exacerbate muscle dysfunction.
Symptoms
• Stiffness and reluctance to move, often during or after exercise.
• Firm, painful muscles in the hindquarters.
• Sweating and increased heart rate.
• In severe cases, the horse may refuse to move or show signs of dark-coloured urine due to muscle breakdown.

Treatment / Management

• Contact your vet: If you suspect Azoturia your vet should be called immediately, this is a veterinary emergency.
• Stop Exercise Immediately: Prevent further muscle damage by ceasing all activity at the first signs of tying-up.
• Pain Management: Administer anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by your vet.
• Rehydration: Provide water or electrolyte solutions to correct imbalances. Intravenous fluids may be necessary in severe cases.
• Muscle Relaxants: In some cases, a vet may prescribe drugs to relax the muscles and alleviate spasms.
• Monitoring: Keep the horse calm, warm, and in a stable until the symptoms subside, avoiding stress or movement that could worsen the condition. THE ONLY WAY TO CONFIRM THAT YOUR HORSE IS READY TO RE-START EXERCISE IS FOR A VET TO TAKE FURTHER BLOODS AND ADVISE.

Aftercare and Prevention

• Gradual Exercise: Develop a consistent exercise routine to avoid sudden exertion.
• Diet Management: Feed a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat to reduce glycogen accumulation in susceptible horses. Supplements like vitamin E and selenium may also help.
• Genetic Testing: For horses with recurring episodes, testing for PSSM or RER can be useful.
• Electrolyte Balance: Ensure the horse has access to salt blocks and fresh water to prevent dehydration.

If you suspect Azoturia your vet should be called immediately, this is a veterinary emergency. 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600

23/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ✨🎄

To all our wonderful clients and friends, thank you for your continued support throughout the year. Here’s to an amazing 2025 for you and your horses! 🐴💫

This year, instead of sending Christmas cards, we’ve decided to make a small difference by supporting two dedicated equine charities that are also long-standing and valued clients of ours.

💖 We are donating:
✨ £120.00 to Wolfwood
✨ £120.00 to Only Foals and Horses

We hope this small gesture helps through the winter months during these challenging times.
We truly value all of our clients, and we appreciate your understanding of this choice.

🌟 With best wishes, Team NWEV ###

🚨 Remember, our vets are here for you 24/7 over the festive season.
📞 Call us anytime:
👉 0808 168 5580
👉 01254 888 600

18/12/2024

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS

Tuesday 24 December 8.30 am - 4.30 pm (closing early)
Wednesday 25 December CLOSED
Thursday 26 December CLOSED
Friday 27 December 8.30 am -5.30pm

Monday 30 December 8.30 am - 5.30pm
Tuesday 31 December 8.30 am - 4.30pm (closing early)
Wednesday 1 January CLOSED
Thursday 2 January 8.30 am -5.30pm

We are of course always available should you need us. Our on call vets will be on hand throughout the Christmas period, just call us on 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600.
We wish you and your horses a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

17/12/2024

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION NEEDED ?

Now is the time to check what stock you have of any ongoing medications for your horse/pony/donkey, so you do not run out over the festive season!

Prescription only medications require authorisation and can only be dispensed by one of our vets so we ask for 24 - 48 hours notice to enable the vet to check the clinical records and then prescribe and dispense any necessary medications.

Some medications may need to be ordered in specially to fulfil the prescription. Please don't delay to be sure you have all you need to last over the festive period.

05/12/2024

🌧️🐴 Rain Scald in Horses: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing 🐴🌧️

Rain scald, also known as rain rot or dermatophilosis, is a common skin condition in horses caused by the bacterium Dermatophilosis congolensis. It typically affects horses exposed to prolonged wet or humid conditions. Bacteria invade the skin, often already compromised by moisture or minor abrasions. It is seen most often on parts of the horse’s body that are exposed to wet conditions, such as the back, rump, and legs. The condition presents as clusters of scabs, which may lift away, leaving raw skin and small tufts of hair attached.
Rain scald can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of bacterial invasion and the overall health of the horse.

What Causes Rain Scald?

The primary cause of rain scald is Dermatophilosis condolences, which thrives in moist, warm environments. Several factors contribute to the condition:

• Prolonged exposure to rain or wet conditions: Constant wetness breaks down the skin's natural barrier, allowing bacteria to infect.
• Poor grooming: Dirt and sweat can exacerbate moisture build-up, creating an ideal environment for bacteria.
• Skin trauma or weakened immunity: Even minor abrasions or a compromised immune system can make horses more susceptible.

How to Treat Rain Scald?

Early treatment is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. The following steps are typically recommended:

1. Move the horse to a dry environment: Keeping the affected horse dry is crucial. Provide shelter from rain and avoid excessive washing.
2. Gently remove scabs: Soften scabs with warm water or antiseptic solutions and gently remove them without causing further trauma to the skin.
3. Clean the area: Wash the affected areas with a medicated shampoo to kill bacteria. Rinse thoroughly and dry the area completely.
4. Apply topical treatments: Use an antibacterial cream or ointment to soothe the skin and prevent secondary infections.
5. Address secondary issues: In severe cases, or if the horse develops a fever or swelling, give us a call and we will be able to advise.

How Can You Prevent Rain Scald?

Prevention is key to minimizing the risk of rain scald, especially during wet seasons or in humid climates:

1. Provide Shelter: Ensure horses have access to a dry shelter during prolonged rain or heavy dew.
2. Good Grooming Practices: Regular grooming helps remove mud, dirt, and sweat, reducing the likelihood of moisture being trapped against the skin.
3. Keep Horses Dry: Use waterproof rugs in wet weather, especially for horses with thin or short coats, and ensure these rugs are clean and breathable. ALWAYS ENSURE THAT THE HORSE IS DRY BEFORE PUTTING THE RUG ON. Applying a turnout rug onto a wet horse can make the situation much worse by creating the perfect warm moist environment for the infection to spread
4. Monitor Skin Health: Inspect your horse's skin regularly for early signs of rain scald or other skin conditions.
5. Support Immune Health: Provide a balanced diet, and address any underlying health issues to keep your horse's immune system robust.

Rain scald is a manageable condition, but early detection and consistent care are vital. By understanding the causes and taking preventative measures, you can protect your horse from the discomfort of this common skin infection.

04/12/2024

🌧️ FOOT ABSCESS 🐴

With the heavy rainfall turning the ground damp and muddy, your horse’s hooves are spending more time wet. Unfortunately, these conditions are ideal for foot abscesses. Here’s what you need to know to spot and manage this common but painful issue.

🔬 What causes a foot abscess?
The exact cause is often unclear, but bacteria can invade the hoof through tiny defects, like cracks or a separated white line. Horses with certain underlying conditions, such as laminitis or PPID (Cushing’s disease), are more prone because their hooves are already weakened. Horses with poor hoof conformation, thin soles, or those that aren’t regularly trimmed may also suffer from recurrent abscesses.

⚠️ What are the signs?
• Lameness: It’s often sudden and severe. Some horses may refuse to bear weight on the affected foot.
• Heat: The hoof may feel noticeably warmer compared to the other hooves.
• Digital pulse: A strong, bounding pulse can often be felt at the pastern or fetlock.
• Lower limb swelling: The hoof itself can’t swell, so the inflammation spreads upwards, mimicking a soft tissue injury.
• Sensitivity: The horse may react strongly to hoof testers, particularly over the abscess site.
• Visible clues: You might notice a dark spot or track on the hoof where bacteria entered, but this isn’t always obvious at first.

⛑️ How is it treated?
• Drainage: Relief comes from releasing the built-up pressure. This might involve allowing the abscess to drain naturally with the help of a poultice or careful exploration with hoof knives.
• Poulticing: If the specific site of the abscess is unclear, applying a poultice for 48 hours can soften the hoof, encourage drainage, and make locating the abscess easier.
• Antibiotics are almost never needed and should not be used except in exceptional circumstances. Overuse of antibiotics is contributing to the increase in acquired antimicrobial resistance

Some abscesses resolve within days, but others can take weeks to heal. Once the abscess drains, pain decreases rapidly, and the wound usually dries up within a few days. If the lameness doesn’t resolve or the abscess persists, x-rays can help rule out other causes of acute lameness, such as fractures, or reveal abscesses as gas or fluid shadows.

Foot abscesses can be frustrating, but with prompt care and attention, most horses make a full recovery. Call us for any further advice 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600.

03/12/2024

HELP PREVENT COLD WEATHER COLIC

Some tips to help keep our horses drinking as the weather gets colder…
Remember horses often drink less in cold weather. Sufficient water intake is important for the digestive system to function well. Keeping horse well hydrated ensures fluidity and easy passage of gut contents (digesta) through the twists and turns of the colon.

Dehydration of the intestinal contents in a water-deprived horse can slow the passage of the digesta, risking an obstruction of the colon (impaction colic).
Therefore, during cold weather spells, we must make every effort to ensure our horses are drinking enough.

Here are some tips that may help:

PUT THE WATER SUPPLY NEAR THE DOOR
Studies have shown that horses drink more if the water bucket is near the door rather than at the back of the stable, maybe try this for the stabled horse.

WARM THE WATER
Horses offered a choice between lukewarm or very cold water will often choose the cold, but they will drink less of it. It is believed that chilling the receptors in the horse’s throat during drinking depresses water intake. Horses often drink straight after feeding, so when you feed the horse, a quick way to take the chill of the water could be to add a kettle of boiling water to a single water bucket, which should be the only source of water that the horse has access to.

TURN OFF DRINKERS AND USE BUCKETS
It has been found that horses drink more from large containers when they don’t have to wait for drinkers to fill. Turning drinkers off also allows water intake to be monitored, plus, water in buckets is also easier to warm if needed.

FEED A SOAKED FEED
Sugar beet or other soaked feeds can be fed where appropriate using lots of water to maintain hydration. Sugar beat could be fed using at least three parts water (by volume) to one of dry sugar beet should be soaked for the length of time stated on the feed sack, and then feed it generously. The calorific value is low, so weight gain isn’t an issue, especially if using unmolassed sugar beet.

ADD FLAVOURING TO THE WATER
This doesn’t always work but could be worth a try. Adding flavourings such as apple juice to the water may encourage the horse to drink more. The water used to soak the hay can also be offered (so long as it is fresh and the horse is not on reduced sugar diet) some horses love it. Providing a salt lick or adding a tablespoon of salt to the feed can also help encourage drinking.

FEED HAYLAGE RATHER THAN HAY
Haylage contains roughly 20% more water than hay, so changing from a 5kg net of hay to haylage will, on average, provide an extra litre of water. Alternatively, soaked hay can be fed.

MONITOR THE DROPPINGS
Horses are fairly consistent in the number of piles of droppings they pass every day. Look out for fewer or drier droppings being passed, this could be a sign of an incipient blockage even though the horse is otherwise happy.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

03/12/2024

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN THE SHEATH?

This will vary from horse to horse but, on average, every two to four weeks should be sufficient if needed.
🦠 Overcleaning should be avoided otherwise the normal bacteria are removed allowing fungal overgrowth to take place – a cursory wash is all that is required in most cases.
💩 Sm**ma can build up leading to discomfort, swelling or infection.
❄️ Sm**ma build up is more common in the winter, especially if a horse is overweight as fat is partly stored in the sheath.
🏃 Older geldings frequently have mildly swollen sheaths in the winter as they move around less and circulation in the sheath becomes poorer in the cold weather.
🧼The sheath can be safely cleaned by standing next to the elbow of the horse and gently wiping inside the sheath with a warm wet sponge.
🧴If the horse resents this procedure, a useful alternative is to smear KY Jelly inside the sheath which will loosen the sm**ma flakes.

What can I use to clean a sheath?

• Proprietary sheath cleaning fluid
• Luke warm water
• KY jelly
• Do not use any antiseptic such as Hibiscrub® as this will remove the natural bacteria.

26/11/2024

🐴 MY HORSE IS LAME – WHAT SHOULD I DO? 🐴

Having a lame horse can be very worrying, and it’s normal to have lots of questions; Why are they lame? When will they be better?
Sometimes the cause of lameness can be immediately or quickly apparent, for example a foot abscess or laminitis. Other times, often with more subtle lameness, a further investigation known as a lameness work up (LWU), is required to reach a diagnosis.

🚨 What should I do when I first notice my horse is lame?
In all cases of lameness, no matter how sudden the onset, it is advised to seek veterinary attention. If the cause of lameness is easily located, treatment can begin immediately, or referral made into one of our clinics for a LWU.

💊 Should I give bute?
It is advisable to wait until the initial veterinary assessment has taken place before giving a horse pain relief, unless otherwise advised by the vet over the phone. The vet may recommend a 10-14 day period of rest (usually box rest) and bute in the first instance, as some minor causes of lameness can be resolved in this way. If the lameness persists, or recurs, then often a LWU is advised, and bute should be stopped 48 hours prior to attending the clinic.

🩺 LWU at NWEV – where to take my horse?
NWEV offer LWU at all three of our clinics, providing an excellent local service, and saving our clients time and stress in travelling. We have a team of vets with a keen interest in lameness diagnostics and imaging, with a breadth and depth of experience in this area. We pride ourselves on offering a very personal experience, with the vet dedicated to your horse for most or all of the day. We also offer ridden assessment of lameness or poor performance. We offer digital radiography and ultrasonography, and if advanced imaging is required (MRI/CT) we are best placed to refer your horse and signpost you in the direction of trusted imaging teams. We work closely with our referral centers to provide a continuation of care.

💥 What treatments are available through NWEV?
We offer a full range of treatments from joint medications to shockwave. Our visiting surgeon Phil Cramp BSc BVM&S MS Dip ACVS & ECVS MRCVS American and European Specialist in Equine Surgery from Hambleton Equine visits our Rathmell clinic to perform arthroscopy and other elective orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. We also work closely with trusted paraprofessionals such as farriers and physios to provide a holistic whole horse approach to recovery and rehabilitation.

💉 Why don’t I just get my horse’s hocks injected?
While sometimes the cause of lameness can be easily identified based on strong clinical suspicion, this is not always the case. Medicating horse’s joints carries associated risks, some of which can life threatening if untreated. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance that the necessary diagnostics have been performed prior to undergoing treatment.

At NWEV we strive to provide a gold standard in lameness diagnostics and we will look after the needs of you and your horse to achieve the best outcomes possible.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your horse’s needs 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600

26/11/2024

🚨 Trailer Safety Tips from Hartley! 🚨

A huge thank you to Chris Hartley for giving us a practical demonstration of trailer safety checks during our recent ‘Equine Rescue Client Evening.’ 🐴✨

Chris prepared a really useful checklist to help ensure your trailer is always safe when traveling with your horse. 📝 All attendees left with this useful guide, and Chris has kindly given permission for me to share it with you all. 🙂

These checks should become second nature—your horse’s safety depends on it. 💪🐎

Stay safe, and happy travels, everyone! 🚙💨

19/11/2024

Today we stand with our farmers.

All our farmers heading down to London today, and all our farmers having to stay behind because farms can’t ‘close for the day’.

All those who work so hard to feed our nation, take care of our beautiful countryside and pass on your knowledge, work ethic and lifestyle to the next generation.

Know that we stand right behind you.

12/11/2024

Paddy McGuinness is cycling through our area today raising money for BBC Children in Need - keep a look out for him and donate if you can....

Today is day 2 of his ultra marathon challenge. Paddy began his challenge today in Preston's Moor Park, he is heading all the way to Kendal - on a specially customised retro chopper bike! - so he'll need all the encouragement he can get.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/live/cp875rjrylpt

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🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ✨🎄 To all our wonderful clients and friends, thank you for your continued support throughout the year. Here’s to an amazing 2025 for you and your horses! 🐴💫 This year, instead of sending Christmas cards, we’ve decided to make a small difference by supporting two dedicated equine charities that are also long-standing and valued clients of ours. 💖 We are donating: ✨ £120.00 to Wolfwood ✨ £120.00 to Only Foals and Horses We hope this small gesture helps through the winter months during these challenging times. We truly value all of our clients, and we appreciate your understanding of this choice. 🌟 With best wishes, Team NWEV ### 🚨 Remember, our vets are here for you 24/7 over the festive season. 📞 Call us anytime: 👉 0808 168 5580 👉 01254 888 600

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS Tuesday 24 December 8.30 am - 4.30 pm (closing early) Wednesday 25 December CLOSED Thursday 26 December CLOSED Friday 27 December 8.30 am -5.30pm Monday 30 December 8.30 am - 5.30pm Tuesday 31 December 8.30 am - 4.30pm (closing early) Wednesday 1 January CLOSED Thursday 2 January 8.30 am -5.30pm We are of course always available should you need us. Our on call vets will be on hand throughout the Christmas period, just call us on 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600. We wish you and your horses a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR BONFIRE NIGHT? Many people enjoy bonfire night but for horse owners it can be a worrying time. Horses are often upset by both the sight and sound of fireworks due to their sensitive hearing and natural flight response. Here are some suggestions to help you and your horse have a less stressful night. Please share and let’s keep our horses, ponies and donkeys safe. • Stable the horse: Keep them in their stable, where they feel secure. • Close windows and doors: This helps muffle the noise and block out bright flashes. • Lights: leave the stable or barn lights on, they can lessen the effects of bright lights and flashes outside. • Companions: Horses feel more secure when they are with others. If possible, keep them with a trusted companion. • Have someone stay with them: A familiar, calm human presence can be reassuring. • Playing music: Put the radio on or white noise to drown out the sound of the fireworks. • Feed or haynet: Offer plenty of forage to keep the horse distracted during the fireworks. • Toys or boredom busters: Provide horse-safe toys to keep their mind occupied. • Sedation (with vet supervision): For extremely anxious horses, your vet might recommend a mild sedative. • Avoid sudden changes: Changing environments can add to the stress, so keep things as normal as possible. • Ensure secure fencing: If the horse is turned out, make sure the area is secure to prevent them from bolting if startled. • Check for hazards: Remove any objects or hazards in their stable or paddock that could cause injury if they panic. • Security: Make sure the yard gates and fences are secure so that if a horse does manage to break out of the stable or field it cannot get onto the road. • Stay Calm and confident: Horses pick up on your emotions, so remain calm and confident around them to reassure.

WINTER TURNOUT – Pro’s & Con’s, What should you consider for your horse? In the UK, where winters are often wet and mild rather than harshly cold, turning horses out during the winter presents a mix of advantages and challenges. While turnout is beneficial for horses, the UK's climate, with its frequent rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures, adds some unique considerations during winter. Advantages of Winter Turnout 1. Natural Exercise and Physical Health: Horses benefit from regular movement, which turnout allows. In the UK, where rain is more common than snow, horses can still move about freely, helping to keep their joints flexible and maintain muscle tone. This movement also promotes better circulation and digestion, reducing the risk of health problems like colic and stiffness and lymphatic drainage. 2. Mental Well-Being: UK winters can be long and grey, and keeping horses confined to a stable for extended periods can lead to boredom and stress. Regular turnout gives them access to fresh air, visual stimulation, and the chance to interact with other horses, expressing normal behaviours. 3. Respiratory Health: Stabling horses throughout the winter can expose them to dust and ammonia from bedding, which can irritate their respiratory systems. Turnout, even in wet conditions, ensures horses have access to fresh, moist air, which is better for their lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory problems such as Equine Asthma. 4. Digestive and Metabolic Health: Access to grazing, even limited during the winter, can help keep a horse’s digestive system active, reducing the risk of colic. Horses that are turned out will usually need additional forage like hay or haylage, which is important for maintaining their body condition, warmth, and gut health. Disadvantages of Winter Turnout 1. Mud-Related Risks: One of the biggest challenges of winter turnout is the abundance of mud, which is common due to the UK’s wet climate. Muddy conditions can lead to hea

IN OR OUT? - How to Best Care for Your Horse in Winter Winter can be a tough season for horse owners, and deciding the best way to care for your horse during this time depends on a variety of factors, including: • Your horse's age • Breed/type of horse • Medical needs • The level of work expected • Land type and drainage • Yard setup • Type and number of stables • Number of horses you’re managing • Availability of forage • Your age, ability, and physical condition • Your work/life schedule I've written two posts that explore this topic in more depth - one covers the pros and cons of horses living out during winter, while the other discusses the benefits and drawbacks of keeping them stabled. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every horse and situation are unique. While it’s easy to form opinions, it’s important not to judge without considering individual circumstances. Ultimately, the horse’s physical and mental well-being should be at the heart of any decision you make.

🐴 Important Reminder 🐴 Emergency veterinary authorisation 🐴 Your horse's health and well-being are our top priorities, and sometimes decisions need to be made quickly, especially in emergency situations. To ensure that your horse receives prompt and proper care, it is advisable that someone you trust is authorized to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unavailable. This could be: 🔹 When you are on holiday 🔹 When your horse is at another yard or in the care of someone else temporarily, for example backing, training, production, sales, rehab 🔹 If you are un-contactable, for example poor phone signal area or at work. Here’s why this is so important: 🔹 Emergencies, in urgent situations, time is of the essence. If we can't reach you, having a designated person who can authorize veterinary care means your horse can be treated without delay. 🔹 Peace of mind, whether you’re traveling, busy, or simply out of reach, you know your horse’s needs will be met by someone you trust in such a situation. Take a moment to contact our office team to review or update your account with us. Let us know when you will be unavailable and who to contact during this time. This information can be added to your account details. Having someone authorized for veterinary care is one simple step that ensures your horse will always be in good hands, and that we can act swiftly and efficiently if a situation arises where we cannot contact you. 🐎💙 0808 168 5580 or 01254 888 600

Would you like to take a quick tour of our 3 clinics? I will make 3 separate posts... Have you been to our Rathmell clinic near Settle? Come with me on a quick walk around... To find out more visit https://www.northwestequinevets.co.uk/the.../facilities/

Would you like to take a quick tour of our 3 clinics? I will make 3 separate posts... Have you been to our Martholme clinic at Great Harwood? Come with me on a quick walk around... To find out more visit https://www.northwestequinevets.co.uk/the-practice/facilities/

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