Penbode Equine Vets

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Penbode Equine Vets

We are a modern and progressive equine veterinary practice working throughout Devon and Cornwall.

If you would like any advice or need to discuss your horse with a vet, then please call us directly on 01409 255549.

13/08/2026

We are at Okehampton Show today, pop on over to our stand for a drink, some cake and a chat

12/08/2026

We are at Camelford Show today, pop on over to our stand for a drink, some cake and a chat.

11/08/2026

🫟OUR NEXT GASTROSCOPY CLINIC 🫟
26th August 2026 | Penbode Equine Vets, Holsworthy

Does your horse seem not quite themselves? Poor performance?

· Behavioural changes, reluctance to go forward, irritability, tail swishing, grumpiness/ sensitivity - particularly when rugging, tightening the girth or grooming.

Weight loss?

· Reduced appetite, picky eating, difficulty maintaining condition.

General Health?

· Poor coat quality, dull demeanour, chronic diarrhoea.

Discomfort / Colic?

· Reoccurring low grade colic/ abdominal pain.

If your horse is showing any of the above symptoms, they may be suffering from equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Symptoms can be subtle and mimic other health issues, the only way to definitively diagnose and grade gastric ulcers is through a gastroscopy.

We're hosting another Gastroscopy Clinic with specialist Keesjan Cornelisse DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl.ACVIM, MRCVS.

There is still some availability — but spaces are limited.

Wednesday, 26th August £295 (including sedation) — you save £110! @ Penbode Equine Vets Clinic, Holsworthy Overnight stabling available for £67.50 (VAT inc)

If you're worried about your horse’s behaviour, performance, or condition, now is the perfect time to get answers and peace of mind.

Call 01409 255549 to book!

05/08/2026

DIGITAL PULSES – GETTING IT RIGHT - by Dr Kieran O'Brien MRCVS

- Digital pulses can be felt on EVERY horse, because every horse has an artery running down both the outside and the inside of the fetlock and pastern. If you can’t feel it, it's because a) you’re impatient – the heart rate is half of ours b) you are feeling in the wrong place c) you are pressing too hard or too lightly

- What we are checking in laminitis is the STRENGTH of the pulse, not whether or not it is PRESENT. In a normal horse, it’d quite faint, but it’s there. In laminitis, it becomes stronger and easier to feel

- IMPORTANT - the leg must the fully weight-bearing and under the horse in a normal position. Even slight off-loading (the leg forward, or heel slightly lifted) will diminish the strength of the pulse.

- The EASIEST place to feel it is at each side of the fetlock, not below it. Facing backwards, simply place the fingertips of the hand closest to the horse on each side of the fetlock and roll them slightly backwards and forwards until you feel a little ‘cord’ (the artery, vein and nerve together). Thumb on the outside artery, index finger on the inside. Very light pressure. Feel the pulse on each side of the fetlock.

- Be PATIENT – the horse’s heart rate is half ours – really slow. You should feel it under your fingers both inside and outside the fetlock at the same time. If it’s very faint, it’s normal. If it’s really clear, it's ABNORMAL.

- Ignore the MYTH (extrapolated from humans) that you shouldn’t use your thumb. Every vet uses their thumbs on the outside artery, and the pulse felt there is exactly synchronised with the one felt with the index finger inside (so it's not YOUR pulse!).

- No pulse? You are not on the artery. Move your fingers forward or back until you find it. It’s ALWAYS there. Honest.

- Easily felt and strong? The foot is inflamed, not necessarily laminitic. If it is stronger on one side of the fetlock (e.g., inside) than the other (e.g. outside) usually means the issue is on the stronger side (for example, a localised foot abscess).

- STILL CAN’T FIND IT?? – ask your vet to show next time he or she calls. And have a slice of cake ready to thank them.

Thank you Kieran for allowing us to share.

30/07/2026

Come and join us at Stand G1A at Launceston Show for a chat and to enter our quiz!

We have plenty of refreshments for you all, including Pimms and cider 😋

29/07/2026

We are looking forward to catching up with you all at Launceston show tomorrow! Penbode Equine are located at stand G1A.

Please stop by for refreshments and have a go at out quiz to be entered into our prize draw, for your chance to win a £100 voucher* and a carry case full of goodies!

*T&Cs apply

24/07/2026

☀️🐴 Summer 2026 Equine Newsletter

Catch up on the latest equine health advice, veterinary insights, and news from the Penbode Equine team.

Download your copy today:https://www.penbodevets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/Penbode-Equine-Vets-summer-Newsletter-2026.pdf

10/07/2026

Hot weather reminder for horse owners 🌡🐴

As temperatures continue to rise, it is worth considering your storage. Tack rooms and feed stores can become much hotter than you think.

A reminder to:
📌Store feed and supplements in a cool, dry place.
📌Keep medications according to their storage instructions, and out of direct sunlight.
📌Refrigerate temperature-sensitive medications where required.

If you are unsure whether a medication has been exposed to excessive heat, contact your vet before using it.

A few simple checks can help keep your horses safe over summer. 🌞

08/07/2026

A quick reminder about infectious respiratory disease. 🦠

The key infectious respiratory diseases we see in horses are Equine Influenza (Flu), Strangles and Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

We are aware of a small number of confirmed cases of all 3 of these in our local area currently.

Vaccinations, practising good biosecurity, and avoiding unnecessary contact with unfamiliar horses all help with reducing the spread of infectious disease.

If you are competing your horse(s), please also check the current requirements for vaccination, as many disciplines are currently asking for 6 monthly Flu boosters.

💉At Penbode we offer vaccination against all three major equine respiratory diseases:

Equine Influenza (Flu)
Strangles
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

If your horse(s) started their Strangles course last Autumn/Winter, now is a good time to give a 6 monthly booster with the increased risk locally at present. The Strangles vaccine can also be given in the in face of an outbreak - but please discuss your individual circumstances with your vet first.

If you would like to book an appointment or discuss any of the above, please do get in touch and we will be happy to help. 📱

Address

Telephone

+441409255549

Website

https://www.penbodevets.co.uk/equine

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