Oaklands Equine Hospital

19/06/2024

Our Telephone lines are back up and all lines are working.
Thank you

19/06/2024

We are currently experiencing some phone line issues.
Please use the following number if you have an emergency 07849084012.
We will update as soon as the issue is resolved.

17/06/2024

🐴HOOVES, HORMONES & HORSE HEALTH🐴

Spaces are filling fast for our client evening, join us on Tuesday 18th June, 7pm🐎

To avoid disappointment, reserve your place by calling us on 01642 760313 ☎️ or email [email protected] 📧

17/06/2024

Last chance to join us for our client evening! 🐴

Call us on 01642 760313 ☎️ or email [email protected] 📧 to secure your place.

🐴HOOVES, HORMONES & HORSE HEALTH🐴

Spaces are filling fast for our client evening, join us on Tuesday 18th June, 7pm🐎

To avoid disappointment, reserve your place by calling us on 01642 760313 ☎️ or email [email protected] 📧

21/05/2024

🐴HOOVES, HORMONES & HORSE HEALTH🐴

Join us at our client evening on Tuesday 18th June, 7pm 🐎

To reserve your place, call us on 01642 760313 ☎️ or email [email protected] 📧

22/04/2024

SWEET ITCH PREVENTION

Unfortunately, there is yet to be a cure for sweet itch. However there are many ways you can help prevent and manage the symptoms.

The symptoms of sweet itch are itching, usually around the mane, tail and neck. However, in the worst cases it can manifest itself anywhere on the horse. These areas are often irritated, hairless with scaly/lumpy skin and can bleed and become thickened.

🐴Invest in a fly rug – make sure your horse is wearing it early in the season before the midges start biting. They are active between March and November normally but the condition can affect horses all year round.
🐴Use a fly repellent to help deter midges
🐴Try to keep your horse stabled at dawn and dusk when midges at their most active
💧Avoid grazing horse in fields with open water sources. Flies & midges are attracted to these areas.
🧴Use anti itching shampoos containing calming properties such as oatmeal. Your vet can also recommend shampoos that contain local anaesthetics.
🩺Speak to your vet regarding any other treatments they can offer to help manage symptoms.

20/04/2024

Laminitis

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.

17/04/2024

Atypical Myopathy

With Spring well and truly upon us, please check your pastures for sycamore seedlings. Seedlings and fallen seeds contain a toxin called hypoglycin A (HGA) which causes Atypical Myopathy (sycamore poisoning) in horses when ingested. The toxin HGA slows or stops energy production in muscles and the heart.

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent ingestion of sycamore seeds & leaves and therefore help to prevent Atypical Myopathy (AM):

• Ideally moving your horses to pasture where sycamore trees are not in danger of dropping seeds, although we are aware this is not always possible (the “helicopter” seeds can travel up to 200 yards). Alternatively, fence off any areas of the pasture where sycamore seeds have fallen
• Removing sycamore seeds from pastures and pulling up (if possible) sycamore seedlings – seedlings should be carefully disposed of because dead seedlings (including seedlings killed using herbicides) are still poisonous
• Providing supplementary hay/haylage, especially when grazing is poor. However, avoid leaving wet hay on the ground as this can increase the risk
• Provide supplementary concentrate feeding
• Reduce time spent at pasture

Not all horses on problem pastures are susceptible (probably depending on genetic factors), but currently it is not possible to tell which horses are high risk.

Atypical Myopathy signs include:
• General weakness – difficulty walking and breathing
• Sudden collapse and inability to stand
• Depression – holding head low
• Muscle tremors / trembling
• Signs of colic (but often still have a good appetite)
• Brown or dark red urine

Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. Sadly the disease is frequently fatal (over 50% of affected horses do not survive), especially if the horse becomes recumbent and unable to et up. However, treatment can be successful in mild cases and if started early enough – if horses survive the first few days then they have a higher chance of surviving, however full recovery can take several months.

If you suspect your horse is showing signs of Atypical Myopathy, please contact us immediately – remember that the earlier we can diagnose the disease and initiate treatment, the better the chances of survival.

14/04/2024

3 weeks to go until Strangles Awareness Week, a week designed to raise the awareness around the disease! Knowledge is power and prevention is key! So keep a look out on our page over the next few weeks 👀

🐴You don't think it will happen to you... until it does! 📣

Strangles Awareness Week (SAW) is a global collaborative initiative aimed at preventing and managing Strangles - the most common infectious equine disease. 🦠

🗓️ Strangles Awareness Week, 6-12th May 2024 🗓️

SAW takes place in the first week of May each year and is the BEST way to help make a difference to many horses lives by raising awareness and openness around Strangles.

AND by taking part this year, you could WIN a bundle of amazing prizes worth over £5,000! 🤩Follow us on our social media channels and find out how you can take part, it's free and simple.

Because every horse can get Strangles, and every person can make a difference!🌍💚

09/04/2024

Our computer system is down again this morning. Please only call if you have an emergency. If you have any routine enquiries please try calling us later. Apologies for any inconvenience.

02/04/2024

We are currently experiencing significant problems with our computer systems and are currently unable to arrange new appointments if your enquiry is not urgent please can we ask you to call tomorrow so we are able to accommodate your request.
However, if you have an emergency please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you have an appointment today please contact the practice.
Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

18/03/2024

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.

This is "CVS Ode to Veterinary Professionals (full)" by CVS (UK) Ltd on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

28/02/2024

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

01/02/2024

**EDIT: No further applications are being taken. Thank you to all that have applied.***

Equine Nursing Assistant Role

We are looking for a friendly, efficient and enthusiastic person to join our team, to assist in providing an excellent level of care to our in-patients. Applicants must have equine experience and will be expected to undertake a variety of tasks, including stable and yard duties, together with providing support for the veterinary and nursing teams.

Communication skills and a positive ‘can do’ attitude essential.

To apply please email your CV and covering letter to [email protected]

31/01/2024

Have you ever been affected by Strangles? If so maybe you’d like to help one of our vets within CVS with their study in conjunction with redwings on Strangles?

Thank you for spending the time and helping!

https://www.redwings.org.uk/news-and-features/have-you-and-your-horses-been-affected-strangles?

Share your strangles experience with the University of Edinburgh by taking their survey.

18/01/2024

Has your horse or pony recently been tested for PPID (Equine Cushing’s disease)? If so, please can we ask for your help with some research being carried out by the Royal Veterinary College and some of the vets in our CVS partner practices?

Your horse is eligible to take part if they are at least 10 years old and:

🐴They have had a positive test result but have not yet started treatment (tested in last 2 weeks)
OR
🐴They have had a positive test result and started treatment within the last 2 weeks (tested in last 2 weeks)
OR
🐴They have had a positive test result although no treatment is planned (tested in last 4 weeks)
OR
🐴They have had a negative test result in the past 4 weeks
OR
🐴They have had an equivocal (unclear) test result in the past 4 weeks

The link below will take you to a survey and once signed up, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire once every 3 months.

Thank you.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

15/01/2024

You will probably notice our vets starting to wear hard hats when visiting your horses or when admitted to the clinic. Our policy has changed to ensure hats are worn for the majority of procedures. We understand that this may not be considered ‘normal’ however now is our time to ensure we put the health and safety of our vet & vet support first. Trying to minimise accidents is vital but not always possible and often inevitable in the industry we are in. So using the correct PPE will offer some protection when incidents or accidents do happen.

A colleague from one of our partner practice made a comment “Always wear your PPE – Don’t be embarrassed, be the generation to make it the norm”. We love this comment and stand by it. Now is our time to challenge the norm and create a new normal.

If you want to discuss this, further please do not hesitate to contact the office or speak to the vet on your next visit.

https://youtu.be/OdvxIkAa0Rc

Why equine vets are being encouraged to wear head protection.

08/01/2024

Winter Coughs

Our horses often spend more time stabled during the winter months which can often contribute to a cough developing… Here are some tips to improve air quality and reduce dust to help:

💨Make sure air flows through your stable create openings if appropriate to help this
💨 Change your horses bedding regularly – anomia from urine can irritate the lungs
💨Use dust free shavings or paper bedding
💨 Put your horse outside the stable when mucking out
💨Feed damped hay or use a hay steamer
💨 Feed from the floor rather than a haynet as it creates four times less dust in the environment

04/01/2024

Rugging your horse in Winter 🧥🐴

What rug does your horse need?

Bear in mind that when we feel cold, your horse can still feel very comfortable. Horses have a different thermoneutral zone than humans, so this means that a healthy unclipped horse typically only feels the cold when temperatures drop to 0ºC.

When deciding what rug to use, or whether your horse needs one at all, you will need to consider the following:

🏡Is your horse stabled or turned out?
💨If your horse is turned out, is shelter available? Is the weather wet and windy? This can make the temperature feel colder than it is, especially if shelter is not available.
🐴The age & type of your horse – young and old horses may be less likely to be able to maintain their body temperature.
🪒Whether your horse is clipped or not, and if so, what type of clip they have. Horses that have a low trace clip, for example, which leaves much of the hair on their body, they can be considered ‘unclipped’.
🏇The level of their work and their stable management.
🩺Your horse’s health and condition.
🌾Your horse’s access to forage.

Use the table as a general guide to what rug you may need. This is a general guide and we do recognise that all horses are different, and your decision should be made based on your horse’s needs. Just remember that it’s important not to ‘over rug’, as your horse can become too warm which may lead to them sweating underneath the rug, which can make them very uncomfortable.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year- we wish you all a happy and healthy 2024! From the whole team at Oaklands ❤️

28/12/2023

Osteoarthritis and Joint care 🐴🦴

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, it can affect the hocks, stifles, fetlocks, coffin joints, knees, pasterns, back and neck. It most the common cause of lameness’s in horses, it can present as stiffness, reluctance to work or be ridden or knocking poles and refusing jumps. Unfortunately there is no cure for osteoarthritis however there are treatments available to help alleviate and manage symptoms to make your horse more comfortable.

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The vet will assess your horse’s movement and perform flexion tests. They can also perform diagnostic testing such as nerve blocking, x-raying and scanning to confirm the presence of Osteoarthritis.

How can you help care for your horse’s joints?

🐴Not riding on hard ground regularly
🐴Consider a joint supplement
🐴Speak to your vet about Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and joint medication
🐴Consider stabling for shorter time periods if standing stationary causes your horse to stiffen up

If you suspect your horse may Osteoarthritis please contact your vet to arrange an appointment.

25/12/2023

Wishing all of our clients and patients a very merry Christmas 🎄 from everyone at Oaklands vets

20/12/2023

Christmas opening times🎄

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas…. we are open 24/7 for emergencies as always but please see our office opening hours for the festive season

Saturday 23rd December: 8.30am – 5pm
Sunday 24th December: 8.30am – 1pm
Christmas Day: Emergencies only
Boxing Day: Emergencies only
Wednesday 27th December: 8.30am – 7pm
Thursday 28th December: 8.30am-7pm
Friday 29th December: 8.30am – 7pm
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st December: 8.30am – 5pm
New Years Day: Emergencies only
Tuesday 2nd January: 8.30am – 7pm

19/12/2023

RAIN SCALD

Rain Scald is a skin condition that develops in the wetter months to due continued exposure to rain and mud. Scabs form normally along the horse’s neck, back and hind quarters. Often little tufts of hair will be coming out in these areas.
Adequate shelter or stabling will need to be provided whilst treating rain scald. An antibacterial solution to cleanse the affected areas should be used daily until the condition is fully resolved. If your horse is especially hairy clipping the areas will help allow treatment to be more effective. Make sure you clean your clippers thoroughly afterwards as the bacteria can cause reinfection if used again at a later date. This also applies to your grooming tack or any tack you may have used.

To prevent rain scald:
*An appropriate rug for your horse can help provide protection from the weather.
*Stabling for periods of time such as overnight gives the opportunity for your horse’s coat to dry
*Keeping your horse as clean, dry and well-groomed as possible.

29/11/2023

FOOT ABSCESSES

A hoof abscess describes a painful build-up of purulent material (pus) within the hoof capsule. It will often be extremely uncomfortable for the horse, causing an obvious lameness at walk.

Foot abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the hoof capsule and causing an infection. The cold and wet winter months can contribute to horses being particularly susceptible to developing foot abscesses.

What you can do to help prevent them?

•Pick out hooves regularly
•Stabling between turnout will help the hoof to dry out
•Avoid turning out in boggy fields and rotate pasture where possible to avoid build up of mud and wet conditions

If you think your horse may have a foot abscess or would like some advice please give us a call and speak to one of our vets.

25/11/2023

This month, we’re working with the entire veterinary sector to encourage the return out-of-date and unused antibiotics to help tackle the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance. During the amnesty throughout November, clients are encouraged to return out-of-date and unused medicines to our practice or one of our vets for safe disposal (we are only able to accept veterinary medicines). Thank you.

22/11/2023

HAVE YOU USED YOUR HEALTH CHECK BENEFIT? 🐴🩺

Are you a member of the Horse Health Programme?

As we head into the winter and if your horse hasn’t already had their annual health check which is included with your Horse Health Programme benefits, now is a good time to have it done as the colder months can often exaggerate any under lying problems.

Our health check includes an examination of general health, eyes, heart, lungs and also a trot up for any early signs of lameness.

Contact us to arrange appointment for your horse’s health check or if you’d like to sign up your horse up to the Horse Health Programme!

20/11/2023

SIGNS OF COLIC…


The change in pasture, forage such as hay/haylage and hard feed can be a cause of colic as autumn progresses. A gradual introduction to new forage is recommended over a period of two weeks to help reduce the risk.

Symptoms of colic include:

•Restlessness- box walking, circling and attempting to lie down or roll
•Lethargic – looking dull or depressed
•Sweating unusually
•Inappetant – not eating much or nothing at all
•Flank watching, pawing or kicking at belly
•Change in droppings or not passing droppings

If you suspect your horse has colic please contact us immediately to arrange for a vet to come out. Colic is treated as an emergency.