Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Blue Cross issues laminitis warning to owners
Piglet (pictured) is living with a new family after recovering from a serious bout of laminitis in 2018.

UK weather and lockdown restrictions raise risk factor for crippling disease

Blue Cross is urging horse owners to stay informed on how to recognise and prevent the potentially fatal equine disease laminitis across the autumn months.

According to the charity, any horse or pony is susceptible to the pasture-associated form of laminitis, but overweight animals are at higher risk. Additionally, seasons where grass is growing are the most dangerous.

Clare Bevins, Horse Welfare Supervisor at Blue Cross, said: “The combination of sun and rain that we have been experiencing in most of the UK recently, coupled with many horses still out on summer pasture significantly raises the risk factor for laminitis.

“Add to the mix the fact that some owners may still be struggling with their horses’ weight given limitations on riding during the pandemic and potentially we have the perfect storm for laminitis.”

The charity has shared the story of Piglet, a six-year-old skewbald mare, to help owners understand when to take action to protect their horses and ponies from laminitis.

Piglet experienced a major bout of laminitis in autumn 2018 and was sent to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford for treatment. X-rays showed pedal bone rotation in both of her front feet. To treat this, her feet were trimmed every two weeks and pain relief was administered daily.

The pony was also placed on a strict weight loss programme, losing 21kg over the first four months of box rest. Piglet’s body condition score dropped from 5 (obese) to a perfect 3 and, over the next two months, she was comfortable enough to be turned out for short stints on a soft surface.

Six months after returning to Blue Cross, x-rays revealed that both of Piglet’s front pedal bones looked normal. The pony has since been rehomed with a family experienced in managing laminitis.

“Piglet was one of the fortunate ones – her laminitis was caught early, and immediate steps taken to treat the disease under the supervision of a vet and a remedial farrier.” said Clare.

For more information on laminitis, please visit the Blue Cross website.

Image (c) Blue Cross.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.