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Temperature ranges to monitor horse health ‘may be inaccurate’
The aim is to repeat the study on a number of other equine yards across the UK to review the overall normal range.
Study suggests traditional ranges may need reviewing

Temperature ranges that are traditionally used to monitor horse health may be inaccurate, new research suggests.

Rectal temperature is vital for monitoring equine wellness and allows for early detection of infections and assessment of disorders including colic.

Whilst books and other sources have provided ‘normal’ temperature ranges for many years, there has been no recent published work to determine whether these values are representative of healthy horses.

Researchers from Nottingham Trent University (NTU), working with the Royal Agricultural University, investigated the normal body temperature of 41 horses on the NTU yard, using more than 600 measurements.

Findings show that the upper limit of the ‘normal’ range published previously (38.5ºC), is typically 0.5ºC higher than the results from clinically normal horses in this study. Researchers found the normal temperature range for horses on this yard to be 36-38ºC.

The study, which has been published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, suggests that the temperature ranges cited in textbooks may need reviewing and updating. The aim is to repeat the study on a number of other equine yards across the UK to review the overall normal range.

Lead author and veterinary surgeon Emily Hall said: "Due to factors such as antibiotic resistance, climate change, and ever-increasing movement of horses, it is increasingly important that early signs of ill-health or disease are picked up as early as possible.

“By establishing a reference range specific to the yard at NTU, we can now be more confident in identifying horses that are too hot, or too cold, and take appropriate action.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.