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Gastric ulcers most common equine insurance claim, data shows
Image: Horse owner concerned about costs
Digestive disorders were the most commonly claimed ailment for the second year.

Digestive disorders including ulcers top the list for second year running.

Data collected by horse insurance brokers has identified that gastric ulcers were the most commonly claimed ailment in 2022.

The data, compiled by SEIB Insurance Brokers, revealed that digestive disorders including colic and gastric ulcers were the top cause for claims for the second year running.

Of this group, gastric ulcers were the most commonly claimed digestive disorder with 59 per cent claims relating to this.

A breakdown of gastric ulcer claims revealed that 37 per cent of claims cost over £3,000, with 5 per cent reaching £5,000.

The next most common claim was external trauma from fields and stables, followed by external trauma from riding.

External trauma (from any source) contributed 56 per cent of all equine claims made, with 17 per cent of these claims reaching costs of £3,000.

This was then followed by degenerative diseases, including skin disease, which had an average claim cost of £2,435.

Disease of the teeth, jaws and gums also featured in the top ten ailments list, alongside medical colic and sarcoids, melanoma and tumours.

The cost of living crisis has changed the way horse owners care for their horses, with a World Horse Welfare survey revealing that 20 per cent of horse owners cutting horse care expenditures, including insurance.

SEIB is urging owners to get adequate horse insurance to shield them from the effects of unexpected costs.

SEIB’s marketing manager Nicolina MacKenzie said: “There are so many wonderful advances in veterinary treatment and technology which help our horses live longer, happier and healthier lives. However, this has resulted in the cost of treatments going up significantly meaning that having correct and effective insurance for our horses is more important than ever before.

“We never know what is around the corner, but insurance helps ensure the wellbeing of our horses and provides peace of mind to horse owners.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.