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Encysted small strongyle test under development
Horse grazing
Small strongyles are a group of parasites commonly found in the gut of grazing horses.

Test to be used with saliva samples

A diagnostic blood test for the assessment of encysted small strongyle larval burdens in horses is being developed by scientists at the Moredun Group.

The novel test detects antibodies to larval cyathostomins encysted in the gut of infected horses.

Working in collaboration with Austin Davis Biologics, Moredun will develop the test for use with saliva samples.

If successful, this would simplify the collection process, enabling horse owners to take samples directly from their horse for analysis.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Austin Davis Biologics to further develop this test,” commented Moredon Group leader Professor Jacqui Matthews. “The company has significant experience in the development of saliva-based tests for the equine market.”

Small strongyles are a group of parasites commonly found in the gut of grazing horses. Typically the higher the worm burden, the higher the risk of clinical disease in the horse.

Infestation can lead to a dull coat, weight loss, colic, severe diarrhoea and death.

For the early stages of this collaborative project, scientists are joining forces with equine veterinary practices to collect matched samples of blood and saliva.

After initial development, saliva tests will be compared with the previously validated blood test.

“We are very pleased to be working with Moredun on this exciting project,” added Dr Corrine Austin, of Austin Davis Biologics.

“A saliva test for encrusted cyathostomins will provide horse owners, equine veterinarians and animal medicines advisors with a new tool to target the treatment of cyathostomin infections in horses.”

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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. 

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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.