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Study highlights increase in ageing equines
horses in a field
As UK horses are ageing, the number of them suffering from multiple chronic conditions is also going up.

Researchers carry out first large-scale analysis of horse health

The average age of horses in the UK appears to be on the increase, according to new research.

A study by the University of Glasgow's School of Veterinary Medicine found that as UK horses are ageing, the number of them suffering from multiple chronic conditions is also going up.

The findings mirror concerns in the human medical field surrounding how best to deal with an ageing population with more complex medical needs.

Funded by the Animal Welfare Foundation, the study is the first large-scale analysis of horse health in the UK.

Through the use of electronic medical records from seven veterinary practices across the UK, the team were able to estimate the prevalence of nine chronic diseases among horses. They then assessed the effects of these diseases on average life expectancy following diagnosis.

Using these methods the team found evidence of increasing population age. Multiple diseases occurred in 1.2 per cent of the study population and had a significant effect on survival times.
Laminitis was involved in 74 per cent cases of multimorbidity.

“The results of the current study taken together constitute an important contribution to the understanding of equine epidemiology, and indicate that veterinarians may encounter greater numbers of aged animals in future," the researchers conclude.

“Chronic disease is prevalent and of serious concern for equine welfare and longevity, and the apparent prevalence of multimorbidity appears to be increasing.”

The team say that further study of multimorbidity in the horse may help to better understand chronic conditions and to formulate appropriate management strategies.

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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.