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New research on pain-associated behaviour in horses presented
Pain in horses will always be elusive due to their natural ability to conceal weakness in the wild.
Saddles, rider weight and pain assessment investigated

Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Centre of Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust, presented two of her studies of work at the Saddle Research Trust Conference on 8 December 2018.

One study revealed how ill-fitting saddles and heavier riders can result in back pain and tension in the horse. Four riders of similar ability, but with different bodyweights, each rode a horse which was then assessed for changes in back dimensions and responses to thoracolumbar palpation. Gait, signs of stress, behaviour and forces under the saddle were also evaluated as part of the study.

The results concluded that the heavier the rider, the greater the pressure under the saddle. With heavier riders, the thoracolumbar dimensions decreased (an opposite effect to that of light and medium riders) and was associated with pain and tension in the horse’s back.

Dr Dyson emphasised that the implication is not that heavy riders should not ride; but rather that a suitable horse with a saddle that is properly fitted for both horse and rider is imperative in order to reduce the potential for pain and performance decline.   

The second study demonstrated how an ethogram based on 24 ridden behaviours to assess pain and lameness could be accurately used by trained and untrained assessors alike. In part of the study, the ethogram was applied to 21 video recordings of horses before and after diagnostic analgesia by a trained experienced analyst as well as 10 people who had not been trained. The results showed that all observers recognised a highly significant decrease in overall scores after diagnostic analgesia. A trained assessor is required, however, for accurate analysis.

Dr Dyson commented: “Pain in horses has always been elusive because, in their capacity as flight animals, they will naturally conceal it to hide weakness or vulnerability.

“As our knowledge of the ridden horse’s inherent weight-bearing capacity increases, the ethogram presents a useful monitoring tool: horses in pain may be silent, but behaviour is their voice and we need to listen and be receptive.”

 

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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.