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Research into Shire horse illnesses

A donation has enabled research into common illnesses

The University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Equine Hospital in Neston, Wirral, is conducting a health survey to study the common illnesses affecting Shire horses.

The research has been made possible thanks to a £1,000 donation from members of the North West and Wales Shire Foal Society, which an affiliation of the Shire Horse Society.

It is intended to provide evidence-based information about how common certain health conditions are in Shire horses and will focus on areas that owners of Shire horses have specified that they would like veterinary researchers to study in the future, in order to maximise the heath and welfare of these horses.

Jean Pleavin Edge, of the North West and Wales Shire Foal Society, said: "We are delighted to be able to donate this money to the Leahurst Equine Hospital and even more thrilled that it will be put towards researching how common conditions such as Sweet Itch, an allergy which causes misery to Shire horses and their owners each year, are."
 
Dr Debbie Archer, of the Leahurst Equine Hospital, added: “Our speciality is in research, so donations like this make it possible to use our expertise to help benefit equine health wherever we can, whether we are looking at Thoroughbreds, Shire horses or an overweight Shetland pony – that is what we are here to do.”
 
The cheque was presented to the staff at the hospital during a short presentation on Wednesday, July 17.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.