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"Influx" of atypical myopathy cases
horse
Research has linked toxins in the seeds of sycamore trees to atypical myopathy.
Vets advise restricted access to sycamore

Newmarket vets have seen "an influx" of horses with equine atypical myopathy (AM) and are warning owners to restrict access to sycamore trees, which have been linked to the potentially lethal condition.

Over the past week, Rossdales Equine Hospital says it has seen several cases of the muscle disease, all of which were sycamore related.

Past research suggests AM is likely to be caused by ingestion of sycamore tree seeds, which contain the toxin hypoglycin-A. The condition is thought to be particularly common after periods of wet and windy weather.

Rossdales' internal medicine specialist, Professor Celia Marr, said recent weather conditions are likely to have been "an additional trigger factor."

She added: "We would recommend removing access to sycamore and providing supplementary feed during bad weather - both are appropriate measures."

AM causes the destruction of muscle tissue, including the heart. Dark coloured urine is "a characteristic sign," said Professor Marr. The presenting sign in about 10 to 20 per cent of patients is sudden stiffness or difficulty swallowing.

Other signs include muscle tremors, breathing problems, sudden weakness and low body temperature.

Swift treatment and careful management is essential in AM cases.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."