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Bog spavin report published
Causes of bog spavin in Clydesdales need to be recognised by owners

A survey conducted by Martin Weaver and Laura Wilant of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has suggested that owners of Clydesdale horses need to be more aware of the causes of bog spavin.

The survey looked at the commonness of bog spavin and how owners of Clydesdale horses deal with it. The survey, conducted in both the UK and the USA, indicated that 10% of the 935 horses show signs of bog spavin, a problem affecting the chronic fluid distension of the hock joint.

The owners' approach to the condition in the UK indicated nearly half of the affected horses were not investigated at all and with just 12.2% receiving radiographic examination. However, in the USA over 75% of horses received some investigation and 37.7% of affected horses underwent radiographic examination.

It is believed some of the cases of bog spavin identified in the survey could be due to undetected osteochondrosis. The authors argue that if more owners knew about the possible causes of bog spavin they might be more likely to investigate and therefore identify those horses with osteochondrosis. Arthroscopic surgery could then be offered to appropriate cases to reduce the risk of this condition.

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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.