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Equine headshaking treatment sought after
Academics assess long-term success rate of new “pioneering” procedure

The long-term success rate of a new "pioneering" surgical procedure in the treatment of headshaking syndrome in horses has been evaluated by academics from the University of Bristol and the University of Liverpool.

The main symptom of headshaking syndrome is an uncontrollable shaking or jerking of the head for no apparent reason. The diagnosis and treatment for this condition has progressed, but the pathology of the disease remains unknown and further research is needed.

The study was led by Veronica Roberts, clinical fellow in equine medicine at the Bristol School of Veterinary Science. She evaluated a procedure called the “caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve”, which sees platinum coils placed into the nerve ends within the canal to relieve pain.

The study found this surgery could be a possible option for treatment, with a long-term success rate of nearly 50 per cent. However, researchers are continually working to find a more effective treatment method.



Miss Roberts said: "There are striking clinical similarities between facial pain syndromes in people, most notably trigeminal neuralgia, and headshaking in horses.



"Headshaking in horses is a major welfare issue and more research is needed on the aetiopathogenesis of this pain syndrome to improve medical and surgical therapies. Headshaking is a significant cause of distress for some horses and this treatment in selected cases is needed even though the failure rate is limited."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.