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Free laminitis pack for owners
Leaflets to help bust myths about disease

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has produced information leaflets on laminitis to help address myths surrounding the disease.

Following the discovery that 90 per cent of laminitis cases are caused by one of two underlying conditions, the sanctuary decided to take action to educate owners.

The two conditions linked with the disease are Equine Metabolic Syndrome, which is directly associated with obesity, and Equine Cushing's Disease, which is neither preventable nor curable.

According to Redwings, any horse with either condition should not be allowed to graze spring grass, as they will be particularly susceptible to laminitis.

"Laminitis itself is shrouded in myths and confusion," said Redwings' vet, Roxane Kirton, who mentioned walking it off, a few days in the stable and hot feet are all myths that surround the disease.

"Research is ongoing, but recent research suggests most cases of laminitis are a sign of either Equine Cushing's Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

"We have produced a set of free leaflets to help horse owners understand these two conditions, as well as what to do if laminitis strikes and how to spot its often-subtle symptoms."

Email Redwings or call 01508 481008 to order your free copy of the laminitis pack.

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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.