Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th August 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Working closely together ‘could help prevent laminitis’
“The key is to ensure that farriers and owners can be ‘matched’ appropriately".
Study explores relationships between farriers and horse owners

Farriers who work closely with horse owners and take a holistic approach could help to prevent laminitis, new research suggests.

Researchers from the University of Surrey carried out in-depth interviews with farriers and horse owners, to learn more about their relationships with one another and their approach to equine care.

Findings published in the Equine Veterinary Journal suggest farriers who take a holistic approach place emphasis on building long-term, trusting relationships with owners. This approach and a commitment to the overall health of the horse could potentially reduce instances of the disease.

Researchers also found that farriers who are more technically-focused can work well with owners who already have knowledge and understanding of laminitis. However, these farriers are not providing the more welfare-focused support, particularly to new horse owners.

Figures suggest 75 per cent of horses in Britain are cared for by their owner, many of whom are new to caring for horses and may not have the knowledge or skill needed to care for those at risk of laminitis. In these cases, Surrey scientists say the farrier is invaluable in helping to identify potential risk factors, such as obesity.

Lead author Jenny Lynden said: “The relationship between a horse owner and their farrier is not to be underestimated. When more holistic support is required by an owner, farriers who want to and have trained to engage in this way, have a huge role to play in providing this support.

“The key is to ensure that farriers and owners can be ‘matched’ appropriately, so that owners who require more holistic-focused interventions can access farriers who can and want to offer this type of support.”

New surveys are now underway to find out more about how farriers and horse owners work together, to inform support for farriers’ CPD.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.