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.
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

Equine vets warn of worsening situation in Ukraine
More than 20,000 horses remain in the 'critical welfare zone' in Ukraine.

Charitable foundation issues plea for diagnostic equipment.

More than 20,000 horses remain in the 'critical welfare zone' in Ukraine, and the situation is 'getting worse over time', an equestrian charity has warned.

Stress due to the war environment, restricted food intake, wounds and relocation are among the most common challenges faced by equine vets in the country, five months after Russia's invasion began.

A survey of almost all practising Ukrainian equine veterinary surgeons conducted by the Ukraine Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF) also revealed that lack of medicines and medical equipment are significant issues.

The survey found that while essential medicine for horses is readily available, thanks to the help of international veterinary organisations, it is quickly spent owing to the poor condition of the horses. Furthermore, because horse owners are losing their jobs and income, they cannot pay for treatment, and this is directly affecting horse welfare.

Secondly, the survey revealed a lack of professional diagnostic equipment in the country, including portable x-rays, ultrasound and endoscope machines. The same devices often need to be transferred great distances across Ukraine, impacting vets' ability to make a timely diagnosis due to the weakening condition of the horses.

UEF-CF founder Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, who is also secretary-general of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation, said: “Despite the summer period and humanitarian help with horse food, the risks still remain, as the war does not stop. The need for relocation horses continue.

"This leads to a decrease in immunity and diseases that end in complications and deaths. In these critical moments, the lack of medicines and medical equipment for veterinarians is the main challenge for saving the horse's life.”

There are currently just 30 equine vets available for the increased needs of horses in the whole of Ukraine - a territory equivalent in size to France. The survey found that many vets do not request payment for their services because horse owners cannot afford it.

Taisia Stadnichenko, head of Ukrainian Operations for the UEF-CF, said that vets often ask owners to pay them only to cover fuel expenses due to the fuel shortage in the country.

“It is probably worth thinking about a separate fund to pay for the services of veterinarians who care for horses for free or at a minimal cost," she said. "They do a great job over a large area and in particularly difficult and often dangerous conditions.”

In light of its findings, the UEF-CF is calling for veterinary partnerships to source and deliver portable diagnostics equipment to increase the availability of facilities in at least three Ukrainian regions.

“A UEF-CF spokesperson said: “Thanks to the generous support of international organisations and private persons, the urgently needed basic veterinary supplies are shipped regularly. But due to the weakening health of horses, these basic supplies are not enough for more serious cases. There are also plans for online workshops and training sessions as well as short-term veterinary missions to Ukraine.

“The war in Ukraine is not over yet. It has been going on for 146 days already and the humanitarian crisis deteriorates at alarming speed. The problem is getting worse by the fact that horse owners are losing their jobs and can’t pay for medicine and veterinary services. Ukrainian veterinary professionals are very concerned about the horses´ welfare and accessibility of professional veterinary help.”

For more information, to make a donation or to offer help, visit helpukrainehorses.eu


Image (C) UEF-CF.

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

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.