News / Updates
Merry Christmas
We would like to wish all our clients and friends a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2010. Thank you all for your support in 2009 and we hope that you (and your horses) have a great new year.
With all the recent rain this autumn we have noticed an upsurge in colic cases, These have mostly been spasmodic /gas type colics. However as the ground is now so soft (/waterlogged) we have noticed a few cases of impactions, which we have put down to lack of turnout. It is very important that horses get at least some exercise daily, even if it means turning them out onto an all weather surface for part of the day. Be careful to pick up any hay /droppings subsequently so as not to encourage weeds.
We have also noticed some cases of laminitis, the weather has been unseasonably warm /mild and the grass has subsequently continued to grow. The chilly but bright sunny days can result in high sugar levels in the grass. Do not assume that laminitis is just a spring /summer problem, it occurs all year 'round. Please remain vigilant, check susceptible horses /ponies' feet daily for any heat /increased pulses. The earliest sign of laminitis might just be that they are not so forward going as usual.
Remember that this time of year all horses need to be wormed for Bots, we recommend ivermectin (eg. Eqvalan /Noromectin). If you would like to receive a copy of our guide to worming horses fact sheet, please contact us at the clinic, (01245 231152).
Star Vet?
We are proud to announce that Conor Fenelon mrvcs has again been nominated for a prize in the annual Pet Plan sponsored 'Star in the Practice' competition for veterinary staff who go over and above the call of duty in providing veterinary care to their clients. This is the second time that Conor has been nominated for this prestigious prize and we would especially like to thank all our clients who took the time to nominate him for this award.
Sponsorship
To coincide with the opening of our new branch practice at the Hastingwood House dressage centre, we are very pleased to announce that we have sponsored the very promising young dressage rider Harriette Williams.
Eleven year old Harriette Williams, who lives near Old Harlow, is a member of the British Young Rider Dressage Scheme (BRYDS) for the Eastern Region and is competing regularly in competitions right across the country. Her father is the well known and respected local farrier, Mick Williams and her mother Caroline is a keen rider, (so that you could almost say that Harriette was born to compete at a high level). She started riding when she was four years old and her ambition is to represent her country as a professional rider, (Conor is currently checking to see if she is eligible to compete for Ireland!). She has been in training with Jill Day and taking part in affiliated dressage competitions for under a year. During the summer she represented England as a representative of the Eastern Region at a competition in Scotland. She came seventh in her individual event and her team was placed third overall.
We have known Harriette and her family as clients of the practice for a long time and are impressed with the commitment she has shown to her training and involvement in competition. She has a great talent and a real will to succeed. At the Acorns Equine Clinic we're passionate about horses and equally passionate about nurturing young talent. Sponsoring Harriette and her pony Magnum brings these passions together very well. The whole practice is behind her and we would like to wish her all the best of luck in the future.
Ragwort Warning;
This year's wet summer has resulted epidemic levels of ragwort. This fact when combined with the probable shortage of good quality hay has led many Vets to worry about a possible upsurge in ragwort poisoning this year. It is calculated that about 5,000 horses and ponies die in the UK each year from ragwort poisoning. Normally this weed is unpalatable to horses (and donkeys) due to its bitter taste, however when it is dried (e.g. in hay) it becomes much more palatable and poisoning can follow. Signs of poisoning include loss of condition, poor appetite and aimless uncoordinated movement. Please be especially careful when you buy your hay this winter, remember in most instances in life, 'you tend to get what you pay for'.
Equine Insurance
Due to the high cost of veterinary treatment we recommend that prudent and responsible owners should insure their horses with a reputable company. We are happy to recommend Pet Plan Equine (and advise on their policies) to all of our clients. Additionally we can offer discount vouchers to any of our clients who take out a new policy with Pet Plan. If you would like to discuss this offer please feel free to contact us at the clinic.
FEI changes the rules on flu vaccinations.
At the general assembly of the FEI in 2004, they approved an change in their rules regarding influenza vaccinations. They now require that all horses competing in FEI competitions receive booster vaccinations at six monthly intervals. The actual wording of the rule change is as follows. 'The FEI requirement for equine influenza vaccination will be for booster vaccinations at 6 -month intervals as from 1 January 2005'. In practice our understanding of this rule change is as follows, horses that have had a primary course of vaccinations with annual boosters now just have to receive their boosters at six monthly intervals, they do NOT have to restart their primary courses again. There will also be a three week window at the end of the six month period to facilitate competition horses. Although the wording states that it refers to 'FEI competitions' we are currently unsure as to what happens to horses competing in say showing classes at FEI shows (e.g. Wembley). Accordingly we have to advise that you should check with your relevant breed or competition organisations to see if their rules have changed in any way as a result of this. WE WOULD STRESS THAT IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR HORSES ARE VACCINATED PROPERLY ACCORDING TO THE RULES OF THEIR CHOSEN DISCIPLINE.