For our out of hours emergency service between 5.00pm and 8.45am weekdays and at weekends please call our main clinic daytime telephone number (01908 560789) where you will be automatically forwarded to a veterinary surgeon’s mobile number. A discussion with the vet can then be made to decide if a visit is required. We will then be with you as soon as possible.
Vaccinations are administered to horses to help boost their immune system. Administering vaccines will protect individual horses from disease and reduce the risk of spread through a herd. The most common vaccines available are for the diseases: Equine Influenza, Tetanus, Equine Herpes, and Strangles.
Tetanus
This is a disease caused by a bacterium (Clostridium tetani) which is found most commonly in the soil. It enters the body through wounds such as skin damage or hoof penetrations. The disease causes a multitude of symptoms including muscular spasms, twitching and potentially death. It is for this reason we strongly advise all horses to be vaccinated for Tetanus.
Equine Influenza (flu)
This is an infectious disease spread from one horse to another. Symptoms include snotty noses, lethargy and fever, and very rarely death. It is not common in the UK but outbreaks do occur and, due to the infectious nature of the disease, can have serious consequences to both herd health and yard closure.
Many competition authorities require horses to be vaccinated for Equine Influenza. Since there are variations in vaccination schedules between competition authorities we strongly recommend that owners research the specific requirement for the authority they are choosing to compete under.
A typical equine influenza vaccination schedule which covers most competeion authority rules is below and as such we send vaccine reminders under these dates.
- Starting course of 3 primary vaccinations…
- Time between 1st & 2nd vaccinations- 21-60 days (roughly 3 weeks – 2 months. We recommend targeting 4-6 weeks.
- Time between 2nd & 3rd vaccinations- 120-180 days (roughly 4-6 months).
- Thereafter either annually (no more than 365 days. 1 day over and the course will need to be restarted!), within 6 months (Horseracing Authority), or within the previous 6 months +21 days of a competition (FEI).
- Do note most authorities request that a vaccine has not been administered within 7 days of a competition or entry into a competition stable.
- Horses restarting a primary vaccination course can usually compete 8 days after the second dose of the vaccination.
We offer a personalised reminder service for all vaccinations (by email or telephone) to help avoid going over time. However, please note this is simply a reminder and it is the client’s responsibility to keep vaccinations up to date.
Equine Herpes
This is a viral condition that primarily affects the reproductive and respiratory systems. In mares it can cause abortions and so vaccinations should be given during pregnancy (on 3 occasions). In all horse but particularly youngsters in contact with other horses, it can cause snotty noses, lethargy and poor performance. After an initial primary course, the vaccinations must be administered every 6 months.
The old adage “prevention is better than cure” is equally true in veterinary medicine. It is for this reason we have formulated some packages that allow horses at particular risk of disease to be thoroughly assessed and laboratory tests performed in a cost effective manner.
The packages currently available are listed below. Please see the Offers page for current prices and further details.
- Veteran (15+) MOT Package: Includes a full clinical examination (heart, eyes and lungs), soundness examination including shoeing/hoof balance, faecal egg count, routine blood tests and a dental check (excluding corrective work).
- Performance health check: Includes clinical examination to assess fitness and performance suitability (heart, eyes, lungs), soundness examination, back check, routine blood test assessing inflammatory markers, and dental check (excluding corrective work), and 20% off any x-rays taken on anatomical sites of concern.
Please contact the clinic to book the consultation or to seek further information.
Castration or gelding of male horses involves the removal of both testicles in order to control their temperament and behaviour.
The most suitable age for the castration of youngsters is between 1 to 2 years of age. Before this age the testicles will be very small and difficult to access. After this age the blood vessels to the testicles are enlarged and the risk of bleeding following the procedure is increased.
The procedure should ideally be carried out in the Spring or Autumn when fly numbers are lowest to reduce risk of infection. However, we are happy to perform castrations at any time of year if required.
Routinely the procedure is performed with the horse standing and heavily sedated. The testicles are injected with local anaesthetic and a skin wound made in the scrotum below each testicle. The testicles are then exteriorised and the blood vessels to them crushed and cut (“emasculated”). The scrotal skin wounds are left open to allow drainage of fluid and prevent excessive swelling. For this reason dripping of some fluid from the wounds after castration is a good thing, but a constant stream of blood is not and veterinary advice should be sought immediately.
To prevent infection we routinely administer antibiotics. If the tetanus vaccination history is unknown or lacking we will also need to address this with tetanus antitoxin at the time of castration.
A few hours after the castration is performed the horse should be turned out into a paddock. This will encourage drainage from the surgical site. Over the next few days a close eye should be kept to the surgical area. It is normal for the area to become swollen after a couple of days but this should have settled by a week after surgery. Should a lot of blood be coming from the wound, foul smelling yellow pus accumulating, or tissue be poking from the wound, then veterinary advice should be sought.
More information on the castration procedure with answers to some commonly answered questions can be found here: Castration Questions Answered
To worm or not to worm, that is the question. There is much conflicting advice in the equine world on when and how to worm horses. To make it simple for our clients we have put together the following worming advice. The information below has been produced after consulting the most recent scientific literature. Please read the advice below and if you have any questions on worming your horse please ring the clinic to speak to one of our vet team so we can help.
To take advantage of this advice fully, why not sign up for one of our two Annual Worming Packages that provide the complete worming package at a fraction of the cost of regular worming protocols. Please call the clinic to sign up today (01908 560789).
A printable version of our worming advice can be found here
Adult horses (>6 months of age)
During the months April, July and October the levels of adult worms should be monitored using worm egg counting (WEC). Samples of dung should be delivered to our clinic in the morning. A veterinary surgeon will then report the worm levels of your horse within 24 hours and give appropriate worming advice.
Foals (<6.5 months)
Immediately after birth foals are at greatest risk of receiving worm from their mothers. Mare should therefore be wormed towards the end of pregnancy (see below). Foals should not be wormed until 6 weeks of age. We then advise giving the foal a wormer containing fenbendazole (Panacur) or ivermectin.
Weanlings, yearlings, 2, 3, & 4 year olds
Worming should be maintained regularly throughout the year alternating annually between ivermectin, moxidectin and pyrantel. Young horses are most at risk from high worm levels so should be treated regularly.
Lactating mares
We recommend lactating mares should not be wormed until at least 2 weeks after giving birth. We then advise giving a moxidectin or ivermectin based wormers repeatedly while the foal is at foot. The timing of this wormer depends on which wormer was last given during the pregnancy, i.e. 13 weeks after last moxidectin wormer, 8 weeks after last ivermectin wormer.
Pregnant mares
It is important to maintain a worm free status in the pregnant mare as she can pass on worm larvae to the foal soon after birth. We therefore recommend monitoring worm egg levels (WEC) as for adults horses (above) and giving a moxidectin or ivermectin wormer within the last month of pregnancy.
In order to indicate that a horse or pony is above or below a certain height, it is often necessary to obtain an official height measurement issued by the Joint Measurement Board (JMB). This is achieved by visiting a veterinary surgeon registered to perform the height measurement.
At BEV, Andrew Wallace is a vet registered with the JMB to perform the measurement procedure at the Buckingham clinic. He will give every opportunity for ponies/horses to achieve the desired height by ensuring the measurement is undertaken in a quite environment where animals are able to relax.
For more information on the procedure visit the JMB’s own website at: www.thejmbonline.co.uk
In the unfortunate circumstance that a horse becomes acutely ill it may be necessary to continue therapy in a more controlled environment that is available at a yard. In this circumstance we may advise moving the horse to our clinic in Wicken.
The new clinic has been purpose-built to provide modern facilities to cater for the needs of equine patients with stabling, stocks, fluid therapy and new diagnostic equipment.
24 hour care is provided with highly trained vet (a European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine) living on-site. Furthermore CCTV is placed in each stable to closely monitor patients even when they are left alone.
In order to correct certain abnormalities it is sometimes necessary to undergo surgery. Recent evidence has highlighted the benefits of performing many procedures with the horse remaining standing rather than being placed under general anaesthetic (GA).
The standing procedure has the advantage over one performed under GA by:
- Reducing the risk of injury during induction and recovery
- Reducing the volume of haemorrhaging during the operation
- Faster recovery
- Reduced costs
At BEV, whenever suitable, we will perform surgery standing rather than surgery under GA.
Furthermore, to ensure the highest possible successful outcome, we may seek the assistance of a visiting surgeon to perform the surgery. In the same way in human medicine you wouldn’t expect your GP to perform heart surgery on you, we draw in the expertise of vets specifically training and qualified to undertake complex equine surgical procedures. This ensures the highest possible surgical standards yet by being located at our clinic, reduces transport time and inconvenience to the client.
Laboratory procedures are an important aspect of veterinary medicine. For this reason we have recently invested in new laboratory equipment to provide us with extensive laboratory support.
- Haematology blood analysis - Information on the bloods cells (red & white). Useful in assessing evidence of infections, anaemia (low red cells), and hydration.
- Biochemistry blood analysis - Information on the biochemical elements of the blood, including indications of kidney function, liver function, muscle damage, electrolyte imbalance.
- Acute phase protein analysis, including Fibrinogen and Serum Amyloid A (SAA)- Sensitive indicators to the presence of inflammation and infections. These are extremely useful in equine practice.
- Worm eggs counts - used to give an estimate of the worm eggs present in a faecal (dung) sample, and thereby estimating the level of roundworms within the horse. Please provide a small sample of dung (approximately one dung ball). Sample pots are available from the clinic if required. The results will be interpreted by a vet, and one of them will ring you with advice on the worming drugs most suitable to your horse.
You may obtain Prescription Only Medicines Veterinary, (POM-Vs) from your veterinary surgeon or ask for a prescription and obtain these medicines from another veterinary surgeon or a pharmacy. A veterinary surgeon may prescribe POM-Vs only for animals under their care. A prescription may not be appropriate if your animal is an in-patient or immediate treatment is necessary. You will be informed, on request, of the price of any medicine that may be dispensed for your animal.
The general policy of this practice is to re-assess an animal requiring repeat prescriptions every 6 months, but this may vary with individual circumstances. The standard charge for a re-examination is £31.84 plus visit charge.
Further information on the prices of medicines is available on request.
We provide comprehensive services to our donkey clients, including 24/7 emergency care, dental care, vaccinations, health checks, blood sampling, castrations, worming advice, weight and nutrition advice, paddock walks and general management advice.
Saying goodbye to a much loved horse or pony is understandably extremely emotional for many. Our practice reception team is always there to provide support if needed, but sometimes it is better to talk to trained bereavement councillor. Fortunately, there are two national organisations that help at this sad time, namely The British Horse Society’s ‘Friends at the End’ and the Blue Cross Bereavement Service.
Further information on these two great support services and links to their websites are listed here:
British Horse Society ‘Friends at the End’
https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/euthanasia/friends-at-the-end/
Friends at the End was launched in response to pleas from owners who felt isolated and unsupported during the time every horse lover dreads. Through this initiative, our BHS ‘Friends’ have helped many owners either before, during or after the loss of their beloved horse.
All our Friends at the End team have received training from bereavement counsellors, so they have a genuine understanding of the loss and grief that come when a horse passes. They aren’t there to take the place of a counsellor or vet, but they can offer an extra source of support. At the hardest time in a horse owner’s journey, our Friends are available to make it as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Get in touch – we’re here to help
If you feel that you might benefit from talking to someone through the Friends at the End scheme the Welfare Team are available to offer you advice and support with any questions or concerns you may have.
Don’t hesitate to call us on 02476 840517* or email welfare@bhs.org.uk – You can also get in touch with us via our social media channels.
Opening times are 8:35am-5pm from Monday – Thursday and 8:35am-3pm on Friday.
*Calls may be recorded for monitoring purposes.
Blue Cross Bereavement Services
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss
Losing a horse or pony can often be equated to losing a member of the family. It is important not to underestimate the grieving process, and the strength of feelings that any owner or carer may feel once their horse has been put to sleep. It may be useful to talk to family members, or in some cases a trained counsellor who deals specifically with people suffering from grief.
The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service is a telephone helpline and email service that offers free and confidential support to bereaved pet owners, through a national network of trained volunteer befrienders.
The Blue Cross Bereavement services are available 365 days of the year to those who need us. They can be contacted on 0800 096 6606 (8.30am-8.30pm) or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.
