Equine Matters Spring 2019

02 Equine Matters Spring 2019 welcome Spring Edition 2019 the editor XLVets Equine is a group of 25 equine practices spanning the length and breadth of the UK. We work together to share experience, knowledge, ideas and skills in order to define and deliver the highest standards of equine health, care and welfare. Hello and welcome to the Spring edition of Equine Matters. I sit down to write my welcome to this Spring edition of Equine Matters at the end of a busy Friday. Traditionally a quieter time of year for us equine vets, it would be fair to say that this past February has probably been the busiest most of us have experienced, all thanks to three little letters: flu. With many equestrian associations advising that horses which had not been vaccinated in the last six months receive a booster injection, vets up and down the country have been doing their best to ensure we can protect the UK horse population as much as possible. The cases of Equine Influenza have pushed infection control to the forefront of owners’ minds and whilst the situation appeared to be settling down at the time of writing, we should take this opportunity to brush up on best practice! Plan Prevent Protect is a guide produced by XLVets in conjunction with the Animal Health Trust to give horseowners and yard owners an introduction to the contagious diseases that you should be aware of, as well as helping to form a plan for your individual yard to keep your horses as safe as possible. Ask your vet about getting a copy or visit www.xlvets-equine.co.uk Susan Donaldson Clyde Vets Why is my mare not in foal? Andrea Kilduff-Taylor of 608 Equine & Farm explains some of the more common reasons why a mare fails to conceive. Infertility 13 Behavioural problems 17 Managing the moody mare Equine insurance explained 08 Robert Peckham of Paragon Veterinary Group provides some sound advice on what should be considered when thinking about insuring your horse. Desmitis - suspensory ligament strains 15 David Rutherford of Fellowes Farm Equine details the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for ligament injuries. Condition scoring your horse 19 Sara Fleck of Bishopton Equine explains a couple of ways to body condition score your horse. Karl Holliman from Cliffe Equine describes the causes of behavioural changes in mares and how your vet can help. What can we learn from a blood test? 03 Alastair Todd of Kernow Farm & Equine describes the wide range of things that vets can learn from a blood sample. Castration - the nuts and bolts 05 Most castrations happen in the spring so Andrew Robinson from Millcroft Vets explains the procedure and what to expect. Euthanasia: What to expect 11 Putting an animal to sleep is an emotional experience for everyone involved, Rosie Alcorn from Wright & Morten gives some insight into how it happens. contents FACEBOOK COMPETITION Page 21