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Tag: equine

SAME NAME, DIFFERENT MANE: WHEN KAI MET KAI!!

CASE STUDY: SAME NAME, DIFFERENT MANE: WHEN KAI MET KAI!!

Kai, a Dartmoor Hill pony, recently had the slightly unusual experience of being treated by his namesake, our vet Kai!

Pony Kai was examined following the sudden onset of severe left forelimb lameness after spending some time turned out in the field.
On closer examination, a small crack was identified along the sole of his foot, which was particularly painful when gentle pressure was applied.

X-rays revealed that Kai had unfortunately sustained a small chip fracture of his pedal bone, with a deep pocket of dirt and small stones trapped beneath the cracked sole.

TREATMENT

Thankfully, the problem could be treated with a standing surgical procedure, which Kai tolerated brilliantly.

The damaged sole was carefully pared away, allowing the trapped stones and debris to be removed.

The affected area was then thoroughly cleaned and flushed, and the contaminated portion of pedal bone carefully debrided.

After a few weeks of box rest, pain relief and antibiotics – along with plenty of bandage changes from his very dedicated owner – we’re delighted to report that Kai has made a fantastic recovery and is now back to his usual self.

And, of course, we couldn’t miss the opportunity for a photo of Kai and Kai, reunited a few days ago under much happier circumstances!

2026 REPRODUCTION SEASON UPDATE

2026 REPRODUCTION SEASON UPDATE

2026 has been another busy and successful year for our Reproduction Team — Rob, Jade and Betty.

Throughout the season, we have performed a variety of frozen and chilled AI procedures, assisted with natural cover cycles, and carried out infertility investigations.

With every mare and client we work with, we aim to gather as much information as possible about the breeding cycle, previous breeding history and semen type selected. This helps us guide you towards the most appropriate approach for your mare.

Every mare is an individual, and we treat each case accordingly. The more we can learn about a mare throughout her cycle, the better we can plan an efficient breeding programme and determine the appropriate level of intervention for her individual needs.

As we head towards the end of summer and the start of weaning, we are still busy with youngstock and foal general health and routine work.

2027 BREEDING SEASON

Preparation for the 2027 breeding season is also already underway. If you are considering breeding next year, or would simply like to discuss your options, please do get in touch with us — we would be very happy to help.

Thank you for your support throughout 2026, and we look forward to seeing you in 2027!

Rob, Jade & Betty

WHAT IS ATYPICAL MYOPATHY?

WHAT IS ATYPICAL MYOPATHY?

Atypical Myopathy (AM) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by horses ingesting sycamore seeds, seedlings, or leaves that contain a toxin called hypoglycin A. Once ingested, this toxin causes severe muscle damage, affecting the horse’s ability to move, breathe, and maintain normal bodily functions.

HOW MUCH DOES A HORSE NEED TO INGEST TO BE AFFECTED?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer.

Not all sycamore trees contain the same levels of toxin, and concentrations can vary significantly between trees and from year to year. As a result, there is no known “safe” amount of sycamore material that a horse can consume.

Fortunately, sycamore seeds and seedlings have a bitter taste, and horses generally avoid eating them when sufficient grazing or forage is available. However, young horses can be more inquisitive and may be at greater risk of consuming them.

If you are concerned about sycamore contamination in your paddocks, samples of seeds, seedlings, and leaves can be tested for hypoglycin A. The Royal Veterinary College offers testing services for horse owners wishing to assess the risk on their land.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS?

Signs of atypical myopathy can develop suddenly and may include:

  • Depression and lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Muscle tremors
  • Stiffness or reluctance to move
  • Rapid of irregular heart rate
  • Dark red or brown urine
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Colic-like symptoms

If you notice any of these signs, particularly during periods when sycamore seeds or seedlings are present, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.

HOW IS ATYPICAL MYOPATHY DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis is based on a combination of:

  • A history of access to sycamore trees, seeds, seedlings, or leaves
  • Compatible clinical signs
  • Blood tests showing evidence of muscle damage

Additional blood and urine tests can be performed to detect the presence of the toxin and help confirm the diagnosis.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Unfortunately, there is currently no specific cure for atypical myopathy. Treatment focuses on intensive supportive care and nursing.

This may include:

  • Intravenous fluid therapy
  • Pain relief
  • Nutritional and vitamin supplementation to help limit ongoing muscle damage
  • Careful monitoring and supportive nursing

Early recognition and aggressive treatment are crucial. The chances of survival depend largely on the extent of muscle damage that has already occurred by the time treatment begins.

For severely affected horses, the prognosis remains poor, with survival rates reported between 10% and 25%.

HOW CAN I PREVENT ATYPICAL MYOPATHY?

Prevention focuses on reducing exposure to sycamore seeds, leaves, and seedlings.

Practical steps include:

  • Fencing off areas around sycamore trees
  • Regularly clearing paddocks of seeds and seedlings
  • Providing supplementary hay when grass is sparse
  • Removing sycamore trees from grazing areas where possible
  • Monitoring fields closely during autumn and spring, when the risk is highest

Remember!
Sycamore seeds, often known as “helicopters”, can travel surprisingly long distances. They may be found up to 200 yards from the parent tree, so neighbouring trees can still pose a risk even if there are no sycamores within your paddock.

EARLY ACTION SAVES LIVES

Atypical myopathy is a veterinary emergency. Prompt recognition of the signs and immediate treatment provide the best chance of survival. If you suspect your horse may have ingested sycamore material or is showing any of the signs listed above, contact us without delay.

CELLULITIS VS LYMPHANGITIS- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?!

Photo Credit: ARND

CELLULITIS VS LYMPHANGITIS- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?!

A lot of owners are familiar with the terms cellulitis and lymphangitis, but what are the difference in these conditions?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the subcutaneous tissues. It typically causes a hot, painful swelling in the affected area. Most commonly, it affects the limbs, although it can occur anywhere on the body.

The condition is usually associated with a wound or prolonged exposure to wet and muddy conditions that soften and damage the skin’s natural barrier.
Horses with Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) or feather mite infestations can also develop cellulitis.

Clinical signs include:

  • A hot, localised swelling that can be painful to touch
  • Varying degrees of lameness
  • Occasionally, a raised temperature (greater than 38.5°C)

Lymphangitis on the other hand is inflammation of the lymphatic vessels within the limb and is generally a more severe condition than cellulitis.

Affected horses are often extremely lame, have a high temperature, and develop significant swelling throughout the entire limb, extending from the hoof to the elbow or stifle. This dramatic swelling is often described as giving the leg a “tree trunk” appearance.

TREATMENT

Treatment of both cellulitis and lymphangitis typically involves anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the condition, your veterinary surgeon may also recommend corticosteroids or intravenous medications.

Prompt treatment is essential. The longer inflammation persists, the greater the risk of damage to the lymphatic vessels, which can become permanent.

In mild cases of cellulitis, horses recover fully and may never experience another episode. However, recurrence is common in more severe cases of cellulitis and lymphangitis due to lasting damage to the lymphatic drainage system.

It is important to remember that not every swollen limb is caused by cellulitis. However, if you are ever concerned about swelling in your horse’s leg, please contact us for advice. Our veterinary team will be happy to discuss your concerns and determine whether an examination is required.

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REDUCING THE RISK OF CELLULITIS AND LYMPHANGITIS

While these conditions cannot always be prevented, the following measures can help reduce the risk:

  • Keep your horse moving, as exercise supports circulation and lymphatic drainage.
  • Minimise the amount of time spent standing in deep mud or sand.
  • Thoroughly dry the legs after washing or prolonged exposure to rain.
  • Consider stable bandaging horses that are standing in for extended periods or are prone to limb swelling while stabled provided legs are completely dry before bandaging.
  • Treat for mites if applicable.

Early recognition and intervention are key. If you notice sudden swelling, lameness, heat, or pain in a limb, contact us as soon as possible.

Equine Standing MRI – what to expect

What to expect when your horse has a standing MRI.

Using the right tools early in the lameness process to get a definitive diagnosis will allow you and your vet to devise the right treatment plan, hopefully getting your horse back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

The clear images from MRI allow vets to make an accurate and precise diagnosis in 90% of cases.

If you’ve considered requesting an MRI for your horse but wondered what actually happens, an MRI scan will usually include the following steps:

  1. Initial examination

    On arrival for the scan the horse’s overall health is evaluated for sedation and our clinic vets will briefly examine the horse’s lameness.

  2. Horse shoes

    Metal horse shoes would degrade the quality of the images if left on as the MRI scanner contains a large magnet. Normally just two shoes, on the leg to be scanned and the adjacent leg, are removed.

  3. Sedation

    The standing MRI eliminates the need for anaesthesia, so removes the mortality risk and often allows for day patient scheduling. Top up doses may be applied during the scan, either on a drip or via a catheter in the horse’s jugular vein.

  4. Equine Standing MRIPositioning

    The horse is walked into the MRI scanner, with the lame leg placed between the poles of the magnet. A radiofrequency coil is fitted around the injury site and the operator makes careful adjustments to ensure the horse and magnet are both in the right place.

  5. The Scan

    equine MRIThe scan takes around 2 – 4 hours, producing around 300-500 images at multiple angles of the limb or hoof, highlighting different types of tissue and pathology.

  6. Recovery

    After the scan the horse is given time to recover from the sedation, and in most cases can return home the same day.

  7. Interpretation

    One of our specialists responsible for scanning will carefully review the images to arrive at an opinion about likely pathology or injury. The findings are then communicated to you or your vet.

  8. Treatment

    The findings from the scan will enable an accurate diagnosis to be made. With precise information available the vet can prescribe the best possible treatment for the horse.

Should your horse be suffering with lameness or poor performance issues, please discuss with your usual Oakhill Equine Vet or call the practice on 01772 861300.

If you wish to be referred to us from another veterinary practice, please contact your own veterinary surgeon in the first instance.

Why MRI?

Our equine clinic has the most technologically advanced standing MRI machine available, used for both clients and those referred from other veterinary practices.

Often during a lameness work-up, your vet will use ‘nerve blocks’ to locate where the pain is coming from. This may then be followed with X-ray or ultrasound examinations, but because these imaging tools only show bone or some soft tissue your vet may not be able to see abnormalities, particularly those within the hoof capsule.

Standing equine MRI offers unique insight into equine lameness, identifying the specific cause in over 90% of cases.

With no general anaesthesia required the inherent risks associated with anaesthesia and recovery can be avoided and an early, safe and accurate lameness diagnosis will save you time, money and worry.

We’re often asked….

equine MRIWhat is different about MRI?

MRI images show information about both bone and soft tissue, whereas x-rays only show bone and ultrasound only shows soft tissues. The many, clear images from MRI allow vets to make an accurate and precise diagnosis in 90% of cases.

Foot Lameness Cycle

Oakhill equine MRI referral serviceIs it the same as a human MRI scanner?

The underlying principle is exactly the same but the Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI system has specifically designed for imaging the standing horse, not a human! The scanner operates close to floor level and the horse can immediately step out of an opening in the magnet if it needs to.

Is it safe for my horse?

MRI is widely used in both human and veterinary medicine as it is valued for it’s high image quality of both bone and soft tissue with no ionising radiation. The technology used is unobtrusive and poses no known risk to the horse.

Unlike high-field scanners where the horse has to be anaesthetised, our Hallmarq low-field system uses a smaller magnet that fits around the leg, allowing us to image the horse while standing and under mild sedation.

Hallmarq equine MRI systems have been used for over 60,000 standing sedated horse examinations, during this time there have been no fatalities.

The benefits of having an MRI scan at Oakhill Equine Clinic include:

  • Expert interpretation of images by our ECVS & RCVS recognised surgery specialists, Rosie Owen & Guy Hinnigan and imaging specialist, Meredith Smith.

  • Precise diagnosis

  • Rapid results

  • Specific prognosis

  • Optimum treatment

Using the right tools early in the lameness process to get a definitive diagnosis will allow you and your vet to devise the right treatment plan, therefore getting your horse back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

It is also very useful in establishing an accurate prognosis, to save you time and money worrying about what is likely to happen in the future.

Click here to find out more about what to expect when your horse has a standing MRI.

Should your horse be suffering with lameness or poor performance issues, please discuss with your usual Oakhill Equine Vet or call the practice on 01772 861300.

If you wish to be referred to us from another veterinary practice, please contact your vet in the first instance.

Keeping your horse safe on Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be stressful for both horses and horse owners.

The calmest of horses can become frightened by the unfamiliar loud noises and flashes of bright light.

There are some things you can do to prepare….

  • Find out when and where the firework displays will be in your area. You could look in local press, social media and shop notice boards.
  • Inform local firework display organisers and neighbours that there are horses nearby, so they can ensure fireworks are set off well away from them.
  • Decide whether to stable your horse or leave it in the field. Horses like routine, so try and keep as close to your usual routine as possible. If it is usually stabled, keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not close to the firework display area.
  • Check for anything that could cause injury to your horse:
    – If stabled, look for things such as protruding nails.
    – If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is not broken and that there are no foreign objects lying around.
  • Ensure that you, or someone experienced, stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off.
    If you have to leave your horse in the care of another person during a firework display, then be sure to leave clear instructions with contact details for both you and your vet.
  • Discuss with your vet about sedation or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
  • Playing music on a radio positioned outside the stable can often mask sudden noise, distract attention and be soothing.
  • Stay calm, as horses will sense that you are anxious and that could increase their fears.
  • A startled horse can be dangerous, so try not to get in the way if a horse becomes frightened as you could easily be injured yourself.
  • Remember that Chinese lanterns (also known as sky lanterns) can cause harm to livestock and wildlife.

If you wish to discuss concerns about your horse with us, please call 01772 861300

Atypical Myopathy

Atypical Myopathy is a very serious and often fatal disease that horses can get when out at pasture from consuming sycamore seeds.

What is Atypical Myopathy?

An acute, severe rhabdomyolysis (a severe form of azoturia / tying up) that occurs independently of exercise. The disease causes extreme muscle cramping and often irreparable muscle damage.

Muscle enzymes that are released when the muscles are damaged, cause multiple organ failure.

What is the cause?

A toxin called Hypoglycin-A found in sycamore seeds. Ingestion of these seeds at pasture causes Atypical Myopathy. Outbreaks may occur with multiple horses affected in one geographical area within a few weeks of each other.

What are the clinical signs?

The onset of Atypical Myopathy is acute. Early presentation of the disease may be confused with colic or laminitis. Horses may be found dead, but more frequently they start by showing signs of weakness, stiffness, falling over, lying down more than usual, sweating, apparent sedation or depression, fine muscle tremors, dark brown urine that can look like blood and respiratory distress.

Progression to recumbency is often rapid and once at this stage, the prognosis is hopeless. Mortality is seen in 70% – 90% of cases within 3-5 days.

Who is at risk?

The condition predominantly affects young animals, but all horses are at risk. No sex or breed predisposition has been described, but to date, no cases of the disease have been reported in donkeys. Underweight body condition is associated with increased risk.

Overgrazed pastures and poor quality grazing gives a greater risk of disease.

What can I do to prevent Atypical Myopathy?

Clear fields and water troughs of sycamore seeds, leaves and saplings. If this is not possible, do not allow horses to graze affected paddocks or fence off affected areas. Do not over graze paddocks and avoid overgrowth of weeds on pasture. Provide hay if the fields are low on grass and where possible consider stabling horses over night.

What to do if you think your horse may have Atypical Myopathy

Ring your vet immediately. Try and move the horse to a stable with deep bedding in case they want to lie down. If you notice your horse urinating try and catch a urine sample with a clean jar or mug so that we can test it.

Equine Castration Clinics

Equine Castration Clinics

Monday 29th April 2019 & Thursday 23rd May 2019

at the Oakhill Equine Clinic, Langley Lane, Goosnargh, Lancashire, PR3 2JQ

Only £130 + VAT

Price includes: Procedure under general anaesthesia, sedative, pain relief and antibiotics.

If horse is not vaccinated, an additional cost will be added for tetanus anti-serum.

Call 01772 861300 to book.

Terms and Conditions

Horse must be under 3 years old.
Offer only applicable on dates shown and to be carried out at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, Langley Lane, Goosnargh, PR3 2JQ.

Price is per horse. Payment must be made on collection of your horse. Passport needs to be presented and the horse to be certified as ‘not for human consumption’ to enable the relevant drugs to be administered during procedure.

The procedure cost does not include the cost of treatment as a result of any post-operative complications which may arise.

If one or both testicles are not descended a different type of surgery will be required – this will need to be arranged separately and additional cost will be charged.

Free* ACTH tests are back for 2019

Testing for PPID in your horse or pony

A few years ago PPID or Equine Cushing’s Disease was considered a rare hormonal disease in horses. Now it is thought to affect over 20% of horses over the age of 15 and is a condition recognised almost daily in equine veterinary practice.

Past ‘Talk about Laminitis’ test results show that you should look out for any of these clinical signs in your horse:

  • Laminitis
  • Abnormal or delayed moulting
  • Muscle wastage
  • Periorbital fat (fat round the eyes)
  • Increased drinking and urinating

In 2017, thousands of laminitic patients benefitted from PPID being ruled in or out of their condition during the Talk About Laminitis campaign, as a result, the Talk About Laminitis campaign will continue offering FREE* ACTH lab testing during 2019

You can claim your complimentary testing voucher code by visiting www.careaboutcushings.co.uk

If your horse is already on Prascend, you may be eligible for a free monitoring test (lab fees only). You can generate your voucher code for this by visiting the link above.

Terms & Conditions:

  • This free ACTH test voucher code is for the laboratory fees for a blood ACTH test only.
  • Each voucher is only redeemable against an ACTH blood test where the patient has not been previously diagnosed with PPID
  • Full T&Cs can be found below at www.careaboutcushings.co.uk
  • Oakhill blood sampling fee, visit fee and postage still apply.