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Meeting for Horse Owners

FREE EDUCATIONAL EVENING FOR HORSE AND PONY OWNERS

Equine vets Richard Sutcliffe and Kate Blakeman of Toft Lodge Veterinary Centre would like to welcome all horse and pony owners to the first Toft Lodge equine client information evening to be held at the Galtres Centre on Wednesday 28th October at 7.30pm (see advert for further details). Kate and Richard will be talking about two big topics for anybody who has horses, colic and practical parasite control.

Colic is the single most important cause of death in horses, and as such is  a major cause of concern for most horse owners. Although some causes of colic are unavoidable, there are many things we can do as horse owners  and vets to minimise the risk of colic. Kate will be talking about the types and causes of colic, the options for treatment, but most importantly the prevention of this common problem.

Parasite control is another major issue for all horse and pony owners. The horse has a number of different parasites which have evolved to live in it’s intestine. These equine worms are highly specialised to live and reproduce within the horse (most cannot live in other species of animal). Almost every horse alive will have at least one parasitic worm in its body.

It is important to realise that often these worms are present in low numbers and cause the horse no ill effects. Occasionally however, horses develop heavy worm burdens which can be damaging and even fatal. There are many different approaches to worming horses. Richard will be discussing up to date and practical approaches to parasite control in horses, to minimise disease risk, but also importantly to reduce the development of wormer resistance.

This special evening meeting is held as part of the 2009 Silver Jubilee celebrations for Toft Lodge. Refreshments will be provided, so for catering purposes please give the surgery a call if you wish to attend.

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