Health Advice

Sarcoids are a relatively common skin tumour seen in horses of all kinds. Although they generally cause no major systemic health problems, the presence of sarcoids can cause local irritation, problems with tack and a loss of value if selling your horse. It is believed...

Endoparasites (worms) in horses are very common among the equine population, with many horse owners having the need to treat their horses at some point in their horse's lifetime. The most common endoparasites are; Round Worm (Strongyles), Small Red Worm...

What is strangles? Strangles is a highly contagious, bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by Streptococcus equi equi.  The disease can affect horses, ponies and donkeys of all ages. Although the disease can make affected horses quite unwell for a...

Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a widespread and progressive condition in horses, particularly in the aging population. It involves the inflammation and gradual deterioration of cartilage within the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced...

What is gastric ulceration and why does it happen? Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) is a common disease affecting the equine stomach. The horse’s stomach is divided into two very distinct areas, the squamous and glandular regions. These are separated by a...

What is equine asthma? Equine asthma is a common respiratory condition in horses. It is chronic, non-infectious and requires life-long management.  It has previously been called Recurrent Airway Disease (RAO) or sometimes called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease...

What is a foot abscess? A hoof abscess describes a painful build-up of purulent material (pus) within the hoof capsule. Foot abscesses are caused by bacteria entering the hoof capsule and setting up an infection. The bacteria can enter in several ways; often the...

Tendons and ligaments are essential soft tissue structures that support movement and stability in the horse. Tendons are strap-like, elastic structures that connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bone to bone or, in certain cases, bone to tendon. Though...

What is mud fever? Mud fever is an inflammatory skin condition of the lower limbs of horses. It can also be known as pastern dermatitis or cracked heels. This frustrating and common condition in horses is usually associated with wet muddy conditions but can be seen...

What is choke? ‘Choke’ refers to an obstruction (usually food) in the oesophagus (food pipe), rather than the trachea (windpipe). This can be a very scary experience both as an owner and for the horse. The most common sign of choke is sudden coughing, retching and...

Ensuring your horse is up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial for maintaining their health and preventing serious diseases. We offer comprehensive vaccination programs tailored to protect against key threats such as Equine Influenza, Tetanus, and Equine Herpesvirus (EHV).

Sweet itch is a skin disease caused by an allergy to midge bites. Your horse may be excessively itchy, usually around the mane and tail, but possibly also on the underside of the abdomen. Preventing or minimising midge bites is the most effective way to control...

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Equine Cushing’s Disease, is a common disease of older horses and ponies. It affects the pituitary gland and causes it to produce greater amounts of certain hormones. There are a number of signs of PPID which...

Equine Influenza (or Equine Flu) is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract. The disease can spread rapidly through a group of horses either by direct contact or airborne particles. Vaccination against equine flu is highly recommended and many of the...

What is laminitis? Laminitis is an inflammatory condition of the laminae within the horse’s foot. Laminae form the attachment between the hoof wall and the pedal bone in the foot. They are inter-digitating structures that act like velcro holding the hoof wall to the...

It is important that your horse’s teeth are examined regularly to avoid major dental problems such as periodontal disease, and to ensure that your horse can chew and eat properly, which helps to keep their digestive system healthy. Read more about routine equine...

We are champions of the REACT campaign with the University of Nottingham and the British Horse Society, bringing you a series of informative articles about this important condition. Scott Dunn’s Equine Clinic is one of 62 veterinary practices across the UK who became...