Sydney Equine

22/03/2025

A huge congratulations to our client Michael Freedman on taking out the 2025 Golden Slipper with the incredible Marhoona!

Winning the world’s richest two-year-old race is no small feat, and today’s victory is a testament to Michael’s skill, dedication, and ability to bring out the best in young horses. Marhoona’s performance was nothing short of outstanding, proving once again why Michael is one of the country’s top trainers.

We are proud to support Michael and his team, ensuring their equine stars receive the best veterinary care. Enjoy the celebrations!

📸 Michael Freedman Racing

16/03/2025

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿…

Queensland itch (also known as Sweet Itch) is a common skin condition that affects horses, especially in regions with high humidity and insect populations. It’s an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges (Culicoides), which causes intense itching, hair loss, and inflammation on affected areas.

𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝘁𝗰𝗵:
▪️ Severe itching, especially on the mane, tail, and underbelly
▪️ Hair loss, often in patches
▪️ Thickened, scabbed, or inflamed skin
▪️ Horse rubbing or biting at affected areas, which may lead to sores

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
While Queensland itch cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with the right care:
▪️ 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹: Use insect repellents, fly sheets, and stables with fly-proof enclosures to reduce exposure to biting midges.
▪️ 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 & 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀: These can help reduce itching and inflammation. With new products on the market, always consult with your vet for the appropriate medication.
▪️ 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴: Helps keep the skin clean and prevents the buildup of irritants.
▪️ 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘁 & 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutritional supplements can help support skin health as well as a balanced diet and healthy gut.

If you suspect your horse has Queensland itch, consult with our team at Sydney Equine Practice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can make a world of difference!

14/03/2025

Hear from trainer Will Freedman of Freedman Racing on why they trust Sydney Equine Practice to keep their racehorses performing at their best.

01/08/2024

Happy Birthday to all our friends 🐴 🥳

22/07/2024

Laminitis is a painful condition involving inflammation and damage to the tissue between a horse's hoof and the underlying coffin bone, which can lead to severe pain and potentially founder, where the hoof and coffin bone separate.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
- Endocrine diseases like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)
- Excessive sugar intake
- Weight-bearing due to injury.

While the underlying damage caused by laminitis is irreversible, early intervention and proper management can help to minimise further tissue injury.

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
- Pain management
- Dietary adjustments
- Regular farrier care

Prevention involves managing diet, weight, and regular hoof care. If you suspect laminitis call our team on 0437 420 581 to book a consultation.

16/07/2024

Shockwave therapy, also known as ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy), is an advanced and effective treatment for various equine conditions.

This non-invasive therapy is beneficial for tendon injuries, sesamoiditis, non-union fractures, proximal suspensory ligament desmitis, suspensory branch attachment issues, back pain, including kissing spines, and muscle damage.

By promoting healing and reducing pain, shockwave therapy can significantly improve your horse's mobility and quality of life.

For more information on how shockwave therapy can help your horse, contact our team on 0437 420 581 to book in a consultation.

12/07/2024

Would you like to know more about our friendly team? Today we introduce Dr. Elisha Dempsey, one of our ambulatory equine veterinarians.

Elisha has been part of our team for many years and has a keen interest in reproduction, dentistry and general performance horse management.

28/06/2024

Treadmills can be an important diagnostic tool in identifying why performance may be lacking. We can use the treadmill to watch footfall at pace, watch for straightness and fluidity through the back and hind quarters and also check for breathing and airway obstructions via scope.

We also use treadmills for rehabilitation work as they offer controlled, consistent, and measurable training sessions. We can monitor and adjust speed, incline, and duration to tailor workouts specifically for each horse's needs, dependant on injury.

20/06/2024

Is your horse experiencing respiratory issues or performance problems? Our team at Sydney Equine is skilled in performing Upper Airway Endoscopies with the utmost care and precision. We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your horse receives the best possible care.

What is Upper Airway Endoscopy?
Upper airway endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows us to examine the upper respiratory tract of your horse in real-time. This advanced diagnostic tool helps us accurately identify conditions affecting your horse's breathing and overall performance.

If you have any concerns about your horse's respiratory health call 0437 420 581 to book in a consultation.

17/06/2024

Make sure to go and follow our friends at Bay Equine Practice for informative veterinary care in Melbourne and surrounds!

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

The name might be new, but the faces are the ones you have already come to trust in Dr. Joe Waldron, Dr. Ian Church and Dr. David Garth.

Through an holistic approach, we partner with you to understand your goals and challenges so we can best advise your choice on the right horse and work with you to achieve optimum health and performance throughout your journey.

Our services include:
• Lameness examinations
• Poor performance investigations
• Yearling preparations
• Thoroughbred sales inspections
• Reproduction
• Dentistry
• Routine surgery

Our team are dedicated to working with you to achieve your horse’s optimum health and performance and reveal its potential over a lifetime. Bay Equine proudly services clients from the Mornington Peninsula, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Metropolitan Melbourne.

Are you ready to have a discussion with our friendly team about how we can help your horses? Call us on 0417 396 511

16/06/2024

This we hear from one of our long-term clients, 4* Eventer Katie Taliana ⤵️

"I first came across Sydney Equine when seeking a second opinion 6 years ago. I was so impressed by the knowledge and care they provided I have been with them ever since! Over the years I have recommended Sydney Equine to many friends and clients, all of which have been incredibly impressed with their services. My horses have benefited hugely through having wonderful vets to rely upon both in times of emergency and routine care. Thank you!" - Katie Taliana

14/06/2024

Would you like to know more about our friendly team? Today we introduce Dr. Freya Rees-Jones, one of our ambulatory equine veterinarians.

Freya has been part of our team since 2022 and has a keen interest in racing/trackwork and foal medicine.

01/04/2024

Care doesn’t end after our call out. We are invested in maintaining a long term support plan for rehabilitation cases to ensure your horse is improving and progressing as planned.

During on farm visits we will re-evaluate the horse at its rehabilitation stage which may involve a work up (pictured.) Our vets may also be able to perform additional therapies to assist in the healing process.

If you have a lameness or rehabilitation case, we would love to discuss which treatments might be your best for your horse’s plan.

Call 0437 420 581 to book in a consultation.

29/03/2024

Understanding your horse’s vital signs can be crucial to achieve your horses optimal performance.

Memorise these important indicators to know when your horse is not at their best ⤵️