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Summerleaze Equine Vets

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Summerleaze Equine Vets

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Summerleaze Equine Vets - a Modern, progressive equine practice with traditional client focused values

01/11/2026

Why don’t vets use human medications?

Often vets will use medication for which there is a human equivalent or the exact same drug, formulated for human use. In some cases this is available over the counter for people without a prescription; so inevitably the question comes up now and again – why don’t vets use the human version if it is cheaper?

In equine practice there aren’t too many shared drugs (it’s more common when talking about dogs) but it does come up occasionally (paracetamol for example or even omeprazole).

The short answer is that it would be illegal for us to do so.

There are actually several layers of restrictions which are as frustrating to us as they are baffling to our clients.

1. The “cascade”. Vets are legally obliged to follow the prescribing cascade which means that if there is a formulation of a medication which has a veterinary licence we MUST prescribe that even if there is a much cheaper generic human version available.

2. Where vets are wishing to prescribe human licenced medication this cannot be obtained from a human medical wholesaler – only a veterinary one.

3. “Over the counter” medications are only legally to be bought for administration to people. So, it is illegal for a vet to suggest you buy over the counter medications to use on your horse and anyone selling it would inadvertently be breaking the law.

31/10/2026

Happy Halloween from all of us at Summerleaze!
Please do share with us your four legged friends’ costumes!

30/10/2026

FEI vaccinations

Don’t forget it is a requirement that for all horses competing at FEI that all their vaccinations are recorded on the FEI Horse App.

Vaccinations must be entered by a veterinarian, on the day of vaccination and in the presence of the horse. Please ensure you have your passport at time of vaccination.

As of 1 July 2026:
Horses without correctly registered vaccinations in the FEI HorseApp will lead to sanctions and fines for the Person Responsible (Athlete), in line with FEI Veterinary Regulations.

Please make sure your horse’s vaccinations are up to date and correctly registered.

Link below- how to use the FEI Horse App

https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/competitors/fei-horseapp/using-the-fei-horseapp

Please let our vets know when booking vaccination appointments and at the appointment if your horse is FEI registered

29/10/2026

Do you have experience of account administration with Xero?
Then we want to hear from you!
We are currently recruiting for a new finance administrator to join our wonderful team. Previous experience of account administration is essential.

For more information please see:

https://www.summerleaze-vets.co.uk/careers/vacancy/

29/10/2026

Acorn warning

As the autumn leaves fall, oak trees drop their acorns. While a couple of acorns won't hurt, some horses develop a craving for them and will seek them out in large quantities.

Green, unripe acorns contain high levels of tannins, which are highly toxic to a horse's digestive system and kidneys.

Symptoms of Acorn Poisoning:
⚠️ Severe abdominal pain (colic symptoms)
⚠️ Lethargy and depression
⚠️ Dark, blood-stained droppings or severe diarrhea
⚠️ Increased thirst and urination, red-brown or bloody urine

Prevention: Fence off any oak trees during autumn flushes, or rake up fallen acorns regularly before turning your horses out. If you suspect your horse has gorged on acorns, call us for immediate advice.

28/10/2026

Lyme disease

Lyme disease can cause all, some or just one of the following:
🐴 pyrexia (high temperature)
🐴lethargy
🐴 weight loss
🐴 anorexia
🐴 muscle soreness
🐴 stiffness
🐴 lameness
🐴laminitis
🐴 uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
🐴 ataxia (wobbly/uncoordinated)
🐴 altered mentation (not themselves)
🐴 poor performance
🐴 weakness
🐴 irritability
🐴 paralysis

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi infects leucocytes and synovial lining cells and triggers an inflammatory (and potentially autoimmune) response. The persistence of the bacteria within both synovial structures and tendons in humans leads to the prolonged treatment required.

Lyme disease is spread by ticks so good tick control can help prevent it. It is strongly recommended you regularly check your horse for ticks and remove them as quickly as possible as this reduces the chance of transmission. We also recommend using tick repellents.

To test for Lyme disease we can take bloods and usually get a result within days.

To treat Lyme disease we use a long term course of antibiotics, usually this is doxycycline for a month.

Once a horse has had Lyme disease they tend to develop an immunity to it for two years.

If you think your horse has potentially got Lyme disease it is important to contact us so treatment can begin as soon as possible to prevent any chronic health issues or permanent damage.

27/10/2026

Helping stiff joints through the colder months

Just like us, older horses feel the damp, cold weather in their joints. Osteoarthritis is incredibly common in senior equines, but they don't have to live in discomfort.

If you notice your horse takes longer to warm up, struggles to pick up their feet for the farrier, or stands tucked up on cold days, there are plenty of ways we can help:

✅ Keep them moving: Avoid prolonged stalling if possible. Regular, gentle turnout on flat ground keeping them moving is the best natural joint lubrication. Staying in ridden work may also be of benefit to our senior equines. A track system may be worth considering or stabling in an open barn rather than a stable.

✅ Smart rugging: Keep those large muscle groups over the hindquarters warm to prevent compensatory muscle soreness. Bandaging limbs when stabled may also be of benefit.

✅ Targeted medication: From joint supplements to targeted prescription anti-inflammatories, we can tailor a pain-management plan that keeps them comfortable and active.

✅ Weight management: being over weight means more weight those joints have to carry, so although we don’t want our horses too skinny, we also don’t want them too fat.

✅ Cushings: consider blood testing your equine for Cushings, if they are systemically unwell it can make them struggle more.

✅ Dentistry: regular dentistry will help them absorb what they need from their food to keep them healthy but it also helps us identify any issues with their temporomandibular joint (their jaw).

Small adjustments can make a world of difference to their quality of life. For more advice don’t hesitate to contact us

26/10/2026

Equine Flu

Equine flu is a very contagious respiratory disease, the impact of which can be severely limited by vaccination. Sadly nationally less than 50% of the equine population is vaccinated for flu.

The vaccination course is:
1st vaccination
2nd vaccination 4-6 weeks later (must be between 21-60 days)
3rd vaccination 5 months later (120-180 days)
Then annual boosters except:
-if you are racing then every booster must be within 6 months
-competing at FEI in which case last booster needs to be within 6 months and 21 days of event
-if your horse is competing, on a busy yard or has cases of flu in the local area it may be worth considering 6 monthly boosters to ensure their immunity to flu is the best it can be
-you can’t compete within 7 days of a flu vaccine

The vaccination does not guarantee that your horse will not get flu but it will significantly reduce the severity of any clinical signs if they do develop it and reduce the amounts they spread it to others.

Clinical signs to watch for:
🐴Sudden high fever (if high would be 38.5°C–41°C / 101.3°F–105.8°F**)
🐴Dry, harsh cough
🐴Nasal discharge
🐴Lethargy / depression
🐴Loss of appetite
🐴Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
🐴Increased respiratory rate

What you should do:
🐴Monitor horses closely for symptoms
🐴Isolate any suspected cases immediately
🐴Ring us if you have any clinical concerns
🐴Ensure vaccinations are up to date
🐴Follow biosecurity measures eg isolate new arrivals

Please don’t forget if your is horse or donkey is vaccinated it has significant protection from equine flu!
If you have any queries about your horse or donkey’s vaccination status, please contact us on 01297304007

Please be aware horses suffering from flu can appear relatively normal just be slightly quiet and have a temperature.

25/10/2026

Wondering about how to rug?
Please see our newsletter from last year in the attached images or follow the link:

https://www.summerleaze-vets.co.uk/documents/oct25.pdf

24/10/2026

Tonight the clocks’ “fall back”! An hour extra in bed if you can convince your four legged friends!

Address

Summerleaze Farm
Axminster
EX137RA

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm

Telephone

+441297304007

Website

http://www.summerleaze-vets.co.uk/

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