Equivet Mobile Horse Veterinary Services

07/06/2026

Foaling season is an exciting time—but it also comes with important responsibilities to keep both mare and foal safe. One simple but crucial step? **Always keep and check the afterbirth (placenta).**

Why does this matter?

The placenta provides a vital window into your mare’s health during pregnancy. By examining it after foaling, your vet can spot early warning signs of problems such as infection, inflammation, or incomplete expulsion. Even small retained pieces can lead to serious complications like uterine infection or laminitis if not treated promptly.

Here’s what you should do:
✔️ Tie up the placenta (never cut it) once it has passed
✔️ Keep it clean and store it in a bag or container
✔️ Save it for your vet to examine as soon as possible

A “normal” placenta should be passed within 3 hours of foaling. If it hasn’t, this is an emergency—call your vet immediately.

Taking a few extra minutes to save and check the afterbirth can make a big difference in protecting your mare’s health and ensuring a strong start for your foal.

If you have any questions during foaling season, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way 🐴

05/06/2026

💧🐴 Dehydration in horses – a hidden risk, especially in warmer weather 🐴💧

Dehydration can develop quickly in horses and may not always be obvious at first. Because horses rely on a well-functioning fluid balance for digestion, circulation, and temperature control, even mild dehydration can affect their health and performance.

⚠️ Signs to watch for:
* Dry or sticky gums
* Reduced skin elasticity (“skin tenting”)
* Lethargy or dullness
* Reduced appetite
* Dark, concentrated urine
* Reduced droppings or signs of colic

Hot weather, exercise, travel, illness, or reduced access to clean water can all increase the risk.

💡 How to help prevent dehydration:
* Always provide fresh, clean water
* Encourage drinking when travelling or competing
* Offer soaked hay or electrolytes when advised by your vet
* Monitor water intake, especially in hot conditions
* Ensure salt is available in the diet to encourage thirst

🚨 Severe dehydration is a veterinary emergency and can quickly become serious if not treated.

If you’re concerned your horse may not be drinking enough or is showing any of the signs above, please contact us for advice.

🐴 Staying ahead of hydration helps keep horses healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.

04/06/2026

Open to everyone – but spaces are limited!
To secure your free space, please call the office on 📞 01483 811088 to book.

🐎 RoR South East & Equivet Evening 🐎

RoR South East and Equivet Mobile Horse Veterinary Services are excited to invite you to a social, hands-on evening focused on managing the former racehorse when returning to work.

Join us for an informative and interactive session featuring numerous stations, including:
✨ Guided stretches and exercises to support your horse’s muscle development
✨ Vet-led sessions on effective pole work and managing common conditions
✨ Advice on safely returning your horse to work after a break or following retirement from racing

This is also a great opportunity to learn more about RoR, connect with fellow owners and riders, and gain valuable insights into caring for and retraining former racehorses.

📅 25th June 2026
⏰ Arrival from 6:15pm | Start at 6:30pm
📍Equivet, Nodwood House Equine, Churt Road, Churt, Farnham, GU10 2QS
🎟️ Free to attend

📩 To book or find out more, contact:
[email protected] or [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

04/06/2026

🌿🐴 Ragwort is growing – now is the time to act! 🐴🌿

As we move into the warmer months, ragwort is starting to appear in fields and verges. While it may look like a bright, pretty wildflower, it is in fact highly toxic to horses.

⚠️ Why ragwort is dangerous:
Ragwort contains toxins that can cause serious and irreversible liver damage when ingested. The effects are cumulative, meaning even small amounts over time can be harmful.

🚨 What to look out for:
• Bright yellow daisy-like flowers (in bloom later in the season)
• Rosette-shaped leaves at ground level earlier in the year
• Plants often found in poorly managed or overgrazed areas

💡 What you should do:
• Remove ragwort early—ideally before it flowers and seeds
• Dispose of it safely (never leave it in fields or hedgerows)
• Regularly inspect grazing areas throughout the season
• Ensure horses are not grazing contaminated land

🐴 Prevention is key when it comes to ragwort poisoning.

If you’re unsure how to identify or safely remove ragwort, we’re always happy to offer advice and guidance.

02/06/2026

🐴 Cobs and feathered breeds – have you heard of CPL? 🐴

Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) is a condition we commonly see in heavier, feathered breeds such as cobs, Shires, and Clydesdales.

CPL affects the lymphatic system, leading to poor drainage of fluid in the lower limbs. Over time, this causes thickening of the skin, swelling, and the development of deep skin folds.

⚠️ Signs to watch for:
• Progressive swelling in the lower legs
• Thickened, firm skin
• Skin folds and nodules
• Scabs or crusting under the feathers
• Increased risk of infections like mud fever

Unfortunately, CPL is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured—but early recognition and good management can make a big difference to your horse’s comfort and quality of life.

💡 Management tips:
• Regular clipping to allow close inspection of the skin
• Good hygiene and routine cleaning of the legs
• Prompt treatment of any infections
• Weight management and regular exercise
• Supportive therapies as advised by your vet

If you have a cob or feathered horse, it’s worth keeping a close eye on their legs and getting any changes checked early.

🐴 We’re always here to help with advice, diagnosis, and long-term management plans.

01/06/2026

Sarcoids are one of the most common skin tumours we see in horses—and they can be more than just a cosmetic issue.

Sarcoids can appear anywhere on the body and often look very different from one horse to another. They may be small, flat, and hairless, or raised, crusty, and wart-like. Some remain unchanged for years, while others can grow, spread, or become sore if irritated.

⚠️ Why early attention matters:
Sarcoids can become more difficult to treat the longer they’re left, especially if they are knocked, rubbed, or interfered with. What starts as a small lesion can quickly become a bigger problem.

🔍 What to look out for:
• Small hairless patches
• Wart-like or crusty growths
• Lesions that change in size, shape, or appearance
• Areas that bleed or become ulcerated

🚫 Important:
Avoid picking, rubbing, or applying over-the-counter treatments without veterinary advice—this can sometimes make them worse.

💡 Treatment options vary depending on the type, size, and location of the sarcoid, and may include topical therapies, injections, or surgical approaches.

If you spot anything unusual on your horse’s skin, it’s always worth getting it checked early. We’re happy to assess and talk through the best options for your horse.

🐴 Your horse’s comfort and long-term health start with early intervention—don’t ignore those small changes.

29/05/2026

🐴☀️ Travelling your horse in hot weather – top tips for keeping them safe ☀️🐴

Hot weather can make transporting horses more challenging, and it’s important to take a few extra precautions to prevent overheating and dehydration.

🚚 Before you travel:
• Travel during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening if possible)
• Ensure your horse is well hydrated before loading
• Check ventilation in your horsebox or trailer

💧 During the journey:
• Make regular stops on longer trips to check your horse
• Ensure good airflow throughout the vehicle
• Avoid overcrowding – horses need space to balance and regulate heat

🌡️ On arrival:
• Offer fresh water straight away
• Allow your horse time to cool down gradually in a shaded or well-ventilated area
• Monitor for signs of overheating such as excessive sweating, rapid breathing, or lethargy

🚨 Heat stress can develop quickly in confined spaces, so preparation is key.

If you’re planning to travel your horse in warm conditions and are unsure about the best approach, we’re always happy to offer advice.

🐴 Stay cool, travel safe, and enjoy your journey!

28/05/2026

🐴 We’re sorry we weren’t in the office on Tuesday afternoon, but the team were away enjoying a CPD team-building event at Immersion Escape Rooms in Alton! 🔐

The experience was like stepping into a real-life game of Cluedo, where we had to work together to solve clues, unlock the next rooms, and escape before time ran out! ⏳

It was a brilliant opportunity to develop our teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills — all important qualities both in and out of the veterinary world. Thankfully, we managed to solve all the clues and escape within the hour… otherwise we’d still be trapped in there now! 😅

A great afternoon had by all, and we’re back in the office ready to help you and your horses as usual. 🐎

26/05/2026

🐴 Why has my horse’s eye gone blue?

If you ever notice a blue or cloudy eye in your horse, it’s not just a colour change — it’s usually a sign of injury or inflammation and should be treated as urgent.

👁️ The most common cause is fluid building up in the surface of the eye (cornea) after damage such as:
• Scratches or ulcers
• Trauma (e.g. branches, hay, kicks)
• Infection
• Foreign bodies (dust, seeds)

This can make the eye look blue, milky, or cloudy.

⚠️ Other signs to watch for:
• Squinting or keeping the eye closed
• Excess tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids
• Discharge from eyes

🚨 Why it matters:
Eye conditions in horses can worsen very quickly. Without prompt treatment, they can lead to serious complications including loss of vision.

✅ What to do:
• Contact your vet as soon as possible
• Avoid using any treatments unless advised
• Keep your horse somewhere dark and calm if they’re uncomfortable

💡 Early treatment makes a huge difference — when it comes to eyes, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

25/05/2026

🐴 A happy healing story for Tiny! 🐴

Tiny came in from the field with a laceration across the front of his face—never something you like to see.
Rebecca attended promptly and carefully placed a few stitches to help the wound heal correctly. With the right treatment and a few weeks of dedicated aftercare, we’re delighted to say…

✨ Tiny’s wound has healed beautifully! ✨

Facial wounds in horses can often heal very well when treated early and managed properly, so it’s always worth getting any cuts or injuries checked as soon as possible.

A big well done to Tiny and his team for all their hard work with aftercare 👏

If your horse picks up a cut or injury, don’t hesitate to contact us—early treatment can make all the difference.

🐴