Conanvet Farm & Equine

02/06/2026

26/05/2026

🪱 Nematodirus 🪱

What should you do?

Before treating you should carry out a risk assessment which will help decide IF and WHEN you should treat your lambs for Nematodirus.

Below is what you should include in your risk assessment:

1. Were the fields grazed by lambs in spring last year ? Nematodirus larvae can lie dormant until the next spring affecting the next crop of lambs

2. Are the lambs eating grass earlier than normal? For example triplets who are competing for milk. These lambs will have a greater risk of picking up Nematodirus and this means they may be exposed before 6 weeks of age.

3. Are the lambs at the age where they are most at risk ? Lambs are most at risk from ages 6-12 weeks

4. Are the lambs exposed to other challenges increasing their risk of picking up Nematodirus ?

On the SCOPS Nematodirus forecast the two closest weather stations are Kinloss and Loch Glascarnoch

For more information and to view the Nematodirus Forecast please go onto the SCOPS website https://www.scops.org.uk/forecasts/nematodirus-forecast/

You can also phone us on 01349 861203 to get advice 📞

13/05/2026

🦠 STRANGLES ALERT: Protecting Your Horses & Strengthening Biosecurity 🐴

In light on recent social media posts regarding a horse displaying symptoms we write a bulletin with key points of what you need to know.

To date the practice has not attended nor been notified by neighbouring practices of any potential cases.

Strangles (caused by Streptococcus equi) remains one of the most common and infectious diseases diagnosed in horses in the UK.
Conanvet wants to help you keep our local equine community safe!

🚨 What to Watch Out For
Strangles is highly contagious and can affect horses of any age. Symptoms usually appear 3–21 days after exposure:
* High Temperature: Usually the first sign, often >38.5°c
* Snotty Nose: Thick, white/yellow discharge
* Swollen Lymph Nodes: Abscesses under the jaw or throat (can make breathing/swallowing difficult)
* Coughing & Lethargy

💡 Remember: Some horses can be "silent carriers," appearing healthy but still spreading the bacteria!

🛡️ Essential Biosecurity: How to Prevent an Outbreak
Good management is key, especially as we see more horses mixing at competitions and riding clubs this season!
1. Quarantine New Arrivals: Strictly isolate any new horse for at least 3 weeks and monitor their temperature daily.
2. No Sharing Policy: Use your own grooming kits, tack, and water buckets. Avoid using communal troughs at events.
3. Monitor Temperatures: Get to know your horse’s normal temperature. A sudden rise is often the earliest sign of disease.
4. Disinfect Tools: Regularly clean and disinfect equipment with a disinfectant effective against strangles.
5. Be Honest & Communicate: If your horse has a cough or snotty nose, or if you suspect infection, act fast, isolate immediately, and tell your yard manager!

🔬 How We Can Help
If you suspect strangles, call us immediately at 01349 861203. Early diagnosis is crucial to managing the outbreak.
We can also advise on the vaccination to reduce the severity of the disease.
Let’s work together to keep the Highlands Strangles-free! ❤️

12/05/2026

❤️‍🩹 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK! ❤️‍🩹
A powerful video from RSABI

11/05/2026

❤️‍🩹 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2026 ❤️‍🩹

UK veterinary professionals are facing a severe mental health crisis, with veterinary surgeons being 3 - 4 times more likely to die by su***de than the general population. A 2024 study revealed 91% of UK vets report work-related mental health issues, driven by high workload, lack of work-life balance, and client demands.

You don't have to carry it alone, Vetlife offer independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including veterinary nurses, students and non-clinical staff.

From loneliness, bullying in the workplace, financial difficulties, stress, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression or anything else troubling you they are there to talk, no matter how small or large the problem may seem.

https://www.vetlife.org.uk/
They're waiting for your call
Whatever life throws at you, Vetlife will support you.
Available here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call on 0303 040 2551

01/05/2026

📞 WE ARE BACK UP AND RUNNING 📞

We are currently experiencing problems with our phone lines and computers. For any emergencies please phone 01349 861203 and press the emergency line and reception will be able to answer your call

Kind regards
Conanvet Farm Department

24/04/2026

Graeme Swanson recently retired from the Conanvet practice near Dingwall.

14/04/2026

🩺 RVN POSITION AVAILABLE!! 🩺

🩺 We are very excited to be in the position of looking for another RVN to join our friendly, supportive and progressive clinical team. 🩺 We will consider full or part-time applicants, please follow the link for full details.

https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/veterinary-nurse-jobs/permanent-registered-veterinary-nurse-dingwall-15343

07/04/2026

Still some teams available 🙋🏽‍♀️

03/04/2026

🐑 Lamb Jackets Now in Stock! 🧥
With the cold and wet weather in the forecast, now’s the time to keep your lambs warm, dry, and thriving. Lamb jackets are designed to protect newborns from chill and damp conditions — helping improve survival and growth rates.
Pop in or message us to grab yours before the next cold snap! ❄️

01349 861203 or 07754588266