Rufford Veterinary Group - Equine

03/11/2026

🪾🍂 Sycamore Toxicity - Do you need to worry? A previously very rare condition we are sadly seeing more cases.

Horses grazing in pastures with sycamore trees are at increased risk of Sycamore Toxicity (atypical myopathy) The dry summer and recent windy weather has contributed to an abundance of seeds (also known as 'spinning jennies' ) falling onto grazing areas.

Horses won't choose to eat the seeds so in paddocks with plenty of grass the risks should be low, however for those with reduced grass growth or restricted grazing offering supplementary forage in the fields may be required to reduce the risk.

If you are worried about the immediate risks to your horses you can send samples of the seeds or leaves to the RVC (Royal Veterinary Collage ) to test the levels of toxin (hypoglycin A ) in the individual trees .

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/equine-vet/news/equine-atypical-myopathy-toxin-and-biochemical-tests-and-tree-sample-testing-available-at-the-royal-veterinary-college

Signs of toxicity vary from lethargy, stiffness, loss of balance and low head carriage, to increased lying down, inability to get up, sweating and colic signs, as well as passing brown urine.
It is essential to seek immediate veterinary attention if you observe any of these signs in your horse - ☎ Please contact us to speak to one of our vets if you have concerns about your horse's health.

02/11/2026

🐴Stable injuries can be as bad as field injuries !
Horses can suffer various physical injuries whilst inside a stable due to environmental hazards, equipment, or behavioural stress. The unique anatomy of a horse's eyes, positioned on the sides of their head, makes them prone to scratches, lacerations or trauma.

Eye injuries in horses are considered a veterinary emergency. Minor problems can escalate rapidly within hours!

❗️What to Do Immediately

1. Call your vet right away. Do not wait to see if it improves by the next day.
2. Move the horse to a dark, clean stable to reduce pain from bright light.
3. Prevent the horse from rubbing the eye.
4. Never put old medicated ointments or steroid drops into the eye (especially steroids, which can cause a simple ulcer to perforate).
5. Gently rinse with clean, warm water if needed, or leave it alone until the vet arrives.

❤️‍🩹Luckily for Ralph his eye was treated quickly and he recovered successfully !

☎If your horse suffers an injury to their eye contact us as soon as possible for prompt treatment 01704 821204 (option 2) Out of Hours 07977 714 095

31/10/2026

🎃Happy Halloween

Share your Halloween Themed Horse Pics !!

30/10/2026

🎆FIREWORKS ! To Stable or not ?

While you might assume your horse will be safer in their stable than out in a field, there's no evidence either way: Some horses prefer being in their stables, while others feel safer outside where they can see the fireworks.
A horse can still get scared in a stable and injure themselves. However, in a field, they can build up more speed when frightened and potentially catch themselves on a fence or strain a muscle.

Safety Tips:

🎇 Keep your horse in its normal, familiar environment. If your horse is normally stabled, keep it in. If it lives out in a field, leave it there—provided the fencing is secure, the field is well away from known displays, and sudden changes won't stress them more.
🎇Thoroughly check your stable or field beforehand for any potential dangers such as sharp edges, low branches.
🎇Play a radio or soothing background music nearby if stabled to help muffle the sound of bangs. Leave stable lights on to reduce the impact of sudden flashes.
🎇Provide plenty of forage to keep your horse occupied and naturally distracted.
leave rugs and headcollars off if possible to prevent snagging.
🎇The morning after a display, inspect your horse thoroughly for hidden cuts, strains, or over-reaches, and walk your field to clear any fallen firework debris or sky lantern remnants.

❗Find out when local events or Bonfire Night displays are happening. Inform neighbours and local event organizers that horses are nearby so they can point fireworks in the opposite direction.

If your horse has reacted badly to fireworks in the past, don't worry! We're here to help you explore options for a safer, happier experience. 🐴
Never sedate a horse without professional veterinary guidance.
☎ Please contact us to discuss possible options available to you 01704 821204 (option 2)

28/10/2026

26/10/2026

💉Are your Horses Vaccinations up to date ?
Vaccinating your horse is one of the most important things you can do in order to protect their health.

Why do we need to vaccinate horses?

☑️To prevent unnecessary suffering and to promote horse health.

☑️To prevent additional unplanned expenses – costs of treatment can far outweigh the costs of vaccination.

☑️To prevent loss of use – an unwell horse should not be ridden or exercised until it has completely recovered.

☑️To prevent yard closures and sporting cancellations – horse movements on a yard may have to be restricted or cancelled if a horse is diagnosed with an infectious disease.

☑️To prevent the spread of disease.

Call us to book ☎️ 01704 821204

20/10/2026

🪾🍂 Sycamore Toxicity (atypical myopathy)

Horses grazing in pastures with sycamore trees are at increased risk of Sycamore Toxicity (atypical myopathy)
The dry summer and recent windy weather has contributed to an abundance of seeds (also known as 'spinning jennies' ) falling onto grazing areas.
If you have sycamore seeds on your pasture you can:
✅Move horses to a different field if possible
✅Rake up the seeds as they fall
✅Feed additional forage in the field to deter scavenging
✅Use electric fencing to fence off the main affected areas.

Signs of toxicity vary from lethargy, stiffness, loss of balance and low head carriage, to increased lying down, inability to get up, sweating and colic signs, as well as passing brown urine.
It is essential to seek immediate veterinary attention if you observe any of these signs in your horse - ☎ Please contact us to speak to one of our vets if you have concerns about your horse's health.

16/10/2026

🐴🎇Are you ready for the Firework Season?

As natural flight animals fireworks can cause severe panic in horses.

By gradually introducing loud noises and flashing lights, you can help your horse build confidence and reduce their reaction to fireworks. (You can introduce firework noises using any portable device you have to hand and can use colour-changing LED lights to introduce flashing lights)

If your horse has reacted badly to fireworks in the past, don't worry! We're here to help you explore options for a safer, happier experience. 🐴
☎ Please contact us to discuss possible options available to you 01704 821204 (option 2)

15/10/2026

📞Yesterday we were called by Merseyside Police regarding a loose pony at an Industrial estate in St Helens.

This young c**t that Martha fondly named 'Roger' had been running loose overnight.
Despite appearing well shod he was underweight and hungry. The staff had kindly offered him cheerios' and shared their apples from their MacDonalds happy meal !
Fortunately Martha took a bucket of horse food to enable catching him and was able to get a headcollar on him, sadly he wasn't microchipped and despite local enquiries people in the surrounding area did not know who he belonged too 🤷‍♀️

Penny Farm came and collected him so hopefully the future will be a bit brighter.

As World Horse Welfare's official Centenary Vet Partner, Inspiring Vet Care will provide funding and in-kind support to help the charity continue its vital work caring for, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in need across the UK. ❤️‍🩹

https://ivcevidensia.co.uk/news/world-horse-welfare-partnership

14/10/2026

Another special offer coming up!!

£200 for gastroscopy including sedation. Should your horse or pony be diagnosed with ulcers the vet managing your case will discuss a treatment plan with you. Any treatment required will incur an additional cost.

To book a space ring 01704821204 option 2.