The Stables Equine Practice

04/06/2026

With cases of equine influenza (EI) being reported around the UK at increased levels it’s an important time to be vigilant for suspicious symptoms and at least as importantly to consider measures to minimise your horse’s risk of contracting infectious diseases more generally.

Sensible precautions to avoid exposure to and spread of infection are widely applicable to contagious diseases such as EI, equine herpes virus (EHV), and Strep. equi (“strangles”)… and, of course, routine vaccination of horses against these diseases can play a big part in prevention too.

Check out these links for useful information on biosecurity and disease incidence.

https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/equine/health-biosecurity/biosecurity
https://equinesurveillance.org/landing/

29/05/2026

Healthy joint vs osteoarthritis

These images show how a healthy joint compares to one affected by osteoarthritis.

A healthy joint allows smooth, comfortable movement — with cartilage and joint fluid reducing friction and absorbing shock.

A healthy joint includes:

• Bone – supports weight and forms the joint
• Cartilage – a smooth surface that allows bones to glide
• Synovium – the joint lining that produces fluid
• Synovial fluid – lubricates and cushions the joint
• Joint capsule – surrounds and protects the joint

As osteoarthritis develops, cartilage wears down and inflammation occurs. Other changes may include

• Thickened capsule – due to inflammation
• Inflamed synovium – the joint lining becomes irritated
• Reduced fluid quality – less effective lubrication and cushioning
• Bony changes (osteophytes) – small bone growths develop
• Narrowed joint space – reduced between the bones as cartilage is lost

Because these changes develop over time, early signs can be subtle. Monitoring how your horse moves can help detect issues earlier and support long-term health.

We can help assess your horse’s movement and track changes over time — feel free to get in touch! - 01749 830 666

29/05/2026

The Power of Transparency: What Vets and Owners Really Think

Researchers from the University of Bristol are carrying out a new study with a view to helping optimise the relationship between vets and clients, ensuring every pet receives the best possible care.

The study, “The Power of Transparency: What Vets and Owners Really Think" is being run by the University of Bristol with support from Langford Vets, with the researchers asking pet owners to share their perspectives through a quick, anonymous online survey.

“We are living in a century defined by rapid and abundant communication, yet there is surprisingly no data on how veterinary professionals and pet owners actually communicate with one another,” said project lead Dr Latifa Khenissi, Senior Clinician in Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

“By sharing your views, you’ll be helping to build a more transparent, supportive and effective environment for pets, owners and veterinarians alike,” Dr Khenissi explained.

The aim is to find out how pet owners would prefer vets communicate with them, particularly around complex topics such as care decisions, expectations, and emotional impact.

The study comprises two questionnaires: one for pet owners and another for vets to explore the importance of transparency in their communication with pet owners, with a view to making them more clearly aligned in the future.

Follow the link to complete the questionnaire.

The survey will be open for six months.

The Power of Transparency: What Vets and Owners Really Think. Have your say here.

26/05/2026

Rising temperatures can be tough on our horses - but a few simple actions can make a big difference.🌞💦

Whether they’re out in the field or in the stable, here are 5 key ways to help keep your horse cool, hydrated and healthy in the heat.

1. Ensure constant access to clean fresh water.
2. Avoid exercise in the hottest parts of the day.
3. Provide ample shade and ventilation.
4. To cool them, sponge them down and leave in a well ventilated and shady area.
5. Horses with heat stress have a raised re**al temperature (normal is up to 38.5 degrees C) and may show signs of lethargy, reduced appetite and increased heart or breathing rates. If you horse isn't sweating when expected, contact us immediately.

01749 830 666

20/05/2026

Dental Clinics with Karen Moore - New Dates Added

We will be running a series of dental clinics at £50 per horse (including vat) for a basic dental with sedation, more complex cases are welcome but may come at an additional cost to the standard fee. Clients can call to book these in now.

Available Dates:
📅 Friday 29th May
📅 Wednesday 17th June
📅 Monday 13th July

Reserve your slot today
📞 Call 01749 830 666

18/05/2026

🐴 Our office opening times will vary during the bank holiday weekend 🐎

However, if you have an emergency our vet team are still here for you 24/7.

Call us on our emergency pager: 01379 673 827.

Stables Equine Practice Spring Bank Holiday hours: Saturday 23rd May office closed emergencies only, Sunday 24th May office closed emergencies only, Monday 25th May office closed emergencies only.

15/05/2026

Did you know?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of lameness in horses. It often develops gradually, and early signs can be subtle — small changes in movement, stiffness, or reduced performance.

That’s why keeping an eye on how your horse moves over time can be helpful.
This month we’re offering remote Sleip gait checks to help assess your horse’s movement.

✔ Record your horse from home
✔ Upload the video
✔ Your vet analyses the movement and follows up

Contact us to learn more.
📞01749 830 666

12/05/2026

🐎How is your horse moving?

📆Did you know that May is Osteoarthritis Awareness Month?

Our Stables Equine Practice vets have all recently been equipped with the Sleip App on their phones giving them the facility to undertake AI powered gait analysis wherever they happen to be, whether that’s out on the road or at the clinic.

Subtle changes in your horse’s movement can be easy to miss — but catching them early can make a real difference to long-term health.

📞Contact us to book a gait check for your horse 01749 830 666

11/05/2026

We’re proud to be participating in Mental Health Awareness Week 2026!

The theme this year is ‘Action’, asking people to take small steps to support mental wellbeing.

At Langford Vets, we’re encouraging everyone to get involved with a range of activities throughout the week:

- Action to Change talk from Kerry Seymour
- Garden and birdwatching tours
- Outdoor games and sports brunch
- Head massages
- Yoga class
- Strawberry Line run

Taking action - no matter how big or small - can help us feel more hopeful and create real, lasting change.

Mental Health Foundation

06/05/2026

*Update this issue has now been resolved*

Telephone Issue - Weds 6th May
Please be aware that our office phone lines are currently down, and unfortunately our emergency phone is also affected. This means we are not receiving any calls at this time.

We are working urgently with our phone provider to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

✅ Emails are coming through as normal, so please contact us via email if you need to get in touch.

[email protected]

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. We will update you as soon as the issue is resolved.