Julia Shrubb, MA VetMB CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, Ashbrook Equine Hospital. Equine asthma (also known as heaves or dust allergy and formerly known as COPD or RAO) is one of the most common causes of coughing and nasal discharge in stabled horses.  Equine asthma occurs when the horse's lungs over-react to inhaling allergens in the environment. It has many similarities to … [Read more...]

By Vicky Rowlands Cert. EP MRCVS - Ashbrook Equine Hospital, Cheshire Atypical myopathy (AM, atypical myoglobinuria or seasonal pasture myopathy) is a muscle disease that hit the headlines in 2014 due to a peak in cases. The disease has been documented since 1985 but we have seen a gradual increase in numbers over the last 6 years. It has come under a lot of scrutiny recently … [Read more...]

By Julia Shrubb MA VetMB Cert(AVP)EM MRCVSAshbrook Equine Hospital. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome Equine gastric ulcer syndrome, commonly called "stomach ulcers", is a syndrome where the stomach lining becomes damaged. Stomach ulcers can affect any horse but are very common in competing horses. Some reports suggest that 2 out of 3 performance horses and over 9 out of 10 … [Read more...]

By Roger Dixon MRCVS - Ashbrook Equine Hospital, Cheshire To the frustration of many owners, some mares appear to be constantly in season. This can make ridden work very difficult and may affect the horse’s performance at competitions. The behaviour may be due to completely normal physiological events related to the mare’s oestrus cycle, or may be a sign of a more serious … [Read more...]

By Kerry Comb BVMS CertEP MRCVS  www.ashbrookequinehospital.co.uk 01565 723030. First Aid and Equine Emergencies.  Dealing with first aid and equine emergencies relies on being able to recognise a problem. Taking note of your horse’s normal demeanour and monitoring drinking, eating and the passage of urine and faeces will allow you to detect problems early. The vital signs - … [Read more...]