Winter 2014-15
Practice News
Here at Avonvale we are pleased to
welcome three new members of staff
to our team. Firstly, we have Claire
Sawyer our new vet who is joining us
from Cheshire. Claire specialises in
lameness and will be spending time
both in clinic and out in the field.
Charlotte Culpin is our new veterinary
intern who has recently graduated
from Cambridge University. We would
also like to welcome Ellen Bott our
new equine veterinary nurse and Lucy
our head nurse back from maternity
Moreton Morrell College
We are Moreton Morrell’s equine veterinary practice of choice and have worked with the college over
a number of years treating their own horses and
visiting student’s horses. We believe wholeheartedly
in the benefits offered by the college’s equine therapy and rehabilitation centre and are delighted to be
involved in the project.
The equine water treadmill has shown to be effective
in increasing joint mobility, range of motion, muscular
strength and as a fitness aid.
This new centre offers a superb environment for the
treatment and rehabilitation of equine musculoskeletal injuries as well as injury prevention pre and post
exercise together with ongoing endurance training
for competition horses. Avonvale will be working
with the college to assess the best treatment and
rehabilitation for the horse together with ensuring a
safe environment for treatment.
The hydrotherapy spa can be used for: Tendonitis,
Laminitis, Ligament strains, Arthritis, Hoof injuries,
Shin splints, Jarring, Bruising, Bursitis / Synovitis,
Open wounds and skin infections.
Avonvale will be present at Moreton Morell on a
Wednesday afternoon for introducing new horses to
the facilities. For further information or to arrange an
appointment please contact us.
Claire Sawyer
VACANCY! We are currently
looking for a Receptionist to join
the team. Please get in touch if you
are interested.
Don’t miss out!
We are now able to send invoices by
email and can take the hassle out of
paying your bill by using our direct debit
system run by Gocardless. Email
[email protected] for
more information.
P.s Remember to ‘like’ us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/pages/AvonvaleVeterinary-Practice
Sycamore Poisoning
This Autumn we have seen an increase in Sycamore poisoning, also known as
Equine Atypical Myopathy which can be caused by poisoning from Sycamore tree
seeds which are readily available due to the wet
and windy weather. The seeds release a toxin
called Hypoglycin A. This causes damage to the
muscle of horses which can be fatal.
Clinical signs include sudden stiffness, weakness, dark coloured
urine, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing and swallowing with low
body temperature.
We recommend restricting horses from access to Sycamore trees
and to provide supplemental feeding during bad weather. If you are
concerned, please call us immediately as quick diagnosis and
treatment is essential.
Avonvale Veterinary Practice, Ratley Lodge, Ratley, Banbury, OX15 6DT
Tel;01295 670501
www.avonvaleequine.co.uk
About Avonvale
Avonvale is a long established equine practice based in rural north Oxfordshire conveniently located near the M40 junction 12 and covering a wide area
extending from Oxford in the south to Birmingham in the north and Northampton in the east to Worcester in the West. With 3 partners and 5 assistants
we are large enough to have excellent facilities and equipment but small enough to care passionately for every patient and client. We offer general
practitioner, specialist 1st opinion and clinic based services to our clients as well as a specialist equine referral service for other vets. We operate a fully
equipped surgical theatre performing a wide variety of operations including colic. The Practice has undertaken voluntary quality assurance and we are also
an Equine Nurse Training Practice which, along with our RCVS accreditation, means we have a solid foundation of experience whilst always ensuring we
keep up to date with new developments and techniques. Our patients range from children’s ponies to top class thoroughbreds and competition horses. We
operate a 24 hour emergency service provided by our own vets.
Recommend a
friend!
Winter MOT
Worming
With the first heavy frost due don't forget to worm your horse with a multi
wormer such as Equest Pramox to control tape worm, encysted red worm and
bots.
Nutrition
Coming into the winter months it is important to keep an eye on your horses
condition and feed a balanced diet accordingly. If you need any advice on feeding
then please feel free to contact one of our vets and remember to make use of our
weigh bridge for free at the clinic.
Mud fever
Mud fever is a very common skin condition affecting the lower legs of horses. The hair becomes matted and
scabs develop. Infection can spread to become extensive and swelling, pain and
even lameness may result.
We very much value you as a client. If you
value us then please recommend us to your
friends and family. To show our appreciation, we’ll credit both yours and your
friends’ account with £10 . Your account
will be credited when your friend registers
and has their first visit with us. To qualify,
this must be done by the end of March
2015. Please see our website for T&Cs.
Vet Focus
Sophie Edward-Jenks
Cause The bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis is classically reported as the
cause but we have found in our laboratory that other bacteria (like
staphylococci) and ringworm are commonly involved. Samples of scabs taken by a
vet can help to identify the specific cause.
Prevention better than cure! Prolonged wetting of the skin favours bacterial and fungal growth. Keeping
horses out of muddy areas e.g. taping off poached gateways, may reduce the incidence of infection. In horses
with heavy feathering, clipping the hair may reduce the severity of signs and make treatment easier. Make sure
boots fit well as traumatised skin is an easy portal of entry for infection.
Treatment Treatment requires removal of the scabs followed by application of topical antibacterials or
antifungals. Traditionally this has involved soaking the scabs in a dilute antiseptic solution but this can be time
consuming and many horses resent removal of the scabs. Following treatment the affected areas need to be
kept as dry as possible. In severe cases, systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatories may also be required.
Date for your diary!
We will be holding another client evening at Ratley village hall on the 26 th March 2015. Our vets Claire Sawyer
and Sophie Edward-Jenks will be discussing poor performance; both investigating and treatment options including acupuncture. This is always a good evening out with informative discussions for equine lovers. We also
offer a free buffet! Places are limited though so please email [email protected] or phone 01295
670501 to book your place.
Treating chronic pain, orthopedic and behavioural problems, geriatric ailments and
more. Our acupuncture service is provided
by Sophie Edward-Jenks MA VetMB CertAVP MRCVS who has undergone training in
veterinary acupuncture and is a member of
the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists. Yard clinics and individual call
outs available on request. Please call the
practice to discuss individual cases with
Sophie.
John Williams
Show Jumping
A big congratulations to John and Ramiro III
who were out competing again on Saturday
22nd November at Aintree and were placed 5th
in the Major Veteran Riders Championships.
John is a Director of Avonvale and had been at
the Practice since he qualified at Cambridge in
1976.
Sophie will also be available on a Wednesday
morning to run an acupuncture clinic at
Ratley from 9-11am by prior appointment.