Equivet Mobile Horse Veterinary Services

14/06/2026

🐴✨ Why do mares get “wax” on their teats before foaling? ✨🐴

As a mare gets close to giving birth, you might notice a sticky, wax-like substance forming on the ends of her teats. This is commonly called “waxing up.”

🔍 What is it?
That “wax” is actually concentrated colostrum (the first milk), rich in antibodies that are vital for your foal’s immune system.

⏳ What does it mean?
Waxing is often a sign that foaling is very close—typically within 12–48 hours. However, every mare is different, and timing can vary.

⚠️ What should you do?

Increase monitoring—your mare is entering the final stage of pregnancy
Ensure the foaling area is clean, safe, and ready
Have your vet’s contact details on hand, just in case

💡 Keep in mind: Not all mares will wax up before foaling, so it’s just one of several signs to watch for.

12/06/2026

🦷 Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painful dental condition seen most commonly in older horses. It affects the front teeth, causing inflammation, root damage, excessive cementum build-up, and discomfort.

Signs can include:
• Difficulty grazing or picking up treats
• Dropping food
• Bad breath
• Swelling around the incisors
• Sensitivity when the mouth is touched
• Weight loss or reduced appetite

Many horses hide dental pain well, so regular dental checks are essential. Early diagnosis can greatly improve comfort and quality of life.

If you’re concerned about your horse’s teeth, speak to your vet.

10/06/2026

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent equine dissection clinic 🐴🔬

We’ve had a few people asking about the video we played during the session, so here is the link for anyone who would like to watch it again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feAj2aspkIE

⚠️ Please be aware — it’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is a fascinating and very educational watch for anyone interested in equine anatomy and biomechanics.

We hope you all enjoyed the evening and look forward to seeing you at future dissection evening events! Keep an eye on our page for details of upcoming client evenings and event dates 👀🐴

Look inside racehorse!

09/06/2026

🪰 Flies bothering your horse? You’re not alone… 🐴

As the weather warms up, flies become more than just a nuisance—they can have a real impact on your horse’s comfort and health.

Flies are attracted to moisture, wounds, and secretions, which means they often target sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, and any cuts or sores.

⚠️ Why flies are a problem:
• Cause irritation and stress
• Can lead to rubbing, hair loss, and skin damage
• Spread infection and disease
• Delay wound healing
• Increase the risk of conditions like summer sores
• Can cause fly strike

💡 How to help protect your horse:
• Use fly repellents and sprays regularly
• Fit fly masks, especially those with ear and UV protection
• Keep stables clean and remove droppings frequently
• Use fly rugs for sensitive horses
• Check your horse daily for any cuts or irritated areas

Managing flies isn’t just about comfort—it’s an important part of keeping your horse healthy through the warmer months.

If your horse is struggling with fly irritation or has a wound that isn’t healing, get in touch—we’re here to help.

🐴

08/06/2026

Open to everyone – but spaces are limited!
To secure your free space, please call the office on 📞 01483 811088 to book.

🐎 RoR South East & Equivet Evening 🐎

RoR South East and Equivet Mobile Horse Veterinary Services are excited to invite you to a social, hands-on evening focused on managing the former racehorse when returning to work.

Join us for an informative and interactive session featuring numerous stations, including:
✨ Guided stretches and exercises to support your horse’s muscle development
✨ Vet-led sessions on effective pole work and managing common conditions
✨ Advice on safely returning your horse to work after a break or following retirement from racing

This is also a great opportunity to learn more about RoR, connect with fellow owners and riders, and gain valuable insights into caring for and retraining former racehorses.

📅 25th June 2026
⏰ Arrival from 6:15pm | Start at 6:30pm
📍Equivet, Nodwood House Equine, Churt Road, Churt, Farnham, GU10 2QS
🎟️ Free to attend

📩 To book or find out more, contact:
[email protected] or [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/06/2026

Foaling season is an exciting time—but it also comes with important responsibilities to keep both mare and foal safe. One simple but crucial step? **Always keep and check the afterbirth (placenta).**

Why does this matter?

The placenta provides a vital window into your mare’s health during pregnancy. By examining it after foaling, your vet can spot early warning signs of problems such as infection, inflammation, or incomplete expulsion. Even small retained pieces can lead to serious complications like uterine infection or laminitis if not treated promptly.

Here’s what you should do:
✔️ Tie up the placenta (never cut it) once it has passed
✔️ Keep it clean and store it in a bag or container
✔️ Save it for your vet to examine as soon as possible

A “normal” placenta should be passed within 3 hours of foaling. If it hasn’t, this is an emergency—call your vet immediately.

Taking a few extra minutes to save and check the afterbirth can make a big difference in protecting your mare’s health and ensuring a strong start for your foal.

If you have any questions during foaling season, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way 🐴

05/06/2026

💧🐴 Dehydration in horses – a hidden risk, especially in warmer weather 🐴💧

Dehydration can develop quickly in horses and may not always be obvious at first. Because horses rely on a well-functioning fluid balance for digestion, circulation, and temperature control, even mild dehydration can affect their health and performance.

⚠️ Signs to watch for:
* Dry or sticky gums
* Reduced skin elasticity (“skin tenting”)
* Lethargy or dullness
* Reduced appetite
* Dark, concentrated urine
* Reduced droppings or signs of colic

Hot weather, exercise, travel, illness, or reduced access to clean water can all increase the risk.

💡 How to help prevent dehydration:
* Always provide fresh, clean water
* Encourage drinking when travelling or competing
* Offer soaked hay or electrolytes when advised by your vet
* Monitor water intake, especially in hot conditions
* Ensure salt is available in the diet to encourage thirst

🚨 Severe dehydration is a veterinary emergency and can quickly become serious if not treated.

If you’re concerned your horse may not be drinking enough or is showing any of the signs above, please contact us for advice.

🐴 Staying ahead of hydration helps keep horses healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best.

04/06/2026

🌿🐴 Ragwort is growing – now is the time to act! 🐴🌿

As we move into the warmer months, ragwort is starting to appear in fields and verges. While it may look like a bright, pretty wildflower, it is in fact highly toxic to horses.

⚠️ Why ragwort is dangerous:
Ragwort contains toxins that can cause serious and irreversible liver damage when ingested. The effects are cumulative, meaning even small amounts over time can be harmful.

🚨 What to look out for:
• Bright yellow daisy-like flowers (in bloom later in the season)
• Rosette-shaped leaves at ground level earlier in the year
• Plants often found in poorly managed or overgrazed areas

💡 What you should do:
• Remove ragwort early—ideally before it flowers and seeds
• Dispose of it safely (never leave it in fields or hedgerows)
• Regularly inspect grazing areas throughout the season
• Ensure horses are not grazing contaminated land

🐴 Prevention is key when it comes to ragwort poisoning.

If you’re unsure how to identify or safely remove ragwort, we’re always happy to offer advice and guidance.

02/06/2026

🐴 Cobs and feathered breeds – have you heard of CPL? 🐴

Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema (CPL) is a condition we commonly see in heavier, feathered breeds such as cobs, Shires, and Clydesdales.

CPL affects the lymphatic system, leading to poor drainage of fluid in the lower limbs. Over time, this causes thickening of the skin, swelling, and the development of deep skin folds.

⚠️ Signs to watch for:
• Progressive swelling in the lower legs
• Thickened, firm skin
• Skin folds and nodules
• Scabs or crusting under the feathers
• Increased risk of infections like mud fever

Unfortunately, CPL is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured—but early recognition and good management can make a big difference to your horse’s comfort and quality of life.

💡 Management tips:
• Regular clipping to allow close inspection of the skin
• Good hygiene and routine cleaning of the legs
• Prompt treatment of any infections
• Weight management and regular exercise
• Supportive therapies as advised by your vet

If you have a cob or feathered horse, it’s worth keeping a close eye on their legs and getting any changes checked early.

🐴 We’re always here to help with advice, diagnosis, and long-term management plans.