Pool House Equine Hospital

23/10/2026

⏰ Don't miss out - complimentary testing is only available until 31st October 2026.

Did you know 📣Part of our EHP ? the plan also covers the blood tests for ACTH and Redworm!

The next timing for free testing is 📅 March - April 2027 (Spring Campaign)

Boehringer Ingelheim's Care About Cushing's initiative giving free PPID testing has changed.

https://careaboutcushings.co.uk/
Free tests are available;

March - April; ideal for checking those at risk of laminitis in the spring.

September - October; increased diagnostic accuracy in the Autumn making this a good time to test new possible cases.

NEW free Dose Checking test 4-6 weeks after starting treatment.

Those already registered will still have;

One voucher per year for a free monitoring test (12months after the dose checker test).

Reminder alerts.

Educational resources

Digital tracking records

Speak to our vets to see if your horse might be suitable for the free testing.

22/10/2026

🎆 Firework Season is Approaching: Is Your Horse Ready? 🐴

While fireworks can be exciting for us, they can be frightening and stressful for horses. Sudden loud noises, flashes of light and unexpected disturbances can trigger anxiety, panic and even injury.

Here are some tips to help keep your horse safe during firework season:

✅ Check fencing, gates and stable doors are secure.
✅ Ensure your horse's identification details and microchip information are up to date.
✅ Stick to normal routines where possible.
✅ If your horse is usually stabled at night, consider keeping them in if they feel safer indoors.
✅ If they are happier turned out, ensure fields are secure and free from hazards.
✅ Provide forage to keep horses occupied and reduce stress.
✅ Speak to your vet well in advance if your horse has a history of severe firework anxiety.

Remember, every horse is different. The best approach is often the one that keeps their routine as normal and stress-free as possible.

If you're concerned about your horse during firework season, our team is here to help and advise.

21/10/2026

🐴 Have You Heard About the Care About Cushing's Programme? 🐴

Did you know that Equine Cushing's Disease (PPID) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting older horses and ponies? Early diagnosis can make a huge difference to your horse's health, comfort and quality of life.

The Care About Cushing's programme helps raise awareness of PPID and offers complimentary ACTH testing for eligible horses .

✅ Complimentary ACTH laboratory testing is currently available until 31st October 2026 through the Care About Cushing's programme

*Veterinary visit, blood sampling and interpretation fees may still apply.

🔍 Signs to look out for include:

• A long or curly coat that doesn't shed normally
• Increased drinking and urination
• Weight loss or muscle wastage
• Lethargy or reduced performance

PPID is a progressive condition, but with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and regular monitoring, many horses continue to enjoy a happy and active life.

📞 If your horse is over 15 years old, or you're concerned about any of the signs above, speak to our team about whether they may be eligible for testing through the Care About Cushing's programme.

19/10/2026

Still a few spaces available - contact us to find out more

🐴 NEW! Saturday Morning Routine Ambulatory Visits🐴

We know that work and life can be busy and with darker nights on the horizon, finding time for your horses routine healthcare during the week isn't always easy. We are excited to introduce our Saturday morning routine visits giving you a little more flexibility to keep your horse happy and healthy.

Starting Saturday 10th October (trial basis)
(between ⏰ 9.00 and 12.00 and every other Saturday)

💉Vaccinations
🩺 Prescription checks

A few important things to remember;
📌Appointments must be booked at least 24 hrs in advance
💳 Payment must be paid at time of booking

We hope this provides our clients with a little more flexibility.

📲Contact our reception on 01283 799700 to find out more or to book.

📣Don't forget our Vaccstart too!

You can always bring your horse to the hospital, enquire with reception.

15/10/2026

🎓 Advancing Neck Surgery at Pool House

We're delighted to share that our own Marco Marcatili recently attended the AO VET Advanced Course in Surgical Cervical Arthrodesis and Fracture Repair in Equine, held in Berlin from 27–29 September 2026.

This specialist course is the first of its kind. The course was chaired by Dr Fabrice Rossignol and Prof Christoph Lischer, with international faculty from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Queensland. The course was held over three intensive days of expert lectures and hands-on training on anatomical specimens covered:

🔹 Advanced imaging of the equine neck, including myelography and contrast-enhanced CT
🔹 Neck surgery including neck stabilisation using modern 3D-printed spacer and plate implants
🔹 Repair of neck fractures and luxations

💙 What this means for your horse
Neck conditions can cause incoordination, stumbling and weakness. The new techniques and scientific information acquired during these CPD events is vital to allow our multidisciplinary team to be able to offer the best tailored treatment plan for your horse from the initial examination through to treatment and rehabilitation

Ongoing training like this is central to our commitment to the highest standard of care at Pool House Equine Hospital.

Worried about a horse that seems wobbly, uncoordinated or has neck pain? Speak to your vet or get in touch with our team.

14/10/2026

💻 Join us at 7pm tomorrow night for our Colic Awareness Webinar

Listen to experts from the University of Nottingham as we explore why REACT Now to Beat Colic remains such an important message for horse owners.

Whether you're caring for your first horse or your tenth, a better understanding of colic can help you feel more confident when it matters most.

📅 Thursday 15 October, 7pm.

🎟️ Last chance to sign up: https://bit.ly/4zp6PPT

🤝 Nottingham Equine Research / University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science

13/10/2026

PHEH goes international! It has been a busy and exciting weekend for the PHEH team: Soledad presented her research project, “Diagnostic Analgesia of the Median Nerve: Ultrasound-Guided versus ‘Blind’ Technique in 11 Horses”, at the European Equine Sport Medicine Congress (ECVSMR) in the Netherlands. This study was carried out alongside Marco M., Marco D., Roberta, Jonathan, and Federica. Meanwhile, Giulia, Regina, and Marco D. travelled to Transylvania, Romania, for the European College of Equine Internal Medicine Congress (ECEIM). A memorable highlight was Giulia receiving her Diploma during a Dracula-themed Gala Dinner. 🦇✨ Congratulations to everyone involved for representing PHEH on the international stage and contributing to the advancement of equine medicine.

12/10/2026

Lexie was referred to us by Agnew Equine Ltd displaying severe colic signs. It turns out Lexie’s enthusiasm for grazing extended well past the grass, leading to a substantial amount of ingested sand.

Fortunately, surgery was not required. Our medical team managed her care conservatively, assisting her system in clearing the sand until the impaction was fully resolved and she was ready for discharge.

Take a look at the attached X-rays to see her progression from a very heavy colon to a clean bill of health. We are delighted to see her head home, though we have gently suggested she stick to a strictly forage-only diet from now on! 🌱😊