Oakhill Equine Vets

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Oakhill Equine Vets Whilst Oakhill Veterinary Centre is able to take care of your veterinary needs for all species, this page is dedicated to the equine division.
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Proudly independent practice - owned and run by the vets that work here! 17 equine-only vets providing ambulatory and clinic-based services across the North West of England. We provide ambulatory services throughout the North West of England and beyond. On-site we have extensive facilities for investigative diagnostic work as well as a modern surgery and anaesthesia suite. We also have the expertise of a European Specialist in equine lameness and surgery. Routine services are available 08:30-18:00 weekdays and 08:30-13:00 on a Saturday. Out of hours emergency services are provided for the remainder of the time, year-round. We are always here for free and friendly telephone advice.

CPD AND A LITTLE TREACHERY…It was Guy, Rob and Nikki’s turn (along with CEO Tony!) to attend a continuing professional d...
07/10/2026

CPD AND A LITTLE TREACHERY…
It was Guy, Rob and Nikki’s turn (along with CEO Tony!) to attend a continuing professional development (CPD) event last week. Guy also took on a speaking role, delivering a lecture on orthobiologic medications. Vets must complete 35 hours of CPD each year to comply with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. As you can see, they also took part in some very serious team-building activities (spot the one who managed NOT to get ‘banished’ in the Traitors mock-up!).

06/10/2026

LOCKING STIFLES
A locking stifle—also known as upward fixation of the patella (UFP)—occurs when the stifle’s locking mechanism, which allows the horse to bear weight on the limb without muscular effort (e.g. to help them sleep while standing) fails to disengage appropriately.

The affected hind leg remains extended and cannot bend, so the horse may drag it behind them. In mild cases, signs may be subtle and asking the horse to walk backwards will often release the stifle, whereas severe cases can result in prolonged locking episodes that significantly affect the horse's mobility.

Poor hindlimb muscle mass/strength, rapid growth in young horses and underlying lameness in the affected limb (not necessarily related to the stifle) can predispose to the condition, which is most commonly seen in young horses and horses returning to work after a period of inactivity.

Treatment depends on the severity and frequency of clinical signs but usually focuses on strengthening the quadriceps and stabilising the joint through a gradual increase in exercise, particularly hill work and raised-pole exercises. Most horses with this condition make a full recovery and go on to perform normally. However, in severe cases, or when the horse does not respond to exercise, surgery of the medial patella ligament in terms of a desmoplasty (ligament splitting) can be very effective.

If your horse experiences repeated or severe episodes, speak to one of our vets about the most appropriate management plan.

AN UPDATE ON EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS ⚠️In the past month, we’ve seen a number of cases of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS), or ...
05/10/2026

AN UPDATE ON EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS ⚠️
In the past month, we’ve seen a number of cases of Equine Grass Sickness (EGS), or Equine Dysautonomia. This is a neurological disease that presents with muscular and gastro-intestinal symptoms.

A breakthrough has been made in the last year on the cause of EGS by identifying structural changes in the junctions between the nerves and muscles that are consistent with neurotoxins from snake or spider venom. However, it is likely that in the instance of grass sickness, this neurotoxin (phospholipase A2) is released by microbes or a fungus that grows on the pasture.

This neurotoxin causes paralysis of the muscles, in particular in the gastro-intestinal tract and causes the following signs:
• Signs of colic
• Hypersalivation
• Dried inflamed nostrils
• Very bloated stomach
• Tucked up abdomen
• Drooping eyelids
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle tremors
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing or refusing to eat
• In severe cases, foul smelling green liquid from the nose.

Due to the vague signs that cross multiple systems of the horse, your vet will do a thorough history and exam to rule out other possible causes of your horse's illness.

Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for EGS. It is dependent on the severity in each case whether symptoms can be managed medically.

A SPOTLIGHT ON OUR WONDERFUL YARD TEAM 👋We’ve welcomed a few new faces to our yard team recently, so we thought it was t...
02/10/2026

A SPOTLIGHT ON OUR WONDERFUL YARD TEAM 👋
We’ve welcomed a few new faces to our yard team recently, so we thought it was the perfect time to reintroduce you to the whole team!

You’ll see them helping with admissions and discharges, around the clinic and even out on the road at yard visits.

Our yard team is on site 8am–6pm every day, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly and, most importantly, caring for all your wonderful horses.

They work alongside our vets and nurses, helping with everything from:
- Assisting in surgery
- Trotting up and lunging during lameness investigations
- Assisting with radiography, ultrasonography and MRI
- Keeping the clinic clean and tidy and mucking out
- Ordering supplies and keeping stock topped up

They really do it all! It’s safe to say we couldn’t do what we do every day without them.

30/09/2026

Tuesday is always a busy day at the farm as its our vet and farrier day. Panda was on the list for a dental check this morning.
Oakhill Equine Vets

** FULLY BOOKED - PLEASE CALL 01772 861300 TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST**YOU'RE INVITED! CLIENT EVENING: THURS, 22ND ...
27/09/2026

** FULLY BOOKED - PLEASE CALL 01772 861300 TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST**

YOU'RE INVITED! CLIENT EVENING: THURS, 22ND OCT 2026
Join us for an educational and fun-filled evening at Barton Manor Hotel with expert talks, competitions, and prizes!

🎤 Guest Speaker:
Dr. Andy Bathe MA VetMB, DEO, DipECVS, DipACVSMR, MRCVS - “The Elite Competition Horse - Lessons for Everyone”

Plus, presentations from our own Oakhill vets:
🎤 Guy Hinnigan – “My horse has got a fat ankle: Help!”
🎤 Matilda Pighills – “Traumatic Wounds...What should you do?!”

📅 Date: Thursday, 22nd October 2026
📍 Venue: Barton Manor Hotel, Garstang Rd, Barton, Preston, PR3 5AA
🕕 Doors Open: 6:30pm | Talks Start: 7:30pm

This event is always a sell-out, so book early to avoid disappointment! https://www.oakhill-vets.com/equine/event-registration/

Two weeks ago a few of our vets attended BEVA Congress. 🐎This is the annual conference organised by the British Equine V...
24/09/2026

Two weeks ago a few of our vets attended BEVA Congress. 🐎

This is the annual conference organised by the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). It is one of the major professional events for our equine vets and nurses. BEVA has a lot to offer including:

🐴 Learning about new developments in equine veterinary medicine.
🎓 Completing CPD (continuing professional development) through lectures, workshops and practical sessions.
🔬 Hearing from specialists and researchers about new evidence, treatments and approaches to equine healthcare.
🧑‍⚕️ Developing practical skills, with hands-on demonstrations and workshops.
🤝 Networking with other equine vets, nurses, researchers and companies.
🏢 Visiting the exhibition centre where veterinary companies, pharmaceutical companies, equipment manufacturers and other organisations showcase products and services.

It looks like they all had a great time, some more than others eh Tom?!

WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT? We all hope that our horses will keep themselves out of trouble, but unfortu...
22/09/2026

WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT?
We all hope that our horses will keep themselves out of trouble, but unfortunately most horses will pick up some grazes or sniffles throughout their lives. Knowing what to do in the first instance (before your vet arrives) can mean the difference between a good outcome and a poor outcome.

Some examples of things you should have in your first aid kit are:
• Thermometer (with petroleum jelly for lubrication)
• Disposable gloves
• Hibiscrub
• Cotton wool for cleaning wounds
• Hoof poultice material (only to be used on the soles of the hoof – never on skin wounds!)
• Non-stick wound covering (e.g. Melolin)
• Soft bandaging material
• Elastic self-adhesive bandaging material
• Duct tape
• A sign near your horse’s stable with both your number and the practice details

Remember – in an emergency stay calm and give us a call! Whether in hours or not, our vets are at the end of the phone 24/7 to give you individual advice. We also run first aid talks at the beginning of each new year to teach you essential first aid skills such as bandaging, which includes an Oakhill-branded first aid kit!

Address

Langley Lane
Preston
PR32JQ

Telephone

01772861300

Website

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