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Support scheme launches for complex strangles cases
Redwings launched the scheme at this year's BEVA Congress.

Vets will be able to contact mentors via phone and email.

The equine welfare charity Redwings has launched a new scheme to support veterinary surgeons dealing with complex cases of strangles.

The Guttural Pouch Scoping Support Scheme was launched at this year’s British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress, where the charity handed out cards containing a scannable QR code.

The scheme offers a range of assistance to veterinary surgeons, including confidential one-to-one telephone calls with a clinical mentor and a dedicated WhatsApp group or email to share images and videos.

The mentors are experienced in using endoscopy in a variety of situations, including post-infection screening, strangles carrier diagnosis, chondroid removal, management of persistently infected equines and guttural pouch flushing.

They can also offer practical advice on the scopes and accessories suited to particular cases and provide information on the latest best-practice guidance, research findings, and new products.

The charity has been offering advice on strangles for some time, but this year has formalised the support as part of its Stamp Out Strangles Campaign.

Nic de Brauwere, head of welfare and behaviour at Redwings, said: “If you are a vet who is dealing with a tricky strangles case, would like to skill up on guttural pouch endoscopy or are unsure which scoping tools are best in different situations, then we are here to help.”

At this year's congress, Redwings also contributed to the Infectious Disease Panel, with Helen Whitelegg, research and and policy officer at the charity, appearing as one of the speakers.

Talking about the panel, Dr Whitelegg said: “We're delighted to be able to talk to vets about the Human Behaviour Change approach we use to campaign on strangles. We know that information alone has limited impact, so we're working to make practical biosecurity a simpler, more achievable part of everyday horse care.”

Veterinary surgeons can contact Redwings’ Scoping Support Scheme by emailing scoping@redwings.co.uk or calling 01508 481008.

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.