Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th October 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

World Horse Welfare webinars return with arthritis session
A series of expert-led horse welfare webinars will run every Wednesday from November- March.
The webinars will run every Wednesday this winter.

World Horse Welfare’s Welfare Wednesday Webinars are set to return from November, with expert-led sessions on different aspects of horse welfare.

The first session, on 1 November, will be presented by equine diagnostic imaging expert Dr Merry Smith, and will discuss how arthritic changes can be managed in ridden horses.

The webinar, hosted on Zoom, will explore how arthritic changes commonly affect ridden horses and the potential causes of this affliction. It also addresses the ways that horse owners can minimise the risks of arthritis in their horse, and effectively manage the condition if it develops.

As well as affecting older horses, World Horse Welfare says it is also being seen in younger horses.

The session will conclude with a live Q&A with Dr Smith, where the audience will be invited to ask any questions on the topic.

Dr Merry Smith has studied specialised surgical training in both the USA and UK, as well as completing her PhD on equine diagnostic imaging. In 2013, Dr Smith set up her own independent equine teleradiology service and now works as a freelance equine diagnostic imaging and surgery consultant.

Dr Smith’s session on arthritis launches a series of horse welfare webinars which will run every Wednesday from November- March. Other expert-led sessions will include nutrition, sleep, training methods and managing ulcers.

The Welfare Wednesday Webinar series was first offered in 2020 as a way to bridge the gap between current research, experts and horse owners. The sessions include accessible, practical advice and guidance which is suitable for everyone, from new horse-owners to industry professionals.

All of World Horse Welfare’s previous webinars, including topics such as horse fitness, mental wellbeing, biosecurity and euthanasia, are available on their website.

This year’s webinars are free to attend via Zoom, where viewers can partake in various polls, ask questions and enjoy an interactive experience. They will also be available on Facebook Live.

Dr Smith’s webinar, Managing arthritis changes in ridden horses will take place from 7pm on 1 November. To register for free, follow this link.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.