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Bog spavin report published
Causes of bog spavin in Clydesdales need to be recognised by owners

A survey conducted by Martin Weaver and Laura Wilant of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has suggested that owners of Clydesdale horses need to be more aware of the causes of bog spavin.

The survey looked at the commonness of bog spavin and how owners of Clydesdale horses deal with it. The survey, conducted in both the UK and the USA, indicated that 10% of the 935 horses show signs of bog spavin, a problem affecting the chronic fluid distension of the hock joint.

The owners' approach to the condition in the UK indicated nearly half of the affected horses were not investigated at all and with just 12.2% receiving radiographic examination. However, in the USA over 75% of horses received some investigation and 37.7% of affected horses underwent radiographic examination.

It is believed some of the cases of bog spavin identified in the survey could be due to undetected osteochondrosis. The authors argue that if more owners knew about the possible causes of bog spavin they might be more likely to investigate and therefore identify those horses with osteochondrosis. Arthroscopic surgery could then be offered to appropriate cases to reduce the risk of this condition.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.