The Equine Department of this practice consists of ten veterinary surgeons working from our purpose built hospital just off the A36 at Alderbury.  All may be contacted by telephoning the practice on 01722 710046.  For non emergencies this will probably involve leaving a message to return the call.  Alternatively, all may be contacted by mobile telephone but they will usually only answer when not dealing with clients.

Click here for list of the veterinary surgeons' mobile telephone numbers

All emergencies should be directed to the surgery so that the closest veterinary surgeon can be alerted.

A 24 hour service is provided 7 days a week, priority being given to emergencies at weekends and after 5pm on weekdays.

Currently the practice offers complete medical and surgical services for the diagnosis and treatment of you horse's maladies including:

• Diagnostic ultrasound both for stud purposes and in relation to soft tissue problems. e.g tendon injury
• Radiography
• Endoscopy
• Electrocardiography
• Gastroscopy
• Nuclear scintigraphy

Some of these can be used on your premises but in many circumstances investigations can be more detailed if carried out at our surgical site on an outpatient basis.  Here, also, height measurements can be carried out under the Joint Measurement Scheme and detailed lameness investigations are possible.

The surgical unit is able to provide the facilities required for most surgical conditions of the horse including:

• Correction of surgical colics
• Orthopaedic surgery including fracture treatment and video arthroscopy
• Soft tissue surgery including crysosurgery

These will follow induction of general anaesthesia in a similar way to that employed in human hospitals.

To assist in diagnosis, full laboratory back up is available and results can be obtained very quickly.

Prevention of disease is of direct benefit to your horse and to yourself financially. We strongly recommend:

• A program of inoculation against Equine Influenza and Tetanus. This is mandatory for competition horses, as is certification.
• Regular worming with the correct dosage of wormer with suitable intervals and using the drug discussed with your veterinary surgeon to suit your particular methods of management.
• Regular rasping of teeth is also well worthwhile.

We offer an identichip service to positively identify you horse, so that in the event of it being stolen or straying it can be returned to you.  It is also now a legal requirement that all horses must be microchipped when applying for a passport.  The system leaves no external blemishes on the horse.

The veterinary surgeons in the practice regularly attend courses and meetings home and abroad to keep abreast of recent advances in veterinary knowledge and techniques.

We offer a full service of stud medicine for preparation of mares to visit stallions, gynaecological examinations and investigations, ultrasound diagnosis, advice on foaling, assistance if and when required, through to perinatal examination of new born foals and medical or surgical treatment of many acquired or congenital problems.

Accounts will be rendered monthly and will be addressed to you if your horse is at livery.  These should be settled promptly. If your horse is insured for veterinary fees, we require you to settle any account connected with the claim rather than asking the insurance company to send payment directly to us.  When calling a veterinary surgeon for non routine purposes, it is a good idea to inform your insurance company regardless of whether you will be making a claim.