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New method improves racehorse welfare after tendon injury
“Ultrasound is a quick and easy method of assessing tendon injuries, widely available across veterinary practices."
System uses ultrasound to help vets make informed choices

Experts have developed a new technique that could significantly improve racehorse welfare, by helping vets and trainers to make informed and early choices after a tendon injury.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham, Oakham Equine Hospital and the Hong Kong Jockey Club created a scoring system to grade tendon injuries when they first occur.

This was used in a large cohort study to determine which ultrasound features predict whether or not horses can successfully race again after rehabilitation.

The predictive model suggests that clinicians should focus on two main characteristics of the tendon injury - the cross-sectional area of the lesion and the extent of disruption to the normally high-ordered pattern of tendon fibres. Both of these are easily accessed through ultrasound at the first presentation.

“Ultrasound is a quick and easy method of assessing tendon injuries, widely available across veterinary practices,” said Dr Rafael Alzola, equine surgery resident at Nottingham University and Oakham Veterinary Hospital. “The scoring system makes evidence-based decision making on long term outcomes feasible and accessible to equine veterinary practitioners.”

In the UK, around 14,000 horses are currently training, but not all will compete on the country’s 60 racecourses. Of those that do, a relatively small percentage will suffer a tendon injury and a high proportion of these will no longer be fit to race.

The three ‘Equine R’s’ are the standard treatment for tendon injuries in racehorses. They comprise; Rest (until able to race again), Rehabilitation (towards an alternative career) or Retirement.

Professor Chris Riggs, head vet at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Decisions on future careers for racehorses have to be carefully considered by the horse’s owner, trainer and vet, working together.

“This study is important from a welfare perspective, as it provides the information to help them make decisions which are best for the horse’s long term welfare, as soon as the injury occurs.”

Researchers have worked with ultrasound company BCF Technology to develop an app, Visits ToDo, which is based on the scoring system and allows vets to record animal health and diagnostics in the field.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.