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: 25th October 2012
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
'Talk About Laminitis' initiative working well
Over 300 horses and ponies tested for PPID

A scheme offering free adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) tests is proving a success. Over 300 horses and ponies have so far been tested for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) during the first seven weeks of the initiative, entitled 'Talk About Laminitis.'

Tests performed this spring revealed that PPID may affect up to one third of laminitic horses and ponies between 10 to 15 years of age, and the scheme has led to a reappraisal of the ages of horses tested for PPID.

Professor Andy Durham, from the Liphook Equine Hospital, commented: "For years we have known that horses and ponies with PPID are prone to laminitis, but recent evidence suggests that actually the majority of laminitis cases are caused by an underlying endocrine disease."

He added: "The last 24 months have been an absolute revolution in the number of laminitis cases tested for PPID, which is excellent medicine because if you don't test, you may be at risk of missing the diagnosis."

The scheme runs until the end of November. Vets can download free ACHT blood test vouchers here, and are encouraged to submit test from all cases of laminitis they see in horses from the age of 10.

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

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.