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Free laminitis pack for owners
Leaflets to help bust myths about disease

Redwings Horse Sanctuary has produced information leaflets on laminitis to help address myths surrounding the disease.

Following the discovery that 90 per cent of laminitis cases are caused by one of two underlying conditions, the sanctuary decided to take action to educate owners.

The two conditions linked with the disease are Equine Metabolic Syndrome, which is directly associated with obesity, and Equine Cushing's Disease, which is neither preventable nor curable.

According to Redwings, any horse with either condition should not be allowed to graze spring grass, as they will be particularly susceptible to laminitis.

"Laminitis itself is shrouded in myths and confusion," said Redwings' vet, Roxane Kirton, who mentioned walking it off, a few days in the stable and hot feet are all myths that surround the disease.

"Research is ongoing, but recent research suggests most cases of laminitis are a sign of either Equine Cushing's Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

"We have produced a set of free leaflets to help horse owners understand these two conditions, as well as what to do if laminitis strikes and how to spot its often-subtle symptoms."

Email Redwings or call 01508 481008 to order your free copy of the laminitis pack.

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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.