Wounds

Horses can find new and surprising ways of injuring themselves - and despite all we’ve seen over the years, we can still be surprised!  Here are some tips for wound management and when you should be calling the vet.

First Aid:

  • Don’t panic! It is important to keep calm while catching up your horse, in turn to keep them calm and prevent them from causing more injury to themselves.
  • If your horse is able to - walk them into a clean and dry stable or a quiet area on the yard. If they are not able to walk then keep them where they are and phone the vet immediately.  If the horse needs distracting while waiting for assistance to arrive a small feed or treats are a good way of helping them relax and stay still.
  • It’s sensible to have someone hold your horse while you try to assess the wound. Wounds can be painful and your horse may well be anxious – the last thing you need is to get hurt by accident.
  • If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply even and direct pressure to the area.  This can be done using some gauze swabs, an absorbent bandage such as soffbann and some vet wrap.  If there is blood coming through the bandage it is sensible to apply more vet wrap on top.  By doing this you are not disturbing the blood clots beneath when the soaked material is peeled away.
  • It is important to remember that wounds can be very deceptive in appearance.  Some large wounds can appear horrific but can heal surprisingly well, whereas other seemingly minor ones can result in career ending infections if not dealt with quickly.
  • Veterinary attention should be sought quickly if:
    • The entire thickness of the skin has been broken
    • If the wound is near a joint or a tendon
    • Wound edges gape apart or if there is a skin flap present
    • If the wound will not stop bleeding with the use of a simple compression bandage as described above
    • If there is contamination of the wound
    • If the horse is very lame especially if the wound appears small
    • If structures such as bone, muscle or tendon can be seen
  • Avoid giving painkillers before the vet arrives as they can mask the severity of the injury. Please avoid using any creams without consulting the vet first.
Ambulatory
We always come to you! We have hospital-grade veterinary and diagnostic tools which are entirely mobile, which means you have the convenience of keeping your horse right where they are.
Independent
We are proud to be a local, family-run practice, and if your horse needs specialist treatment, we are free to refer them to the top experts in the country for their specific needs, not where a corporate dictates.
Experience
Over 20 years as a practice we have built an outstanding reputation for trustworthy care, treatment and professionalism - and our team of vets have devoted their careers exclusively to equine medicine.
Emergencies
We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so you always have our support and your peace of mind.

Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
“My best advice is register with Agnew Equine - they are the best!” Louisa Kelly
“Love these vets - wouldn’t go anywhere else! Fantastic.” Paulina Nicholls
“A great team of vets! Calm, caring, experts with a professional manner” Kelly Pope
“Best vets anyone could have. Fantastic in all ways.” Angela Frost
“By far the most attentive and polite practice I’ve come across”
Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
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Monday to Friday
8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday
Closed
Sundays
Closed
In An Emergency

We offer an out-of-hours service for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Simply call the practice on 01782 510502 to access our support.

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