LINGFIELD EQUINE VETS

When a horse requires hospitalisation , it can be an anxious and uncertain time for any owner. Whether admission is planned — such as for surgery, advanced imaging, or intensive diagnostic work-up — or unplanned due to acute illness, understanding what happens behind the scenes can provide reassurance. In-patient care is structured, closely monitored, and purpose-built to support both immediate stabilisation and long-term recovery. From admission through to discharge, every stage follows a systematic clinical framework designed to prioritise safety, welfare, and optimal outcome.   Admission begins with a detailed clinical handover. We review the presenting complaint, timeline of symptoms, previous medical history, medication use, vaccination and worming status, feeding regime, and any relevant behavioural considerations. Small details — such as recent travel, changes in turnout, or alterations in work intensity — can influence diagnosis and treatment planning. A full physical exami...

While many horses can be safely treated at home, some medical and surgical conditions benefit significantly from closer monitoring and more intensive veterinary support. Hospitalisation allows us to provide structured, round-the-clock care for horses that are seriously unwell, recovering from surgery, or requiring frequent reassessment and treatment adjustments. This level of supervision can be especially important for conditions such as colic, severe lameness, systemic infection, dehydration, respiratory compromise, post-operative recovery, or complex metabolic disease. For many owners, the decision to hospitalise a horse can feel daunting. Horses are creatures of habit, and their home environment feels safe and familiar. Separation from companions and routine can understandably cause concern. However, hospitalisation is not about removing a horse from their comfort zone unnecessarily — it is about providing the right level of care at the right time. In certain situations, access to...

Noticing a limp or uneven gait in your horse can be deeply concerning. Sometimes the change is obvious — a clear head nod, reluctance to bear weight, or visible swelling — but often it is much more subtle. A horse may feel less forward, resist bending on one rein, struggle with transitions, shorten its stride, or simply feel “not quite right.” These early changes are often the first indicators of discomfort. Because lameness can originate from many different structures, identifying the root cause requires a careful, structured, and methodical veterinary approach. Lameness itself is not a diagnosis; it is a clinical sign indicating pain, mechanical restriction, or occasionally neurological dysfunction. The equine limb is anatomically complex, and even a small area of pathology can significantly influence movement. Effective treatment depends entirely on accurately localising and diagnosing the source of discomfort. Without that clarity, management becomes guesswork — and guesswork often...

Lameness can be worrying for any horse owner, whether it appears suddenly after an obvious incident or develops gradually over weeks or months. A mild unevenness under saddle, reluctance to turn on one rein, shortened stride, resistance in transitions, or stiffness during warm-up may seem minor at first, yet these subtle changes are often the earliest indicators of discomfort. Because lameness can arise from many different structures within the limb — including joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, the hoof capsule, supporting soft tissues, or even the back and pelvis — accurate diagnosis requires a structured, systematic, and evidence-based approach rather than assumption or guesswork. Horses are remarkably adept at compensating for discomfort. They may redistribute weight to other limbs, subtly alter their gait, or adjust posture to avoid pain. Over time, this compensation can create secondary tension and strain elsewhere in the body. For this reason, identifying the true primary source...

Noticed your horse scratching more than usual? Or perhaps they've developed patchy hair loss or scabby areas that don’t seem to heal? Skin conditions are common in horses in the UK, especially in damp or humid conditions, but many look deceptively similar. We help owners navigate these often confusing symptoms to identify and treat the real cause. Common Culprits Rain scald is frequently seen during wet weather, presenting as scabby, sore patches along the horse’s back and rump. In contrast, mud fever, which affects the lower limbs, causes scabbing and inflammation, particularly in horses turned out on muddy ground. Fungal infections such as ringworm are highly contagious and often cause circular areas of hair loss with crusty skin. Meanwhile, lice and mites can lead to intense itching and rubbing, resulting in bald spots and secondary skin trauma. Diagnosis and Treatment Because these conditions can appear so alike, accurate diagnosis is key. Lingfield Equine Vets use a combinatio...

  Caring for a pregnant mare is a long-term commitment that requires careful planning and regular veterinary support. With expert guidance, you can give both mare and foal the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy, birth, and beyond. At Lingfield Equine Vets, we support owners through every step of the process. Confirming Pregnancy The first stage of equine pregnancy care begins with confirming conception. We use ultrasound   scans from as early as 14–16 days post-covering, which can also detect twin pregnancies—one of the most common high-risk scenarios. Blood tests may be used to confirm pregnancy later if needed. Monitoring Health and Preventing Complications Routine check-ups throughout the 11-month gestation period are essential. These appointments help monitor the mare’s general health, identify any complications early (such as placentitis), and ensure the pregnancy is progressing normally. Important elements of pregnancy care include: ·   Balanced nutrition :...