Simon Constable's Equine Vets

21/04/2026

Although it isn’t at the level of the 2019 outbreak, Equine Influenza has been appearing across the UK recently.

In the last three weeks there have been cases in North and West Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire, Kent, Suffolk, Surrey, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Berkshire and Hampshire often with multiple cases.

This is particularly important for anyone competing, wherever that may be and new cases in different areas may be popping up all the time especially considering the virus can spread over several hundred metres.
Strict biosecurity is essential at this time to help preventing the transmission and this starts at home!

Obviously vaccination protects the individual but also helps to reduce virus spreading (“herd immunity”).
Vaccine protection is very important in the very young and the very old who are the most at risk of serious disease.

20/04/2026

High tree pollen counts forecast for today and the rest of this week!
A surprising number of horses have these allergies that can demonstrate as resistance when being ridden, head-shaking, respiratory signs and obviously skin wheals.
It’s difficult to avoid exposure to pollen so after diagnosis by blood sample or intradermal testing then a desensitisation injection course can be provided.

15/04/2026

Just when people start to relax whilst thinking about Equine Influenza, there have been a spate of outbreaks in UK (the closest one in West Yorkshire) since the start of April!

Six outbreaks altogether in different parts of the country and some in unvaccinated horses whilst others in vaccinated ones although it is uncertain (and unlikely in my opinion) whether it is the vaccine we use (recommended by the animal equivalent of the World Health Organisation).

It shows we still have to be on our guard with Equine Influenza and general biosecurity which helps for other infectious diseases such as Strangles and Equine Herpes Virus.
Vaccination and biosecurity still remain the best options!

08/04/2026

I normally like to steer clear of politics but there has been progress on the possibility of restrictions on the use of fireworks.
It isn’t clear how widespread these restrictions will become but it may be that the “loudness” of individual fireworks may be controlled as well as the widespread use of them.
This will be music to the ears of any horse, dog, cat or any other animal that has severe anxiety problems especially around November 5th but also at many other times of the year nowadays.

https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/government-consulting-tougher-laws-fireworks?fbclid=IwY2xjawRC7L5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeSLt23UQRQ5LNdTdGd569Iml8xK_JsdxhxQTcfXNy1C7JX_5reOz3N04XlAc_aem_SUd95iHSpw2ueqvLeYU64Q&utm_source=Redwings+eNewsletter&utm_campaign=328510edaf-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_09_12_03_32_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-4f831db9ca-469321341

Exclusive: The government is carrying out a consultation on whether to implement tougher laws on the public sale of fireworks.

07/04/2026

Easter is a time for reflection and it is especially poignant for me.
This Easter weekend we attended the North of England Show at Warren Farm on a blustery and unsettled day as Storm Dave started to appear.
It made me realise how lucky we are and how much we rely on our horses and ponies.
Our two ponies, Pl***oy and Honey, looked after my two little girls in windy, wet conditions without complaint. At no point did I doubt their reliability and security.
Despite their power and size as well as their built in “flight instinct”, they were absolutely incredible.
Let’s celebrate our horses and ponies, admire their power and self-control and make the most of every day we have with them.

31/03/2026

Pollen Levels
It seems odd that we are talking about high or medium pollen levels so soon after having wet, windy and hail storm weather but today is due, in England at least, to have moderate to high pollen levels.
These can affect horses in several ways such as hives, respiratory problems, head shaking etc.

Although it is difficult to prevent horses from breathing in the pollen, especially if they are near to the trees on the pasture but it is useful to know and investigation of the allergies can be carried out either using a blood sample or intradermal skin testing.

From these results a Desensitisation injection (“vaccine”) can be developed which helps to reduce the severity of the clinical signs. This is a special important with environmental allergens which are difficult to avoid.

29/03/2026

364 Followers, 330 Following, 291 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Emily Constable (.constable)

28/03/2026

We would appreciate any feedback on the practice please.
This has been highlighted by our riding instructor, Tori Peter, who suggested that we ask our clients to rate us on Yell to be a true picture of what our clients think of us.
Obviously we get lots of great feedback on Facebook and through emails and messages as well as thank you cards but Tori suggested Yell…….

https://www.yell.com/biz/simon-constable-veterinary-practice-ltd-manchester-8191165/ #

27/03/2026

Case history
Rocco
We had yet another colic case yesterday with a 3 year old Connemara pony showing signs of not eating, lying down and not wanting any water. He had eaten his breakfast and hay before the colic signs suddenly becoming apparent.
He started by lying down a number of times before progressing to rolling, pawing and generally looking uncomfortable.
Ben attended as an emergency call and after a very thorough examination including a re**al examination and stomach tubing he decided to give drugs which helped resolve the colic.
Thankfully Rocco improved over the next few hours and started to eat again.

“We’ve just had Ben out to our Connemara. He was absolutely fantastic a credit to your company.”

26/03/2026

Early morning hack with the mighty Hexam! Light mornings especially with a bit of sun are my favourite time and this will get easier with the clocks going forward this weekend!
The ground was a bit icy but on our surface it was ideal.
Enjoy a sunny, but cold, day. Much better than the hailstones yesterday…….😁

23/03/2026

The first few victims of the warm weather have appeared already- numerous colic cases have been seen as well as skin wounds.
When the grass is only just coming through there can be frustration and then fighting especially around gates.
Add into this mix the first signs of oestrus (seasons) in mares. This is typically Spri g Oestrus and can be a bit irregular to start off; a little bit like a car first thing in the morning as their seasons splutter initially.
Even though flies (not midges) are not a huge problem at the moment, antibiotics may be necessary and tetanus boosters must be up to date!!

18/03/2026

Beautiful Spring weather and there’s a real air of optimism for the better weather which makes everyone feel good.
However we are already seeing some of the problems associated with this weather.
1. Colic is increasing in frequency as the grass changes and there may be an influence of any worm infestation.
2. Insect hypersensitivity. As well as the obvious Culicoides midge we have seen the occasional wasp or bee sting in some horses. The midge problem is preventable using rugs or fly repellent but as the bees are sluggish and erratic it is difficult to know how to avoid them.
3. The new grass is coming through with the sunny weather and large amount of rain sitting on the pasture providing optimal growing weather. Laminitis is always a risk throughout the year due to sugar levels in the food but becomes particularly important in the spring and because obesity is a huge risk factor for Laminitis.
Enjoying the spring weather and riding out a lot more is good for horses from all aspects including colleague under obesity so we have the opportunity to make the most of this fine weather.