Frequently asked questions
Why has my horse been referred to the equine hospital?
What will happen when I first arrive?
What will happen when my horse is hospitalised?
Can I ring for an update on my horse's progress?
What happens when my horse is ready to come home?
What should I bring with me when I come to collect my horse?
Will my vet be informed of my horses treatment and progress?
Why has my horse been referred to the equine hospital?
Your horse has been referred to us for treatment by our specialist veterinary surgeons. This may be because your own veterinary practice does not have the facilities to treat them, as in surgical cases, or simply because they feel a second opinion from a specialist would be useful.
What should I bring with me?
- Please bring your horse's passport to your appointment. If we admit them we will use our own sterilised rugs and head collars. Please take your own away with you.
- We have all basic feed stuffs, but if your horse has a specialist feed or supplement please bring a small supply with you.
- It is a good idea to bring your horse's tack if your horse has a complaint that is only noticeable when ridden.
- You will be asked to leave a deposit of £1000 if your horse is uninsured. If your horse is insured, please bring your policy details with you.
What will happen when I first arrive?
On arrival please go to reception. Our staff will welcome you and take you through the hospital admission process. They will then show you and your horse to the consultation area where you will be introduced to the senior vet or consultant who will be managing your case.
Whom will I see when I bring my horse to the hospital?
The senior clinician and their team will come to meet you. The team is likely to include a resident veterinary surgeon, a final year veterinary student and possibly a nurse or technician, depending on your case.
They will take a medical history from you and carry out an initial examination to identify the problem. If necessary they can admit your horse to the equine hospital for treatment or further investigations straightaway.
What will happen if my horse is hospitalised?
If we need to admit your horse to the hospital, our care team will prepare a stable. Our stables are comfortable, well-equipped and secure.
Your horse will have full clinical checks at 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 8pm and 12am. Our veterinary surgeons make their clinical rounds daily at 8am and 4pm. They will call you after their afternoon rounds if they need to update you, although we will always call you immediately if there is an urgent development.
Can I ring for an update of my horse's progress?
Please contact us after 10.30am. By then our vets will have completed their morning rounds and provided updates to our reception team for them to pass on.
If you have any questions, the team will pass a message to our veterinary team who will call you after their afternoon rounds.
What happens when my horse is ready to come home?
The vet in charge of your horse's case will contact you to let you know. Please collect your horse as soon as possible and settle your account before leaving.
We will give a full set of discharge instructions detailing any medication to be given at home, the follow-up veterinary treatment required and general advice on care.
Please note that we will ask you to pay a livery surcharge if you do not collect your horse within 48hrs of us contacting you, unless you have made prior arrangements with us.
What should I bring with me when I come to collect my horse?
Please bring the following items:-
- Travel rug and bandages
- Head collar
- Your horse's passport (compulsory)
- Any relevant insurance documentation, including a claim form
- A form of payment to settle your account
Will my vet be informed of my horses treatment and progress?
Your referring vet will be kept updated regarding your horse's treatment. We send a full report after your horse is discharged together with a copy of your discharge instructions for their reference.