Richard Hepburn BVSc MS CertEIM DipACVIM MRCVS Willesley Equine Clinic, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Sarah Stoneham BVSc CertESM MRCVS Lone Star Stud, Newmarket

Graham Munroe BVSc PhD CertEO DESM DipECVS FRCVS Berwickshire, Scotland

Our knowledge of the normal foal, the diseases and conditions it suffers from and the most effective ways of treating them have increased dramatically in the last 30 years. Much of this information may seem remote from the general practitioner, particularly if they only see occasional foals. In addition, economics may play a huge part in decision making in cases where the individual value of foals is low. The attention some cases receive, therefore, is not always as good as we would like. Nevertheless, with a common sense approach and appropriate use of the latest information many foal problems can be dealt with effectively in all standards of equine clinical practice. This course does not pretend to tell you everything about foal care but it is intended to help general practitioners cope with the majority of the foal cases they are likely to see in a better and more effective way and to open their eyes to the information and techniques that are available. The course will be conducted in a relaxed and informal manner with extra time available after lectures for discussion. Delegates will be encouraged to interact fully with tutors in the case based open discussions.

Course format

Two-day lecture and practical course using highly illustrated lectures, case based discussion groups, examination of cases and open discussion groups.

Level

Suitable for veterinarians from mixed and equine practice who are seeking to update their knowledge of this area of increasingly important clinical problems in the horse and pony. It is designed to fulfil part of the requirements for the new modular RCVS certificates in equine subjects and for those candidates already registered for the previous RCVS certificates.

Specific areas to be covered include:

• Veterinary care and clinical examination
• Septic osteoarthritis and osteomyelitis 
• Limb deformities 
• Colic
• Diarrhoea
• Respiratory problems