THE veterinary profession should be involved in the pre-planning and planning stages of large infrastructural developments, such as solar farms, electricity pylons and wind turbines. That was the clear message sent out by veterinary surgeon Michael Sadlier during his presentation at the recent Veterinary Ireland Equine Conference in Killarney.
Dr Sadlier gave an overview on the current scientific data available on this subject and its application in terms of equine welfare risks. Dr Des Leydon also took the podium for this session to give a further very interesting perspective on this highly controversial subject. This entire discussion generated strong interest and dialogue in what was a very well-attended session.
The speakers agreed that, in order to protect the health and welfare of horses, there is an urgent need for the more veterinary input when large-scale energy or road developments are being planned. Since the current scientific data available is minimal and insufficient for the purpose of any definitive conclusions, further scientific research is urgently needed on this very contentious subject.
Demonstrations
The practical demonstration sessions were held at the at the very impressive Holmoak Stables near Tralee, owned by Billy Moloney and managed by his daughter, Rachel. The remainder of the conference was at the INEC Killarney.
The practical sessions included a demonstration of the routine 5 Stage Veterinary Soundness Examination given by well known soundness expert Dr Ned O’Flynn, who is based in Oranmore, where he and his wife Liz practice, focussing on equine soundness examinations and equine consultancy work.
At the follow-up afternoon Q&A session, the attendees were presented with a questionnaire of 42 questions on soundness examinations, all of which Ned answered in detail.
These discussions also covered the challenges of dealing with and avoiding the dreaded contentious issues frequently encountered by the examining vet during and subsequent to a soundness examination. The most common cause of failure of a soundness examination is wind in thoroughbreds and lameness and sarcoids in sport horses. The over-arching message throughout these presentations was the importance of attention to detail in a good, thorough examination in each and every soundness examination.
Lameness
Dr Fernando Garcia of Fethard Equine Hospital gave an all-encompassing demonstration on lameness diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis on various types of lamenesses and commonly used nerve blocks. Dr Garcia’s strong message throughout was the importance of carrying out a thorough clinical examination before using the various aids (X-rays, MRI, scintography, et cetera) that can assist the examining vet to validate the important initial practical observations.
Dr Tim Brazil from the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS), which provides all vets with the mandatory insurance cover required in Ireland and Britain) travelled from the UK to present at the conference. He was also on hand at the demonstration sessions to contribute on the insurance perspective on issues, and their approach to some of the many queries the VDS receive on equine soundness.
Dr Brazil’s subsequent presentations focussed on potentially problematic veterinary liability areas including:
a) The VDS perspective on the main pitfalls in vetting
b) The top 10 most common claims encountered by the VDS
c) Advice on negligence claims, with a visit from enforcement agencies
d) Positive drug tests results in competition and the vet’s liabilities
Coughing horse
Dr Siobhan McAuliffe’s presentation on the very common problem encountered in equine veterinary practice - The Coughing Horse - proved to be a practical and comprehensive cover of the subject. Dr McAuliffe is a highly experienced equine vet based in Co Tipperary.
Other speakers who contributed with some excellent and very comprehensive presentations were Dr Ann Derham of Fethard Equine Hospital (breeding season issues) and Dr Sarah Ross of the Irish Equine Centre (diagnostic sampling of the equine respiratory tract).