A new study has identified a significant link between hind limb lameness and saddle slip, showing consistent saddle slip in some horses with hind limb lameness, even when the lameness is fairly subtle and difficult to detect.

The aim of the study was to find out more about the interrelationships between the horse, saddle and rider and to document the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip in horses with hind limb lameness compared with other horses.

The research is thought to be the first study of its kind which assessed 128 horses of varying size, age and type.  The study which was supported by the Saddle Research Trust (SRT) was undertaken by Line Greve, Intern, and Sue Dyson, at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket was presented at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress last month.

The degree of lameness of each horse was graded; back shape and symmetry were measured and saddles assessed for symmetry and fit.  Each horse was ridden by at least two riders and rider straightness plus weight was recorded. The grade of saddle slip, whether it occurred with more than one rider, and whether saddle slip was influenced by the direction of movement or the diagonal on which the rider was sitting were also noted.

The study found the saddle consistently slipped to one side in 54% of horses with hind limb lameness, compared with 4% of horses with fore limb lameness, 0% with back pain and/or sacroiliac joint region pain and 0% of non-lame horses. Diagnostic analgesia was subsequently used to abolish the hind limb lameness and this eliminated the saddle slip in 97% of cases.

The study highlights the importance of identifying saddle slip and the opportunity for owners, riders and trainers to detect low-grade subclinical lameness.

Further information can be found on the Animal Health Trust website.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Veterinary Nurses Council (VNC) will mark its tenth anniversary on 9 October 2012.

Since its inception, the VNC has worked in the interest of animals and the public by guiding and supporting veterinary nursing in becoming a profession that is recognised and accountable within the veterinary team.

“The VNC has achieved outstanding work to initiate and advance the veterinary nurse’s role as a professional and accountable member of the veterinary team,” says VNC Chairman, Kathy Kissick RVN. “This has been a significant journey over a relatively short period of time and is all credit to the VNC over the past 10 years. The most satisfying element of this progress for the VNC, both past and present, is the positive impact that a veterinary team that includes regulated nursing input will have on animal welfare.

Since its foundation in October 2002, the VNC has supported the development of veterinary nursing and marked some major milestones for the profession. More details of which can be found on the RCVS website.

For one lucky vet nurse, this year’s BVNA congress was particularly memorable, courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Una Conway, RVN at Parklands Veterinary Group, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, was the proud winner of a brand new Smart Car, claiming the top prize in the 2012 Drive Nutrition Competition.

The Drive Nutrition Competition encouraged nurses to earn points by completing a wide range of tasks, all with the aim of spreading the message about good quality nutrition for every pet, as part of the standard veterinary consult. Thousands of nurses across the UK and Ireland took part, with everything from online trivia questions and games to handy tip sharing and photo competitions being employed to earn those precious points.

A nurse with just one point could have walked away with a prize, but every extra point equalled a higher chance of winning. To boost their scores, Una and her colleagues logged on almost daily to play the games and answer questions, as well as organising and taking part in Hill’s events. She may not have been top of the leader board, but Una’s hard work and dedication definitely paid off and she now has a brand new car to show for it.

Plans for next year’s Drive Nutrition competition are already underway. Vet nurses can register at www.hillsvet.co.uk and www.hillsvet.ie to access a wealth of online resources and receive information about how they can get involved next year, remembering, you have to be in it to win it!