Internal Medicine

Dr Tim Mair, Edd Knowles and Rachel Jago are all diplomates of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and are recognised as specialists by the RCVS for their qualifications in and their contribution to the field of equine internal medicine. Our specialists treat cases and perform advanced investigative procedures, as well as supporting our team of ambulatory vets, many of whom have interests in medicine or further qualifications.

Medical problems encompass a wide range of conditions, including neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, heart, liver and kidney diseases, diarrhoea and colic, weight loss, diseases of the foal. Poor performance cases are often affected by medical conditions (including some muscle diseases) which fall into the field of internal medicine; investigation of poor performance cases can often involve a collaborative approach by medical specialists and orthopaedic / lameness specialists. Malignant cancers are fortunately uncommon in horses, but skin tumours (such as sarcoids and melanomas) are common and often also need a collaborative approach by both medical and surgical specialists.

We undertake around-the-clock observation and intensive treatment of critically ill horses with a range of medical conditions

Horses suffering from contagious diseases can be safely housed and treated in our isolation unit.

We have our own laboratory (in use 24 hours per day) that is an essential component of the medicine service. In addition, we have access to state-of-the-art ultrasonography, endoscopy and other imaging equipment that plays an important role in the evaluation of medicine cases. We maintain close contact with consultant pathologists both in private practice and in University departments that permits the accurate and speedy interpretation of biopsies and other samples taken from our cases. We are also in regular contact with other equine (and human) medicine specialists, allowing us to consult with the most experienced and knowledgeable authorities when faced with rare and unusual medical conditions.

Our medicine specialists are often asked to lecture on medical conditions to other vets in the UK and beyond, and regularly publish the results of clinical studies in scientific literature. Despite this high profile work, they are equally happy treating the happy-hacker and child's pony as they are elite performance horses.