Redeem voucher against costs (From Worcester News)

Redeem voucher against costs

11:03am Monday 24th October 2011 in Equestrian By Sara Pawsey

ALEADING equine charity is giving horse owners a cash incentive to get their horse tested for a serious disease.

The British Horse Society has just launched its Talk About Cushings (TAC) campaign.

It is aimed at raising awareness of the disease and its clinical signs, including hirsutism – an overly hairy coat or delayed shedding.

The society is giving horse owners a £15 voucher which can be redeemed through their veterinary practice against the costs of a blood test.

Veterinary surgeon Craig Beck said: “More than 80 per cent of horses suffering from laminitis may have an underlying hormone disorder such as Cushings disease. The campaign will raise awareness of Cushings and its consequences among horse owners, and encourage them to agree to a blood test in horses.

“An early diagnosis in a horse with recurring laminitis gives a great chance at timely treatment of the condition.”

Lee Hackett, head of welfare at the British Horse Society, said that although Cushings is fairly common in horses it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. He said: “Anything that raises awareness and understanding of this disease has to be of benefit to equine welfare.”

Nicky Jarvis, head of veterinary services at Redwings Horse Sanctuary near Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, which is also supporting the campaign with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, said: “If a horse continually succumbs to laminitis or loses weight, Cushings disease could be one explanation.”

Horse owners can download a money off voucher from talkaboutcushings.

co.uk. It is available until the end of October.