Equine Ambulatory Team
Equine Ambulatory Services
You may be familiar with some of our team, if your horse has been admitted to our Equine Clinic, or if you have had a visit with a Vet and Nurse, or our new Ambulatory Nursing Visits!
Our Equine Nursing Team is headed by our Equine Head Nurse, Phili Offord. Phili has been working at HNVG for 5 years and brings a wealth of experience of working in a referral hospital environment. Phili enjoys the variety of the role and is constantly improving our clinical standards and patient care. Phili is also a seriously good baker, and we are lucky enough to sample her bakes on a regular basis.
Kerrie Squire qualified as a RVN in 2024, having had huge amount of experience with racehorses and hunters before joining HNVG. Kerrie works with ruthless efficiency both in the clinic and when assisting vets. Kerrie successfully works her dogs in her spare time.
Sophie Davenport has recently qualified as an Equine Veterinary Nurse this summer, but has worked at HNVG for the past 2 years. She has a huge amount of experience working with a variety of horses and competes her 2 horses in her spare time.
Our Equine Nursing Team is complemented by Emma-Jane Pickering, and Abbie James who are both starting their Equine Nursing Qualifications this year! We recently said farewell to Daisy Foster, who was with us during her placement year from Hartpury, and we have welcomed Aimee Piggot who has started her placement year here.
Equine Ambulatory Nursing Information
We have recently introduced ambulatory nursing consults to our equine services. Under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1996), Registered Veterinary Nurses are able to perform certain procedures and administer medication, under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon.
Our Registered Veterinary Nurses (Phili, Kerrie, Sophie) can perform Schedule 3 procedures, which they are qualified and trained to perform, in an ambulatory setting, as they do in the clinic. Nurses can build up and maintain relationships with clients and horses, particularly useful for those cases who have been in the clinic, for example, following surgery. Nurses can offer their valuable knowledge of patient care to enhance a patient’s treatment and outcome. By providing care in the horse’s environment, nurses can better understand the patient’s needs and requirements
Nurses can perform certain diagnostic tests, administer medications and discuss general care and welfare of patients. Procedures and treatments are under the direction of a veterinary surgeon at all times. Our nurse consults include:
· Blood Sampling– Haematology/Biochem, Cushings ACTH, EMS- Insulin, Triglycerides etc, Strangles pre-movement.
· Radiography– taking images for Vets to interpret
· Therapeutic Laser Treatment- For wounds and various injuries
· Bandage Changes – Post op bandage changes, wound management, poultice changes
· Sedation
· Administer medication- Intravenous and Intramuscular medications
· Equipment Demonstrations- Nebuliser/inhalers demonstration for horses with Equine Asthma
· Gastroscopy
· Fluid therapy- oral or intravenous routes
· Hair plucks, skin scrapes
· Stitch and Staple removal
Equine nurses are able to do many things, but they are not permitted to diagnose conditions or prescribe medication. They are able to take the vital information, samples, radiographs and assessments that provide the veterinary surgeon with information they need to support the patients. They are not permitted to do vaccinations, dentals, passports/microchips, or a visit where a diagnosis is required
When are the Equine Ambulatory visits?
Ambulatory Nursing slots are on Tuesday and Thursday morning, as required.
What is the cost of Equine Ambulatory?
Ambulatory nursing procedures are carried out at the same cost as if a vet where to perform the procedure. Nurses can offer an enhanced service to our vets, who might be limited by time on a visit.
