Lockdown 2 – Our Vet services in November 2020


OUR SERVICES TO YOU AND YOUR HORSE DURING LOCKDOWN 2

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has advised members (EQUINE VETS) to minimise travel, and contact with others, risk-assess all procedures and use professional judgement on what action may be deferred.

Members must act in a Covid-secure manner, but may carry out ambulatory and hospital work, and work in support of equestrian businesses and trade.  (Under certain circumstances, vettings may be performed – these will be assessed on an individual basis and assumes the horse has been tried before lockdown or chosen remotely; transportation of the horse may not be legal until after lockdown)

We realise that you are fed up of anything to do with a virus, but here are our Covid-secure guidelines for visits or clinic appointments.

In addition to the advice from BEVA: –

  • Only one person to assist the vet (NO SPECTATORS!); same person if multiple horses
  • Unless an immediate emergency, no other horses will be discussed or examined on the visit
  • Staying >2metres apart at all times; initially tie horse up and move away. Put passport outside stable
  • It would assist greatly if you could remember that any repeat prescriptions must be ordered in advance (3 days’ notice minimum)
  • Please wear a facemask as well as gloves (I have a few masks if you wish to buy one)
  • For dentals – please provide ½ bucket of warm water ready in the stable.
  • Gates to be open so vet doesn’t have to handle these
  • Do not touch the vet’s equipment
  • Some horses may require sedation for procedures where they cannot be held in order to comply with social distancing requirements
  • Sometimes a table or electricity / clean stable may be required
  • Please provide a valid card number for payment in advance of your appointment or pay by BACS the same day.

Every case is assessed on the needs of the horse (welfare as always is our priority) whilst still adhering to government advice of staying safe & social distancing.

Before every appointment (visit or clinic), you will be emailed to check you are healthy and be given some guidelines on how the appointment will work.

With regards to the 2m/6 foot social distancing
With the  “track & trace” brought in by the Government, at the end of May, we would respectfully request that you do maintain a minimum of 2m distance, unless the vet specifically asks you to move closer or assist. As you can imagine, if the vets are required to quarantine for 14 days, due to the track & trace rules, we will be unable to work and provide our veterinary services to you, and others.

If you have any doubt about following guidelines on our visit, please ask.

Please feel free to phone the office on 01728 685123 or email our admin address for an appointment or just to make an enquiry

Helen cannot stress enough how important our equine friends can be for our mental wellbeing (always); make sure you keep in touch with your friends – 2 & 4-legged ones! Hopefully we can continue to enjoy private riding and being around our lovely horses…..

Thank you for your care and consideration

Helen and the Deben Valley Equine Team