This week Liz Somerville is joined by husband, Hugh Somerville from Loch Leven Equine Practice, for the second episode in our 'Ask the Vet' series. One of the most common questions the practice gets asked is 'how do I know when to call the vet?' So Liz puts this question to Hugh, and specifically asks about some of the more common emergencies that the vets get called to see.

Covering colic, laminitis, high temperatures, wounds, sore eyes, choke, foot abscesses and penetrations and coughs and snotty noses Hugh explains not only about when to call the vet but also shares some top tips that owners can do whilst they are awaiting for the vet to arrive. The take-home message was overwhelmingly to always call and ask for advice. Technology makes it much easier for the vets to triage a call and make a plan about whether the horse should be seen as an emergency or whether it can wait until normal working hours, so if in doubt pick up the phone as soon as you are worried.