We have just launched a large information database of questions and answers for Horse Owners of all disciplines. Just go to relevant page and type in query and follow instructions. We hope you will find this of interest and help. It will be updated at regular intervals. If you have a separate question not covered here or you would like further details please contact us at info@troytown.ie or 045 521686.
09 Jun 2010
I want to thank you all for taking such great care of Belle while she was in your care. Your kindness to her and me made the last 10 weeks easier to deal with. I will miss her; she was a unique horse in her gentle, kind, loving an appreciative manner. She handled her illness with a stoic but fighting spirit and it’s so sad she didn’t make it. But I am so glad I sent her to Troytown as I know you did all you could to save her and I am so grateful to the kindness and love you showed to her while she was in your care. Thank you also for helping her and me through her last few hours. Your sensitivity and respect for both of us helped me hugely through a terribly sad and emotional time. While I am heartbroken she is gone I have no regrets as I believe you did all you could for her and in the end it was just too much for her and she wanted the pain to stop. So there was no option really.
Thank you for all the different roles you played in looking after her.
Elaine Quinn
From being a cynic, my views of Troytown and MRI have radically changed. I now find myself with a greater insight to the benefits of the scanner and, thankfully everyone involved has a more extensive knowledge of the problem and treatment required. I can sigh with relief that this talented young horse only had to have a few days off to recover and can resume training in preparation for the spring season. Thankfully we did not leave Troytown with a massive invoice, instead we had a definitive, positive outcome at a relatively affordable cost which I can only view as an investment in the horse's future.
Joseph Murphy
Irish Field Article
Well Hello Michael, I hope you still remember me and "Bob the Cob", the big fat hairy black and white cob. A friend took some lovely photos of him about six weeks ago and I really wanted you to see how well, happy and fantastic he is.
He is of course still thick as two short planks, well, they do say like hores like owner. I asked you after his second operation what Bob would be like and you said "I would have a horse"I think you thought he would never totally recover and probably would not jump again, I honestly think all the loving paid off, he is no different from before the operations, he is not stiff in his neck, no lumps or hollows, you can hardly notice his scars.
Its three years since I lost Tommy and Blaze, (12th/13th July 2007) and I still miss them, but thanks to you and your staff I still have Bob.
I hope you think the pictures are fantastic, I love them, and of course I love Bob.
Thanks for everything, DeirdreDeirdre Hunt
I would just like to write a few brief words and thank the amazing team of vets, nurses and admin staff at Troytown.
When Charlie was admitted he was so sick, we were told he had very little chance of even surviving the night. I told the admin staff on arrival that he was my baby....and that was exactly how he was treated, as a baby! On examination Hugh was honest and told it exactly how it was, bad or good, we knew exactly what we were dealing with. I was told that I would be updated on Charlie’s progress through the night, I received a call every four hours as promised. As Charlie got better, I was kept informed of medications, examinations and even his moods!! My mind was totally at ease, I knew he was in the best place he could be, and whatever chance he had of survival, it was certainly in Troytown. I was always encouraged to pop up and visit him, it was very much an open door policy. My many, many questions on colic were answered and explained as best they could, I definitely have a better understanding of colic now! On a happier note....Charlie is making huge progress, I often ring Troytown with queries about his recovery and its lovely that I need never explain who I am....they just remember Charlie!!
I would like to thank Hugh for his honesty, it isn’t easy breaking sad news to a heartbroken owner, you were very compassionate and prepared me for the worst...thankfully things turned around and Charlie is doing fantastic!
I would like to thank Ciara and Annette, all the nurses, but especially Annette, she told me so honestly, we feel what you feel, and I believed her. It was very reassuring and I remembered her for it,
Finally....last but not least Juan!! On many miserable, cold, snowy days on arrival at Troytown, you were always greeted with his smiley happy face! It would lift anyone’s spirit!!!!
Thank you to all the amazing and dedicated staff at Troytown. It’s fantastic and reassuring that I know you are at the end of a phone any time for us.
Charlie is expected to make a full recovery and I hope to compete him this year....watch this space!!!
Charlie and Pauline
Just a few lines to thank you for all your help in dealing with my horse ‘ Coraleen’. Brendan and Lorcan the trainer told me how you tried to make her comfortable. I appreciate what you all have done.
Anne Radford, Co. Wicklow
Toby is a 15.1hh 10 year old Connemara gelding, with a huge heart and a sad story...
When Toby first became lame we didn’t initially think of laminitis, as he was only lame in his off fore. He was put on box rest and given phenylbutazone for a few days while we monitored the lameness. Four days later he became dramatically worse and presented the classic stance of a laminitic horse. We immediately called our vet who confirmed laminitis, and we continued with the course of phenylbutazone and box rest as advised, as well as a restrictive diet of hay. We were told to have our farrier fit bar shoes, and that recovery would be lengthy.
After two weeks of no improvement, initial x-rays were taken. There was a rotation of approximately 4 to 5 degrees, and we were informed that we were doing everything we could, and this was not unusual nor of huge concern. The x-rays were sent to our farrier, who was advised to use them as a guide for trimming. Over the next month, Toby’s lameness first improved significantly then worsened again ten days later.
A month after the first x-rays we insisted on another set, having read on the internet that multiple x-ray examinations were important. Upon visual examination (trotting up, hoof testing etc) Toby was presenting as sounder than he had initially been, but the x-rays told another story. It was clear that further rotation had occurred, and our veterinary surgeon sent the x-rays to Troytown for the attention of Warren Schofield, in order that we determine the extent of the rotation.
During the time that the x-rays were in transit to Troytown, Toby became much lamer. Very worried, we contacted Warren who suspected an abscess linked to further rotation of the pedal bone, and he advised us to bring Toby to Troytown immediately.
By the time Toby was admitted to the ICU of Troytown, he had had laminitis for two months, and had a rotation of approximately 9 degrees o the off forelimb with some sinking of the pedal bone. The pedal bone was starting to penetrate through the sole and his condition was now life-threatening.
During his stay in Troytown, Toby received continuous x-rays simultaneous with radical corrective trimming by an expert Master Farrier. We saw firsthand how essential it is to have on the spot x-rays for the farrier to work from. However, because of the severity of Toby’s condition, his pedal bone rotated again whilst he was in the hospital and he developed an infection. The infection eventually penetrated into the pedal bone, and the tip of the bone and surrounding infected tissue had to be surgically removed. In addition, to try and prevent any further rotation of the pedal bone, his deep flexor tendon on his off-fore was cut. This resulted in a marked improvement. However, as is common in severe cases of laminitis, his recovery was up and down.
Toby came home from Troytown Hospital four and a half months later and he continued to slowly improve. He was brought back to Troytown on a regular basis for more x-rays and trimming, and various types of shoeing were tried. The most successful were wooden clog type shoes, which provided the most relief. He kept these on for five and a half months, and showed marked improvement both in soundness and in hoof growth, which had been very slow and uneven.
Many times we faced the possibility of losing Toby, but due to the expect care in Troytown as well as Toby’s own courage and will to live, he is luckily still here today. To date Toby is out during the day in the field and is very happy. But he will never be fully sound and his days as a riding horse are over. We wish to this day that we had taken Toby to Troytown immediately upon diagnosis of laminitis. We had no idea of the severity of this disease, that it is the second highest cause of death in horses, and how many different ways in which it can develop.
Throughout his time in Troytown, Toby was treated by incredibly professional, hard-working and compassionate staff, all with great dedication and commitment to the welfare of the horse. Warren Schofield and all of the staff at Troytown demonstrated a high level of veterinary expertise combined with a willingness to try new innovative techniques. We were kept up to date at all times about Toby’s treatment, and our observations and involvement in his condition and recovery were highly encouraged. We cannot more highly recommend Troytown Equine Hospital and we are forever grateful that they saved Toby’s life.
Lucinda and Sophie Nicol
I graduated from the Veterinary Faculty of University College Dublin in 1983, in the era before pagers, mobile phones, and computers. I worked for 2 years in mixed practice in Ireland where it did not take me long to realise that my main interest was in equine practice. I got my first exposure to equine practice on the racetracks of Sydney and the stud farms of New Zealand
The next few years involved traveling around the world, from Sussex to Hokkaido, and from Chantilly to Kentucky as an equine vet. I returned to Australia in the early nineties and spent a few great years in Perth, in Western Australia. I lived near the Indian Ocean, only a 20 minute drive from the practice.
I returned to Europe in the late nineties and worked in practice in the UK and became a partner in Troytown Equine Hospital in 2003. Over the years, I have obtained two Royal College certificates – one in Equine Stud Medicine and another in Equine Orthopaedics. I also became a member of the Equine Surgical Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination.
I enjoy all aspects of equine medicine and surgery but my main fields of interest are reproduction, foal and yearling development and orthopaedic surgery, especially arthroscopy.
Operating Theatre
Hugh Dillon qualified from UCD in 1982
He joined Troytown Equine Hospital in 1997
He had previously worked with Ned Gowing for 6 years and in England from 1986 to 1991. He has a specialised qualification in Equine Stud medicine received through examinations by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1990.
In England he gained extensive experience in racehorse and competition horse practice. He was veterinary surgeon to Richard Hannon for 3 years from 1989 to 1991 and worked with top level eventers and showjumpers.
Stud Work
Hugh has always had a keen interest in horses having hunted and being involved with the Ward Union Pony Club from an early age. He subsequently had full amateur racing licence and rode successfully in point to point, over hurdle and fences on the track as well in bumpers. Subsequently he evented in England to international three day event standard.
In veterinary practice he has a particular interest in stud medicine and wind conditions in horses.
Windsor International 3 Day Event 1989
Warren Schofield graduated from Cambridge University in 1992. He spent the following few years in mixed practice in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. In 1994 he joined the Large Animal Surgical Team at University College Dublin as a resident. He subsequently went on to lecture at UCD until 2000 gaining further qualifications in equine soft tissue surgery from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and a Diploma from the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.
He was the veterinary correspondent for the Irish Field from 1996 to 2001.
He joined Troytown Hospital in 2000 and has been instrumental in developing the bone scanning and MRI facilities at the hospital. His main regions of interest are surgery and orthopaedics.
Warren Schofield MA, VetMB, CertES, MRCVS DipECVS
06 Jun 2010
Pregnant Mare
Dystocia in the mare is an extremely volatile situation. Referral of cases for hoist assisted deliveries (controlled vaginal delivery) under general anaesthetic is best carried out in an environment where foal intensive and critical care can be performed even while the foal is still in the birth canal. The mares recover in padded box and we have experienced 24 hour staff to deal with these situations. If the decision for a caesarean is made we have a surgery facility on hand for immediate transfer of the mare for surgery. Our ICU take over the care of both mother and baby hopefully to reunite them for a journey home once they recover. Decision making must be rapid. Mares showing any vascular compromise need immediate referral.
The problem pregnancy is an intensive situation to manage. Cases of mares with a history of foaling difficulty may benefit from elective caesarean. The mare is monitored continuously and caesarean is carried out at a time determined by clinical signs and milk electrolytes analysis. There is a foal ICU team on hand to look after the foal. The decision for elective caesarean can change a potentially problem situation into a success.
Scintigraphy Of The Pelvis
Troytown is equipped with the latest technology to investigate complex lameness problems. Lameness examinations are time consuming and it may take several days to fully examine a lame horse and to come to a conclusion with the aid of diagnostic analgesia and imaging processes. The latest technologies are employed including ultrasonography, scintigraphy and digital radiography. We are experienced at the art of diagnosis and treatment with the aid of keyhole surgery in some cases. We ask that horses referred for lameness evaluation not receive any analgesia at least 48hours prior to admission to the hospital. They must not be shod in the days immediately prior to admission.
Complex medications of deep structures, such as the saco-iliac joint, stifle, neck and back, can now be undertaken. We are equipped with shockwave and stem cell for tendon treatments. We are continuously pushing the barriers of diagnosis and treatment for better results. We also work closely with master farrier John Dooley for our podietry work. John is a registered farrier and can be contacted using the following information: Phone: (045)483735, Mobile: (086)2540690
- Lameness examinations are on an appointment basis.
- A fully typed report is issued after each examination if requested.
- Communication will be maintained throughout the process where needs be.
- If surgery is required this will be discussed in detail in conjunction with all other treatment avenues
Scintigraphy Of The Head
Atresia Coli in a Neonate
Despite improvements in treatment of colic in the last 20 years it is still the biggest killer of adult horses! It is therefore no wonder that owners are concerned when a horse gets colic. Troytown Hospital is a major centre for referral of horses with colic (acute abdominal emergencies) and we treat over 300 colic cases each year.
Only approximately 1 horse in every 20 cases of colic actually requires surgery. Most horses with colic respond to medical treatment with pain-killers, anti-inflammatories and drugs which reduce the spasm of the intestines which is associated with the colic. It is important that those horses that are suffering from a more severe type of colic are identified as soon as possible. Early surgical intervention will give these horses the best possible chance of survival.
Troytown Hospital uses the best possible diagnostic tests to assess a horse with colic in order to determine if surgery is necessary. Medical treatment may be an option in some instances and this will be discussed in each individual circumstance.
It is reassuring to know that due to advances in medical and surgical treatment over the last decades the chances of a horse undergoing a full recovery following colic surgery is now good. Our retrospective study showed that 3 of 4 horses that underwent colic surgery survived to lead normal productive lives.
Prevention of colic is the main aim of horse managers and it is important to realise that it is going to be impossible to totally eradicate colic. However, good management should involve minimizing dietary changes and ensuring any changes are introduced in a gradual manner. Regular worming schedules are important, with particular attention being paid to treatment of tapeworms in the autumn, since tapeworms have been shown to be an important and until recently overlooked cause of colic.
05 Jun 2010
Severe Wasting in an Adult
The load of medical cases catered for in the hospital is wide and varied. We host a range of diagnostic facilities on site including a 24-hour laboratory facility for emergency cases. We work in conjunction with the Irish Equine Centre for some of our clinical pathology and bacteriology needs. Having on site access to these services leads to a more timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Refer cardiac cases for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cardiac abnormalities. The use of a 30 cm variable frequency cardiac ultrasonography probe with M-mode, Colour Flow Doppler as well as Pulse and Continuous Wave Doppler aid the diagnosis immensely.
- Weight loss and poor performance although common can be a complex area. A thorough systems check is necessary. We host a range of diagnostics ie gastroscopy, lung wash, ultrasound, glucose absorption testing as well as laboratory facilities on site. Communication of findings and further plans in the diagnostic process will be communicated at each stage of the examination process.
- All medical cases need to be referred with a full history. Include prior diagnostics and treatment, wormings etc
- Send the passport with the animal. If there is no passport one will be organised by the practice in accordance with current legislation.
