South Eastern Equine Hospital

22/01/2026

⚠️Important for all horse owners ⚠️
Take the time to read this information from EVA.

ℹ️ Information for Horse Owners 🐴

From our YM President Dr Jordan Flood
⚠️ THE DANGERS OF NSAID USE IN HORSES ⚠️

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in horses to manage pain and inflammation. Common examples includephenylbutazone (bute) and flunixin (non-selective NSAIDs), and meloxicam andfirocoxib (Previcox) (COX-2 selective NSAIDs). While these medications are very effective, they are not without risk.

NSAIDs work by inhibiting prostaglandins, which play a role in pain and inflammation - but prostaglandins also have a protective role the stomach, intestines, and kidneys (among others). When these protective effects are inhibited, especially with high doses, prolonged use, or use in susceptible horses, complications can occur. Importantly, horses vary greatly in their sensitivity to NSAIDs, and some may develop adverse effects even when given the correct dose.

🚨 POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS 🚨
• Gastric ulceration
Studies show that an overdose of NSAIDs may contribute to ulcer formation, particularly in the glandular portion stomach.

• Kidney injury
NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Studies have shown horses that are dehydrated prior to NSAID administration of kidney injury, known as 'renal papillary necrosis'.

• Right dorsal colitis
A serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur with or without NSAID overdose. It causes ulceration (and often thickening) of the right dorsal colon in the large colon, which can lead to diarrhea, colic, fever and marked protein loss.
A recent Australian study reported mortality rates of up to 42% in affected horses.

✅ WHAT SHOULD I DO? ✅
• Only give NSAIDs under veterinary direction
• Never exceed the prescribed dose or duration
• Do not combine different NSAIDs unless specifically instructed
• Ensure your horse has good access to water and is well hydrated
• Avoid NSAIDs in sick, dehydrated, or inappetent horses without veterinary advice
• Contact your vet immediately if you notice diarrhoea, colic, reduced appetite, lethargy, or weight loss while receiving NSAIDs.

NSAIDs are valuable medications - but they should always be used carefully. If you’re unsure whether an NSAID is appropriate for your horse or how much to give, talk to your veterinarian first 🩺🐴

20/01/2026

𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀
𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 on the Australia Day public holiday - Monday 26th January.

If your horse requires prescription medication please organise well in advance of the weekend. Contact reception during normal business hours to place any orders or any other enquiries.

From the SEEH team, have a lovely weekend 💙.

20/01/2026

When your treatment plan includes sunshine and grass picks 🌱🐴

Happy patients put a smile on our face, and this pony was certainly loving her grass pick with vet nurse Hanna Rush.

15/01/2026

Small equine patient? Not a problem. 🐴

The dental stocks cater for horses of all shapes and sizes, designed to be fully adjustable with a focus on horse safety and comfort.

📸 Pictured is Dr Paul Owens from Horse Vet Dentist and his little patient ‘Puddin’.

Have you seen our video with Dr Paul Owens as he walks through the design process of the dental facilities at SEEH? Make sure to take a look!

05/01/2026

As we welcome 2026, the team at SEEH would love to share some favourite photos from 2025 and extend our gratitude to the clients, referring veterinarians, staff and colleagues for a wonderful year.

Thank you for your trust, support and partnership as we continue to care for our equine patients into the new year 🐴

05/01/2026

*𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿* — Our first Gastroscope Day of 2026 is NEXT FRIDAY. Call the clinic to secure a spot on the day.

It’s a great opportunity to do any follow-up gastroscopes post-treatment of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). If you suspect your horse may have stomach ulcers, this is the only way to conclusively diagnose EGUS. For some people, the month of January may be a month of training and preparation for the year ahead and therefore the January Gastroscope Day could be extremely beneficial if you suspect your horse has EGUS. Our veterinary team can provide management advice, as well as an immediate treatment plan tailored to your horse.

CALL NOW - 03) 8790 4922 ☎️

Our first Gastroscope Day of 2026 is Friday 16th of January.

To secure a booking call SEEH reception on 03 8790 4922 ☎️

24/12/2025

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from the team at SEEH🎄🎅🏼

Despite Christmas being on the approach this week, care for our equine patients hasn’t stopped. However one difference this week was the appearance of more Christmas scrubs!🎄

We were joined by this beautiful mare and her foal which underwent a transphyseal screw placement surgery to correct an angular limb deformity.

📸 Pictured is vet nurse Georgie Talbot, intern Dr Maddi Waugh and specialist surgeon Dr Gareth Trope

22/12/2025

Our first Gastroscope Day of 2026 is Friday 16th of January.

To secure a booking call SEEH reception on 03 8790 4922 ☎️

21/12/2025

A lovely acknowledgment by EVA of our very own Dr Gareth Trope. Gareth’s passion and dedication towards equine veterinary practice extends well beyond his commitments at SEEH, and as cited Gareth is the Victorian EVA State representative. Thank you EVA for sharing and celebrating Dr Gareth 🎄

🎄 EVA Member Advent Calendar – Day 20 🎄
Dr Gareth Trope

Today we’re celebrating someone who brings skill, steadiness and genuine kindness to our profession and to the EVA community 💙

Dr Gareth Trope is the Victorian EVA State Representative, a role he undertakes with thoughtfulness, fairness and real care for his colleagues. He is widely known for his calm manner, sound judgement and the way he makes time for people - qualities that are deeply valued in equine practice.

As a registered specialist in equine surgery and a director of South Eastern Equine Hospital, Gareth works at the forefront of equine care, with particular interests in orthopaedic surgery, lameness investigation and advanced diagnostic imaging. He also holds a research Master’s degree, reflecting his ongoing commitment to improving how we diagnose and manage complex cases.

Gareth is a generous educator and mentor, especially to younger veterinarians, and is highly respected for the support and guidance he offers those around him.

Outside of work, Gareth is a proud father of two and part of a very veterinary household, married to a specialist veterinary anaesthetist.

Thank you, Gareth, for your leadership, approachability and commitment to EVA, education and collegiality. Your contribution makes a real difference. 💙