Equine Care Group

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Equine Care Group

Pursuing optimal health and providing the best care is the mission of the EQUINE CARE GROUP.

All this thanks to a close collaboration of veterinarians and scientists at the highest level with an aligned goal and the same vision.

19/05/2026

A hidden twin pregnancy

This mare was rushed to Equitom after everything went wrong during foaling at home. What initially seemed like a normal delivery quickly became a life-threatening situation when the foal suddenly became stuck. The owners wasted no time and immediately brought the mare to the clinic.

Upon arrival, it rapidly became clear that one of the foals had already passed away. During the examination, we discovered the cause of the dystocia: the foal was entangled with its twin inside the uterus.

With careful assistance, our team managed to separate both foals. The filly could eventually be delivered, but unfortunately all help came too late for her.

Our team then immediately focused on the second foal that was still inside the uterus, hoping to save at least one of the two lives.

For the owners, this came as a complete shock. They were unaware the mare was carrying twins, as she had been purchased in foal and was not showing abnormally larg. This case once again highlights the major risks associated with twin pregnancies in horses and why close monitoring throughout gestation is so important.

We would also like to sincerely thank the owners for allowing us to share this difficult and emotional case in order to raise awareness about the risks and realities of twin pregnancies in horses. In situations like these, where everything was done correctly and complications still arise, the emotional impact can be enormous. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Twin pregnancies can pose serious risks for both the mare and the foals. Early detection and timely intervention are essential to protect both mare and foal and to reduce the risk of severe complications during pregnancy and foaling.

Tomorrow, we will share the story of the second foal. So keep a close eye on our page.

08/05/2026

A horse struggling to breathe at full performance level.

A severe degree of laryngeal paralysis.
And a surgery performed thousands of kilometers away from home.

During a recent trip to China, Dr. Tom Mariën, founder of Equitom and Equine Care Group, performed surgery on a sport horse affected by a severe degree of laryngeal paralysis (“roaring”).

The condition was significantly impacting the horse’s breathing during exercise. To restore proper airway function, a prosthesis was placed to support the paralyzed vocal cord and improve airflow.

Performing advanced equine surgery abroad also means adapting to different environments, equipment and infrastructures, where experience, flexibility and collaboration become especially important.

Beyond the procedure itself, these moments are also valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and international exchange between colleagues who share the same commitment to equine medicine and horse welfare.

At Equine Care Group, we strongly believe that collaboration and the sharing of expertise are essential to pushing equine medicine forward. Because progress is built by connecting people, experiences and knowledge across clinics, countries and disciplines.

Thank you to our Chinese colleagues for the warm welcome and collaboration throughout this experience.

26/04/2026

ECG’s collaboration with China.

Tom and Mathieu, two surgeons from equitom, accompanied by Kadidja, General Manager of Equitom were invited to China and what an incredible experience.

After visiting renowned equestrian centers, the faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Nanjing University, they are actually giving lectures at perhaps the most important Veterinary conference in the history of China in Wuxi. An incredible moment of shared passion and so many great professionals that become friends for life.

Tomorrow heading to Shanghai to do several surgeries!
We wil keep you updated!

25/04/2026

On this World Veterinary Day, we celebrate a profession built on dedication, precision, and care.

At Equine Care Group, we believe no veterinarian should stand alone.

That’s why we bring vets together across clinics, countries, and specialties, creating a network where people can exchange, support each other, and grow collectively. A space where questions are shared, experiences are valued, and knowledge moves freely.

Because beyond medicine, what truly drives progress is the strength of the people behind it.

Collaboration, for us, is not just about working together.
It’s about building an environment where veterinarians feel supported, connected, and empowered in their daily practice.

And because no veterinarian performs alone, we also want to thank the teams behind them assistants, technicians, caretakers, and all those who make this work possible every day.

Today, we celebrate veterinarians everywhere and the power of moving forward, together.

23/04/2026

A major milestone for equine medicine in Italy.✨

San Biagio Equine Clinic is proud to announce the installation of its own CT-scan system, becoming the first clinic in Italy to offer this technology. A powerful step forward that will significantly enhance their diagnostic imaging capabilities and allow for more precise CT-guided interventions.

Today, this level of expertise is expanding within the group and being implemented at San Biagio.

For Equine Care Group, this is what collaboration truly means. Growing together, sharing expertise, and continuously raising the standard of care for our patients.

We are incredibly proud to see this technology expand within the group and to support the development of such advanced veterinary capabilities.

The CT-scan service will soon be available in Italy. For any questions or appointments, feel free to contact San Biagio Equine Clinic.

21/04/2026

The vets behind the performance of the horses of Ashford Farm🙏🏻
Behind every achievement there is a team that makes sure each horse stays sound, comfortable & ready to perform to the bedt of their ability.

At Ashford Farm, ECG’s ambulatory care team, including Dr. Frederik Bruyninx works closely on-site, providing tailored veterinary care where it matters most: in the daily reality of the horse.

From routine follow-ups to performance monitoring, it’s about precision, trust & continuity.

Because excellence lives in every detail, every day✨

17/04/2026

Understanding a rare neck condition in horses, through teamwork and mentorship.

We are proud to share a scientific publication led by intern Lola Vanderbiest during her internship at Equitom Namur. This work was completed under the mentorship of Alessandro Milan, orthopedic specialist at Equitom Namur and illustrates how early-career researchers can drive meaningful scientific contributions when supported by strong mentorship and international collaboration.

This project was made possible thanks to an excellent collaboration with Progenus, an industry stakeholder in equine genetics in Belgium, the academic support from professors at University of California, Davis, and valued input from collaborators at Equine Care Group.

When we work together worldwide, we truly advance science.

Publication title : “Evidence of occipitoatlantoaxial malformations independent of the HOXD3 mutation in an Arabian horse.”

➡️ What is this study about?
The study focused on occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM), a rare developmental condition affecting the bones at the base of the skull and upper neck in horses. The team examined a 3-year-old Arabian horse with coordination problems and neck stiffness, where imaging revealed severe cervical malformations. Surprisingly, the horse tested negative for the known HOXD3 genetic mutation, showing that OAAM can occur without this mutation and highlighting the need for further research to improve diagnosis and breeding strategies in Arabian horses.

Congratulations to Dr. Vanderbiest, her mentor Dr. Milan, and all co-authors Dr. Renaville, Dr. Aleman, Dr. Finno and Dr. Vinardell for this excellent example of intern-led research strengthened by mentorship and international collaboration.

11/04/2026

What does a mare actually experience during an OPU procedure?

Within Equine Care Group, this is not a question we leave unanswered.

Through Equiception (member of ECG), a dedicated study has been designed to objectively assess the mare’s experience throughout the entire OPU process. Collaborating on a research project to better understand how mares truly experience OPU. Working together with Niamh Lewis and Rachel Annan from University College Dublin, Juan Cuervo Arango from Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera and Janny de Grauw from IVC Evidensia - a group of leaders in their fields come together.

Supported by the Morris Animal Foundation, this research goes beyond assumptions.

We observe and analyze:
— Behavior before the procedure
— Responses during OPU, including potential signs of discomfort or pain
— Recovery and behavior in the stable afterward

By comparing these phases, we aim to build a clear, evidence-based understanding of the procedure.

The study also looks at different mare profiles, from young to older mares, sport mares to broodmares.

The objective is simple:
to continuously refine the protocols, adapt sedation and pain management when needed, and ensure the highest standards of care.

Because progress in equine medicine is not only about what we can do,
but also about how we do it.

08/04/2026

Today marks an important milestone for Equine Care Group.
We are proud to officially welcome Salado Equine Medical CenterS as our first partner in the United States.

This partnership brings together two leading teams who share the same vision: to continuously raise the standards of equine medicine through collaboration, innovation, and excellence always putting the horse first.

Salado Equine Medical Center has built a strong reputation for advanced clinical care, supported by a highly skilled team and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Together, we will strengthen international collaboration, exchange knowledge across borders, and continue to improve the quality of care for horses worldwide.

This is not just growth.

It is the foundation of a global network of veterinarians, working together to shape the future of our profession.

We are proud to take this step together.

03/04/2026

New publication: Factors Influencing the Intra-Oral Movement of the Bit in horses

We are proud to highlight the recent scientific publication by Elke Pollaris: “Factors Influencing the Intra-Oral Movement of the Bit: a Cadaveric Study.”

With a strong focus on equine dentistry and performance, Dr. Pollaris investigates how bit positioning and movement within the oral cavity may impact comfort, biomechanics, and the communication between horse and rider.

This collaborative research contributes valuable insights toward evidence-based optimization of bitting practices in equine sports.

30/03/2026

We are proud to announce the launch of a surgical residency at Equitom Namur.

Designed for young veterinarians aiming to specialize in equine surgery, this program offers a structured and demanding clinical environment, with direct exposure to advanced surgical procedures and multidisciplinary case management.

Beyond training, this residency reflects a broader commitment:
to transmit knowledge, elevate standards, and contribute to the future of equine veterinary medicine.

Applications are now open.
Send your CV and motivation letter to info@equitomnamur.be

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