In this first issue of 2022, it is impossible not to reflect on the year that has just gone and to wonder what the year ahead will bring. It is easy to get caught up in the negativity that lingers with the COVID-19 pandemic and also, to forget that we have come a long way in the past few months. This time last year, I was writing about juggling work and home-schooling as equine vets had failed to make it onto the list of essential workers. There were still fears that catching COVID-19 was a threat to the lives of friends and relatives who were ageing or unwell, and recession and economic downturn were considered to be imminent. We are now in a much better place. Now everyone (well, except Novak Djokovic and a few others) is vaccinated, the virus is, generally speaking, an inconvenience rather than a potentially fatal event. Thankfully, people are now spending more money on horses than ever before. Finally, we can meet who we want, when we want and all in all, we have a lot to be positive about as we step into 2022.
The New Year will also bring positive changes for UK-Vet Equine. In 2021, the title was strengthened by the inclusion of content for nurses and paraprofessionals, and in 2022, the editorial board will be expanded to promote the inclusion of more diverse articles from a greater breadth of authors. The remit will remain the same: to provide practical, evidence-based articles to update and refresh the knowledge of equine clinicians at the coalface. The editorial board are always interested in hearing from potential authors who would like to contribute balanced, evidence-based review articles.
As always, the present edition of UK-Vet Equine provides discussion on a diverse selection of topics. As we head into the breeding season there is an excellent review of the Caslick's operation, something that is second nature to the experienced stud vet but a procedure that can intimidate those who rarely perform breeding work. This update from the world-renowned reproduction department at Utrecht University is a valuable addition to the glove box of anyone with less confidence in stud work. The team at Donnington Grove provide an excellent overview of potential neurological diseases in foals, raising awareness of the possible differentials in these cases and what can be achieved if these cases are referred for advanced diagnostics and treatment. Chris Neal discusses the equally topical and considerably more common condition of equine asthma, focusing on how the environment needs to be managed to minimise the risk of causing or exacerbating respiratory disease.
Donkeys also receive the recognition they deserve in this edition, with articles on both recognising and treating uveitis and nursing care of arthritic geriatric donkeys from Claire Bradley and Marie Rippingale respectively. The final article in this edition reminds us that the days are now lengthening and spring is just around the corner. While we will all welcome the warmer weather, none of us will want to see the accompanying increase in laminitis cases and Briony Witherow highlights the nutritional factors that can contribute to laminitis risk and help with its management.
So, there is much to look forward to in this edition of UK-Vet Equine and beyond. The editorial team wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and we will endeavour to keep you interested and inspired throughout 2022.