When horses experience pain and inflammation, rapid and effective management is essential for maintaining comfort, mobility, and performance. Equipalazone® has long been one of the most trusted phenylbutazone products used by veterinarians for the management of musculoskeletal pain in horses and ponies. Now available in an apple-flavoured formulation, Equipalazone® combines proven efficacy with enhanced palatability, making administration easier for both horse owners and veterinary professionals. What Is Equipalazone®? Equipalazone® contains phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used in equine medicine to help manage pain, inflammation, and lameness associated with a range of musculoskeletal conditions. It is indicated for horses and ponies requiring relief from inflammatory conditions affecting joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. It may also be used to help reduce post-surgical soft tissue reactions. Common Conditions Where Equipalazone® May Be Used Veterinarians may prescribe Equipalazone® as part of a treatment plan for conditions including: Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease Acute and chronic laminitis Bursitis Carpitis Musculoskeletal injuries Post-operative soft tissue inflammation By reducing inflammation and discomfort, Equipalazone® can help horses remain more comfortable during recovery and rehabilitation. How Does Phenylbutazone Work? Phenylbutazone works by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes involved in the inflammatory pathway. This reduces the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators responsible for pain, swelling, and discomfort. As a result, horses may experience improved comfort and mobility while the underlying condition is being managed. Why Choose Equipalazone®? Equipalazone® has earned a reputation as one of the most widely used and trusted phenylbutazone products available for horses. Its unique formulation offers several practical benefits: Apple-Flavoured for Improved Acceptance - Administering medication can sometimes be challenging, particularly with horses that are selective feeders. The new apple-flavoured formulation has been developed to improve palatability, helping encourage acceptance and simplifying administration. Convenient Individual Sachets - Each dose is supplied in compact sachets, making storage, handling, and administration simple and convenient whether at the stable, clinic, or competition venue. Unique Microcaps® Technology - Equipalazone® utilises Microcaps® technology, where each granule is coated with arabic gum. This innovative approach contributes to improved palatability compared with non-coated phenylbutazone formulations while maintaining effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. No Added Sugar - Equipalazone® is the only NSAID granule available with no added sugar, making it a suitable choice where sugar intake is a consideration. Supporting Equine Soundness and Performance Lameness remains one of the most common reasons for reduced performance, training interruptions, and veterinary intervention in horses. Effective pain management forms an important part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, alongside accurate diagnosis, rehabilitation, and ongoing veterinary care. Equipalazone® forms part of Dechra's Equine Lameness Solutions portfolio, supporting veterinarians in helping horses remain active, comfortable, and performing at their best. Trusted Relief for Horses and Ponies For decades, phenylbutazone has remained a cornerstone of equine pain management. With the addition of a palatable apple flavour, Equipalazone® continues to deliver the powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic support veterinarians trust, while making administration easier for owners and horses alike. Available from The Veterinary Group - The Veterinary Group is proud to supply Dechra's Equipalazone® Apple Flavour as part of our comprehensive equine healthcare portfolio. Contact our team at sales@thevet.group to learn more about this trusted equine pain management solution or to place an order here.  

When it comes to wound management in animals, early intervention and appropriate topical care can make a significant difference to comfort and recovery. Whether dealing with superficial wounds, minor burns, or equine cracked heels, Acrisulph® Ointment from Kyron Laboratories has been formulated to help protect damaged skin, support healing, and provide relief from discomfort.  What Is Acrisulph® Ointment? Acrisulph® is a topical antiseptic wound ointment designed for external animal use. It combines antiseptic ingredients with skin-conditioning and protective agents to help maintain a healthy healing environment for superficial skin injuries. Available in both 50 g tubes and 500 g jars, Acrisulph® is suitable for use in veterinary practices, stables, farms, and animal care facilities where routine wound management is required. What Is Acrisulph® Used For? Acrisulph® is indicated for: Superficial wounds Minor burns Equine cracked heels These conditions can cause discomfort, inflammation, and an increased risk of secondary infection if left unmanaged. Regular application of an appropriate wound ointment can help protect the affected area while supporting the body's natural healing processes. How Acrisulph® Works One of the strengths of Acrisulph® is its combination of ingredients that each contribute to wound care and skin recovery. Sulphanilamide (5%) Sulphanilamide is a sulphonamide antimicrobial agent with bacteriostatic properties. It helps inhibit the growth of susceptible bacteria, assisting in maintaining a cleaner wound environment. Acriflavine (0.1%) and Mercurochrome (0.1%) These ingredients provide antiseptic activity and have traditionally been used to help reduce bacterial contamination in superficial skin lesions. Zinc Oxide (2%) Zinc oxide acts as a mild astringent with soothing properties. It helps protect irritated skin while supporting the healing process. Cod Liver Oil (5%) Cod liver oil is a natural source of Vitamin A, an essential nutrient involved in the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissues. Healthy epithelial tissue is important for normal skin recovery. Lanolin (30%) Lanolin helps soften and moisturise the skin while reducing excessive moisture loss. Maintaining an appropriate moisture balance can support wound healing and improve comfort. Benefits of Acrisulph® for Animal Wound Care Supports Healing of Minor Skin Injuries The combination of protective and antiseptic ingredients helps create a favourable environment for healing superficial wounds. Helps Soothe Irritated Skin Lanolin and zinc oxide contribute to the soothing and protective effects of the ointment, helping improve comfort during recovery. Ideal for Equine Cracked Heels Cracked heels are a common challenge in horses, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. Regular application may help protect affected skin and support recovery. Easy to Apply The ointment spreads easily over affected areas, allowing for convenient routine use as part of a wound management programme. Understanding Equine Cracked Heels Cracked heels occur when the skin in the heel area becomes inflamed, irritated, and damaged. Contributing factors can include: Persistent wet conditions Mud exposure Poor skin condition Bacterial irritation Repeated friction Signs may include: Redness Crusting Cracks in the skin Sensitivity or discomfort Swelling in severe cases Early treatment and good stable hygiene are important to prevent progression and support recovery. Tips for Managing Superficial Wounds in Animals While topical products play an important role, good wound management practices are equally important: Clean the affected area according to veterinary guidance. Remove dirt and debris carefully. Apply Acrisulph® regularly as directed. Monitor wounds for signs of worsening inflammation or infection. Seek veterinary advice for deep wounds, severe burns, excessive swelling, or wounds that fail to heal. Directions for Use Apply Acrisulph® regularly to the affected area as required. Always follow label directions and consult a veterinarian if you are uncertain about the severity of the injury or appropriate treatment. Packaging Acrisulph® is available in: 50 g ointment tubes 500 g ointment jars Why Choose Acrisulph®? For veterinarians, horse owners, farmers, and animal caregivers, Acrisulph® offers a practical wound-care solution that combines antiseptic protection with skin-conditioning ingredients. Its formulation is designed to help soothe, protect, and support the healing of superficial wounds, burns, and cracked heels in animals. For more information about Acrisulph® and other trusted animal healthcare products from Kyron Laboratories, contact The Veterinary Group team.   

Efficient livestock identification is becoming increasingly important for modern animal production, traceability, monitoring, and regulatory compliance. The Allflex AWR300 Stick Reader, part of the Allflex Link ecosystem from MSD Animal Health, is designed to support faster and more reliable electronic identification (EID) workflows across livestock operations. The AWR300 device combines rugged field durability with wireless connectivity and advanced tag-reading capability, enabling producers, veterinarians, feedlots, dairies, and livestock managers to capture and manage animal data more efficiently. What is the Allflex AWR300 Stick Reader? The Allflex AWR300 is a handheld electronic identification (EID) reader developed for livestock environments where rapid and accurate animal identification is essential. The reader supports both RFID and NFC technologies, allowing users to read traditional EID tags as well as compatible monitoring devices using a single platform. The reader is designed to work with: HDX transponders FDX-B transponders NFC monitoring tags compatible with SenseHub™ systems This flexibility allows livestock operations to integrate animal identification, monitoring, and digital recordkeeping into a more streamlined workflow. Reliable Electronic Identification for Livestock Operations Electronic identification systems help improve traceability and reduce manual recording errors. The Allflex AWR300 supports ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 compliant EID tags commonly used in cattle, sheep, goat, and livestock management systems worldwide. According to the official MSD Animal Health specifications, the reader can achieve reading distances of up to: 30 cm with HDX transponders 30 cm with FDX-B transponders The device is engineered for high-volume reading environments where speed and reliability are important during handling, weighing, treatment, breeding, or movement procedures. Built for Farm and Field Conditions Livestock environments require equipment capable of handling demanding working conditions. The Allflex AWR300 features an IP67-rated housing designed to resist dust and temporary water exposure under specified operating conditions. Additional field-oriented features include: Ergonomic handheld design Multi-colour LED read indicators Vibration feedback Audible sound alerts 2.4-inch TFT colour display Seven-button directional keypad interface The reader weighs approximately 720 g and is designed for daily operational use across livestock facilities, farms, and handling systems. Wireless Connectivity and Data Management (Download Allflex-Link-Stick-Reader-MSD-Quick-start-guide.pdf ) The Allflex AWR300 supports multiple connectivity options including: Bluetooth USB RS232 WLAN/Wi-Fi communication The reader also integrates with the Allflex Connect mobile application, enabling users to: Transfer animal records Organise livestock groups Synchronise herd data Update reader firmware Connect with herd management systems This supports more efficient digital livestock management and helps reduce reliance on paper-based record systems. Large Data Storage Capacity The AWR300 includes onboard memory capable of storing up to: 1,000,000 records 25 task groups with 10,000 records each This capacity allows users to manage large-scale livestock operations while maintaining organised animal identification records directly on the device. Supporting Livestock Monitoring Systems One of the distinguishing features of the Allflex Link platform is its ability to support both EID and NFC monitoring workflows. Using the “Join Data” function, operators can pair animal EID records with compatible NFC monitoring tags. This functionality can assist operations using livestock monitoring technologies to improve visibility into: Animal movement Behaviour monitoring Group management Operational recordkeeping Applications Across Livestock Industries The Allflex AWR300 Stick Reader can be used in a wide range of livestock applications, including: Animal identification Traceability programs Breeding management Vaccination and treatment recording Weighing and drafting systems Feedlot operations Dairy herd management Sheep and goat identification systems Its compatibility with multiple identification technologies makes it suitable for evolving livestock management systems that require scalable digital infrastructure. Livestock Identification Solutions from The Veterinary Group At The Veterinary Group, we support livestock professionals with advanced animal health, identification, monitoring, and farm management solutions tailored to modern agricultural operations. The Allflex AWR300 Stick Reader forms part of a broader range of livestock identification technologies designed to improve operational efficiency, traceability, and data collection accuracy across the livestock sector. For more information about Allflex livestock identification solutions, contact The Veterinary Group team at sales@thevet.group  Technical References Technical specifications and operational information referenced in this article were sourced from official MSD Animal Health and Allflex product documentation.

Providing safe, tailored anaesthesia for every patient is one of the most important aspects of modern veterinary medicine. From routine procedures to more medically complex cases, veterinary professionals must make confident decisions around sedation, analgesia, induction, monitoring and recovery. To support veterinary teams in daily practice, Dechra has developed the Dog & Cat Anaesthesia App - a practical educational resource designed specifically for veterinarians, veterinary nurses, technicians and veterinary students. Available to veterinary professionals in Dubai, the UAE and internationally, the App helps make practical anaesthesia information more accessible in both general practice and referral settings. Practical Anaesthesia Protocols for Dogs and Cats Developed in collaboration with specialist veterinary anaesthetists and approved by the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA), the Dechra Dog & Cat Anaesthesia App contains practical, evidence-based guidance designed to support safer anaesthesia planning. The App includes suggested anaesthetic protocols for a wide range of canine and feline procedures, helping veterinary professionals approach both routine and less familiar cases with greater confidence. Each protocol includes guidance on: Pre-operative patient considerations Stabilisation recommendations where required Premedication options Peri-operative analgesia Anaesthetic induction and maintenance Monitoring recommendations Recovery management Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, the App supports patient-specific anaesthesia planning for dogs and cats. Detailed Molecule Information for Veterinary Practice The App also includes detailed information on commonly used anaesthetic and analgesic molecules in small animal veterinary medicine. Veterinary professionals can quickly access: Suggested dosage guidance Routes of administration Indications for use Onset and duration of action Contraindications Side effect considerations This makes the App a valuable educational and clinical reference tool for veterinary clinics in Dubai and across the UAE. Built for Everyday Veterinary Workflow Alongside protocol guidance, the Dechra Dog & Cat Anaesthesia App includes practical tools designed to support busy veterinary teams. Features include: Dose calculation support Custom protocol creation Favourite protocol saving Printable or emailable protocol summaries for patient records These functions help improve workflow efficiency while supporting consistency in anaesthesia planning and clinical documentation. Supporting Best-Practice Veterinary Anaesthesia Patient safety remains central to veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. DOWNLOAD the APP on APPLE or DOWNLOAD the APP on GOOGLE PLAY  As part of Dechra’s commitment to promoting best-practice anaesthesia standards, the App also includes the AVA Anaesthetic Safety Checklist to support structured peri-anaesthetic workflows and patient monitoring. Combined with Dechra’s veterinary anaesthesia portfolio - including Sedator and Atipam — the App provides veterinary teams with both practical educational support and clinical product solutions. Sedator Medetomidine hydrochloride 1 mg/mL injectable solution for dogs and cats Used for restraint, sedation and analgesia during clinical examinations and procedures Suitable for minor surgical procedures and pre-anaesthetic use Can be incorporated into general anaesthesia protocols Atipam Atipamezole hydrochloride 5 mg/mL injectable solution for dogs and cats Selective alpha-2 antagonist indicated for reversal of medetomidine and dexmedetomidine sedation Supports controlled patient recovery following sedation protocols Practical addition to small animal anaesthesia workflows Anaesthesia Support Across Companion Animal and Equine Practice Veterinary professionals working in equine medicine can also explore Dechra’s equine anaesthesia educational resources. Read our related article: Smarter, Safer Equine Anaesthesia with Dechra Pharmaceuticals Together, these resources reflect Dechra’s commitment to supporting veterinary professionals in Dubai, the UAE and beyond with accessible, practical anaesthesia education across both companion animal and equine practice.  

Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most commonly managed conditions in small animal practice, requiring clear communication to support effective long-term care. In the UAE, as in other regions, early detection and effective client communication continue to present challenges in everyday practice. Clinical signs are often subtle and may be mistaken for normal ageing, which can result in diagnosis at more advanced stages of disease progression. For veterinarians, clearly explaining the progression and long-term implications of CKD is essential to supporting successful case management.  A New Standard in Visual Education for Veterinary Practice The Dechra 4D Kidney Model has been developed as an advanced, interactive visual tool designed to support veterinary professionals in explaining feline CKD more clearly and effectively. Unlike static diagrams, the model provides: A dynamic, visual representation of kidney structure Clear illustration of disease progression over time A structured way to explain complex pathophysiology in a simplified format This allows veterinary teams to move beyond verbal explanations and utilise visual learning to enhance client comprehension.  One of the key challenges in managing CKD is ensuring that pet owners fully understand: The progressive nature of the disease The impact on kidney function The importance of ongoing management The 4D model addresses this by visually demonstrating how the feline kidney changes as CKD progresses. Why this matters in practice: Improved client understandingVisual explanation supports clearer communication compared to verbal descriptions alone More meaningful consultationsComplex discussions become more structured and easier to follow Stronger client engagementOwners are more likely to participate actively in treatment decisions Effective communication is directly linked to compliance and treatment success. When owners understand the disease: They are more likely to recognise clinical signs early They are more committed to monitoring and follow-up They better understand the importance of long-term management strategies The 4D Kidney Model provides a consistent and reliable framework for these discussions, supporting veterinary teams in UAE to delivering clear, evidence-based guidance. The model is designed for ease of use in a clinical setting: Compatible across multiple devices Accessible during consultations or follow-ups Available in multiple languages This flexibility ensures it can be seamlessly integrated into everyday practice, whether used chairside, during case discussions, or as part of client education materials.  Integrating Visual Tools into CKD Management While diagnosis and treatment protocols remain central to CKD management, communication tools such as the 4D Kidney Model play an increasingly important role in: Enhancing client education Supporting informed decision-making Reinforcing the long-term nature of disease management By improving how information is delivered, veterinary teams can strengthen the overall standard of care provided to feline patients. Chronic kidney disease in cats presents ongoing challenges in both diagnosis and long-term management. However, improving how the disease is communicated can significantly influence outcomes. The Dechra 4D Kidney Model offers a practical, clinically relevant solution- helping veterinary professionals translate complex medical concepts into clear, visual explanations that support better understanding, engagement, and care. Explore the 4D Kidney Model to support clearer client communication and improve understanding of feline CKD in practice.👉 https://www.4d-kidneymodel.com/ This model can be used alongside other CKD management resources and supportive care strategies - such as nutritional support and appetite stimulation where appropriate - to support a more comprehensive approach to feline renal care.

Equine gastric ulcers are one of the most common causes of poor performance in horses. In the UAE, treatment typically involves omeprazole therapy to reduce stomach acid and support healing. Early and consistent treatment is essential to prevent recurrence. Equestra® Equine Omeprazole: Managing Equine Gastric Ulcers Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) remains one of the most prevalent conditions affecting performance horses, particularly those in intensive training and management systems. Clinical signs such as reduced appetite, poor performance, behavioural changes, and intermittent colic are commonly reported. Effective management of EGUS relies on consistent acid suppression, appropriate dosing, and practical administration strategies that ensure compliance. Equestra® Equine Omeprazole introduces a novel in-feed granule formulation, designed to address both pharmacological and practical limitations associated with traditional oral paste therapies. Understanding Gastric Ulcers in Horses EGUS encompasses two primary disease types: Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) – primarily driven by acid exposure Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) – associated with impaired mucosal defence and stress-related factors In performance horses, periods without feed combined with exercise can increase acid exposure in the stomach, leading to mucosal damage. Did you know up to 90% of racehorses may be affected by gastric ulcers? Click on image below learn why. Learn more about  Mechanism of Action: Why Omeprazole Matters Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that works by: Binding to the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells Inhibiting hydrochloric acid secretion Increasing gastric pH, allowing ulcer healing This reduction in acidity enables the stomach lining to repair, with clinical improvement often observed within two weeks of treatment initiation.   What Makes Equestra® Different? 1. Enteric-Coated Granule Technology Equestra is formulated as enteric-coated granules, designed to: Protect omeprazole from degradation in the acidic stomach environment Ensure delivery to the small intestine, where absorption occurs This is critical, as omeprazole must be absorbed systemically before exerting its effect.  2. Improved Bioavailability Clinical data demonstrates: ~55% bioavailability for Equestra granules Compared to ~15–17% for oral paste formulations This results in: Greater systemic exposure to the active ingredient Potential for more consistent therapeutic effect In a 500 kg horse, this translates to: ~550 mg absorbed with Equestra Compared to significantly lower absorption with some paste formulations 3. Proven Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Performance Published pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies show: Comparable or improved plasma concentrations versus oral pastes Effective gastric pH control Bioequivalence across key pharmacodynamic parameters Additionally: Equestra demonstrates rapid absorption, reducing feeding wait time from 60 minutes to 30 minutes 4. In-Feed Administration: Practical Advantages Equestra is administered by: Sprinkling granules onto a small amount of feed This offers clear advantages: Eliminates need to restrain horses for dosing Reduces stress for both horse and handler Improves dosing compliance Studies indicate that the formulation is readily consumed by horses, supporting its use as an alternative to paste formulations.  Clinical Use and Dosing Treatment dose: 2 mg/kg once daily for 2 weeks Maintenance dose: 1 mg/kg once daily to prevent recurrence Consistent daily administration is essential, as: Ulcers can recur within two weeks if treatment is discontinued Safety Profile - Equestra is: Classified as not hazardous under standard criteria Not considered a dangerous good for transport Generally well tolerated when used as directed Standard handling precautions (e.g., avoiding contact with eyes/skin) are recommended. Practical Considerations for Veterinary Use For veterinarians, Equestra offers: A compliance-friendly alternative to oral paste Improved pharmacokinetic performance Flexible use for  performance horses in the UAE that remain in training For horse owners, this translates to: Easier daily administration Reduced stress during treatment Greater confidence that the full dose is consumed Effective management of equine gastric ulcers requires both pharmacological efficacy and practical administration. Equestra® Equine Omeprazole combines: Enteric-coated delivery Increased bioavailability In-feed convenience This positions it as a modern alternative to traditional omeprazole pastes, supporting both clinical outcomes and day-to-day usability in the field. Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Gastric Ulcers What is the best treatment for equine gastric ulcers in the UAE? Omeprazole is the most widely used and recognised treatment for equine gastric ulcers.It works by suppressing gastric acid production, increasing stomach pH, and creating conditions that allow ulcers to heal. Consistent daily dosing is essential to achieve effective acid suppression and support healing. How does omeprazole work in horses? Omeprazole reduces stomach acid by blocking the proton pump in gastric cells.It inhibits the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells, decreasing hydrochloric acid secretion and raising gastric pH. This allows the stomach lining to repair and supports ulcer healing. What is Equestra® and how is it different from oral paste omeprazole? Equestra® is an in-feed omeprazole formulation designed for ease of administration and consistent dosing.It is presented as enteric-coated granules and differs from oral pastes by: Being administered by sprinkling onto feed Eliminating the need to restrain horses for dosing Protecting the active ingredient through the stomach via enteric coating These features support improved practicality and compliance in everyday use. Explore Equestra® Equine Omeprazole here Is Equestra® more bioavailable than paste formulations? Equestra® granules demonstrate higher bioavailability compared to some oral paste formulations.Clinical data indicates approximately 55% bioavailability for Equestra, compared to around 15–17% for certain paste formulations. Higher bioavailability means a greater proportion of the active ingredient is absorbed systemically. How is Equestra® administered to horses? Equestra® is administered by sprinkling granules onto a small amount of feed before the main meal.This approach helps ensure the full dose is consumed and avoids the need for oral syringe administration, making treatment more practical in the field. How long does it take for equine gastric ulcers to heal? Clinical improvement is often seen within approximately two weeks of treatment.With effective acid suppression using omeprazole, gastric acidity is reduced to a non-irritating level, allowing the stomach lining to heal and clinical signs to improve. Can gastric ulcers return after treatment? Yes, gastric ulcers can recur if treatment is stopped without maintenance management.Evidence indicates that ulcers may return within two weeks after discontinuing treatment. Ongoing management, including maintenance dosing and appropriate feeding practices, is important to reduce recurrence. Why are gastric ulcers common in performance horses? Performance horses are at increased risk due to management and training factors.Key contributing factors include: Periods without feed Intensive exercise Increased exposure of the stomach lining to gastric acid These conditions increase the likelihood of mucosal damage and ulcer formation. What are the common signs of gastric ulcers in horses? Common clinical signs include: Reduced appetite Poor performance Behavioural changes Intermittent colic Does feeding affect omeprazole absorption? Yes, feeding practices can influence omeprazole absorption.Equestra®’s enteric-coated granules are designed to pass through the stomach and be absorbed in the small intestine, helping to optimise systemic uptake when administered correctly. Learn more about Equestra Equine Omeprazole available in the UAE or Speak to our team based in Dubai at sales@thevet.group