Advancing Canine Otitis Externa Management: Key Insights from the Dechra Educational Webinar (Dubai, UAE) A practical, case-based approach to improving clinical outcomes in ear disease Veterinarians across the UAE joined The Veterinary Group (TVG) and Dechra for the latest session in the Dechra Educational Series, focusing on one of the most common and often frustrating conditions in small animal practice: canine otitis externa. This live webinar presented by Dr. Felicity Barber, BVetMed MSc MRCVS Technical Manager, DVP International  - explored practical, evidence-based approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management-helping veterinary professionals move from recurring cases to more confident clinical outcomes. Otitis externa is not a standalone condition A key takeaway from the session is that ear disease does not occur in isolation and should always be approached as a multifactorial condition . The webinar introduced Dechra’s structured framework: The 4Ts of Otitis Management Think – Recognise otitis as multifactorial Timing – Intervene early to prevent chronic changes Tailor – Individualise treatment for each patient Teamwork – Engage both the veterinary teamand pet owner. This approach emphasises that successful management depends on identifying and addressing multiple contributing factors, not just treating symptoms. Understanding the underlying causes: PSPP model Effective diagnosis requires identifying the full disease picture using the PSPP model: Primary causes (e.g. allergies) Secondary infections (bacterial/yeast overgrowth) Predisposing factors (ear conformation, environment) Perpetuating factors (chronic inflammation, fibrosis) As highlighted in the webinar, failure to address all four components can prevent resolution and lead to recurrent cases . Why cytology remains essential in UAE veterinary practice The session reinforced the importance of ear cytology as a core diagnostic tool, guiding: Identification of microbial populations Appropriate antimicrobial selection Monitoring treatment response Without cytology, treatment decisions may lack precision-impacting outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship. Treatment considerations: more than just medication Veterinarians were encouraged to assess multiple factors when selecting treatment protocols: Type of otitis and discharge Microbial involvement Level of inflammation Antimicrobial guidelines Ease of use and owner compliance Cost considerations Importantly, the webinar highlighted that compliance and ease of administration can significantly influence treatment success, especially in difficult patients. Case-based learning: improving real-world outcomes Through clinical case examples (such as “Sammy,” a recurrent otitis case), the session demonstrated how: Previous treatment challenges (e.g. difficulty administering drops) impact compliance Behavioural considerations must be addressed alongside medical therapy Each case requires an individualised plan This reinforces the principle that “every ear is individual” in clinical practice . Evidence-based outcomes: quality of life matters The webinar also reviewed published data showing that treatment approach can influence both patient and owner quality of life. A controlled study comparing treatment protocols found: Significant improvement in dog quality of life within 7–28 days Measurable improvements in owner experience and compliance This highlights the importance of selecting therapies that are not only clinically effective but also practical for owners. Long-term management: preventing recurrence Successful otitis management extends beyond initial treatment. The webinar outlined two key phases: 1. Induction Phase Ear cleaning Antimicrobial therapy Anti-inflammatory treatment 2. Maintenance Phase Regular ear care Ongoing management of primary causes (e.g. atopic dermatitis) Prevention of relapse Long-term success depends on addressing the underlying condition—not just resolving acute symptoms . Access the full resource materials Veterinary professionals who want to deepen their understanding of otitis externa management can access: Webinar slides and case discussions - See presentation here  Cytology reference materials - Resource link Clinical resources and tools - 4D Ear model Pet owner support site - Lifelong Ear Partnership  👉 Access the product ordering pages for Dechra (Malacetic, Osurnia & Canuaral)   Stay connected for upcoming sessions in the Dechra Educational Series. speak to our team at sales@thevet.group or contact us at +971 6 5395443

Maintaining optimal body condition in horses can be challenging in the UAE, where climate, workload, and feeding management all play a role. Many horse owners struggle with horses that fail to gain weight, lack topline, or do not achieve the desired coat finish - despite increasing feed. The solution is not always feeding more. It is about feeding smarter, with the right nutritional balance. Horses in the UAE face unique environmental and management factors that can impact condition: High temperatures may reduce appetite and increase energy requirements Training and competition schedules increase calorie demand Digestive sensitivity to high-starch diets Poor feed efficiency - where horses eat but do not gain condition Increasing feed volume alone can lead to: Digestive upset Excess starch intake Unpredictable energy levels This is why modern equine nutrition focuses on calorie density, digestibility, and controlled energy release. What Is a Conditioning Feed? A conditioning feed is a calorie-dense, nutritionally balanced diet designed to support: Gradual, controlled weight gain Topline (muscle) development Coat condition and overall appearance One example is Saracen Condition Improver Mix, formulated to provide high energy, quality protein, and digestive support in a single balanced feed.   How to Safely Improve Weight and Condition in Horses 1. Focus on Calorie Density, Not Volume Horses with poor condition often benefit from higher energy per kg of feed, rather than larger meal sizes. Condition Improver Mix provides approximately 13 MJ/kg of digestible energy, allowing: Weight gain without excessive feed volume Better intake for horses with reduced appetite 2. Support Topline with Quality Protein Topline is not just about weight - it is about muscle development. Key nutrients include: Alfalfa, soya, and peas (quality protein sources) Essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth This supports: Improved topline Better performance condition Stronger overall physique 3. Use Oil-Based Energy Instead of High Starch Traditional high-starch feeds can cause: Energy spikes Digestive disturbances Conditioning feeds include oil-based energy sources, such as EQUI-JEWEL® (stabilised rice bran), which provide: High-calorie support Slow-release energy Improved coat condition This is particularly beneficial for horses that need energy without becoming overly excitable.  4. Prioritise Digestive Health Weight gain depends on how well nutrients are absorbed. Condition Improver Mix includes live yeast, which helps: Support hindgut function Improve fibre digestion Maintain a stable digestive environment A healthy gut leads to: Better feed utilisation More efficient condition gain 5. Maintain Balanced Energy for Rideability In performance and leisure horses alike, energy must be controlled and consistent. Condition Improver Mix is: Oat-free Designed to provide controlled energy release This makes it suitable for: Horses with a calm or laid-back temperament Horses needing more energy without behavioural changes Who Should Use a Conditioning Feed? A conditioning diet is ideal for: Horses that struggle to gain or maintain weight Show horses requiring topline and coat finish Horses in work needing additional calories Horses sensitive to high-starch diets Conditioning Feed Benefits at a Glance ✔ Supports gradual, controlled weight gain✔ Promotes topline and muscle development✔ Enhances coat shine and skin health✔ Provides balanced, digestible energy✔ Supports digestive health and nutrient absorption Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the best feed for weight gain in horses in the UAE? A: A calorie-dense conditioning feed with oil-based energy, quality protein, and digestive support is generally recommended. Q: How can I improve my horse’s topline? A: Focus on feeds that provide high-quality protein and amino acids, alongside consistent training. Q: Is high-starch feed good for weight gain? A: Not always. Excess starch can lead to digestive issues and unstable energy. Oil-based energy sources are often preferred. Conditioning is a nutritional strategy, not just a feeding increase. By focusing on digestibility, calorie density, and balanced nutrients, horse owners can safely improve weight, topline, and overall condition. Need to speak to our team? Contact us at sales@thevet.group  

At TVG, we’re thrilled to share big news: Saracen Horse Feeds, one of the world’s most trusted and scientifically driven equine nutrition brands, has officially re-branded - unveiling a cleaner, more modern identity, while keeping all the performance and quality that horse owners love. As Saracen’s authorised distributor in the UAE, we’re proud to bring this fresh brand experience to our clients, riders, and stables across the region. A Brand Evolution Rooted in Heritage & Science Saracen’s rebrand is not just a cosmetic update - it's a thoughtful evolution. While the logo, packaging, and website have all been modernised for clarity and sustainability, the core of Saracen’s mission remains unchanged: delivering evidence-based equine nutrition, formulated with the support of Kentucky Equine Research (KER).  The new colour-coded ranges make it easier than ever to find the right feed for your horse’s specific needs - whether you're managing a competition horse, a veteran, or a leisure companion.                 What’s Changed...and What Hasn’t ✅ What’s New: Refreshed Packaging Design - Saracen has redesigned its feed bags to be more visually intuitive, using colour-coded categories for quick identification. Sustainable Packaging - The new bags use less ink and more recyclable materials, aligning with Saracen’s commitment to environmental responsibility.  ❗ What Has Not Changed: Formulas Remain the Same -  The nutritional recipes of all Saracen feeds, including performance, conditioning, and specialist lines, are unchanged.  Feeding Rates & Advice -  The recommended feeding rates and nutritional profiles remain identical - you will still feed by the same guidelines you’re familiar with.  Trusted Quality -  Saracen’s decades of experience and its partnership with KER continue to ensure premium, scientifically supported feed.  Why This Rebrand Matters for the UAE Market Clarity for Local Riders & StablesWith the new colour-coded system, equestrian professionals in the UAE can more easily identify the right Saracen feed for their discipline - from showjumpers to endurance horses to senior companions. Sustainability That ResonatesAs awareness of environmental impact grows, the updated, more sustainable packaging shows Saracen’s commitment to reducing waste — something that aligns with our values at TVG as a responsible distributor. Improved AccessibilityThrough TVG, UAE customers now benefit from not just the refreshed Saracen brand, but also enhanced support: whether for nutrition advice, feed planning, or order fulfillment, our team is more equipped than ever to help. This rebrand also comes at a moment of recognition: Saracen Horse Feeds recently won the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, a testament to their global reach, quality, and innovation.  For TVG and our clients, this underscores why partnering with Saracen is more than just a business decision - it's aligning with a brand that’s recognised for excellence and sustained growth. If you’re a rider, trainer, or stable manager in the UAE: Reach out to TVG for a branding-aware feed plan - we can help you navigate Saracen’s new colour-coded system to find your optimal feeds. Have a look at the new packaging HERE  Ask us for a yard visit or tailor-made nutrition consultation to match your horses’ workloads, age, and goals. Speak to our sales team at sales@thevet.group   

In the fast-moving world of equine veterinary medicine, precision, and efficiency are essential. To support veterinarians in achieving all three, Dechra Veterinary Products has developed the Dechra Equine Anaesthesia App – it’s a practical, evidence-based tool designed to make anaesthesia management easier and more reliable. Available on both the App Store and Google Play, this intuitive mobile app places a wealth of anaesthesia knowledge directly into the hands of equine veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and students. A Smarter Way to Plan and Perform Equine Anaesthesia The Dechra Equine Anaesthesia App acts as a quick-reference companion for the field or the clinic. It offers detailed, expert-verified protocols for: Standing sedation General anaesthesia Constant Rate Infusions (CRIs) Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA) Partial Intravenous Anaesthesia (PIVA) Each protocol includes built-in dose and rate calculators that help practitioners determine the optimal administration for each patient. Users can also create, customise, and save their own preferred protocols, allowing for quick access during repeat procedures. The app’s offline functionality makes it ideal for ambulatory equine work - ensuring veterinarians always have access to critical anaesthetic information, even in remote areas or at live events such as show-jumping competitions. Designed for Daily Practice Beyond its practicality, the Dechra Equine Anaesthesia App supports consistency and safety in anaesthetic management. Each feature has been developed with clinical efficiency in mind - from dose accuracy and infusion rate calculation to simple data recording. Vets can generate printable or shareable summary sheets directly from the app, which can be added to patient records or discussed with team members. This streamlined approach helps ensure each anaesthetic plan is clear, documented, and repeatable. A Perfect Match for Dechra’s Equine Product Range The app has been designed to complement Dechra’s portfolio of equine anaesthesia and analgesia products. Together, they provide a complete solution - helping veterinarians deliver safe, tailored anaesthesia from preparation to recovery. As the exclusive UAE distributor for Dechra’s equine range, TVG is proud to offer both the products and the educational tools that empower veterinary professionals to perform at their best. Whether you’re refining sedation techniques, managing pain, or optimising recovery, Dechra and TVG are here to support every step of the process. Get Started Today The Dechra Equine Anaesthesia App is free to download on:📱 Google Play📱 App Store For veterinarians seeking to combine best-practice protocols with proven products, Dechra and TVG offer the perfect partnership. 💬 Discover the full range of Dechra equine products available through TVG.Contact our Sales team  to learn how Dechra’s anaesthesia and analgesia solutions - paired with the Equine Anaesthesia App - can help you deliver confident, consistent, and safe anaesthetic care for every horse.  

On September 9th, we had the pleasure of hosting the Equine & Camel Orthopaedics Seminar in collaboration with Dechra Veterinary Products at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort, Dubai. We were delighted to welcome equine and camel veterinarians, trainers, pharmacy managers, and farm decision-makers for an evening of knowledge-sharing, discussion, and community. A Strong Collaboration with Dechra Dechra is a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals, known for developing innovative, science-led solutions that support the health and wellbeing of animals worldwide. Their commitment to advancing equine medicine made them the perfect partner for this event. We were honoured to be joined by Dr. Jean-Claude Ionita, Product Manager Equine DACH & Medical Advisor CH at Dechra. With more than 20 years of expertise in equine medicine, anaesthesiology, regenerative medicine, and orthobiologics, Dr. Ionita has delivered over 100 scientific lectures across Europe and the Middle East. Seminar Highlights Dr. Ionita delivered two insightful sessions addressing some of the most pressing challenges in equine and camel orthopaedics: Treating Lameness with Osphos®: 10 Years of Experience Beyond Bone DiseaseA review of how Osphos® (Clodronate) has proven effective not only in bone-related lameness but also in managing a range of musculoskeletal conditions. Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Horses: A Review of Current OptionsA comprehensive overview of traditional and emerging therapies for equine osteoarthritis, exploring mechanisms, indications, and practical applications in the field. Why It Matters Lameness and osteoarthritis remain among the most significant challenges impacting performance, welfare, and productivity in both horses and camels. By exploring proven treatment strategies and the latest therapeutic advancements, seminars like this help veterinarians and decision-makers provide better care, improve outcomes, and support the long-term health of these animals. Event Resources For those who attended (or anyone who’d like to revisit the material), we’ve made the seminar resources available online: 👉Resources  Thank You We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for making this event such a success. Your engagement and enthusiasm highlight the importance of continuing education and collaboration in veterinary medicine. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!    

When it comes to high-performing horses, they are equine athletes. It is more than just the right training and genetics of the horses, and there is a need for endurance horse feed Saracen. It is the best source of superior nutrition that helps manage horse performance effectively. What you feed your horse makes a significant difference.  Horses’ fitness is crucial as it will determine the ability to perform high and consistently, do various physical activities, and be competent to be at the top position. It needs discipline, and it starts with a definite horse nutrition pattern. Try to get the vet product from a reputable supplier who understands the importance of nutrition for a horse’s performance in racing programs and others. From digestive health to correct protein ratio to joint support, the right and tailored feed system can ensure the proper health of an animal. Each animal is unique, and it varies from genetic to breed to many other factors. Need of Elite Nutrition for High-Performing Horses Horses that perform heavy exercises must have a high-quality feed with an adequate amount of concentration. A regular feed program may not be enough to suffice a horse’s nutritional needs. Here, it is better to focus on Elite Nutrition. Horses taking part in the competition have higher nutritional needs for elevated training intensity and exercise sessions. Nutrition is a key determining factor for equine athletes, as well as hours. Nutritional supplements have an impact on muscular endurance, joint health, digestion, immense response, and others. Just like humans, horses also need a tailored diet and prepare them to perform to their full potential. The nutritional diet impacts overall health and speeds up recovery in cases of injury and other conditions. The proper diet can help maintain the following: ·       Proper body weight and weight gain ·       Prevents body fatigue and underperformance ·       It can correct coat condition ·       It eliminates colic or gastric problems ·       It helps with the recovery process and reduces problems from injury risks This is when elite nutrition comes into play to ensure the perfect health conditions and performance level of equine athletes. Saracen horse feed is a premium product. It is carefully manufactured to help a horse become strong and healthy for exercising and performing for hours. Elite Nutrition in Horse’s Feed for Better Performance When it comes to finding the right nutritional needs for horses, look for reliable and professional veterinary product suppliers. They can offer products that are customised for a specific feeding program and include feed strategies to improve muscle strength, promote recovery, and lower body fatigue in performing horses. This is crucial to ensure that the feed products are of premium quality and tested adequately before suppliers make them available in the market. This promotes readiness for a competition. Elite nutrition is paramount in horse feed as it supports heavy metabolic and physical needs. Proper supplements boost endurance and development. This is where you should get the feeds from reputable veterinary product suppliers. The key benefits are: ·       Improves the Digestive Health Horses should be fed with the right probiotic that speeds up digestion and nutrient absorption capacity in a horse. It is to ensure that horses get the most from their daily feed.  ·       Boosts Recovery and Development supplements should have an effective impact on controlling metabolism and muscle building. It should also help in quick recovery after training sessions. ·       Supports Coats and Immune System Supplements or feed should have the right amount of antioxidants and organic minerals to ensure that horses have shiny coats and hooves. It should also promote a proper immune system in a performing horse. ·       Helps in Weight Management There are certain supplements that help with weight management and proper maintenance. This is where the feed products make up for the calorie deficit that suits one’s energy levels. ·       Maintains Proper Hydration There are electrolyte supplements that rightly maintain body hydration. When the horse loses vital minerals during exercise and performance, the feed helps support it, along with muscle function.  So, explore premium elite equine supplements from a reputable supplier who has been known to deliver premium products for several years in the industry. One formula of the supplement should be enough to provide comprehensive support to a horse and help maintain its health adequately. Ultimate Performance Plan and Nutritional Need for a Horse If you aim for excellent performance in your horse, make sure to take care of every aspect of its diet. From nutrition to vet support, it should be done timely. The essential things that need attention are: Assessment of Current Nutrition Check the body condition and performance metrics to analyses current feeding programs and decide on the effective nutritional level. Consulting a Vet Timely Timely checkups can help fine-tune the health condition and provide the best care plan for your horse. This also includes preparing the nutritional plan for the high-performing horse. Choose the Right Feed for Endurance Choose endurance horse feed Saracen products help monitor energy levels and health conditions and boost recovery time. Adding the Right Supplements as Needed Try to pick the right supplement that works wonders and can boost health conditions after strenuous workloads and performance. Monitor and Adjust Supplements The health of a performance horse changes over time. It is crucial to adjust the feed needed for supplementary plans with proper healthcare routines. So, monitor the condition and make necessary changes in the dietary supplements to get the best outcome for performance.   So, for a high-performing horse, energy comes from a proper nutritional diet. It is more than just allowing your horse to perform better. It is about maintaining good health, helping with fast recovery, and ensuring good health throughout the year. Whether to manage a breeding operation or prepare horses for endurance and performance, elite nutrition and support from a professional vet are necessary. It provides a winning edge to your horse and trains them to perform better. So, ready to provide the best health supplements to your horse? Pick a premium vet product that is tailored to meet one’s supplementary needs. From targeted supplements to preventive healthcare to many more, get the right supplement for the performance and good health of your horse.