Isabelle Vets

🐴Equine Vet🐴

At Isabelle Vets, we are incredibly proud of the dedicated people behind our practice, and today we’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our longest-serving equine vet, Dr Sarah-Jane Heathcote BSc BVSc Cert AVP (ED) MRCVS.

Having been part of the Isabelle Vets family for over 14 years, Sarah- Jane has built lasting relationships with clients and their horses through exceptional care, professionalism, and genuine compassion. From routine health checks to emergency call-outs, she has remained a trusted and familiar face within the equine community.

Known for her calm approach and extensive knowledge, Sarah- Jane has helped countless horses throughout the years while supporting owners with reassurance and extensive advice every step of the way.

Here are some lovely photos of Sarah-Jane at work doing what she does best caring for horses and supporting both horse and owner.

Serious health problems often start quietly, with owners noticing things like;

🐴"He feel a bit off"

🐴"She's just not quite herself"

Those small changes matter. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instinct and get it checked. In our experience, you're usually right to ask.

Happy Friday from everyone at Isabelle Vets 🐴☀️

Another busy week caring for your wonderful animals and we’d like to wish all our amazing clients and their furry friends a relaxing and happy weekend! 💛

Whether it’s stable time, beach walks, cuddles on the sofa, or adventures in the sunshine. We hope it’s filled with smiles all round. 🐶🐱🐴🐹🐰

Thank you for trusting us with your animals every day 🐾

🥵 Heat Stress in Horses 🥵

As temperatures rise in the Channel Islands, Horses can quickly become vulnerable to hear stress, especially during exercise, travel or turnout with limited shade.

Unlike humans, horses generate a lot of internal heat when working and rely heavily on sweating to cool down. When conditions are hot and/or humid, that cooling system can become less effective.

Remember: humidity, lack of breeze, travel stress and workload can make even "mild" temperatures dangerous.

Horses may be big and powerful, but they still love having their best animal friends by their side 🐴💛

From ponies making friends with cats and dogs, to unlikely stable companions, it’s always lovely to see the bonds animals create with each other. 🐶🐎🐱

Who is your horse’s favourite friend? Share your photos in the comments, we’d love to see them! 📸

☀️Help Prevent Heat Stress in Horses☀️

As temperatures rise, it's important to keep horses cool, comfortable and safe. Heat stress can develop quickly so close monitoring and good management is key.

Horses are less efficient at regulating their body temperature. particularly under exertion or stress. Prevention is always better than managing heat related illness once it develops.

Keep a close eye on your horse during hot spells and act early if you notice any changes in behaviour, breathing or energy levels.

Laminitis is a painful hoof condition with three main causes;

🐴 Endocrine (Hormonal)
Most common. Linked to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and PPID (Cushing's), causing insulin imbalance that damages the hoof.

🐴 Mechanical / Traumatic
Overload of one limb or excessive concussion, such as supporting limb laminitis or hard ground work.

🐴 Toxic / Inflammatory
Triggered by systemic illness like colitis, grain overload, infection, or retained placenta.

Signs can be variable, sometimes subtle, as well as developing at different rates. If you notice any signs of laminitis; heat in the feet, reluctance to move, or a shifting stance, contact us immediately - 01481 723863

Early intervention can make a significant difference to outcome and comfort.

🐾💛 Happy Best Friends Day! 💛🐾

Today we’re celebrating all kinds of friendships the amazing bonds between our team, and of course the special friendships we see between animals every single day 🐶🐱🐰

Whether it’s:
🐾 Dogs who can’t be apart
🐾 Cats secretly cuddling together
🐾 Guinea pigs chatting away side by side
🐾 Horses grooming their field mates
🐾 Or the unbreakable bond between pets and their humans ❤️

Friendship makes life brighter for both people and animals alike.

We’re incredibly lucky to work alongside such a supportive team here at Isabelle Vets, caring for your wonderful companions together every day 💚

Share a photo of your pet with their best friend in the comments below whether they’re furry, feathered or human! 📸👇

Happy Friday from all of us at Isabelle Vets 🐴☀️

These horses definitely know it’s the weekend just look at those smiles! 😄 Nothing better than sunshine, fresh air, and happy faces to end the week.

Wishing all our clients and their four-legged friends a wonderful weekend! 🐾

🦷🐴 Did you know horses need regular dental check-ups? 🐴🦷

At our practice, we provide equine dental care to help keep your horse happy, healthy, and comfortable.

A horse’s teeth continually grow throughout their life, and sharp points, uneven wear, or dental problems can lead to:
• Difficulty eating
• Weight loss
• Dropping food
• Bad breath
• Head tossing or resistance when ridden
• Poor performance

Routine dental examinations are an important part of your horse’s overall healthcare and welfare.

Our vets are fully equipped to carry out thorough dental examinations and treatments during visits, helping to keep those teeth in top condition and your horse feeling their best. 😁

If you think your horse may be due a dental check, get in touch with the Isabelle Vets team!