Animal Health Trust

When an extraordinary person takes on her biggest mental and physical challenge ever in order to raise money for the Animal Health Trust, we are incredibly humbled…
Today the amazing Daisy Ledger takes on her 10th triathlon this year in OxfordTri, all to raise much needed funds for our research into cancer in dogs. When she’s finished she will have completed 11 triathlons in 11 months – that’s one for every year of life of her beloved Labrador, Moose, who she sadly lost to ca...ncer in April 2017.
Inspired by Moose and Facebook group Zoe's Journey UK where hundreds of dog owners are raising money for the Animal Health Trust’s canine cancer research programme, Daisy will complete her challenge next month.
Daisy – we think you’re awesome! Thank you for all your incredible efforts. Please show your support for Daisy by donating on her JustGiving page: bit.ly/Dledger
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Happy National Dog Day to all of our four-legged friends and their two-legged support teams! We work tirelessly at the Animal Health Trust to improve the lives of dogs even before they are born, and not many charities can say that!
Results from our inherited disease research are equipping dog owners and breeders with the tools needed to breed healthy puppies who grow into happy dogs.
Read more about our canine genetics research here bit.ly/geneticsresearch
... We’d love to see pics of your happy, healthy dogs celebrating #NationalDogDay – please share!
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Did you know that through our research we're helping thousands of dogs internationally? Our pioneering Give a Dog a Genome project, where we're sequencing the entire genome of 77 different dog breeds, is featured in our 75 Anniversary Annual Review 2017/18 which you can read online now https://tinyurl.com/ybtpycm7
If physio is your thing, you can also read about Matthew Scott, the AHT's first ever dedicated small animal physiotherapist!

Did you know that the AHT is currently the only vet clinic in the UK that can offer High Dose Radiation brachytherapy to horses as a treatment for tumours such as sarcoids?
We are incredibly proud that we have pioneered the use of HDR for this purpose. You can read all about our success to date in our 2017/18 Annual Review – available online now: https://tinyurl.com/ybtpycm7

Last year was particularly special for the AHT as we celebrated our 75 Anniversary – that’s 75 years of making an incredible difference for horses, dogs and cats across the world.
We’re delighted to now share with you our Annual Review which makes a great read. We are a unique and wonderful organisation (even if we do say so ourselves!) so we hope you’ll find five minutes to sit down and enjoy a few key highlights from our Anniversary year… https://tinyurl.com/ybtpycm7
Of cou...rse, the work we do can only be undertaken with support from people like you who realise the greatest threat to the welfare of horses, dogs and cats is disease or injury. To help us to help more animals, please consider making a donation today.
Thank you
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Great article looking at the AHT's Dr Sue Dyson's latest research to aid equine vets with pain assessment...

Are you looking for a new start? Research Management Administrator and Admin Assistant (two days a week) positions closing soon. We also have an exciting new position for a Hospital Director within our Small Animal Clinic. Apply now, at www.aht.org.uk/jobs #charityjobs #vetjobs #sciencejobs #jobs

#FridayFeeling Please join us in saying a huge "Thank you" to these amazing ladies who conquered their fears of heights to do something amazing for the AHT! Vic and Clare have sadly both lost Italian Spinone dogs to epilepsy and cancer and decided to join forces to raise vital funds to help our research into these conditions, so that future Spinone dogs might benefit.
These ladies are (or should we say, were) terrified of heights, so this was no easy challenge for them but this plucky pair made it through the Go Ape course together and have raised well over £2,000 (including Gift Aid) for the AHT. A fantastic achievement - well done Vic and Clare!
If you would like to help Vic and Clare raise a bit more for the AHT, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vi c-clare-spinoni2018

It's #BlackCatAppreciationDay and we'd like to see photos of your beautiful black cats!

Congratulations to our newest qualified RVN, Becky Harrington! Becky started at the AHT as an Animal Nursing Assistant in August 2013 and started her three-year vet nurse training a year later. We're really pleased to have another Vet Nurse in our ranks and to have supported Becky through her training. Our Vet Nurses work 24-7 to make sure our patients get the very best care - day and night - and are all absolute super-stars!
Becky's favorite part of the job is... "The sheer... variety of it - I am never doing the same task one day to the next. I love being part of such a great team, but ultimately it’s the pleasure I derive from being able to help someone's poorly pet recover and seeing them walk out with their much relieved owners. I always knew I wanted to work with animals from a young age. Working full time at the AHT has been all that I thought it would be and more and I am forever grateful for their support to get me to where I am now."
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The AHT's Dr Andrew Waller explains the right steps to take to avoid Strangles in this month's Horse&Rider Magazine - read it online now...

Inspired by our runners in the European Games? If so, this could be you next April. This #CharityTuesday, consider signing up to run the #LondonMarathon for the AHT and you'll be helping dogs cats and horses to live healthier, happier lives. Go to: www.aht.org.uk/londonmarathon for more information.

Thanks to SEIB Insurance Brokers for helping us raise awareness of our vital research looking into fractures in horses. Dr Debbie Guest, leading this project, will be at Burghley Horse Trials later this month taking DNA swabs from more horses...

Closing soon! Our Fundraising Administrator, Charitable Trusts Assistant and part-time Lab Technician roles are closing soon. Good luck if you're applying! http://www.aht.org.uk/jobs #charityjobs #sciencejobs

Research collaboration aims to help horses fight Strangles. Meet Joanne Allen, she is a Senior Research Officer at the The University of Melbourne and she has just finished a three month work placement in our bacteriology department, working on the equine disease, Strangles.
Joanne is the very first recipient of a Payne-Gallwey bursary and she has been here to enhance the existing collaboration that we have between the AHT and the University of Melbourne, to work on a projec...t that aims to improve the blood test used to detect horses exposed to Strangles.
Joanne's research hopes to lead to a better diagnostic test for Strangles and answer some of the questions that we have about the way Streptococcus equi behaves to evade the horse immune system. We've really enjoyed having Joanne here to strengthen this important research connection, and we're glad to hear she has learnt some new techniques and developed ideas for future research projects related to Strangles.
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Happy #InternationalCatDay Loui's life was saved by our vets a few years ago. His owner noticed something unusual in his eye, which led his vet to diagnose him with jaundice and unusual blood liver parameters. Loui was referred to us, where our Internal Medicine clinicians were able to confirm that he had severe liver dysfunction. An ultrasound showed a severely blocked bile duct leading to the intestine and Loui was rushed in for surgery.
Daniela Murgia, one of our soft tiss...ue surgeons, was unable to save Loui’s main bile duct. This meant that Loui had to undergo a more complex and invasive procedure in order to restore his liver function. Daniela and her team were met by multiple difficulties, but in the end they were able to reconstruct the link between the gall bladder and the gut and stabilise Loui, who had developed severe complications during the surgery which could have been fatal.
Loui had a lot of fight in him and despite the complexities of his case; slowly managed to pull through against the odds. Following his surgery Loui required a high level of aftercare, which involved our team of dedicated nurses syringe-feeding him recovery food at regular intervals. Loui’s owner had to learn how to do this before he could go home, as he was still too weak to eat on his own.
Loui’s owner said: “We were so worried about our poor Loui, he means the world to us - as do our other members of our feline family, and I’m sure other pet owners can relate to this! We visited him as much as possible whilst he was in the intensive care unit. The staff at the AHT were just incredible, he wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for them. The AHT is an amazing charity and the level of care and support is second to none. We are extremely grateful.”
After a lot of care and attention, Loui made a fantastic recovery and we are very pleased to have been able to help such a lovely cat! Support the AHT and help to improve #cathealth through leading veterinary and scientific research #cat #cats #lovecats
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NEWS: Horse pain study - vets applaud new method to assess equine performance.

2018 marks the 30th anniversary of the UK Equestrian Awards, a charity fundraising event for the Animal Health Trust. Since starting in the late 1980s the awards have grown in size and stature into one of the highlights of the equestrian calendar. Attracting high-profile equestrian guests such as Sir Nick Skelton, Spencer Wilton and the GB eventing team ,the fundraising event aims to increase awareness and funds for this important veterinary and scientific charity, which works extensively to help keep horses, dogs and cats fit and healthy, and most importantly, protected from disease and injury.

In need of some #MondayMotivation? Check out our latest vacancies to join the charity leading science and care for animals. We have a wide range of jobs available at our base in Newmarket, Suffolk, including: Admin assistant - two days a week, Lab technician - part time, Research Management Administrator, Charitable Trusts Assistant and a Fundraising Administrator http://www.aht.org.uk/jobs #charityjobs #vetjobs #sciencejobs

What a fantastic group of people you all are! We cannot Thank you enough for everything you have done for Cody you are all amazing!!

Very understanding, elena in neurology was so kind to me when I got upset when I had to leave my dog in overnight. Kept me constantly updated and made a very stressful time for me as easy as was possible. Didn't give up and I now have my 11year old bouncy 'pup' back

This place is amazing! We were referred by our vet when our 12 year old dachshund, Louis, started struggling to walk. He was dragging his back legs and appeared to be in pain. Animal Health Trust made an appointment for us that same day and although we had a 3 hour journey to get there, well it was worth it. Fabio was amazing! He kept us informed daily of Louis progress from his day of admission. The operation he performed was nothing short of a miracle! Louis is walking and getting better daily. He’s back to his happy little self... our problem now is to try and stop him jumping and running! All the staff there are so wonderful and obviously care for the animals in their care. Thank you all once again.

The Animal Health Trust had been a tremendous help to us this past year and a half after the diagnosis of our dog, Hawk's, primary closed angle glaucoma. The staff in the ophthalmology department have been outstanding and shown great love for our dog; ensuring he is comfortable as well as helping his quality of life. No words can truly describe what a blessing AHT has been to our beautiful dog, and our family. Today Hawk will end his journey of going to AHT, as he has enucleation surgery on his last remaining eye. This a relief as he will no longer be pain, however we will grately miss the staff at the AHT. We are forever grateful for your care and this amazing hospital will always hold a place in our heart.💗

Thank you so much to Sue, Karena and the rest of the equine team for the exceptional level of treatment and service you provided for Rusty. Your outstanding in your field and your professionalism and standard of care is second to none. Highly recommend

Thank you so much for looking after my puppy tea cup chihuahua pixie last week. She is recovering really well and is not back to her full of life puppy self!

Sent my cat for radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. He was well looked after by all the nurses, can’t say a big enough thank you!

Our miniature daschund Bodie went in for 4 days for a slipped disc and is now home fixed and happy � the staff were fantastic and made our nervous little dog very happy and comfortable!

Our Molly was diagnosed with Epitheliotropic lymphoma at the beginning of July, and our vet referred us to the Animal Health Trust. Julie and Jodie have been absolutely fabulous and 100% honest with us from the word go. Sadly, Molly has taken a really bad turn for the worse, but the AHT team have given her quality of life for the last 4 months and for that I will be forever grateful. Lovely place, lovely caring people who work there. Thank you so much everyone, but especially Julie and Jodie. You are two very special ladies, and I will never forget your kindness xxx

Nothing but amazing things to say about the trust! Despite our outcome we had the best vet! She was amazing every step of the way. They are very patient centred! We were given lots of support and our boy was very well cared for! Thank you x

My puppy Jenson was referred to the AHT recently and was given an appointment within 24 hours! We didn't know what to expect but the site/hospital and surroundings were stunning and the staff from the brilliant vets Fabio and Aida who both spent plenty of time playing with Jenson and putting both him and us at ease, to the admin staff who couldn't be more helpful, right down to the lovely ladies in the gift shop/cafe who were so friendly, everyone made what was a stressful time far nicer than it could have been. While we have a long road ahead of us in getting Jenson well, I have no doubt that he's in the most capable of hands with the amazing staff at the AHT!

My highland pony fred is currently in horsepital.at AHT, his lump surgery went smoothly, but routine bloods flagged another issue so he is having a extended holiday, and a biopsy this morning, the staff look after him so well and dont mind me visiting him, hoping he will be home next week. thank you dr anna and team for looking after fred ���

My cocker spaniel has just been treated here for removal of an anal gland tumour and a course of radiotherapy. All the staff are fantastic. If I had to be without my girl at home at least i knew what was happening with her and how she was with daily updates from them. Special thanks to Davide, Daniella, Vicky and Kostas xxx

My baby Lexi came in for radiotherapy. 3 weeks of not having her at home. I was soo worried about her, but the team where blumin amazing. Lexi's reaction to them was soo happy. They showered her with love and cuddles, which made the journey soo much easier. The fact I got a call every nite so say how she had been was a lovely touch. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart <3

Jake our Pointer has had liver cancer and we have been back and forth to the AHT for treatment and major operation. The staff are just so wonderful. Jake is happy everytime he visits - which still astounds me, as he shakes like a leave when he visits our vets! The staff are all calm, friendly and very caring - it makes such a difference to the emotions of our animals. Thank you all at AHT - especially Daniella our Surgeon, Julie (French Julie!), our consultant and Michelle who took care of him whilst he stayed with you. xxx

I wouldnt say I love going coz I’d rather have my baby boy well but I really can’t fault anything about them my boy has a very rare ear disease he’s had a ablation followed by another in a couple of weeks I truly wouldnt want ANYONE else to treat him the lady Diana who I have seen is amazing along with all the other members of staff if your babies are poorly they help couldn’t recommend enough

I had a poorly Pedro and they did all they could, but they worst happened and we had to say good night to him. AHT were amazing, they were always there too talk and did all they could to save Pedro. I also received a lovely card from them after with their condolences. I hope I never have to visit there again, but if I do I know there will be a fantastic team there to look after my family. Thank you AHT.

Amazing place. Warm and friendly staff from the moment you walk in. Referred to AHT by our local vet and after our puppy hurt his leg. Apprehensive about leaving him (due to a previous bad experience at a different vet practice) but couldn't have been in better hands. Kept in contact with throughout the whole experience.

Successful operation, wonderful after care couldn't ask for more.

£1600 for one day. Also be advised PTS because the cat is scared. Couldn’t even get a feeding tube down her.



May have been a poor prognosis for her but all that money was made knowing she wouldn’t make it. Team wasn’t knowledgeable and i was referred there by my local vets when no labs could even carry out crucial testing due to the weekend. Nothing more than a money making scheme, real sad..