Equine Practice in Focus: Navigating the Cascade and Making Sense of Allergy Testing
Thursday 7th May, 7:30pm - 9:30pm (BST)
Free Mini-Series | Thurs 7th May | With Nextmune & Bova
Talk One - 'License to Pill'
This session provides a practical guide to the prescribing cascade in equine veterinary practice, a legal framework that underpins the responsible use of medicines when no authorised product is available. The talk will outline the structure of the cascade, clarifying how and when different categories of medicines can be used, and the professional responsibilities associated with each step.
Emphasis will be placed on real-world decision-making, including balancing clinical need, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance. Common pitfalls, documentation requirements, and the implications for antimicrobial stewardship will be explored, alongside case-based examples to illustrate appropriate use.
The session aims to build confidence in applying the cascade in everyday practice, ensuring safe, ethical, and legally robust prescribing.
Talk Two - 'The Great Skin Detective'
This talk explores the diagnosis and management of allergic skin disease in horses - one of the most common yet challenging conditions encountered in equine practice.
A practical, evidence-based approach will be emphasised, guiding clinicians through diagnostic strategies, including the limitations of current testing methods, and the importance of thorough history-taking and clinical examination. Management options will be discussed in detail, from environmental control and topical therapies to systemic treatments, with consideration of long-term welfare and owner compliance.
The session aims to demystify allergic skin disease, equipping practitioners with realistic, effective strategies to improve patient outcomes while managing client expectations.
Following both talks, there will be an extended shared Q&A session with both speakers.
REGISTER NOW
Enter your details below to complete your registration:
What You'll Learn
Meet The Speaker
Dr Mark Bowen
BVetMed, MMedSci, PhD, CertVA, DipACVIM, DipECEIM, DipECVSMR, PFHEA, FRCVS
Dr Mark Bowen is a leading equine veterinary surgeon and specialist in internal medicine, widely recognised for his expertise in evidence-based clinical practice and rational prescribing. He is a European, American and RCVS Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine and has extensive experience in both referral practice and veterinary education. Mark has a particular interest in antimicrobial stewardship and the responsible use of medicines in equine patients. He is a strong advocate for the “prescribing cascade,” promoting thoughtful, legally compliant, and clinically appropriate decision-making to safeguard both patient welfare and the long-term effectiveness of essential drugs. He is founding Director of Medicine Vet Equine Referrals based in Melton Mowbray, UK, which offers specialist ambulatory internal medicine support. In addition, he is also Director of Education for EBVS.
Meet The Speaker
Dr Gayle Hallowell
MA, VetMB, CertVA DipACVIM, PhD DipACVECC, PFHEA FRCVS
Dr Gayle Hallowell is an experienced equine veterinary surgeon with over 25 years in clinical practice, with a strong interest in internal medicine and complex disease management. She has developed particular expertise in dermatological conditions, including the diagnosis and management of allergic skin disease in horses, integrating evidence-based medicine with practical, welfare-focused care. She is an American Specialist in Large Animal Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care. She is Co-Director of Medicine Vet Equine Referrals based in Melton Mowbray, UK, which offers specialist ambulatory internal medicine support.
Your global provider of pet specialty healthcare.
Your global leader for diagnostics and treatments for companion animals and horses, specializing in allergy, dermatology, otology, and nutrition.
Nextmune is a global veterinary dermatology company focused on the diagnosis and management of allergic disease. In equine practice, we support vets with diagnostic services such as allergy testing, alongside therapeutic options including allergen-specific immunotherapy and a range of topical treatments, helping clinicians manage common and often challenging allergic and skin conditions in horses.
Learn more about Nextmune
Bova UK products are prescribed by vets using the prescribing cascade, and Bova holds ManSA authorisation from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to manufacture extemporaneous formulations. Through scientifically driven medicines and quality, we deliver innovation, compassion, and confidence.
Learn more about Bova