Equine Surgical Referrals – Equine Surgical Referrals

About Me

Safia Barakzai BVSc MSc DESTS Dipl. ECVS FRCVS is an internationally recognised specialist in equine surgery. Her expertise lies in soft tissue surgery, and in particular, upper respiratory disorders (‘wind’ problems), dental and sinus surgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Safia Barakzai at Equine Surgical Referrals She is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS), holds both Certificate and Diploma in Equine Soft Tissue Surgery from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and is a RCVS and ECVS recognised surgical specialist. She has also been an associate member of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECDVI).

She qualified from Bristol University in 1998 and started her surgical training at the University of Edinburgh the following year. After her residency, she stayed on at the University of Edinburgh until 2012, working as a senior surgeon in the R(D)SVS referral hospital managing clinical cases, performing clinical research and training many other young equine surgeons who are now surgical specialists in their own right. She then spent 5 years working as an equine surgeon in private practice in the UK and Ireland, before setting up Equine Surgical Referrals as a mobile surgical consultancy in 2017.

Safia Barakzai at Equine Surgical Referrals Based in Surrey/Sussex, Safia travels around the UK and to other countries to consult on cases and operate on horses, in collaboration with other veterinary practices.

Safia’s clinical research includes over 80 peer reviewed publications in the veterinary literature, plus 2 full textbooks and numerous other textbook chapters. Her main research interests are diagnosis and surgery of upper respiratory tract disorders and imaging and surgical treatment of dental and sinus disorders in the horse. She sits on the Editorial Consultants Board for Equine Veterinary Journal and was previously on the Editorial Review Board for Veterinary Surgery.

She is regularly invited to speak at local, national and international veterinary conferences and has been an examiner and chief examiner for the RCVS certificate.

Publications

2020

Dixon PM, Kennedy R, Poll K, Barakzai S and Reardon R. (2020) A long-term study of sinoscopic treatment of equine paranasal sinus disease 155 cases (2012-2019) Equine Veterinary Journal doi:10.1111/evj.13393

2019

Barakzai SZ, Wells J, Parkin T, Cramp P (2019) Overground endoscopic findings and respiratory sound analysis in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy after unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy. Equine Veterinary Journal 51:2 185-191
Giavitto A., Barakzai S.Z. (2019) Radiographic identification of the equine dorsal and ventral nasal conchal bullae. Equine Veterinary Education. 31:5 264-70

2018

Hui, S., Barakzai, S.Z., Turner, S., Leaman, T, de Brot, S. (2018) Quadrilateral suspensory and straight sesamoidean ligament calcifying desmopathy in an Arabian mare”. Equine Veterinary Education. 30:8 419-23
Worsman F, Barakzai SZ, DeBont MP, Turner S, Rubio-Martinez (2018) Treatment of haemoperitoneum secondary to ruptured granuloma cell tumours in 2 mares. Equine Vet Education – early view https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.12929
Byrne C and Barakzai S.Z. (2018) Emergency upper airway management. Equine Veterinary Education. Early view https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.12949

2017

Barakzai S.Z. Rhinotomy to access lesions within the nasal cavity of two horses. (2017) Equine Veterinary Education 29: 61-64.

2016

Barakzai S.Z., Tuner S, Dixon, P. Persistent DDSP in 8 horses. Equine Veterinary Education (2016) 28, 558-565.
Barakzai S.Z. Laryngeal dysplasia- a review. Equine Veterinary Education (2016) 28: 5, 276–283.
Sharma R, Barakzai SZ, Taylor SE, Donadeu FX. (2016) Epidermal-like architecture obtained from equine keratinocytes in three-dimensional cultures. J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 10(8):627-36.

2015

Barakzai S.Z. (2015) Critically appraised topic: When is ventriculocordectomy all that is required? Equine Veterinary Education. 27:4 218-9.
Barakzai S.Z. (2015) Critically appraised topic: Soft palate thermocautery – is it effective? Equine Veterinary Education. 27:7, 387–388.
Barnett T.P. , Smith, L.C.R., Cheetham, J., Barakzai S.Z., Southwood, L., Marr, C. (2015) A call for consensus on upper airway terminology . Equine Veterinary Journal. 47,5, 505-7.
Barakzai S.Z., Barnett T.P (2015) Computed tomography and scintigraphy for evaluation of dental disease in the horse. Equine Veterinary Education, 27: 6, 323–331.
Barakzai S.Z., Dixon P.M., Hawkes C.H., Barnett T.P. (2015) Upper oesophageal incompetance after laryngoplasty. Veterinary Surgery 44(2):150-5.

2014

Barakzai S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. (2014) Standing Sinus Surgery. Equine Standing Surgery. Ed: J Easley. Veterinary Clinics of North America 30:45-62.
Loh, N, Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. Swellings of the mandible in the horse: 115 cases including 32 with swelling of the angle of the mandible (1997-2011). (2014) The Veterinary Journal. 199: 97-102.
Textbook chapter: Barakzai, S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. (2014) Disorders of the equine trachea and soft palate. Smith, Large Animal Medicine.
Barakzai S.Z. (2014) Radiology of equine cheek teeth and sinuses. In Practice 36, 466-472.

2013

Barakzai SZ, Fraser BS, Dixon PM. (2013) Congenital defects of the soft palate in 15 adult horses. Equine Vet J. 46: 185-188.
Dixon PM, Ceen S, Barnett T, O’Leary JM, Parkin TD, Barakzai S. (2013) A long-term study on the clinical effects of mechanical widening of cheek teeth diastemata for treatment of periodontitis in 202 horses (2008-2011). Equine Vet J. 46:76-80.
Barnett TP, O’Leary JM, Dixon PM, Barakzai SZ. (2013) Characterisation of palatal dysfunction after laryngoplasty. Equine Vet J. 46, 60-63.
Barnett T.P., O’Leary, J.M., Parkin, T.D.H., Dixon, P.M., Barakzai, S.Z. (2013) Long term maintenance of arytenoid abduction and correlation between arytenoid abduction grade and stability during exercise following prosthetic laryngoplasty. Veterinary Surgery. 42(3):291-5.
Barnett T.P., O’Leary, J.M., Parkin, T.D.H., Dixon, P.M., Barakzai, S.Z. (2013) Long term exercising videoendoscopic examination of the upper airway following laryngoplasty surgery: a prospective cross sectional study of 41 horses. Equine Veterinary Journal. 45(5):593-7.

2012

O’ Leary, J.M. , Barnett, T.P., Parkin, T.D.H., Dixon, P.M. , Barakzai, S.Z. (2012) Pulpar temperature changes during mechanical reduction of equine cheek teeth: Comparison of different motorised dental instruments, duration of treatments and use of water cooling. Equine Veterinary Journal. 45(3):355-60.
Barakzai, S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. ( 2012) Clinical commentary – Dentigerous cysts. Equine Veterinary Education 24,11,579-581.
Barakzai, S.Z. and Cheetham, J. (2012) Endoscopic examination of exercising horses: Effects on diagnosis and treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders. Equine Veterinary Journal 44(5):501-3.
Harding, P.G., Smith, R.L. and Barakzai, S.Z. (2012) Comparison of two approaches to perform the inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse. Australian Veterinary Journal. 90, 146-50.
Cramp, P. and Barakzai, S.Z. (2012) Surgical management of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Equine Veterinary Education 24, 307-321.
Dixon, P.M., Parkin, T.D., Collins, N., Hawkes, C., Townsend, N., Fisher, G., Ealey, R., Barakzai, S.Z. (2012) Equine paranasal sinus disease: a long term study of 200 cases (1997 – 2009): Ancillary diagnostic findings and involvement of the various sinus compartments. Equine veterinary Journal 44, 272-6.
Dixon, P.M., Parkin, T.D., Collins, N., Hawkes, C., Townsend, N., Fisher, G., Ealey, R., Barakzai, S.Z. (2012) Equine paranasal sinus disease: a long term study of 200 cases (1997 -2009): treatments and outcome. Equine Veterinary Journal 44, 267-71.

2011

Finnegan, C.M., Townsend, N.B., Barnett, T.P., Barakzai, S. Z.. (2011) Radiographic identification of the equine ventral conchal bulla Veterinary Record 169, 683-687.
Barakzai, S.Z., (2011) Clinical refresher, Dentigerous cyst. UK Vet. 16:7-9.
Dixon, P.M., Parkin, T.D., Collins, N., Hawkes, C., Townsend, N., Fisher, G., Ealey, R., Barakzai, S.Z. (2011) Historical and clinical features of 200 cases of equine sinus disease. Veterinary Record 169, (17), 439.
Barakzai S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. Anatomy of the equine cheek teeth. (2011) The Australian Equine Veterinarian.30, 55-57
Barakzai S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. Fractures of the equine cheek teeth. (2011) The Australian Equine Veterinarian. 30, 58-63.
Townsend, N. B., Hawkes, C.S., Rex, R., Boden, L.A., Barakzai, S.Z. (2011) Investigation of the sensitivity and specificity of specific radiological signs for diagnosis of periapical infection of equine cheek teeth Equine Veterinary Journal 43, 170-178.
Parker, R., Hawkes, C., Cox, A., Barakzai, S.Z. (2011) Surgical treatment of a radicular cyst in an adult alpaca (Vicugna Pacos). J. of Vet. Dent. 28, 22-24.
Barakzai S.Z. and Dixon P.M. (2011) Correlation of resting and exercising endoscopic findings for horses with dynamic laryngeal collapse and palatal dysfunction. Equine Vet. Journal 43, 18-23.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2011) Clinical refresher: Equine sinus cyst. UK Vet. 16, 4-7.

2010

Franklin, S.H, Barakzai, S.Z, Courouce-Malblanc, A., Dixon, P., Nankervis., K., Perkins, J.D, Roberts,C.A., vanErck-Westergren, E , and Allen, K.J. (2010) Investigation of the incidence and types of injuries associated with high-speed treadmill exercise testing. Equine Veterinary Journal Suppl. 38, 70-75.
McCue, M.E., Anderson, S.M., Valberg, S.J., Piercy, R.J., Barakzai, S.Z., Binns, M.M., Distl, O., Penedo, M.C.T., Wagner,M.L., Mickelson, J.R.. (2010) Estimated prevalence of the Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy mutation in selected North American and European breeds Animal Genetics 41 Suppl 2:145-9.
Barakzai S.Z. and Hawkes C.S. (2010) Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate. Invited review. Equine Veterinary Education 22 (5), 253-264.
Barakzai S.Z. (2010) Dental imaging: Equine Dentistry, 3rd Edition, Baker and Easley, Elsevier/Saunders, pp199-221.

2009

Barakzai S.Z., Boden L.A., Dixon P.M. (2009) Race performance after laryngoplasty in National Hunt racehorses. Veterinary Surgery, 38 (8), 941-5.
Barakzai S.Z., Boden L.A., Dixon P.M (2009) Post-operative race performance is not correlated with degree of surgical abduction obtained after laryngoplasty. Veterinary Surgery, 38(8), 934-40.
Townsend N.B., Cotton J.C. and Barakzai S.Z. (2009) A 200 Tangential Oblique Radiographic Projection for Investigation of the Equine Temporomandibular Joint Veterinary Surgery, 39 (5), 601-6.
Barakzai S.Z., Finnegan C.M., Dixon P.M., Hillyer M.H., Boden L.A. (2009) Use of tongue ties in thoroughbred racehorses in the United Kingdom, and their association with surgery for dorsal displacement of the soft palate The Veterinary Record, 165: 278-281.
Barakzai S.Z., Finnegan C.M., Boden L.A. (2009) Effect of tongue tie use on racing performance in Thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom. Equine Veterinary Journal, 41 (8) 812-6.
Perkins J.D., Windley Z., Dixon P.M., Smith M., Barakzai S.Z. (2009) Sinoscopic techniques for examining the rostral maxillary and ventral conchal sinuses of horses: Part 2 – 60 Clinical cases. Veterinary Surgery, 38:5, 613-9.
Perkins J.D., Salz R.O., Schumacher J., Livesey L., Piercy R., Barakzai S.Z. (2009) Variability of Resting Endoscopic Grading for Assessment of Laryngeal Function in Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 41:4, 342-6.
Dixon, P.M., Hahn, C.N. and Barakzai, S.Z. (2009) Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) research: Where are we and to where are we heading? Equine Veterinary Journal EVJ 41: 4, 325-237.
Barakzai, S.Z., Boden, L.A., Hillyer, M.H., Marlin, D.J., Dixon, P.M. (2009) Efficacy of thermal cautery for intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate as compared to conservatively treated horses: results for 78 treadmill diagnosed horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 41:1, 65-69.
Barakzai S.Z. (2009) Odontogenic tumours in the horse and man – difficulties with classification and the need for collaborative research. Equine Veterinary Education 20:12, 655-6.
Handbook of Equine Radiography. Weaver and Barakzai (joint contributions) Pub. Elsevier – November 2009.

2008

Townsend N.B., Dixon, P.M., Barakzai S.Z. (2008) Evaluation of the Long Term Consequences of Equine Exodontia. The Veterinary Journal. 178(3):419-2.
Barakzai, S.Z., Taylor, S.E. and Keen, J.A. (2008) Use of a tissue sealing device for thoracoscopically guided lung biopsy in a pony. Veterinary Record 163:21, 634-5.
Hawkes, C.S., Easley, J., Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2008) Treatment of oro-maxillary fistulas in nine standing horses (2002-2006) Equine Veterinary Journal 40:6, 546-552.
Barakzai S.Z. (2008) Standing sinus surgery in the horse: indications, techniques and complications. In Practice. 30:5, 252-261.
Barakzai, S.Z., Knowles, J., Kane-Smyth, J., Townsend, N.. (2008) Trephination of the equine rostral maxillary sinus: efficacy and safety of two trephine sites. Veterinary Surgery 37:278-282

2007

Townsend N. and Barakzai S.Z. (2007) Equine dentistry: Diastemata. UK Vet.13:3, 4-8.
Dixon, P.M. Barakzai, S.Z., Collins, N.M., Yates, J. (2007) Treatment of equine cheek teeth by mechanical widening of diastemata in 60 horses (2000-2006) Equine Veterinary Journal 40:1, 22-28.
Hawkes C. and Barakzai S.Z. (2007) Penile Neoplasia in the horse. UK Vet 12:7, 15-19.
Dixon, P.M. Barakzai, S.Z., Collins, N.M., Yates, J. (2007) Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: Part 3: A hospital based survey of 68 referred horses (1999–2005) Equine Veterinary Journal 39:4, 327-333.
Barakzai S.Z., Milne E., Dixon P.M. (2007) Ventroaxial Luxation of the Apex of the Corniculate Process of the Arytenoid Cartilage in Resting Horses During Induced Swallowing or Nasal Occlusion. Veterinary Surgery 36:3, 210-213.

2006

Taylor S.E., Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2006) Ventriculocordectomy as the sole treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy: Long term results from 98 clinical cases in a mixed breed population of horses. Veterinary Surgery 35:7, 653-657.
Barakzai S.Z., Perkins, J. (2006) Complications of castration, UK Vet 11:8, 12-16.
Collins, N.C., Keen, J.A., Barakzai, S.Z., Mayhew, I.G., McGorum B.C. (2006) Suspected complex regional pain syndrome in 2 horses. J Vet Intern Med 20: 1014-1017.
Barakzai S., Tremaine H, and Dixon P. (2006) Use of scintigraphy for diagnosis of equine paranasal sinus disorders. Veterinary Surgery 35: 94-101.
Handbook of Equine Respiratory Endoscopy. Barakzai (sole contributer and editor) Pub. Elsevier. – October 2006.
Barakzai, S.Z., Keen, J.A. (2006) Clinical refresher; colic, UK Vet 11:2, 5-8.
Barakzai S.Z. (2006) Equine Cryptorchidism, UK Vet 11:4, 5-9.
Barakzai S.Z. and McAllistair H. (2006) Radiography of the upper respiratory tract In: Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery. Chapter 10. eds. McGorum, Robinson, Schumacher and Dixon, WB Saunders pp151-174.
Barakzai S.Z. (2006) Scintigraphy of the upper respiratory tract In: Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery. Chapter 12. eds. McGorum, Robinson, Schumacher and Dixon, WB Saunders pp185-192.
Barakzai S.Z. (2006) Treadmill endoscopy. Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery. Chapter 16 eds. McGorum, Robinson, Schumacher and Dixon, WB Saunders pp 235-248.

2005

Barakzai S. (2005)How to radiograph the erupted (clinical) crown of equine cheek teeth. Clinical techniques in Equine Practice 4: 2, 171-174.
Barakzai S. (2005) Use of Scintigraphy for thee diagnosis of apical infection of equine cheek teeth. Clinical techniques in Equine Practice 4: 2, 175-180.
Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2005) Conservative treatment for racehorses affected with intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate Veterinary Record 157:12, 337-341.
Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2005) Sliding mucoperiosteal hard palate flap for treatment of a persistent oro-nasal fistula. Equine Veterinary Education 17:6, 287-291.
Collins, N.C., Barakzai, S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. (2005) Tracheal obstruction by an eosinophilic polyp in a horse Equine Veterinary Education 17:3, 128-131.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2005) Equine paranasal sinuses part 2: Radiography UK Vet 10:1, 5-9.
Barakzai, S.Z and Perkins J. (2005) Equine paranasal sinuses part 3: Ancillary diagnositic tests UK Vet 10:2, 5-12.
Perkins J. and Barakzai S.Z. (2005) Equine paranasal sinuses part 4: Treatments and prognosis UK Vet 10:5, 5-9.
Barakzai, S.Z. and Weaver, M.P. (2005) Clinical Commentry: Imaging the equine temporohyoid region Equine Veterinary Education.

2004

Dixon, P.M., Dacre, I., Tremaine, W.H., Dacre, K., Barakzai, S. (2004) Standing oral extraction of cheek teeth in 100 horses Equine Veterinary Journal 37:2, 105-113.
Barakzai S.Z. and Dixon, P.M. Epistaxis in the horse (2004) Equine Veterinary Education. 16:4, 207-217.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2004) Equine paranasal sinuses part 1: Anatomy UK Vet 9:8, 5-8.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2004) Equine Dental Radiography and Radiology – Parts 1 UK Vet 9:2,11-16.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2004) Equine Dental Radiography and Radiology – Part 2 UK Vet 9:3. 5-9.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2004) Equine Dental Radiography and Radiology – Part 3 UK Vet 9:4, 5-1.

2003

Barakzai, S.Z., Johnson, V.S., Baird, D.H, Bladon, B., Lane, J.G. (2003) The Efficacy of composite surgery for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 53 racing Thoroughbreds. Equine Veterinary Journal 36:2, 175-179.
Barakzai, S.Z., Swain, J.M., Else, R.W., Licka, T. and Dixon, P.M. (2003) Two cases of small intestinal strangulation involving Meckel’s Diverticulae. Equine Veterinary Education. 15:6, 291-294.
Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2003) A case of sino-nasal myxoma in a 4 year-old Thoroughbred gelding. Veterinary Record 152, 210-211.
Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2003) Effect of sinus trephination on scintigraphy of the equine skull. Veterinary Record 152, 20, 629-30.
Barakzai, S.Z., Dixon, P.M. (2003) A study of open-mouthed oblique radiographic projections for evaluating lesions of the erupted (clinical) crown. Equine Veterinary Education 15: 3, 143-8.
Barakzai S.Z. and Chandler K. (2003) Use of intra-venous catheters in the horse. In Practice 25: 5, 264-71.
Eppink, L, Bell, G., Dixon, P.M., Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Treatment of a cystic nasal concha in a yearling bull. Veterinary Record 153, 436-7.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Clinical refresher; primary sinusitis, UK Vet, 9:1, 5-7.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Clinical refresher; RLN, UK Vet, 9:7, 5-10.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Clinical refresher; Guttural pouch mycosis, UK Vet.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Examination of the epiglottis, UK Vet. 8:3, 8-9.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Examination of the larynx UK Vet. 8:4, 8-11.
Barakzai, S.Z. (2003) Examination of the trachea and bronchi. UK Vet 8:7, 5-10.

Presentations

2022

BEVA annual conference, Liverpool, 8-10^th September 2022 Complications of sinus surgery, Radiographic identification of sinus abnormalities.
ECVS Annual Scientific Meeting, Porto, Portugal, 6-9^th July 2022. Upper respiratory tract 1 day workshop.
BEVA Online Clinical Catch up – Upper respiratory disorders. 9^th March 2022
MEAVC – Middle East and African Veterinary Conference, Dubai, 25-27th November 2022. Equine Laparoscopy and exercising endoscopy.

2021

ECVS Annual conference, online. 9^th July 2021. Update on treatments for DDSP in horses.
ARCVS meeting, Online, 16th June 2021. Respiratory noise after wind surgery – what’s causing it and what to do next.
North Carolina Veterinary Conference, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA 5-6^th November 2022 – 7 hours of lectures.
Annual Conference of the Brazilian Association of Equine Dentistry (online). 18^th September 2021. Sinoscopy, Treatment of sinus disease.
British Equine Veterinary Association Annual Conference, Birmingham. 6^th September 2021. ‘Work-life balance’ panel member.

2020

Norwegian Vet Assoc. March 10-11 2020. 7 lectures on equine surgery
‘Vets for NHS’ online lectures: 14^th April 2020. Treatment of sinusitis.
Challenges in Equine Respiratory Medicine & Surgery CPD Workshop, Leahurst, University of Liverpool. 4th June 2020 – CANCELLED DUE TO COVID

2019

AVEF (French Equine Veterinary Association) annual conference – Prognosis and complications after upper airway surgery. 15^th November 2019, Tours, France.
ACVS Annual Conference, Las Vegas, USA. Oct 19^th-21^st 2019 Laser surgery of the upper respiratory tract. Standing tieback and laryngotomy. Wound infection panel session.
Rossdales Upper Airway Discussion Forum. 22^nd February 2019. Newmarket, Suffolk. Panel member.
SPVS Annual Conference Cardiff 25-26^th January 2019– Chairperson for Equine Stream

2018

University of Liverpool – Practical Equine Surgery course. 28^th November 2018
ECVIM Annual Conference, Ghent, 7-10^th November 2018. Return to performance after upper airway surgery and causes of surgical failure.
SPVS Annual Conference, Cardiff 26-27^th January 2018. Panel member for Ethics in Equine Practice.

2017

AAEP annual conference, San Antonio, USA. Dec 2017. Upper respiratory tract – diagnosis of upper respiratory problems in the resting and exercising horse.
BEVA annual conference, Birmingham, September 2017. Exercising endoscopy and sound analysis of horses after unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy.
ECVS annual conference, Edinburgh , UK, July 2017. Exercising endoscopy and sound analysis of horses after unilateral laser ventriculocordectomy.
Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conference, Melbourne June 2017. Keynote speaker, 8 Lectures.

2016

BEVA annual congress, Birmingham September 2016. What more can CT tell us if a sinus mass is present?
ECVS annual congress, Lisbon, July 2016. Overground endoscopy after laryngoplasty. Invited speaker and panelist.
Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons Airways Discussions Forum – Upper Airways, Newmarket. Invited panelist. February 2016.
Equine Veterinarians Australia – Webinar – Diagnosis and management of equine sinus disease. January 2016.

2015

Equine Veterinarians Ireland Annual congress, Kilkenny, Ireland. November 2015. 4 lectures and practical session on URT disorders.
BEVA congress, September 2015, Liverpool, UK. Abnormal noise after upper respiratory surgery – what to do next?
BEVA regional meeting, York Racecourse. April 2015. Update on Upper Respiratory Disorders.
Equitana annual meeting, Essen, Germany. March 2015. Laser upper respiratory surgery and complications of laryngoplasty.
North Carolina State Equine Health Symposium, Raleigh, USA. Feb 28th – March 1st 2015. 4 lectures – upper respiratory disorders.

2014

BEVA congress, September 2014, Birmingham. 2 x Critically appraised topics: ‘When is ventriculocordectomy all that is required?’ and ‘Evidence for soft palate thermocautery’.

2013

Optomed DRS Users meeting, Rossdales, Newmarket. How has exercising endoscopy affected our management of URT disorders? November 2013.

2012

VetChem Ireland Meeting, Naas, Co. Kildare. November 2012. Update on Upper respiratory tract disorders.
ACVS Veterinary Symposium, Maryland, USA. Evidence-based approach to surgery for Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy. Nov 2012.
ECVS Annual Scientific Meeting, Barcelona, Spain. Overground Endoscopy. July, 2012.
Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons Meeting. Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, when to operate, how to operate. Laser surgery for URT disorders. Loughborough, 2012.
Equine Diagnostic Imaging course, Whorl Education, Newmarket. March 2012. 4 lectures.

2011

Waikito Equine Clinical Group Meeting, Cambridge, New Zealand. Upper respiratory tract update and Complications of laryngoplasty. December 2011.
Equine upper respiratory tract and dental surgery: 3 day CPD course in Sardinia, Italy.
September, 2011 – 12 lectures.
Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Science Week. Complications of laryngoplasty. Laser surgery. July 2011, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Equine Veterinarians Australia Western Australia: 5 day Dentistry and Orofacial Surgery Workshop. February 2011, Murdoch University, Western Australia.
Equine Veterinarians Australia Queensland: April 2011, Dental extractions and sinus disorders, Update on URT, Minimally invasive soft tissue surgery. University of Queensland, Australia.
Equine Veterinarians Australia New South Wales: regional meeting. Diagnostic imaging of the skull, oral extractions and sinusitis, update on URT. February 2011. Sydney University, Australia.

2010

BEVA Congress, Birmingham, September 2010. Radiography of the equine teeth and skull.
BEVA Advanced Dentistry Course, Edinburgh, July 2010. Equine dental radiography and radiology.
AAEP Equine Respiratory Research Meeting and Panel, Salt Lake City, Utah, July 2010 Evidence based treatment of DDSP.

2009

EAVDI-BID Autumn Meeting, Glasgow. October, 2009. Radiology of the Equine Skull.
Chairperson of upper respiratory session, BEVA congress, September 2009.
4th World Equine Airways Symposium, Berne, Switzerland. Heritability/genetics of RLN. August 2009
Hoejgaard-hestehospital, Denmark, CE Meeting. 26-28th August, 2009. Imaging of the head, endoscopic examination of the URT.
EV Veterinary Endoscopy Course. 20- 21st January 2009, Willesley Equine Clinic. Sino-nasal endoscopy and sinoscopy.

2008

Royal Veterinary College, 3rd December 2008, Diagnosis of diseases of the equine head.
BEVA Congress, Liverpool, September 2008, Treatment of sinusitis.
Vet Trust Annual Conference, June 2008, Stirling, UK. Disorders of the Upper Respiratory Tract Affecting the Performance Horse. Equine Dentistry: The future is wide open.
BEVA course: Diseases and disorders of the equine upper respiratory tract, Edinburgh, April 2008. Basic endoscopy: techniques and tips. Dynamic disorders of the equine upper respiratory tract.
Diagnostic Imaging Challenge, Royal Veterinary College, 15th March 2008. Invited panel member.
University of Liverpool CPD course, 23rd January 2008. ‘Where are we with diagnosis of equine upper respiratory disorders?’ ‘Where are we with treatment of equine upper respiratory disorders?’, University of Liverpool CPD course, 23rd January 2008.

2007

Royal Veterinary College, December 2008, Diagnosis of diseases of the equine head.
BEVA Congress, Liverpool, September 2008, Treatment of sinusitis.
Vet Trust Annual Conference, June 2008, Stirling, UK. Disorders of the Upper Respiratory Tract Affecting the Performance Horse. Equine Dentistry: The future is wide open.
BEVA course: Diseases and disorders of the equine upper respiratory tract, Edinburgh, April 2008. Basic endoscopy: techniques and tips. Dynamic disorders of the equine upper respiratory tract.
Diagnostic Imaging Challenge, Royal Veterinary College, March 2008. Invited panel member.
University of Liverpool CPD course. ’Where are we with diagnosis of equine upper respiratory disorders?’ ‘Where are we with treatment of equine upper respiratory disorders?’. January 2008.

2006

Sir Frederick Hobday BEVA Annual meeting, December 2006. Treatments for DDSP.
BEVA Congress, September 2006, Birmingham. Sensitivity and specificity of equine skull radiography.
BEVA Congress, September 2006, Birmingham. Chairperson of the Endoscopy Panel.
RCVS Trust Summer Reception June 2006, Invited speaker.
AAEP/BEVA focus on dentistry meeting, Indianapolis, USA, July 2006. Dental radiology and scintigraphy.

2005

BEVA Congress, September 2005, Harrogate. How to: Evaluate laryngeal function.
BEVA Congress, September 2005, Harrogate. How to: Take better head radiographs.

2002

BEVA Congress, September 2002, Glasgow. Dealing with Diastemata.

My Services

Laparoscopy – Coming soon

Get in Touch

Equine Surgical Referrals
Brighton

East Sussex

Phone: +44 7941 222806
Email: safia@equinesurgicalreferrals.com

Please fill in the form below if you have any questions or enquiries:

Surgery

Safia’s expertise lies in equine soft tissue surgery and in particular upper respiratory surgery (‘wind’ ops), dental and sinus surgery and minimally invasive soft tissue surgery (laser surgery and laparoscopy).

Upper Respiratory Surgery
Diagnosis of wind problems can be straightforward but in many cases, an exercising overground endoscopy is needed to make an accurate diagnosis and formulate the most effective treatment plan.

Equine Surgical Referrals Safia is an expert in tie-backs, tie-forwards, ventriculocordectomies (‘hobdays’) and other upper airway surgeries.

Many procedures can be performed in the standing sedated horse, for example, laser surgery, tie-backs or palate cautery, but others are more safely performed under a short general anaesthetic.

Dental and Sinus Surgery
Standing sinus surgery for treatment of primary or secondary sinusitis and dental extractions can be performed at most clinics with basic in-patient facilities, under standing sedation.

Safia at Equine Surgical Referrals Safia is part of the team at Edinburgh University that first rejuvenated (in the late 90’s) and published on (2005) the Victorian technique of oral extraction of cheek teeth.

Dental repulsion, lateral buccotomy and minimally invasive extraction techniques are sometimes indicated in selected cases.

She also has a huge amount of experience in dental and sinus imaging, including of radiographs and computed tomography scans, and offers a teleradiology service to veterinary practices who are seeking a second opinion.