Wellness Care
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” That saying holds true for horses. As part of our routine care we provide vaccinations, deworming, Coggins testing, and dental care. We can discuss any issues you may have with your horse, including nutritional needs, geriatric care and management. We also offer our CORE Wellness or PERFORMANCE Wellness packages with preventative care procedures that are geared to every horse. See our Wellness Programs page for details.
Emergency Care
We offer care for your horse in case of any emergency such as colic, sickness, lameness or injury. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for emergencies, and are equipped to provide many diagnostic and treatment procedures in the field. For more serious situations, we can discuss and arrange referral to clinics where more intensive procedures can be performed.
Pre-purchase examinations
An extensive physical examination, lameness evaluation, neurologic examination, and drug screen is offered by us prior to purchasing a horse. The information gathered is used by the prospective buyer and/or agent to determine whether the horse will be serviceable for it’s intended use. The exam often includes laboratory testing, digital radiographs, endoscopy, and ultrasound exams.
Geriatric Care
Aged horses can have sub-clinical health care issues that can be identified and treated before they become a problem. If your horse is over 15 years of age we recommend a complete physical examination and blood testing to establish baseline values.
Lameness Examination
Evaluate the locomotion of your horse. We use a variety of techniques to identify the source(s) of lameness including physical examination and palpation, flexion tests, and joint and nerve blocks. Digital radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory tests help us to further evaluate the source of your horse’s lameness.
Surgery
Standing or recumbent surgery of the horse is performed for castration, biopsy and laceration repair. More complicated procedures may need referral to a hospital. When referral is required, we work with the surgeon and hospital both in planning the referral and in the aftercare and follow-up.
SPECIALIZED PROCEDURES
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of a needle through the skin at predetermined sites (acupuncture points) for the treatment or prevention of disease, including pain. Acupuncture is only one of the therapies that come under the heading of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The other TCM therapy most often used in veterinary medicine is herbal therapy, using Chinese herbs and herbal compounds.
Allergy testing / Hyposesitization
Skin testing is considered the gold standard by most allergists in the United States. Blood test results do not correlate well to skin test results. In our practice skin testing is the method of choice to diagnose and treat skin and respiratory allergies in the horse.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care focuses on the health and proper function of the spinal column, however, the pelvis, limbs and head are also considered. Chiropractic uses controlled forces applied to specific joints or anatomic regions to cause a therapeutic response due to induced changes in joint structures, muscle function and neurological reflexes.
Dentistry
Every horse needs floating, or removal of sharp points, about once a year. Equally as important is the accompanying full oral exam. The mouth is checked for abnormalities of bite, broken, damaged or diseased teeth, conformational or wear problems, tartar buildup, or gum disease.
Endoscopy
Utilizes a fiber optic device for evaluating the upper airway of the horse, including the larynx, sinuses and guttural pouches. The trachea and upper esophagus can also be examined with this flexible device. Useful in prepurchase examinations, pneumonia, or reactive airway disease.
Gastroscopy
The examination of the upper digestive tract using a special endoscope. This exam will help diagnose such problems as ulcers, choke and eating problems.
Radiography
Uses x-rays to visualize bone for abnormalities including arthritic changes, fractures, OCD, bone cysts and bone infection. Our unit is capable of providing digital images within seconds. Images are viewed on a special high definition computer screen and can be magnified, lightened and darkened, to better see subtle changes often not apparent on conventional radiogaphs.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative therapies for the treatment of joint disease and soft tissues injuries are available to our patients that may require healing treatments. Our equine veterinarians use stem cells, IRAP, and PRP, RenoVo®, and Pro-Stride® to stimulate and work with the immune system to promote healing.
Shock Wave Therapy
Employs pressure waves to decrease recovery times for certain injuries to soft-tissue structures (tendons, ligaments) and bones. We use a machine that produces focused waves and the depth of penetration and force can be modified to suit the structure being treated.
Ultrasonography
Uses sound waves to evaluate soft tissues like tendons and ligaments, reproductive organs, lumps, and tumors. It is painless and non-invasive.