Wellness Exams, Vaccines and Coggins
We are happy to spend time talking with you about your horse's needs and will tailor a plan for his or her specific needs. Wellness exams can also include fecal tests for parasites, which will help us to determine which dewormer your horse needs, and how often they need it. Protecting your horse against infectious diseases is an important responsibility. We are happy to tailor your horse's wellness plan to fit your budget.
Pre-purchase Examinations
Our pre-purchase exam begins with a comprehensive physical exam, followed by a thorough moving exam (longed on both soft and hard surfaces). Flexion tests, hoof tester evaluation and palpation of the entire horse will then be performed. A moving exam under saddle may also be used to detect lameness that may not be seen otherwise. The physical exam includes: auscultation of the heart to detect any murmurs or arrhythmias that might interfere with athletic performance; a neurological exam to identify problems with the nervous system; an oral exam to identify any problems with the teeth and tongue and to decide if the horse needs floating (dentistry); an ophthalmic exam which includes evaluation of the surface of the eyes as well as internal structures, including evidence of cataracts. Each and every detail of the horse will be carefully looked over to allow the buyer to make an informed decision about the purchase of the horse or pony.
Advanced Lameness Diagnosis and Treatment
A good lameness examination is essential to diagnosing soundness issues. Because veterinarians cannot ask their patients where it hurts, they are dependent upon visual cues from the horse as it moves. A lameness evaluation includes a physical exam,palpation of the limbs and joints, hoof testers, evaluating range of motion, watching the horse travel in a straight line and on a lunge line, and response to flexion of the joints. Further diagnostics include nerve blocks, joint blocks, digital radiographs, and ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound Examinations
Ultrasound is an excellent non-invasive diagnostic tool. We have a portable ultrasound machine that allows us to visualize the tendons and ligaments in diagnosing lameness. This allows us to "see" the soft tissue of the legs in a way that radiographs do not. Ultrasound can also be useful in reproduction exams, colic and other soft-tissue maladies.
Joint Injections
Joint injections are very common procedures performed by equine veterinarians. A sport horse is an athlete that may suffer musculoskeletical lesions or lameness from wear ad tear. Some of these lesions can be alleviated with joint injections. But why do we need to “invade” a joint? and what’s the goal? Sometimes a joint is injected with a sterile anesthetic agent to localize the site of a lameness. Other times, joints might be injected with anti-inflammatory and lubricating medications to enhance performance and prolong the athletic career.
Routine and Performance Dentistry
The equine tooth is much different than the human tooth in that it continues to erupt throughout the life of the horse. Tooth problems (hooks, wave mouth, broken teeth) can make chewing difficult and cause weight loss. As the teeth wear, sharp points form and can cause uncomfortable ulcers in the mouth, which can adversely affect athletic performance. Because of this, annual dental examinations are needed to locate and correct problems before they start. We correct most dental problems by "floating," or filing down the sharp points of the tooth. Maintenance floats may be performed every 1-2 years as needed. If you notice your horse chewing abnormally, losing weight, dropping food, head shaking, or resisting the bit, these may be signs that your horse needs a corrective float. If dental problems are severe, your horse may require more frequent corrective floating. Performance floats enable the athletic to horse to better flex, bend, and respond to more subtle cues. Because we do a comprehensive oral exam, we can be sure that only those horses that really need floating get done.
Digital Radiography
Offering wireless, direct capture radiograph machine (also known as “digital radiography”, or “DR”). This fabulous technology also allows us to radiograph your horse at your farm. The image is captured on a computerized panel and can be seen within seconds on a computer screen, right in the barn. This eliminates the delay in diagnosis, which is especially critical in the case of a fracture, as well as “re-takes.” If we are not happy with the quality or position of a view, we can re-take the radiograph immediately.
Reproduction Services
We provide a full range of reproductive services for broodmares, including reproductive ultrasound to monitor the mare's cycle, detect pregnancy, and diagnose and treat reproductive problems including infertility and twin pregnancy; breeding soundness exams, uterine culture and cytology, artificial insemination with cooled or frozen shipped semen, and post-breeding management. We also emphasize good preventative medicine for pregnant mares and new foals with our prenatal and neonatal care.
Podiatry
Podiatry evaluation helps to optimize a trimming or shoeing plan. Radiographs of the foot objectively evaluate hoof balance and help give the farrier an inside look at the foot. Impediments to optimal performance and soundness such as thin soles or improper angles can be identified and a plan made with your farrier.
Consultations
We recognize the importance of your veterinarian and farrier being on the same team: your horse's! We are happy to set up consultation appointments with your farrier to discuss your horse's needs. We are also available for second opinions on complex lameness and health issues for your horse.
We are happy to spend time talking with you about your horse's needs and will tailor a plan for his or her specific needs. Wellness exams can also include fecal tests for parasites, which will help us to determine which dewormer your horse needs, and how often they need it. Protecting your horse against infectious diseases is an important responsibility. We are happy to tailor your horse's wellness plan to fit your budget.
Pre-purchase Examinations
Our pre-purchase exam begins with a comprehensive physical exam, followed by a thorough moving exam (longed on both soft and hard surfaces). Flexion tests, hoof tester evaluation and palpation of the entire horse will then be performed. A moving exam under saddle may also be used to detect lameness that may not be seen otherwise. The physical exam includes: auscultation of the heart to detect any murmurs or arrhythmias that might interfere with athletic performance; a neurological exam to identify problems with the nervous system; an oral exam to identify any problems with the teeth and tongue and to decide if the horse needs floating (dentistry); an ophthalmic exam which includes evaluation of the surface of the eyes as well as internal structures, including evidence of cataracts. Each and every detail of the horse will be carefully looked over to allow the buyer to make an informed decision about the purchase of the horse or pony.
Advanced Lameness Diagnosis and Treatment
A good lameness examination is essential to diagnosing soundness issues. Because veterinarians cannot ask their patients where it hurts, they are dependent upon visual cues from the horse as it moves. A lameness evaluation includes a physical exam,palpation of the limbs and joints, hoof testers, evaluating range of motion, watching the horse travel in a straight line and on a lunge line, and response to flexion of the joints. Further diagnostics include nerve blocks, joint blocks, digital radiographs, and ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound Examinations
Ultrasound is an excellent non-invasive diagnostic tool. We have a portable ultrasound machine that allows us to visualize the tendons and ligaments in diagnosing lameness. This allows us to "see" the soft tissue of the legs in a way that radiographs do not. Ultrasound can also be useful in reproduction exams, colic and other soft-tissue maladies.
Joint Injections
Joint injections are very common procedures performed by equine veterinarians. A sport horse is an athlete that may suffer musculoskeletical lesions or lameness from wear ad tear. Some of these lesions can be alleviated with joint injections. But why do we need to “invade” a joint? and what’s the goal? Sometimes a joint is injected with a sterile anesthetic agent to localize the site of a lameness. Other times, joints might be injected with anti-inflammatory and lubricating medications to enhance performance and prolong the athletic career.
Routine and Performance Dentistry
The equine tooth is much different than the human tooth in that it continues to erupt throughout the life of the horse. Tooth problems (hooks, wave mouth, broken teeth) can make chewing difficult and cause weight loss. As the teeth wear, sharp points form and can cause uncomfortable ulcers in the mouth, which can adversely affect athletic performance. Because of this, annual dental examinations are needed to locate and correct problems before they start. We correct most dental problems by "floating," or filing down the sharp points of the tooth. Maintenance floats may be performed every 1-2 years as needed. If you notice your horse chewing abnormally, losing weight, dropping food, head shaking, or resisting the bit, these may be signs that your horse needs a corrective float. If dental problems are severe, your horse may require more frequent corrective floating. Performance floats enable the athletic to horse to better flex, bend, and respond to more subtle cues. Because we do a comprehensive oral exam, we can be sure that only those horses that really need floating get done.
Digital Radiography
Offering wireless, direct capture radiograph machine (also known as “digital radiography”, or “DR”). This fabulous technology also allows us to radiograph your horse at your farm. The image is captured on a computerized panel and can be seen within seconds on a computer screen, right in the barn. This eliminates the delay in diagnosis, which is especially critical in the case of a fracture, as well as “re-takes.” If we are not happy with the quality or position of a view, we can re-take the radiograph immediately.
Reproduction Services
We provide a full range of reproductive services for broodmares, including reproductive ultrasound to monitor the mare's cycle, detect pregnancy, and diagnose and treat reproductive problems including infertility and twin pregnancy; breeding soundness exams, uterine culture and cytology, artificial insemination with cooled or frozen shipped semen, and post-breeding management. We also emphasize good preventative medicine for pregnant mares and new foals with our prenatal and neonatal care.
Podiatry
Podiatry evaluation helps to optimize a trimming or shoeing plan. Radiographs of the foot objectively evaluate hoof balance and help give the farrier an inside look at the foot. Impediments to optimal performance and soundness such as thin soles or improper angles can be identified and a plan made with your farrier.
Consultations
We recognize the importance of your veterinarian and farrier being on the same team: your horse's! We are happy to set up consultation appointments with your farrier to discuss your horse's needs. We are also available for second opinions on complex lameness and health issues for your horse.