Equine Sports Medicine

Prepurchase Examination

Prepurchase Examinations is an important step when buying a horse. We offer standard prepurchase examinations which are in accordance with the Australian Equine Veterinarian Association guidelines. A standard prepurchase consists of a thorough physical examination which includes auscultation of the heart and lungs, ophthalmologic examination as well as examining conformation and joints/tendons. The horse is than examined at the walk, trot and canter. Flexion tests are than performed followed by a brief neurologic examination. Radiographs, endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract as well as drug testing can be added to the standard prepurchase exam.

Lameness Evaluations

Lameness is the leading cause of poor performance in equine athletes. Our veterinarians are experienced in performing lameness examinations. Lameness examinations involve watching the horse on the straight line and on a lunge. Further diagnostics such as flexion tests and nerve blocks are performed when necessary. Once the location has been localized, radiographs and ultrasound are utilized to diagnosis the lameness.

The Equinosis with the Lameness Locator is a handheld, field based system that objectively measures lameness in horses with non-invasive sensors. We are happy to offer the Lameness Locator to clients to diagnose and monitor lameness.

The musculoskeletal system is not the only cause for poor performance, we have an dynamic endoscopy system as well as offer exercise EKG.

Biologic Therapies

We offer different regenerative medicine therapies such as Prostride (Autologous Protein Solution) and Plate Rich Plasma (PRP).

Prostride is a combination of the patient’s own cells, platelets, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The solution is injected into joints and tendon sheaths which reduces pain and inflammation to manage osteoarthritis and lameness in horses.

PRP a concentration solution of platelets that are injected into tendon and ligaments to help the regeneration process.

Physical Therapy Tools

We offer other physical therapy services such as laser and shockwave as well chiropractic and acupuncture.

• Laser therapy increases the cellular metabolism in the treatment area. Other benefits of laser therapy are decreased pain, increased wound healing, decreased inflammation and a quicker return to function.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy uses sound energy waves to stimulate the healing process and reduce pain. Conditions that are helped with shockwave therapy include but are not limited to tendon and ligament injuries, navicular disease and back pain.
• Chiropractic Care is used to restore normal joint motion, stimulate neurological reflexes as well as reduce pain and muscle spasm.
• Acupuncture can provide pain relief, reduce swelling, improve tissue healing and muscle strength as well stimulating the immune system.