Services
Quality diagnostics are
paramount to providing appropriate treatment in
order to speed healing, and to optimize a horse's
chance of making a full recovery.
- Pre-purchase Examination:
The financial and emotional investment of buying a horse can be significant. A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a specialized examination that looks closely at all systems of the horse. It helps to identify problems, or potential problems, with the horse performing its intended function. The examination is tailored to
the needs of each horse and the potential buyer. It can be as simple as a thorough physical, lameness, and neurologic evaluation
- or more comprehensive to include any or all of
the following diagnostic modalities:
radiographs, ultrasound, drug testing and other
blood work.
- Lameness or Poor Performance Examination:
This evaluation incorporates thorough palpation of
the horse, watching the horse in motion through
various gaits on several surfaces, flexion tests,
and joint or nerve blocks to attempt to localize the
area of discomfort.
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- Sports Medicine:
Most training problems and poor performance in
the elite equine athlete are caused by pain. We
specialize in identifying and treating these pain problems.
This makes training easier and prevents injuries to
other parts of the horse's body which can occur
secondary to protecting these painful areas.
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- This technology provides us incredibly rapid
and detailed radiographs (X-rays). These
radiographs are available immediately, without
the need to develop film. Computer work stations
allow manipulation and magnification of the
images to better evaluate each radiograph.
Radiographs can be printed, copied to CD, or
emailed to veterinarians, trainers, or clients.
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- Shock Wave is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes the
production of acoustic sound waves to produce high-pressure waves that are
focused at a point of tissue or bone to stimulate healing. Studies have shown that
it reduces inflammation, thereby reducing pain as it promotes healing. It has also
been beneficial in shortening recovery times. Shock Wave has been used successfully in
the treatment of the following conditions: bowed tendons (tendonitis), suspensory
ligament injuries (desmitis), stress fractures, splint bone fractures or splint
exostosis, bone spavin (hock arthritis), navicular syndrome, sacro-iliac conditions
(Hunters Bumps), overriding spines (Withers), and primary back pain.
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- Chiropractic Therapy There are many common
factors, such as, stall confinement, riding
equipment, ability of the rider, traumatic
injuries (especially slips or falls),
conformation faults, and inherent wear and tear
that result in abnormal or limited movement
within the spine. The most common symptoms are
compensatory changes in gait, posture, and
performance. These changes stress other muscles
and joints. Common symptoms include:
- Decrease in level of performance
- Behavioral changes
- Shortened strides
- Difficulty or reluctance in one direction
- Loss of ability to collect
- Cross cantering or difficulty picking up one
lead
- Muscle imbalance, spasms, or atrophy
- Saddle consistently shifting to one side
- Tilting at the poll when bending the neck
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- Proper dental maintenance is essential to allow peak performance and harmony between the horse and rider. Thorough dental care can:
- Prevent premature tooth loss and promote more complete utilization of feed
- Reduce the incidence of impaction and gas colic
- Alleviate tempormandibular joint pain
- Difficulty or reluctance in one direction
- Allow a less stressful eruption of the permanent teeth by the timely removal of shedding deciduous teeth (caps)
- Prevent pain due to the use of a bit, making it easier for the horse to be trained, and to provide other benefits.
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