Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Therapies

Radiography

We have multiple portable digital X-ray units that provide us with instantaneous, high-quality images.

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are commonly used to diagnose bony injuries, arthritis, and for farrier collaboration. Due to the fast return of images and the entirely non-invasive nature of this diagnostic method, we typically incorporate X-rays into our examinations to fully investigate symptoms and rule out certain conditions.

Ultrasound

Our portable ultrasound units are used to image the soft tissue structures of the abdominal, thoracic, vascular, and reproductive systems. Additionally, ultrasound is used to visualize and diagnose soft tissue injuries in the musculoskeletal system.

Ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the horse’s internal organs, tissues, and musculoskeletal structures. The digital aspect enhances the clarity and precision of the images, allowing our veterinarians to make accurate diagnoses and develop targeted treatment plans.

Endoscopy, Gastroscopy

This 3.2-meter video endoscopy unit allows us to easily visualize the health of the stomach and pyloric antrum to rule out gastric ulcers or other pathologies. Additionally, our scope is used to diagnose any nasal, esophageal, or pharyngeal conditions.

By utilizing our endoscopy unit, we can easily ascertain any underlying conditions affecting your horse without the need for invasive procedures like surgery. Ahead of surgical procedures, this method can also assist us in locating the exact site in need of treatment, enabling us to minimize our treatment time for a faster recovery.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy utilizes acoustic wave energy to activate cells, resulting in tissue regeneration, healing, and pain reduction. It has been shown to decrease rehabilitation time, promote healthy tissue remodeling, and increase blood flow.

Shockwave therapy can be used in soft tissue (tendon and ligament) rehabilitation, kissing spine, wound management, navicular syndrome, neck/back/SI pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, and more. Additionally, shockwave treatment is drug-free and provides rapid onset of pain relief.

Laser Therapy

Class IV laser is a quick, non-invasive alternative approach to reducing pain and inflammation in your horse. Laser therapy is commonly used for soft tissue injuries, muscle pain, and to accelerate wound healing.

Laser therapy works by sending low levels of light energy through your horse’s skin, penetrating only down to the soft tissue below the surface. This energy stimulates the soft tissue, alerting the immune system to activate additional cells that repair the body and relieve pain. In effect, the therapy simply redirects your horse’s natural healing processes to where they’re especially needed for recovery.

The treatment itself is highly non-invasive and does not require sedation. Most patients find the laser soothing, as it creates a mild warmth just below the skin.

Acupuncture

This is an alternative medicine therapy that has been found to be successful in pain management, lameness, poor performance, geriatric-related issues, wellness, fertility, and more.

Acupuncture has been around for 3,000 years in horses and can be used independently or in conjunction with laser therapy and other pain management options.

This simple treatment involves placing sterilized needles into specific pressure points on your horse’s body. By stimulating certain areas, acupuncture can accelerate healing and reduce pain in the affected points of the body.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a treatment used to manage pain and inflammation in horses, particularly for conditions like back pain or muscle soreness.

This treatment involves injecting a combination of medications just under the skin to target nerve pathways, helping to reduce discomfort and promote healing. Each injection is tailored to your horse’s individual condition and ongoing health needs, with ample steps taken to ensure maximum efficacy for each patient.

This minimally invasive therapy can be an effective option for horses with chronic musculoskeletal issues, aiding in their recovery and improving overall performance. In many cases, mesotherapy can result in significant improvement in patients and even eliminate the need for surgical intervention for pain relief.

Custom Rehabilitation Programs and Physical Therapy

We offer custom rehabilitation programs and physical therapy tailored to each horse’s specific needs. Whether recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, our personalized plans integrate multiple therapies and structured exercise routines.

These programs aim to optimize healing, restore function, and enhance overall performance. Typically incorporating repeat exercises that scale up as your horse progresses, our physical therapy can be effective on its own or used in tandem with other recovery methods.

We recognize that each horse is unique, as are their individual therapy needs. That’s why we specially design our physical therapy to align with your companion’s exact needs. Beginning with a complete physical exam to ascertain your horse’s condition, we develop programs from the ground up to best suit your horse’s case.

Intra-articular treatments:

ProStride, PRP, Arthramid, Spryng, Hyaluronic Acid, Low Dose Steroids

Many horses have degeneration within their joints, causing reduced performance, lameness, or injury.

​The patient’s history, lameness exam, and imaging findings are used to guide decision-making regarding joint injections. Joint injections offered include: steroid, hyaluronic acid, Pro-Stride, Arthramid, etc. PRP is also available for the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

These treatments can be highly effective on their own or when combined with other modalities. Feel free to ask your veterinarian for more information during your appointment.