Digital Radiography
The use of digital radiography in equine practice allows for the immediate viewing of the images stall side for a preliminary diagnosis. It also gives the veterinarian the opportunity to adjust the image quality and area of focus as needed during one visit. With the ability to review the radiographs together, there is also improved communication and understanding of the radiographic findings for my clients. I then make a more complete and final diagnosis back at the office using the main system with its specialized software and viewing capabilities. Digital radiography also makes sharing information and consulting with other veterinarians easier by disc or email. I have chosen the Sound-Eklin Mark X system for use in my practice. The larger plate size (11” x 14”) utilized the Mark X allows for a more complete imaging and accurate diagnosis of the neck, back, and shoulder areas.
Digital Ultrasound
Digital ultrasound is used primarily to image soft tissue structures like tendons and ligaments. However, in the past few years, ultrasonography has been helpful in imaging bone, cartilage and joint anatomy as well. Deeper areas like the pelvis, thoracic and lumbar spine, and the sacroiliac region can be difficult to image using other modalities but are amenable to an ultrasound examination. In order to more accurately treat those areas, the use of ultrasound guided injection techniques improves the precision of the needle placement. This results in a more accurate delivery of the therapeutic agents chosen for that particular region and the type of injury. Because of the broad possibilities of digital ultrasoundography I have kept up with the latest techniques through the International Society for Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP) courses of study.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been a part of oriental medicine for thousands of years to diagnose and treat disease processes. Acupuncture evaluation can help to identify pain or restriction in both regional areas and organ systems that may not be functioning well. There are over four hundred acupuncture points along meridians or channels to consider when formulating a treatment plan. I include dry needling, aquapuncture (typically with B12), low level electrical stimulation, laser light and moxabustion (heat) as part of the acupuncture treatment. Each patient presents with a unique pattern of imbalance and I carefully choose the acupoint combination and treatment plan specifically for that horse.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses specific focused wavelengths of light to help increase circulation, accelerate the body’s cellular responses for healing and to decrease pain and inflammation. A Class IV laser is a high intensity (high output) laser which can penetrate more deeply into the body than Class I or II lasers. The KLaser is the Class IV laser that I have chosen because of its versatility in applications like tendon and ligament injuries, muscle strains and tears, degenerative joint or arthritic conditions and many others. The use of laser therapy is non-invasive and very well tolerated by the patients.
Performance Medicine
Performance medicine incorporates the examination and pertinent diagnostics of all those body systems that may impact your horse’s ability to perform at his highest level. Musculoskeletal examination is a key diagnostic element and is used in conjunction with upper airway endoscopy, evaluation of blood work, and other clinical laboratory tests when warranted. Once the issues for your horse have been identified I can formulate a treatment plan using both western medicine and other complementary modalities like targeted nutritional therapy, Chinese or western herbal medicine, and acupuncture. I work closely with other equine specialists and can refer your horse for chiropractic treatment, osteopathic therapy, acuscope and myoscope therapy, equine massage, and physical therapy when those are indicated.
Pre-purchase Examination
The primary goal of a pre-purchase examination is to assess for you (the buyer) the general health and soundness of the horse for sale. Routine aspects of the examination include physical examination, specialized musculoskeletal examination, flexion tests and movement evaluation in hand, on the lunge line, and under saddle when indicated. Other diagnostic procedures my clients commonly choose to complete the examination are digital radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy and laboratory blood work. All of the information gathered during the purchase examination is evaluated in light of the intended athletic purpose for the horse and the possible impact any identified issues may have for that horse.