Medicine

Poor Performance Examinations

Examination of a horse thought to be under performing. Includes medical examination, lameness examination, wind testing and blood testing as required for each individual case.

GastroscopY

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is a common problem affecting horses ranging from please horses to high level competition and racehorses. Clinical signs can be varied, but may include weight loss, poor behaviour, poor performance, sensitivity when girthing and recurrent colic.

Gastroscopy is the only definitive way to diagnose gastric ulcers and can be carried out at our clinic. The horse is starved overnight prior to the procedure. Overnight livery at the clinic can be arranged if required.

If gastric ulcers are diagnosed, a tailored treatment protocol can be formulated based on the location, type and severity of the ulceration. Management and nutritional advice will also be provided to assist with healing and help prevent recurrence.

Gastrointestinal Investigations

Further gastrointestinal investigations may be required in cases of colic, weight loss or diarrhoea. Alongside routine diagnostics such as rectal examination, blood work and faecal examination, we are able to provide more advanced diagnostic procedures such as abdominal ultrasound and peritoneal sampling and analysis. These can also be performed patient-side in emergency situations such as colic, allowing for fast decision-making to provide the best care for your horse.

Respiratory Investigations

Respiratory disease is a common presentation with a variety of underlying causes, which may affect athletic performance and quality of life. Investigations which we can offer include:

·       Upper airway endoscopy – allows detailed examination of the structures of the upper airways via a camera.

·       Tracheal washes – fluid samples are taken from the upper airway to undergo cytological and bacteriological analysis.

·       Bronchoalveolar lavage – fluid samples are taken from deeper in the lungs.

·       Guttural pouch wash – usually used to investigate Strangles infections.

·       Nasopharyngeal swabs – submitted for bacterial and viral testing.

·       Thoracic ultrasound – used in the investigation of diseases such as pneumonia or abscessation.