Lameness Diagnosis

We provide routine soundness exams, which can help prevent injury or keep the subtle lameness from becoming a bigger issue, as well as diagnosing acute lamenesses. Lameness exams involve watching the horse/pony walk and trot if possible, palpation, flexion, localizing the pain through anesthetic blocks, radiography or ultrasonography as needed. 

Lamenesses are often graded as follows:

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• Grade 1 - Difficult to observe; not consistently apparent regardless of circumstances (i.e., weight carrying, circling, inclines, hard surface, etc.)

• Grade 2 - Difficult to observe at a walk or trotting straight line; consistently apparent under certain circumstances (i.e., weight carrying, circling, inclines, hard surface, etc.)

• Grade 3 - Consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances

• Grade 4 - Obvious lameness, marked nodding, hitching or shortened stride

• Grade 5 - Minimal or not weight bearing in motion and/or at rest; inability to move

 

After we discuss the options with the owners and trainers we can work on an individualized plan that works best for the horse and the owner. The plan may involve several therapies, such as Joint Therapy, Stem Cells, IRAP, PRP, or Shock Wave. 

We have also found our specialty in podiatry can often compliment these therapies for an even better result.

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Alpha 2 EQ

Harnessing the Power of the Alpha-2 Macroglobulin Molecule. This biologic is a clinically proven way to relieve pain and increase the longevity of the horse's career. What sets this process apart from Pro-Stride, is this machine separates and uses the blood's own naturally occurring anti-inflammatory molecule, Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (a2M). The Alpha 2 EQ machine is the only machine that can process and isolate the a2M on the market with its patented technology. The Alpha-2 Macroglobulin molecule is the body's best way to fight off inflammation and soreness in joints, while it removes the pain, it heals. Each draw produces several treatments that can be frozen and used in the future. This is a portable unit, so this is a stall side treatment.

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ProVet APC - Platelet Concentration System

Platelet Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate - the fastest system on the market with the largest volume per draw. The machine uses a vertical spin, which reduces spin time and releases the highest percentage of captured platelets, growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins and A2M. This system is the most portable system in the world. 

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Stem Cells are derived from an adult horse's body from bone marrow or fat (adipose) tissue. There are two types of stem cells; Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are from the bone marrow, fat, umbilical cord blood and tissue. These are most often used because they can differentiate into a variety of cell types; osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), myocytes (muscle cells), and adipocytes (fat cells).  Stem cells can come from a foal's umbilical cord following birth, as well aspirated from a sternum. Stem Cells are able to replicate and differentiate into other types of cells or tissues.

 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) are the smallest of all blood cells and naturally are the first responders to an injury. This therapy is a concentration of platelets in the form of blood plasma that are delivered to the area of the lesion. We do this by drawing blood from your horse and spinning it down in a centrifuge which eliminates both red and white blood cells and leaves a very high concentration of platelets. 

 

IRAP - Interleukin-1 Recepter Antagonist Protein. Blood from your horse is collected and incubated with glass beads designed for this use because they accentuate IRAP production. Then it is administered to your horse. IRAP blocks a pro-inflammatory mediator, which results in reduction of inflammation in joints. It is thought that it will also promote cartilage and tendon healing. 

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Our equipment allows us to do all of this right in the horse's barn. This helps the horse and decreases the stress of shipping a horse to a veterinary clinic. 

These therapies have no corticosteroids, benefitting all horses, especially those with IR/EMS or Cushing's. 

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Pre-Purchase Exams

Making an educated decision when buying a horse can bring peace of mind. While no pre-purchase is a guarantee that the horse will be a perfect fit, it can certainly make a huge difference. We allow the buyer to customize their pre-purchase. We have developed forms that allow customization for every budget. Whether you are looking for a pleasure mount or an international grand prix horse, we can help. 

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Pre-Purchase exams usually involve a basic exam of vital signs, eyes, teeth, overall soundness based on jogging in a straight line, and overall condition. Depending on the extent of the pre-purchase the buyer would like, we then move on to a musculoskeletal exam. At that time watching the horse trot in circles, hoof exams, trot after flexions and while being ridden (if that is its intended use). Following this exam we move on to radiographs and ultrasounds as needed. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a pre-purchase. 

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