Diagnostics & Imaging

Xray is primarily used for imaging the skeleton and is the most common modality in equine practice. Our state of the art machines produce images of the highest quality in minimal time. These images can be interpreted by our experienced vets on site to provide a diagnosis. The images are stored digitally and can be shared with our clients and referring vets.

Ultrasonography uses sound waves to produce a dynamic image which is particularly useful in assessing the soft tissue structures of the body. This includes tendons, ligaments, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract and the eye. Portable ultrasound machines are also integral in reproductive work where it is used to monitor the reproductive tract and in pregnancy diagnosis.

Our portable video endoscopy systems are primarily used to examine the upper respiratory tract. This aids in the diagnosis of conditions such as laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring), dorsal displacement of the soft palate, exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (bleeding), infections and asthma.

Video endoscopy is also a routine part of thoroughbred yearling sales. Our systems provided high quality images to submit to the sales repositories.

We have several portable blood analysis machines which allow us to analyse specific enzymes;

• Serum Amyloid A (SAA) – SAA is the most sensitive measure of inflammation in the horse. This makes it very useful in assessing the presence and severity of infections as well as the response to treatment.
• Lactate – Blood lactate is useful in colic cases to diagnose ischaemic lesions and determine the prognosis of a successful outcome. It can also be measured during training to help determine fitness and performance.

For all other tests we use local laboratories to provide a full range of services including performance blood panels, Cushing’s tests and worm egg counts.

Electrocardiograms measure the electrical activity of the heart providing useful information on the rate and rhythm. This is used in the diagnosis of arrythmias such as atrial fibrillation.