ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS

Digital Ultrasound: High-resolution modality that is used in many aspects of our practice. In lameness we use it to evaluate the soft tissue structures of the limbs such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. We also use it to evaluate bone surfaces where these soft tissue structures interact. On our colic cases we can use the ultrasound to examine the gastrointestinal tract and vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen. The ultrasound is also very useful in respiratory and cardiac cases where images and videos of the lungs and heart can be captured and stored.

Digital Radiography: A technique where X-rays are digitally transmitted to a processor or computer for instant viewing.  On critical cases, an immediate diagnosis can often be made based on the images. Digital Radiography is used primarily to evaluate bones and joints. In our Albuquerque practice it is also of great assistance in the diagnosis of sand colic. It can be taken out into the field and images can be viewed on site.

 

Endoscopy/Gastroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that aids us in the visualization of hollow organs such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts. A small camera on the end of a tube, called an endoscope, is passed into the organ directly for examination. Upper and lower airway endoscopy involve examining the airways (trachea) and pharyngeal regions, including the guttural pouches for abnormalities. The Gastroscope is a longer version of the endoscope that allows for examination of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines.  In addition to being able to diagnose gastric tumors, impactions, and esophageal disorders, the gastroscope is of great use in confirming a diagnosis of gastric ulcers.  Gastric ulcers can be incredibly performance limiting. Clinical signs can vary from poor performance, to attitude changes, to colic. The ability to confirm a diagnosis through gastroscopy allows us to develop a quality treatment plan.

In-house Laboratory: Capable of running in-house blood work including CBC, Chemistry panel, electrolyte panel, and Serum Amyloid-A.  We also run fecal egg counts in-house for evaluation of intestinal parasite loads.

LAMENESS

We offer proficiency and expertise in evaluating the equine athlete from a wide variety of disciplines. With an array of  diagnostic tools available to us, we are capable of diagnosing and treating challenging cases. At Albuquerque Equine it is important to us to spend time evaluating your entire horse in order to provide treatment options that will optimize your horses health and performance. We commonly work hand-in-hand with farriers in order to address your horse’s lameness.

PRE-PURCHASE EXAMINATIONS

A Pre-Purchase examination provides you with information regarding the current health and soundness of the horse at the time of the examination. It is highly recommended to have one performed before investing in your next purchase. Albuquerque Equine Clinic will not “pass” or “fail” the horse. Instead, we strive to answer any questions you may have and address concerns before the purchase.  There is a wide range of examinations from a thorough physical examination to an extensive workup with radiographs, ultrasounds, and endoscopies. We will work with you in order to help you purchase a horse that will align with your goals.

SURGERY

Albuquerque Equine Clinic offers full surgical services including arthroscopic surgery by a board certified surgeon as well as soft tissue surgery. We have a surgical suite with a separate recovery room that allows for assisted recoveries. All surgical patients are monitored before, during, and after surgeries by our doctors and technicians.

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Internal medicine is a specialty field of veterinary medicine that addresses problems of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, ophthalmology, dermatology, gastrointestinal, oncology (cancer), muscular and neonatal nature and critical care of neonates.  Albuquerque Equine Clinic has experienced doctors who are capable of treating complicated and difficult internal medicine cases. We pride ourselves on staying updated on new techniques, research, and diagnostic methods.

ADVANCED REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES

We can manage your mares and stallions from breeding season to foaling time. For your mares we offer extensive breeding management to help get difficult mares bred and monitored throughout their pregnancy. Other mare services available include artificial insemination with fresh, cooled, or frozen semen, uterine lavage, uterine cultures, and assistance with foaling. We have extensive experience in Embryo Transfer procedures. For your stallions we offer on-site breeding dummy training, stallion collection services, and breeding-soundness examinations.

EMERGENCY

We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for your equine emergencies.

PREVENTATIVE CARE, DENTISTRY, OPHTHALMOLOGY

We offer routine vaccinations, sheath cleaning, and routine dental floats year-round. It is important to us that these procedures are performed appropriately and with care. We have both traditional and power dental equipment to fit your horse’s needs. We also offer extensive care for your horses eyes including diagnostics, medical and surgical treatments and local referral opportunities.

AMBULATORY SERVICES

Our team is able to provide virtually all of the routine and advanced procedures we do at the veterinary clinic out in the field.  We can provide lameness examinations with ultrasound and digital x-ray, colic examinations, lacerations, wellness examinations, vaccinations, dentistry, and ophthalmology. We also can refer the patient to the clinic for more extensive care and hospitalization if necessary.

REGENERATIVE AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

IRAP: This acronym stands for Interleukin-1 antagonist protein. Osteoarthritis in horses causes joint swelling, inflammation, and lameness as a result of cartilage loss. Interleukin-1 is an inflammatory mediator that is released in joint trauma. The release of this mediator can actually cause further cartilage damage and therefore a viscious cycle of increased lameness. IRAP was developed to counteract Interleukin-1 and therefore slow the progression of osteoarthritis on the performance horse.

PRP: Platelet Rich Plasma is an enhanced product that is derived from the horse’s blood itself. Platelets from the blood are loaded with growth factors which help to initiate wound healing by bringing healthy inflammatory cells, new blood vessels, connective tissue, and skin to the area of injury.

Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to more cells of the same type. In equine these stem cells are typically collected from the bone marrow via the sternum or the tuber coxae. The stem cells are then cultured and expanded before being injected into the affected tendon, ligament, or joint.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: Delivers high-pressure pulses of acoustic wave energy to injured tendons, ligaments, and bones to stimulate healing.  In addition to the pain relieving effects from the decrease in inflammatory biochemicals, shockwave also reduces pain by disrupting nerve impulse transmission thus reducing the horse’s perception of pain.

SAR RLT (Smart Regenerative Laser Therapy): is a Class IV pulsed high intensity laser therapy that delivers therapeutic regenerative energy to both superficial and deep tissue structures. Benefits of regenerative laser therapy include reduction of pain and inflammation, accelerated tissue and nerve repair through increased cell mitochondrial activity and faster rates of wound healing through stimulation of fibroblast development. Regenerative laser therapy is noninvasive and non painful so the majority of horses do not require sedation to receive treatment. The number of treatments is tailored to the nature and severity of the injury involved.

Meso-Therapy: Mesotherapy is a treatment that helps break the pain cycle that can be associated with chronic neck and back pain. It stimulates the mesoderm, the middle layer of the skin, which will, in turn relieve a wide variety of symptoms and ailments. The mesotherapy injections involve extremely small needles that penetrate the interdermal layer of the skin only to only a shallow depth. Mesotherapy is effective for a multitude of conditions. It may need to be repeated several times a year to help your horse stay comfortable.