Maintaining the health and optimizing performance of the equine athlete is a hallmark of TD Equine. Our Performance Health Plans (PHP’s) are tailored to the individual equine athlete and consist of soundness evaluations under the “critical eye” of one of our veterinary team members performed at optimal times during the competition season. These exams are performed in conjunction with a general health maintenance plan which includes; nutrition and weight management consultation, dental evaluations, preventative health programs and hoof care management all designed to meet the specific requirements of each equine athlete.
Pre Purchase Exams
The decision to purchase a horse is a major investment in time, money and emotion. Obtaining the professional assistance of a veterinarian with experience in the intended sport discipline can be of great value in making this decision. The pre-purchase exam is a detailed clinical exam involving a soundness component as well as an overall assessment of general health. Supportive diagnostics in terms of x-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopic exams and blood work are used to provide supplementary information if required. The role of the veterinarian is not to “pass” or “fail” the horse but instead, to use the health related information obtained while taking into account the horses age, experience and intended use, to assist the buyer in making an informed decision. The team at TD Equine is more than happy to discuss and assist you in any of your pre-purchase requirements.
Soundness Evaluations
Soundness evaluations are helpful for maintaining performance in the athletic horse by taking a proactive approach. By evaluating horses when they are sound and performing well, we can work to optimize their athletic ability and address any concerns before they interfere with performance.
Back Pain Diagnosis
Back pain can present in a variety of ways, such as behavioural or attitude changes, avoidance under saddle or lameness. There are a variety of causes of back pain including but not limited to muscle spasm, arthritis or mal-alignment. Back pain can be evaluated with a physical examination, ultrasound and/or digital radiography, and the information gathered will help guide treatment plans. Treatments for back pain depend on the underlying cause, and we will work with you to institute the right treatment plan based on the findings.
Podiatry
The equine foot is a common cause of pain and lameness, and all horse owners understand the importance of proper trimming and/or shoeing. We can make recommendations based on your horse’s conformation for appropriate balancing and shoeing. We often use digital radiography as a great asset to help your farrier better understand the inner workings of your horse’s feet.
Lameness Exams
Most athletic horses will present with lameness at some point in their career. A lameness exam typically involves a thorough physical and moving examination, either on the ground, under saddle, or both. This is often followed by regional anesthesia (blocking) to pinpoint where the lameness is coming from. A variety of diagnostics such as ultrasound, digital radiography or MRI can be used to figure out what is causing the lameness, and targeted therapy can then be used to effectively alleviate your horse’s pain.
Gastric Ulcers
It has been shown that up to 90% of competitive horses have gastric ulcers. Ulcers can interfere with performance, cause attitude or behavioural problems, and can lead to more serious consequences. Gastroscopy is used to identify the presence of gastric ulcers and help guide an individualized treatment plan.