Sports Medicine & Lameness

Sports medicine and lameness refers to the diagnosis, treatment, and–most importantly–the prevention of conditions directly affecting the locomotor apparatus of the horse, as well as those indirectly contributing to performance in the show pen, such as ulcers and back pain.

The clinic operates a digital x-ray machine with a Canon plate that provides exceptional images, as well as an Exago ultrasound with tendon probe for soft tissue evaluation. HVS understands how important it is for you to have a sound mount, so we consult and work with equine surgeons when necessary to get your horse back into the show pen.

Lameness Exams

In depth lameness evaluations are routinely performed at the clinic. The cause of lameness is determined through various techniques, including flexion tests, hoof testers, feeling acupuncture points, and/or joint and nerve blocks. From here, further testing like x-rays and ultrasound can be done as needed to pinpoint the exact issue. The clinic is equipped with portable digital radiography for imaging, as well as an ultrasound machine to examine tendon injuries.

Joint Injections

Injecting joints help improve subclinical and clinical lameness as the result of wear and tear, performance, or injury. A lameness exam is done to identify the joint causing the pain, and steroids are injected directly into the joint along with an intra articular joint prep like hyaluronic acid.

Sports Medicine

In addition to general, dental, and emergency vet services and surgery, the clinic operates a state-of-the-art digital x-ray machine with a Canon plate to provide exceptional imaging, as well as an Exago ultrasound with tendon probe for soft tissue evaluation in the successful diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illness and injury affecting show and performance horses.