Lameness investigations are something of a passion at Equis Veterinary Practice. We pride ourselves on providing clients with top quality, thorough lameness investigations.
Equine lameness examination.
Chronic lameness
Chronic lameness is best evaluated at our facility on our firm and level surface, where the horses gait is observed at the walk and trot in hand and on the lunge. Following a thorough clinical examination a diagnosis may be reached and treatment prescribed. Further diagnostic tests, however, may be required to identify the source of the lameness.
The lameness indicator.
An invaluable tool, the lameness locator is a diagnostic aid for detecting lameness in horses. Nerve and joint blocks are used to desensitise regions of the limb, allowing for a targeted analysis that measures the vertical motion of the torso, calculating the differences in maximum and minimum head and pelvic position between the right and left halves of the stride. This enables us to pinpoint the site of the lameness in your horse.
Please note that the lameness locator is only an effective tool when used as part of an extensive lameness examination performed by a trained veterinarian. Often digital x-ray or ultrasound imaging is also required be a complete diagnosis can be made and treatment discussed. That being said, the lameness locator may be employed in the treatment of your horse, so as to accurately assess its response to treatment therapies and monitor its rehabilitation.
Musculoskeletal problems in foals.
With equine breeding being so close to our hearts, its not surprising that we have gained considerable experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal abnormalities in foals. If quickly identified and treated, abnormalities like slack or contracted tendons, or angular limb deformities can be improved upon and need not hinder the animal later in life. For treatment to be successful, however, the foals need to be seen to as soon as possible after birth – within the first few days of life, in fact.
Equine Lameness Treatment
irap® treatment
Osteoarthritis, aka Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) and is one of the main causes of lameness in horses. It occurs when the cartilage surrounding the joints is destroyed, leading to a great deal of pain and inflammation. Those areas that are affected the most are the knee, hock, fetlock and coffin joints. Usually, therapy involves intra-articular medications such as hyaluronic acid and/or steroids, rest, NSAIDS (bute or banamine), shockwave therapy, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) such as Adequan, intravenous hyaluronic acid (Legend), and oral supplements (for example GLC5500) that contain glucosamine and/or chondrotin sulfate.
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (irap®) treatment is a progressive gene therapy that can be used to combat osteoarthritis in your horse. A type of cytokine secreted by cells of the immune system, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) an important part of the inflammatory response. Although an important part of an immune systems reaction to infection, IL-1 can be detrimental to your horses health as it can cause the accelerated deterioration of joint cartilage. By using Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (irap®) to block IL-1 from binding to tissues, we can, however, inhibit its damaging effect on the joints.
The procedure begins with drawing blood into a syringe from the horse that will be treated with irap®. The syringe is specially prepared with glass beads that stimulate production of the antagonist protein and an anticoagulant. The blood is harvested, incubated and centrifuged so as to separate the plasma (abundant with irap®) from the blood. This is then injected back into the affected joint/s. These treatments are typically once a week for three weeks, and after that time the horse can usually return to normal work.
irap® is another therapy to be added to the battery of weapons that the equine veterinarian has to combat osteoarthritis in your horse. The reason it is so exciting is its potential for a long-term effect on combating osteoarthritis by stopping the cartilage matrix from being degraded and increasing healing. It has the ability to stop the inflammation cycle and bring comfort to your horse.
Farriery and corrective shoeing
Commonly prescribed in the management of equine lameness, corrective and/or therapeutic shoeing are used to correct faulty conformation and treat disease of, and/or injury to, the feet and legs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is often prescribed in the treatment of lameness or as a form of post-operative rehabilitation. Just like their human counterparts, competitive sports horses are prone to musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, muscle strain,and soft tissue injuries. Adding physiotherapy to your horse’s treatment regime can not only aid in recovery, but also help your horse to achieve his/her maximum potential.
Chiropractic
International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) defines Veterinary Chiropractic treatments as “the science, art and philosophy concerned with good health through restoration and maintenance of a properly functioning neuro-musculoskeletal system, without the use of drugs or surgery.”
| In addition to our advanced lameness diagnostic evaluations and treatments, we have the services of a Veterinary Chiropractor who is able to combine his veterinary knowledge with his Chiropractic skill in order to treat many health and performance problems. The treatment focuses on the biomechanical dysfunction of the spine and its effect on the entire nervous system throughout the body.The purpose of a Chiropractic adjustment is to correct the subluxation (vertebral misalignment) and restore proper functioning to the Central Nervous System. Chiropractictreatment works to eliminate the cause of the problem, not just treat the symptoms. |
Dr Fernando Autet is certified Equine Chiropractor registered with the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA).
Please call the office on 031 7691072 to make an appointment with Dr Fernando H.Autet DVM, IVCA