FURTHER DETAIL ON SERVICES AVAILABLE

 

Arthroscopic Surgery

We have a full range of equipment and instruments to perform arthroscopic surgery (key hole surgery) for conditions such as chip fractures, arthritis of the joint and tendon sheath disease.

Angular Limb Deformities Angular limb deformities in the foal can be so severe that surgical intervention is advised from an early age and excellent results can be achieved. By slowing or accelerating the growth of one side of the limb it is possible to correct even some of the most severe deformities.

Fracture Repair

Any kind of performance by the equine athlete, even galloping in the field, can lead to fractures. The most common fracture type that is surgically repaired at the clinic is the proximal pastern fracture of the standardbred, which is lag screw fixated as shown below. Excellent results are achieved and return to racing is usually prompt.

Joint Lavage

Joint inflammation and infection can be quickly and easily treated under anaesthesia by lavage of the affected joint. By removing bacteria, inflammatory cells and other unwanted debris from the joint, an environment conducive to healing is created.

Joint Therapy (IRAP)

The Canterbury Equine Clinic has recently invested in an exciting new treatment for the management of arthritis and degenerative joint disease in horses. IRAP Therapy is especially useful in horses that either do not respond to, or show decreasing levels of response to, conventional anti-inflammatory joint medication (e.g. Hyaluronic acid/cortisone joint injections).
Click here to read more about IRAP Therapy.

Shockwave Therapy
The Canterbury Equine Clinic now offers shock wave therapy as a means of aiding in a horse's recovery from a variety of injuries and ailments. Shock wave treatment is used successfully for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders including suspensory ligament strain, stress fractures, sacroiliac (back) pain, sesamoiditis, splints, navicular syndrome, curb, stifle and cannon bone cysts, tendonitis and muscle strains.
Click here to read more about Shock Wave Therapy.

Laryngeal Surgery

The equine larynx commonly suffers from a condition called laryngeal hemiplegia, or 'roaring.' These horses usually have exercise intolerance and make a roaring sound when they are worked at speed due to the air rushing past the paralysed flap of cartilage. Treatment involves tying back the paralysed cartilage to re-open the airway.

DDSP (Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate)

Dorsal Displacement of the soft palate of the horse is a common cause of exercise intolerance and upper respiratory noise. Surgical intervention such as a myectomy (cutting the muscles) or resection (shortening the soft palate) can stop the displacement from occurring, allowing a quick and successful return to performance.

Epiglottic Entrapment It is possible for the epiglottis to be trapped beneath folds of mucosa (arytenoepiglottic folds) which can decrease exercise tolerance and cause a respiratory noise. By cutting the fold away the epiglottis can then return to normal function.

Sinus and Dental Surgeries Tooth root infections and infections within the sinus can be treated surgically at the clinic.

Colic Surgery

Surgeons at the CEC operate on a small number of colic patients every year. Many colic cases are treated medically at the clinic, some requiring around the clock intensive care management.

Exploratory Laparotomy

Exploration of the abdomen or thorax is sometimes indicated in the very ill patient and can be carried out quickly and as safely as possible at the clinic. Biopsies can be taken, aiding with a diagnosis that may previously have been elusive without surgical intervention.

Bladder Surgery Removal of bladder stones and repair of the ruptured bladder in the foal are performed.

Cryptorchidectomy (Rig Op)

It is reasonably common for the male equine to have one, or sometimes even two, undescended testicles. The teste can be sitting high in the abdomen or in the inguinal ring area. Removal of both testicles at castration is vital to ensure the colt/stallion cannot serve mares as this condition is hereditary.

Primary Closure Castration

Primary closure castration involves removal of both testes through skin incisions that are then closed. This technique is carried out in the surgical suite and is the safest means of castration as there is virtually no risk of herniation.

Ovariectomy

Tumours in the ovaries or behavioural problems can necessitate removing the ovaries of the mare.

Caesarian Section

Foaling is a very fast and vigorous process in the mare. Complications can arise very quickly and to save the foal it is vital that a caesarian be performed very quickly. We are able to walk the mare straight off the transporter and into the surgery for an emergency caesarian section.

Rectovaginal Fistula Repair

During foaling, or at service, the mare can sustain an injury that splits the shelf between her rectum and her vagina. It is vital that this is repaired for future pregnancies to be successful. This shelf can be carefully rebuilt so contamination of the vagina from the rectum cannot occur.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery utilises the effect of freezing cells using liquid nitrogen in order to cause death of the margins of lesions. It is beneficial in the treatment of tumours and sarcoids

Wound Repair

Many wounds become complicated by the structures that may be involved in the underlying tissue. Common complications include extension of the wound into joints or tendons. A bone sequestrum may form if a piece of bone is separated and becomes infected after a laceration, causing a non-healing wound. It is essential that these sequestrums be surgically removed before the wound can heal.

Skin Mass Removal

Tumours, sarcoids, lumps and bumps can be removed under aseptic, surgical conditions, giving the horse every opportunity to heal rapidly and without scars, which is important in the performance horse.

Skin Grafting

Extensive wounds may warrant skin grafting. Because a bed of granulation tissue is required prior to grafting, the graft is performed some weeks after the initial injury. Different types of grafts are used, the most common being the autogenous (i.e from the same patient,) island graft in which full thickness sections of skin are placed in the granulation bed.

Nerve and Joint Blocks Local anaesthesia is used commonly in the process of diagnosing equine lameness. By blocking specific nerves in the lame limb it is possible to localize the specific area of pain that may be leading to lameness. Further investigation of the target area using ultrasound and/or radiography can then be performed.

Ultrasonography We frequently use ultrasonography in order to scan equine tendons after suspected injuries. By using ultrasound we are able to provide clients with accurate diagnoses of tendinous injuries, design appropriate treatment regimens, and monitor the healing process. We also use ultrasound to scan the abdominal cavities of horses that present to the clinic with colic.

Nuclear Scintigraphy In 2005 a separate air-conditioned suite was built on the premises to house our scintigraphy unit. The process of scintigraphy, or bone scanning, involves injecting a radioactive isotope into the horse's body and observing areas of increased uptake of the isotope using a camera. The radioactivity is increased in areas of the body that are undergoing inflammatory reactions and/or boney remodelling. Although most of our scintigraphic analyses focus on the skeleton, soft tissues can also be visualized for muscular, tendinous or ligamentous damage. Scintigraphy is a useful method of resolving more complicated lameness cases when the cause of the lameness remains elusive using radiography and ultrasonography alone.

Abdominocentesis

Sampling the fluid that bathes the organs of the abdomen can assist in the diagnosis of many conditions. Our resident haematologist can interpret these samples immediately, allowing fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal Scan

Using ultrasound we are able to visualize the organs within the abdominal cavity, an important method of diagnosing a variety of ailments from colics to peritonitis.

Gastroscopy

Stomach ulcers can affect performance and overall condition of horses dramatically. The clinic has a gastroscope that is capable of visualizing the stomach lining. The extent of ulceration can then be photographed and monitored throughout treatment and recovery.

Video Endoscopy

Endoscopy of the upper airway can be performed during ambulatory calls or at the clinic. Each veterinarian carries with them an endoscope in their vehicles. This allows for fast diagnosis of respiratory diseases and conditions, which often necessitates scoping soon after the horse has been worked. At the clinic a video endoscope is available for scoping and recording structures such as guttural pouches, arytenoid cartilages and nasal passages. It is also possible, using endoscopy, to obtain tracheal wash samples for analysis of bacterial and inflammatory conditions.

Electrocardiography (E.C.G)

Our clinic is equipped with an E.C.G. machine, allowing detailed examination of the electrical conductivity of the heart. Heart scores are calculated routinely as a component of pre-purchase examinations.

Cystoscopy

The video endoscope can be passed into the bladder to visualize bladder stones and other bladder pathology.

Ophthalmology

Eye problems can be assessed at the clinic using an ophthalmoscope. Our consultant ophthalmologist, Dr. S. Heap BVSc, Cert V.Ophthal, is sometimes called upon for complicated cases involving the eyes. He performs detailed examinations and surgical procedures as required.

Dental Examination, Cleaning and Routine Procedures It is advised that each performance horse have a routine dental examination performed each year. Our resident dental technician, Gerard Tracey (Certified member of the International Associates of Equine Dental Technicians), conducts weekly workshop at the clinic, providing a comprehensive service to our clients in a safe working environment. Appointments can be made through the Canterbury Equine Clinic, or to contact Gerard Traecy directly, please phone: 021 772 888.

Farrier A farrier workshop is conducted once a week at the clinic. Combining our xray facilities, along with the extensive experience of our resident farrier, Grant Nyhan, corrective and therapeutic shoeing can be carried out in a safe, clean environment. Combining expertise from both the farrier and the vet ensures optimal trimming and shoeing for each individual patient. To contact Grant Nyhan directly, please phone: 027 229 0427

Pre-Purchase Examinations

The clinic is equipped to provide comprehensive examination of horses prior to purchase. Pre-purchase examination is recommended for all horses regardless of the intended use or the value of the horse.

The purpose of the examination is not to pass or fail a horse, but to alert the buyer to any pre-existing conditions determined during the examination. This information ensures that an informed decision can be made.

Ancillary examinations, such as endoscopy, radiography, E.C.G. and a reproduction examination may also be required.

To complete a pre-purchase examination we require the following three statements:

1: Buyers statement - download this file now (PDF 30kb)
2: Owners Statment - download this file now (PDF 21kb) - this is completed by the current owner at the time of examination and is sent as part of the final report to the prospective purchaser.
3: Veterinarians Report

These three statements combine together to provide the buyer with a lawful, thorough document that can be used as part of the decision process in purchasing the horse.

If there are any questions in regards to the pre-purchase examination please do not hesitate to contact us. To request a pre-purchase examination please contact the clinic by telephone and we can organize this for you.

 

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