Murray County Veterinary Services 

Equine Services

Wellness care - "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" That saying holds true for horses also. As part of our routine care we provide vaccinations, deworming, Coggins testing, and dental care. At the time of service we can discuss any issues you may have with your horse including nutritional needs, basic physical therapy, geriatric care, etc.

Time of need care - We offer care for your horse in case of medical colic, sickness, lameness, injury, metabolic problems, or chronic illness. We are equipped to provide intravenous fluids when needed, and most laboratory results are obtained within 24 hours. Emergency care for our regular clients is provided on a 24 hour basis.

Pre-purchase examinations - A physical examination and basic lameness and neurologic examination can be performed by our clinic. The information gathered is used by the prospective buyer and/or agent to determine whether the horse will be servicable for its intended use. The exam can include laboratory testing, radiographs, endoscopy, and ultrasound exams, some performed by referral practices.  In general, we do not tell the buyer whether or not the horse should be purchased, but instead provide as much information as possible for the buyer to decide whether the horse will suit his or her needs.

Geriatric care - Aged horses can have sub-clinical health care issues that can be identified and treated before they become a problem. If your horse is over 15 years of age we recommend a complete physical examination and blood testing to establish baseline values.

Lameness examination - Evaluates the locomotion of your horse. We use a variety of techniques to identify the source(s) of lameness including physical examination and palpation, flexion tests, and joint and nerve blocks. Radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory tests, performed here or at referral practices, help to further evaluate the source of your horse's lameness.

Surgery -Standing or recumbent surgery of the horse is performed for castration, biopsy and laceration repair. More complicated procedures may be referred to a specialist.

Specialized procedures offered at referral institutions:

Ultrasonography - uses sound waves to evaluate soft tissues like tendons and ligaments, reproductive organs, lumps, and tumors. It is painless and non-invasive.  We have a basic unit at our practice; more specialized equipment is available at other institutions.

Digital Radiography - uses x-rays to visualize bone for abnormalities including arthritic changes, fractures, ocd, bone cysts and bone infection. Our unit is capable of providing digital images within 2 seconds. These images are viewed on a 3 megapixael 17" screen and can be enlarged and windows leveled to see subtle  changes often not visible on conventional radiographs.  Offered at referral institutions.

Endoscopy - utilizes a fiber optic device for evaluating the upper airway of the horse, including the larynx, sinuses and guttural pouches. The trachea and upper esophagus can also be examined with this flexible device. Useful in prepurchase examinations, pneumonias, or reactive airway disease.  Offered at referral institutions.

Acupuncture - is an ancient chinese practice that utilizes needles to stimulate nerve pathways to heal many problems. Often, chinese herbs will be prescribed to aid in therapy.  Offered at other clinics.

Tonometry - is a procedure that measures the intraocular pressure of the eyeball and is useful in detecting glaucoma and uveitis.  Offered at other clinics.

Shock wave therapy - employs pressure waves to decrease recovery times for certain injuries to soft-tissue structures (tendons, ligaments) and bones. We use a machine that produces focused waves and the depth of penetration and force can be modified to suit the structure being treated.  Offered at referral institutions.

Allergy testing/hyposesitization - skin testing is considered the gold standard by most allergists in the United States. Blood test results do not correlate well to skin test results. Skin testing is the method of choice to diagnose and treat skin and respiratory allergies in the horse.  Offered at other clinics.