Mobile Investigative Services

Lameness Investigation

Lameness in horses can cause pain, worry and lost time.

Many lamenesses can be resolved by our experienced vets at your yard without having to come into the hospital but for the more challenging cases having the depth of knowledge and extensive facilities available at Glasgow Equine Hospital for further investigation is reassuring.

Lameness in horses is challenging because horses rarely let us know where the pain is originating. In addition to examination at rest and in motion we often need nerve and joint blocks (local anaesthetic being injected around nerves or into joints) to localise the site(s) of pain and then x-rays and/or ultrasound to help identify injuries that may explain the pain. Glasgow Equine Practice has mobile digital ultrasound and a fully battery-operated digital x-ray machine, which allows us to take x-rays even where there is no mains electricity. We can also quickly share images with specialists in the hospital for a second opinion.

Conditions including laminitis, arthritis and tendon and ligament injuries can often be managed by the first opinion practice at your yard, although some conditions have more advanced treatment options only available at Glasgow Equine Hospital. We work closely with local remedial farriers and registered manipulative therapists such as physiotherapists.

Challenging cases can be referred to Glasgow Equine Hospital for further investigation. Diagnostic modalities, including scintigraphy (bone scanning) and MRI may be used. Depending on findings, treatments and therapeutics tailored to your horse can be recommended. Cases referred from Glasgow Equine Practice are subject to a reduction of fees at Glasgow Equine Hospital.

Diagnostic Imaging

 It is often necessary to take x-rays, perform ultrasound or endoscopic examinations both to initially diagnose and then to monitor progress of many orthopaedic and medical problems. Our vets have access to a full range of modern portable diagnostic equipment, including digital radiography, mobile ultrasound and mobile endoscopy. This allows are vets to diagnose and treat a wide range of lameness and medical conditions at your yard. If you would prefer, it is equally possible to bring your horse or pony to Glasgow Equine Hospital for imaging.

With more complex lameness, medical and surgical cases, referral into our hospital is straightforward and quick. Specialists within the hospital will be able to use advanced imaging techniques combined with advanced facilities and nursing staff to care for your horse.

Medical Investigation

Our experienced vets will be able to resolve a large number of medical conditions including most chokes, medical colics, coughs, skin disease and weight loss cases at your yard. For those cases which require more investigation, Glasgow Equine Practice can come to your premises equipped with a respiratory video endoscope for example, for upper airway infections and abnormalities, or a video gastroscope for the diagnosis of equine gastric ulcers. We also have mobile ultrasound for scanning of the abdomen and the chest. We can use the hospital’s in-house lab for same day blood and other laboratory tests in urgent cases. We can also quickly share digital images and lab results with specialists in the hospital.

For more challenging medical cases, particularly those that are rapidly deteriorating, being able to smoothly and quickly refer to the extensive facilities and expert knowledge at the hospital is a great benefit. Cases referred from Glasgow Equine Practice are subject to a reduction of fees at Glasgow Equine Hospital.

Poor Performance Investigation

Poor performance investigation typically involves cases where the horse ‘just isn’t quite right’ or is not performing to an expected level. Even a minor issue can be an important warning sign and further investigation is warranted.

As you would expect from the non-specific signs there are lots of possible causes, including:

      • Upper airway issues including infection or abnormalities that reduce airflow
      • Cardiac problems including leaking valves and abnormal rhythm
      • Metabolic problems including gastric ulceration, Cushing’s disease, low grade infectious disease, muscle disease and low-grade liver disease
      • Back pain- particularly overriding dorsal spinous processes- ‘kissing spines’
      • Subtle lameness that may not be obvious to the rider

 

For many horses, our experienced vets will be able to diagnose and treat these problems on your yard using our range of mobile equipment. Some cases will benefit from the specialist knowledge and equipment available at the hospital including scintigraphy (bone scan), exercising and 24 hour ECG, dynamic endoscopy (exercising endoscope exam) and quantitative gait analysis. Some cases will require surgery or other specialist treatment such as regenerative therapies which can only be performed at the hospital. Cases referred from Glasgow Equine Practice are subject to a reduction of fees at Glasgow Equine Hospital.