Equine Services
Cardiology
Horses with cardiac problems are initially seen by the equine internal
medicine service. These efforts are supported through consultation with
Dr. Lynne Nelson, a board certified veterinary cardiologist. A variety
of cardiac diagnostic testing is available including echocardiography,
electrocardiography, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and treadmill exercise
testing.
Endoscopy
Videoendoscopy is available for evaluation of a wide variety of equine
disorders including upper airway (nose, throat, mouth) abnormalities,
urinary bladder problems, and disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or
rectum. This equipment permits simultaneous viewing of internal
structures by a large number of people and video recording of the
examination for later viewing.
High-Speed Treadmill Evaluation
A high-speed treadmill is available for exercise testing of equine
athletes. Treadmill testing can be an invaluable aid in the diagnosis of
upper respiratory disorders, heart and lung problems, and muscle
disorders.
Infectious Diseases
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital has state-of-the-art isolation
facilities for treatment of horses with infectious or contagious
diseases such as strangles and salmonellosis. A stringent infection
control protocol is followed.
Internal Medicine
A full range of diagnostic testing support is available for
investigation of complicated or difficult internal medicine problems.
The clinical pathology laboratory provides a wide range of blood tests
and the internal medicine staff is experienced in interpretation of
these and many other diagnostic tests. WSU’s Veterinary Teaching
Hospital faculty and staff are pioneers in the diagnosis and therapy for
immune deficiency, diagnosis of rhodococcus equi, and evaluation of
equine narcolepsy.
Lameness Evaluation and Treatment
The equine lameness staff specializes in diagnosis and treatment of
lameness in the horse. Advanced diagnostics include nuclear scintigraphy,
radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, computed
tomography, and slow motion videography.
Neurologic Evaluation
The equine internal medicine service can perform comprehensive
neurologic evaluations on horses to localize lesions in the central and
peripheral nervous systems. Advanced diagnostic tests include myelograms,
cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and radiographs. Medical imaging including
MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT scans (computed tomographic)
are also available.
Abdominal (Colic) surgery
WSU has a 24 hour emergency service that is available 365 days a year
for diagnosis and treatment of abdominal crises in the horse. A team of
internists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists are on call to provide
state-of-the-art surgery and emergency intensive care for even the most
critical patient.
Arthroscopic Surgery
A minimally invasive procedure for joint problems, arthroscopic surgery
reduces recovery time and horses are able return to athletic function
more quickly.
Fracture Repair
The orthopedic surgeons at WSU are experienced and knowledgeable in
assessment and repair of fractures in horses. Repair of long bone
fractures in the leg is facilitated by anesthetic recovery in a
hydropool, greatly decreasing the risk of injury or refracture during
recovery.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is available as a minimally invasive surgery for
cryptorchid surgery, removal of stones in the urinary bladder,
ovariectomy and abdominal surgeries, and other problems of horses. While
specific procedures may require general anesthesia, other procedures can
be performed with only sedation and local anesthetic blocks. Many horses
benefit because of the small incisions that are made with this technique
and improved operative viewing.
Laser Surgery
The equine surgery service can perform a variety of laser surgeries
including correction of upper airway problems and removal of skin
masses.
Respiratory Surgery
Diagnosis and treatment of disease of the upper respiratory tract.
Advanced diagnostics include high speed treadmill video endoscopy.
Advanced surgical techniques include minimally invasive endoscopy and
laser procedures.
High-Risk Mare Management
The equine medicine and theriogenology services at WSU work together to
provide the optimal environment for foaling the mare at high risk for
problems. The hospital is capable of 24-hour monitoring of mares,
intensive foal care, and emergency Caesarean deliveries.
Ultrasonographic monitoring of the late term mares is available.
Neonatal Intensive Care
The hospital is equipped to provide the highest level of intensive care
for premature and sick foals. The intensive care unit is equipped to
monitor foals 24 hours a day and provide advanced life support including
ventilatory therapy.
Reproductive Services
The theriogenology (reproduction) service at WSU can provide a diverse
range of services for horse owners. These include mare or stallion
breeding soundness evaluations, infertility examinations, artificial
insemination with chilled or frozen semen, and pregnancy diagnosis.
Computed Tomography (CT)
WSU is one of only a very few veterinary hospitals in the world equipped
to perform computed tomographic (CT) imaging on horses. We can provide
quality imaging and interpretation for distal limb (below the carpus and
hock) and head disorders of adult horses and full body evaluation of
young foals. The availability of this imaging modality is rapidly moving
WSU to the forefront of veterinary medicine in the evaluation of
lameness and neurologic disorders.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
WSU is one of only a very few veterinary hospitals in the world equipped
to perform magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on horses. We can provide
quality imaging and interpretation for distal limb (below the carpus and
hock) and head disorders in adult horses and full body imaging of young
foals. The availability of this imaging modality is rapidly moving WSU
to the forefront of veterinary medicine in the evaluation of lameness
and neurologic disorders.
Nuclear Scintigraphy
WSU is fully licensed to perform a wide array of nuclear scintigraphic
imaging. This technique is most commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of
lameness problems in horses. It is especially helpful in localizing the
sources of lameness in horses with multiple limb problems and in
assessing the causes of back pain.
Radiology
The radiology service at WSU is world renowned for its imaging
capabilities. In addition to standard radiography and ultrasonography,
the radiology group at WSU can provide magnetic resonance (MR) and
computed tomographic (CT) imaging of distal limbs and heads of adult
horses and full body imaging of young foals.
Ultrasonography
The equine medicine and radiology services at WSU can provide a variety
of ultrasonographic examinations including evaluation of tendons and
ligaments, internal organs, Doppler blood flow analysis, and
echocardiography. Ultrasound guided biopsies and aspirates are also
available.
Anesthesia
Board certified veterinary anesthesiologists are available to assist
with anesthesia of even the most critically ill patient. Anesthetized
patients receive state-of-the-art monitoring and support.
Equine Dentistry
A full range of dental services is available for horses. These include
routine “floating,” tooth extraction, and advanced dental surgeries.
Both manual and power equipment are available for use. Much of the
routine dentistry work at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is done
by a licensed veterinary technician with advanced training and expertise
in equine dentistry, under the supervision of a staff veterinarian.
Equine Emergency
WSU offers a 24-hour emergency service available 365 days a year to
diagnosis and treat acute injuries and diseases (colic, fractures,
foals, etc.). A team of internists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists are
on call to provide state-of-the-art surgery and emergency intensive care
for even the most critical patient.
