Sports Medicine and Lameness Evaluations

Sports medicine is the heart of Sporthorse Veterinary Specialists.
Dr Neil works closely with riders and their extended support teams of farriers, physiotherapists and acupuncture/chiropractic vets to keep horses performing at their peak.

Lameness exams are performed at clients’ properties and tailored with the owners’ objectives and costs in mind. Diagnostic modalities performed on site include digital radiography and ultrasonography.

For complex cases requiring further evaluation such as scintigraphy and MRI, Dr Neil has a good working relationship with major referral clinics which perform these advanced diagnostics.

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Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography

Dr Neil has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasonograhy.
Dr Neil is a certified member of ISELP (International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology), a group focused on lameness in the equine athlete.
Dr Neil regularly lectures and instructs other veterinarians in musculoskeletal ultrasonography.

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Pre Purchase Examinations

Pre purchase examinations are an almost daily occurrence.
Prior to purchasing a new performance horse, a complete pre purchase examination is recommended.
Ancillary procedures available include digital radiography, ultrasonography including echocardiography, upper airway endoscopy, and electrocardiography.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy of the upper airway is often required to evaluate poor performance, respiratory noise during exercise, or the source of nasal discharge or epistaxis (bleeding from the nose).
Occasionally, referral for dynamic endoscopy during exercise may be required to thoroughly evaluate your horse.

Digital Radiography

Sporthorse Veterinary Specialists uses digital radiography, enabling high quality radiographs to be viewed instantly on site. Images can be magnified, contrasted and enhanced to view areas of interest.

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ECG

Electrocardiography (ECG) is performed to evaluate an irregularity of heart rate or rhythm. ECG may be performed concurrently with an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound).

Dr Neil also uses “AliveECG Vet” enabling ECGs to be performed simply using a mobile phone.

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Echocardiography

Echocardiography, or cardiac ultrasound, is used to evaluate heart murmurs.
As a medicine specialist, Dr Neil has received further training using this diagnostic modality.

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Internal Medicine

Dr Neil is a registered specialist in internal medicine, and is available for evaluation of horses with complex disorders and poor performance, usually at the request of other veterinarians.

As we do not do routine calls and emergencies, initial consultations are usually performed by your vet and referred for second opinion and additional workup.

Poor Performance

Lameness is the most common cause of poor performance in the equine athlete. Other common causes are respiratory disease, such as inflammatory airway disease, and cardiac abnormalities.

As a specialist in equine medicine with advanced degrees in sports medicine, lameness and imaging, Dr Neil is well suited to investigate your horses’ poor performance.

Sports Medicine and Lameness Evaluations • Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography • Pre Purchase Examinations • Digital Radiography • Endoscopy • ECG • Echocardiography • Internal Medicine • Poor Performance