Mobile Diagnostic Imaging

Digital Ultrasonography

The van currently carries an Imagic Agile (MyLab) digital scanner. Soft tissue imaging of structures such as tendons and ligaments can be performed, the images stored indefinitely and emailed to third parties. Cardiac ultrasonography can be arranged with the specialists’ cardiologists we work closely with. Many of the vets also carry ultrasound equipment in their cars for daily use.

Digital Radiography 

We have an battery powered, electric free Eklin Sprint unit in the van. This allows the acquisition of digital radiographs for nearly all orthopaedic problems that can be imaged radiographically, images can also be acquired for vettings. For more detailed assessments of backs, the horse may need to be admitted to the hospital. Being digital, the images can then be stored for an indefinite length of time and can also be forwarded to third parties such as purchaser’s vets and farriers.

Digital Endoscopy

A three metre long flexible video endoscope is carried that allows evaluation of upper airways, lower airways (including performing BAL sampling), the stomach, the bladder and the uterus, as well as the accessory sex glands of the stallion. Images and video clips can be stored and distributed electronically.

The endoscopy techniques can be used for evaluating horses with sinus and dental problems, as well as horses that may be suffering from Strangles; the guttural pouch can easily be visualised and sampled. Many of the vets also carry fibre optic endoscopes in their cars, for instant use when required. We also have an overland endoscopy unit for assessing the upper airways of horses whilst they are working.

Shockwave

The van carries a shockwave machine, used for treating a multitude of orthopaedic conditions such as suspensory ligament desmitits, tendon injury and hock and back pain. Shockwave therapy applies a pressure wave that is created the same way as a supersonic boom.

Class 4 Laser Therapy (K Laser)

This can be used to treat numerous conditions including tendon, ligament, joints and wound healing. Laser therapy uses selected wavelengths of light to stimulate key molecules in tissues. Decades of medical research have identified the wavelengths, energy level and frequencies that induce changes in cellular metabolism (Photobiostimulation), for instance melanin absorbing sunlight changes skins pigmentation. K-Laser delivers energy from superficial to deep tissues activating a cascade of photochemical reactions that promotes cell function, enabling treated tissues to accelerate the stages of the healing process and reduce pain sensation. This is a safe and non-invasive technique that uses the body’s own reparative processes. Typically, horses will have between 10 – 14 treatments over the course of one to two weeks.