Sales – Repository Radiographs & Clinical Examinations

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Thoroughbred public auction sales require a standard set of radiographs to accompany the weanling/yearling which are made available for viewing in a repository for potential buyers. Good quality, diagnostic views are essential to ensure accurate assessment so as not detract from the sale price due to any uncertainty.

We perform radiographic examinations for a fixed price which includes a written interpretation for the vendor. Radiographs must be taken within 42 days (6 weeks) prior to the sale and include 34 views in accordance with the EVA recommendations. As with other radiographic examinations, the horse is sedated for the procedure and an undercover area with a level surface and a power source are required.

Clinical examinations at the sales complex are also routinely performed as a decision to purchase should not be made exclusively on radiographic findings. A typical examination consists of auscultation of the heart and lungs, examination of the eyes, mouth, presence of two testicles (colts) and any conformational faults or gait alterations.

We also offer survey radiographic examinations for a slightly reduced cost. This is the identical series of radiographs which are taken to allow vendors to pursue surgical treatment of any lesions prior to sale.

Blood Profiles

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Blood cell counts and biochemical values such as muscle, liver and kidney enzymes, electrolyte balance and protein fractions are used to assess and monitor the horse’s health and response to training. Bloods should be submitted before 10am to receive same day results. Any previous blood results are also recorded so a base line of values is established over time so any deviations can be interpreted.

 

Dentistry

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Good dental health is vital to your horse’s overall well-being and an important part of the proper functioning of the digestive system. There are some issues commonly associated with oral problems such as weight loss and chronic colic, but more subtle conditions like changes in behavior, head tossing or loss of performance are frequently due to oral pain. Not all dental problems are obvious and a thorough examination with appropriate equipment and experience is essential to the proper dental care of your horse.

A quality equine dental vet will easily meet the following criteria.

 

Please visit the Equine Dental Vets website for further information and articles on equine dentistry via the link on our home page.

Digital Radiography

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Radiography plays an important role in equine veterinary practice, particularly in cases of lameness as it provides valuable information about bones (fractures) and joints (arthritis or bone chips).

Digital radiography increases the speed and efficiency of obtaining radiographs as the image is captured and then displayed on the laptop computer in just a few seconds for immediate review and assessment. The digital technology not only produces superior image quality but also allows image enhancements such as contrast changes and magnification to highlight specific areas of interest for more accurate diagnosis. The digital format also allows images to be written to portable digital media (DVD or USB) or emailed which is invaluable in cases for surgical referral, second opinions or pre-purchase examinations.

To perform the radiographic examination, the horse is usually mildly sedated (tranquillised) to ensure the safety of the patient, personnel and equipment. A power source and under cover area with a level surface is also essential to obtain good quality diagnostic images.

Our practice is equipped with leading edge portable digital imaging equipment the TruDR LX system to provide the highest standard of radiographic assessment of your horse.

Small “bone chip” in the carpus (knee) of a thoroughbred racehorse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECG

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Athletic horses are required to perform at their peak and minor disturbances to the heart can impact greatly on exercise capacity and performance. If a horse is not performing to its potential or is showing signs of exercise intolerance, a full clinical examination is warranted.

During the examination, if an abnormal heart rhythm is detected an ECG is required.. An ECG (electrocardiography) examination provides information about the electrical activity of the heart (ie. heart beat rhythm) and helps to determine the type or source of the abnormality.

We are equipped with a portable ECG machine to examine your horse in it’s own comfortable surroundings. Sedatives may affect the heart rate and therefore cannot be used for the procedure, so it is important that your horse is relaxed and comfortable during the examination to obtain an accurate recording. This is best achieved in their usual home environment where they are most calm.

Portable ECG machine. Leads are placed on the horse to record the electrical activity of the heart.