SPORTS MEDICINE

SPORTS MEDICINE

Soundness Examination

Our hospital serves as a hub for performance and lameness evaluations.  Our veterinarians will work with you to return and keep your equine athlete in top performance condition.

A common soundness exam includes:

  • Movement evaluation on different surfaces
  • Palpation of the limbs
  • Flexion tests
  • Hoof testers
  • Radiographs

It may also include:

  • Ultrasonography
  • Nuclear scintigraphy
  • MRI
  • Ridden evaluation

Shockwave Treatment (ECSW)

A variety of musculoskeletal conditions benefit from extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Chronic pain and lameness are treated with high energy sound waves transmitted to the affected area. Focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can be used in the standing horse under mild sedation. Such therapy is utilized to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as bowed tendons, suspensory ligament desmitis, stress fractures and sore backs.

Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP)

This is a therapy for the treatment of joint or tendon sheath inflammation that may not respond to medication, rest or other conventional therapy. It uses the patient’s own blood to produce a serum concentrated with regenerative and anti-inflammatory proteins. These proteins are then injected into the synovial cavity to combat inflammation.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

For ligament or tendon fiber injuries, platelet rich plasma offers a therapy that is derived from the patient’s own regenerative abilities. Blood from the horse is collected and centrifuged to concentrate blood platelets and a variety of growth factors. These are then injected directly into the injury of the tendon or ligament. This serum matrix aids the body to produce a more correct healing and recovery from the insult.

Stem Cells

Autologous and allogeneic stem cells are available for treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions that involve tendons, ligaments and joints. This may involve collections of bone marrow or fat that is then processed/purified/cultured and re-injected into the damaged tissue area. Stem cells can be injected for regional perfusion or locally to aid the body in repairing an injured condition. This technology can be combined with other regenerative therapies and well supervised rehabilitation program in order to provide optimal “functional healing”. This gives the horse the best chance to achieve athletic success post-injury.

Ultrasound Guided Injection Treatment (USGI)

This is a technique to more precisely deliver treatment to the appropriate region. This is particularly important for areas of the neck, back and sacroiliac area. USGI utilized high quality ultrasound to visualize the anatomical structure to be treated. Needles are placed along the plane of visualization to the desired spot and then medication can be administered. This optimizes precision of therapy and can be used for tendon, ligament, joint and bone injuries.

WEATHERFORD EQUINE MEDICAL CENTER

1877 Mineral Wells Hwy,
Weatherford, TX 76088

office: 817.594.9100
fax: 817.596.5770 email:hospital@weatherfordequine.com

WEATHERFORD EQUINE BREEDING CENTER

6375 Mineral Wells Hwy,
Weatherford, TX 76088

office: 817.594.9181
fax: 817.594.9183 email:breeding@weatherfordequine.com

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