DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Digital Radiography

We have recently purchased a new Computerised Radiology (CR) machine which provides us with advanced digital radiographic imaging. With its anatomical interface we can set the system to produce extremely high quality media of many body parts. After the picture is taken it is processed and transferred to a computer workstation which allows pictures to be viewed in less than 2 minutes. The media can then be adjusted for brightness, contrast, magnified, rotated, reversed to a negative image and adjusted to enhance detail. Once the patient study is completed, the media are transferred over to our network and saved onto the patient history for future reference. The system also allows media to be saved on CD-ROMs or DVDs for owners to keep if needed.

Portable Digital X-ray capabilities

We have portable Digital x-ray units that we use as part of our ambulatory services. These units allow us to bring Digital radiology services out to the client whenever needed.

The units allow us to take extremely high quality images in as little as four seconds from exposure. These superior high quality images assist in more rapid and accurate diagnoses. These images can then be saved onto jpeg images or onto USB, CD/DVD’s for referral to specialist centres or for owners to keep if needed.

Ultrasound

All our veterinarians are equipped with ultrasound machines that assist us in the diagnosis of various conditions such as sites with a mass of swelling, abdominal pain, joint, tendon and ligament injuries or to monitor reproductive cycles and pregnancy. We have recently purchased a MyLab system which allows us to provide digital imaging for patients and has ultrasound image recording capabilities. These media can be saved onto a CD-ROM or DVD for owners to keep and we can transfer these media onto our network to be saved onto patient history for future reference.

Surgical Facilities

The clinic has had since 2009 an inbuilt surgery that is equipped with a gaseous anaesthesia and a safe and secure knockdown/recovery box.  This has enabled our Vets to perform minor surgeries within the clinic environment with the assistance of the clinic’s Vet nursing staff.  Dr Alastair MacLean also uses these facilities to perform more complex surgical procedures for both day patients and short-term hospital patients.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is an important tool used by our veterinarians to diagnose many conditions in the upper respiratory tract, exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), guttural pouch, and nasal cavity problems. We have both portable and video endoscope equipment which is attached to a monitor. The monitor gives the veterinarian a better view of these anatomical structures and also allows the clients to see these structures during the examination. It assists the veterinarian in discussions with our clients about their horse’s condition and helps clients understand the treatment to be used. The video endoscope has recording capabilities which copies video media for medical records, client’s copies or referrals.

E.C.G

The clinic has recently purchased a computerised E.C.G. machine and monitor.  This can be used at an owner’s property or at the clinic to diagnose many heart conditions and also to evaluate a heart score value.  It can be used either with the horse at rest or during work to assess changes in heart function during exercise.  The data can then be stored or saved onto a USB, CD/DVD for referral to specialist centre or for owner’s to keep if needed.

Ambulatory Service

We provide an excellent ambulatory service on your property in need because we recognise the fact that not all horses can be brought into our clinic. The services we provide include reproductive management, lameness evaluations, wounds, colics, foaling, etc. We provide a 24 hour, 7 day a week emergency service that covers a wide range of areas such as Seymour, Romsey, Whittlesea and surrounding areas. However we do recommend wherever possible that you bring your horse into the clinic where we have the best possible facilities and equipment available to provide the most effective and efficient service. Bringing your horse to us also reduces the consultation fee and of course we do not charge travel because you are coming to us.

Reproduction

We have long term relationships with various breeding studs in the area and provide them and many individual horse owners with reproductive services. We have the equipment needed and our experienced veterinarians provide many services such as monitoring reproductive cycles, stallion collection, artificial insemination of mares with both chilled and frozen semen, attend foaling and post foaling checks. To keep the costs associated with reproduction down we have set cycle fees available for mares that are brought into our clinic for their reproductive work. For more information on our cycle fees, please contact our clinic during office hours.

Pre Purchase Examinations

We conduct Pre Purchase examinations in accordance with the Australian Equine Veterinary Association recommendation which can include the full 5 stages if required. We can also carry out x-rays, endoscopes, ultrasounds, and ECGs if required. These examinations can take place either at our clinic or out in the field depending on each individual situation. We will conduct an examination for any type of horse such as performance horses, competition horses, general riding horses etc. We can also provide the purchaser with a written report upon request on the findings of the examination.

Lameness

Evaluation of any horses that have lameness issues is another service that we provide to all our clients. Our skilled veterinarians work with the horses to quickly ascertain the cause of the lameness, provide the necessary treatment and rectify the problem.

Shockwave Therapy

We have recently purchased a new Versatron Shockwave machine that allows us to treat a number of areas such as ligaments, tendons, back problems, joint conditions, navicular problems, splint bone fractures and periostitis, and stress fractures.

The machine directs energy-laden sound waves to the affected area which triggers the body's own repair mechanisms. Treatment can be carried out either at the clinic or at your property. The treatment is done on a standing horse and they will generally require sedation.