Advanced Care for Equine Athletes
Our Sports Medicine and Lameness services focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and performance issues in horses. With each discipline having unique demands, our advanced training in musculoskeletal evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation techniques keep your horse at peak performance.
Lameness Exams
By utilizing a systematic process to identify and assess lameness, our team combines observation, palpation, flexion tests, diagnostic blocks, and advanced imaging to pinpoint the source and severity of pain. Our doctor’s goal is to diagnose the underlying cause of lameness and guide appropriate treatment.
Pre-Purchase Examinations
A thorough physical and lameness evaluation conducted to assess a horse’s health and soundness before purchase. Our team uses this exam to help potential buyers make informed decisions by identifying any existing or potential health issues that could impact the horse’s suitability for its intended use.
Joint Injections
Joint injections are one of the most commonly performed procedures in sport horse practice. Administering medications directly into a horse’s joint aid in reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving joint function.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Equine Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine technique that utilizes a horse’s own blood to promote healing in injured tissues. It involves concentrating platelets from a blood sample and injecting them into the site of injury, like tendons, ligaments, or joints. These platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, speeding up the healing process.
Pro-Stride APS
Pro-Stride APS is a drug-free, advanced form of regenerative medicine for treatment of inflamed joints and injured tissues. Containing both PRP and IRAP, this treatment “jump-starts” the healing process by slowing cartilage degradation, strengthening and accelerating the soft tissue healing process, and improving mobility.
Polyacrylamide Gel (Arthramid-Vet/Noltrex-Vet)
These products are a biocompatible, non-degradable gel that provides lubrication and cushioning directly into the joint. Designed for managing arthritis and other joint disorders, with long-lasting effects, PAAG are used to improve joint function, reduce lameness, and potentially delay the progression of joint disease. We have been using Arthramid-Vet and Noltrex-Vet for several years with extremely impressive results even in otherwise refractory or severe cases.
Rehabilitation Programming
At Gem City Equine, our physical rehabilitation is focused on restoring your horse’s health and function after injury, illness, or inactivity. We combine therapeutic techniques, controlled exercise, and mental well-being strategies. The goal is to help your horse regain optimal movement, strength, and function, whether they are recovering from an injury, surgery, or managing a chronic condition.
Metabolic/Laminitis Management Strategies
Equine metabolic derangements and laminitis are some of the most frustrating and complex conditions to manage. Our team focuses on diagnosing the correct disorder, controlling the disease’s progression, and preventing and treating laminitis through dietary adjustments, exercise, medication, and proper hoof-care.
