Digital Radiography

Del Oeste Equine Hospital employs portable digital radiography (DR), an unrivaled primary imaging and diagnostic tool. Our veterinarians produce digital images stall-side, for instant viewing and onsite diagnosis.

Just as digital cameras have revolutionized photography, DR has replaced film-based X-ray technology for diagnostic imaging. Now, in less than four seconds, we can see a digital x-ray of your horse’s injury or area of concern. We know instantly whether we have a good view of the target area, or need to get an additional angle. The DR system allows the doctor to make the diagnosis and formulate the treatment plan onsite, possibly avoiding a second barn call.

As importantly:

• DR images are less prone to misinterpretation.
• Digital images offer much better contrast and clarity than film.
• We can instantly and easily zoom in on details, change focus and perspective, and examine the surrounding areas.
• The images can be quickly shared; you have a record of your horse’s condition, and can share your images with a farrier or other specialist.

Digital Ultrasonography

Our ultrasound equipment displays soft tissue structures in great detail. Diagnostic ultrasound has become the gold standard in the evaluation of tendons and ligaments in horses. With sequential ultrasound examinations, we can follow the rehabilitation of a soft tissue injury, assess healing of the tendon or ligament, and recommend and update a therapeutic plan to get your horse back to work or play.

For reproductive health assessment, ultrasound is also the diagnostic imaging technology of choice. Completely safe and radiation-free, ultrasound helps our veterinarians:

• Accurately locate your mare in her estrus cycle.
• Pinpoint dates for breeding.
• Determine if your mare is pregnant.
• Diagnose a potentially dangerous conception of twins.
• Monitor the health of a gestating foal.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is the diagnostic method of choice for evaluating the equine upper airway, allowing doctors to visually examine the interior respiratory structures, including the sinuses, airways, larynx (opening of the windpipe), and guttural pouch.

If your horse produces audible airway noise while working or exercising, he may be suffering from Recurrent Laryngeal Neuropathy (RLN, commonly called “roaring”). RLN is a condition that paralyzes the larynx on one (laryngeal hemiplegia) or both (laryngeal hemiparesis) sides. If your horse “roars,” wheezes, or whistles when breathing, suspect RLN and ask your veterinarian about an endoscopic examination.

Other indicators for endoscopy include choking, gagging, and excessive or unusual nasal discharge. Infections of the guttural pouch are common and — when not treated promptly — can become debilitating and even life-threatening. A timely endoscopic examination can confirm a pouch infection or other constricting condition, and let us quickly put your horse on the road to recovery.