General Medicine
Comprehensive diagnostics and treatment is essential when dealing with acute and chronic illness. Whether your horse is suffering from an ophthalmic problem, a respiratory infection or needs adjustment to his diet, Keystone Equine is there to guide him back to better health. Our goal is to help the owner formulate the best plan of therapy for their horse.
·····
Lameness
Lameness is the leading the cause of poor performance in the equine world. The key to an accurate lameness diagnosis is a thorough examination by an experienced veterinarian.
First and foremost is a complete history of the problem. The horse is then observed in motion in a straight line, on a lunge line and at times under tack. Surfaces may be changed to observe differences on soft and hard footing. Flexion tests are also performed to reveal any underlying soreness.
Perineural (around the nerve) as well as intra-articular (in the joint) blocking is often performed to sequentially numb the limb and isolate the source of pain. Once we have our focus area, we can then utilize other tools to achieve a diagnosis. At Keystone Equine Vet, we often utilize digital radiography and ultrasound for this thorough evaluation. We then use this valuable information to formulate a treatment plan that best fits the needs of your equine athlete.
·····
Reproduction
Equine reproductive services are a very important part of veterinary practices. Attention to detail is vital to achieving good reproductive results for your farm. At Keystone Equine Vet Services we feel the best way to start off the breeding season is with a breeding soundness exam. An ultrasonic evaluation combined with uterine culture and cytology will help us to ensure the reproductive health of your mare. Reproductive services offered by our practice include but are not limited to:
- rectal examination
- pregnancy diagnosis
- ultrasonography
- artificial insemination
- twin reduction
- post foaling exam
- uterine culture, cytology and biopsy
·····
Pre-Purchase Exams
Keystone Equine Vet takes the purchase of a horse very seriously. There is always risk associated with the purchase of any horse. In order to manage this risk, we advise all clients to have an experienced veterinarian perform a pre-purchase examination.
A thorough pre-purchase exam is to identify any deviations from "normal". These abnormalities are then reviewed to quantify the risks associated with the purchase of that horse. Important factors include the intended level of use, the horse’s performance history and the current conditioning/fitness level of the horse.
The intent of a pre-purchase exam is not to pass or fail the horse but to assist the purchaser in making the best educated decision. The exam is good for that particular horse on that day and no future guarantees can be made.
The exam itself is an extensive physical exam covering the whole horse from front to back. If the seller/agents facilities are limited, it is suggested the horse be transported to another location to allow for proper exam.
-
Physical
- Complete from nose to tail
- All major body systems
- Reproductive and endoscopic exam if requested
- Trot in straight lines
- Flexion tests
- Lunging at trot & canter
- Hard & soft surfaces
- Under tack if appropriate
- EIA (coggins)
- Drug Screen (performance enhancing meds)
- Blood count and blood chemistry
Soundness
Bloodwork (suggested, but optional)
·····
Equine Dentistry
Routine dental care is a very important aspect of a complete equine health care program. "Floating", as it is commonly called, is essential to a horses comfort while chewing as well as while under tack. Dental care should begin at 2-3 years of age. On average, dental maintenance should be performed on a yearly basis. Regular maintenance will help to prevent major dental problems from developing. Regular maintenance can also help to prevent other forms of oral pathology.
In the performance horse, specific attention is placed on the bit seat area. A rounded bit seat area gives an improved, more comfortable contact with the bit. Dr. Angstadt is skilled in both routine and performance dental care.
·····
Surgery
Keystone Equine must limit surgery to those procedures that can be performed in the field setting. A wide array of procedures can be performed such as castration, wound repair, and mass removal. A consultation with Dr. Angstadt can help to determine if your horses surgery can be performed at the stable or if best to go to a referral center. Keystone Equine hopes to have its own facility in the near future.
·····