Diagnostic Facilities

Radiography

A high-powered, overhead gantry supported x-ray machine with digital processing gives good quality imaging of all areas of the horse. This is housed in a large room with rubber floor allowing easy positioning of the horse. Most horses are very calm in this environment, but some are sedated to ensure the best quality radiograph is obtained. Radiographs are stored indefinitely at Ashbrook, but can be emailed or sent on disc to farriers, insurance companies, etc.

A small portable machine is also available which allows radiographs to be taken at home e.g. in cases of severe laminitis and possible fractures.. We have recently purchased a new much smaller and lighter machine which gives better radiographs and is easier to transport.

Ultrasonography

A state-of-the-art ultrasound machine capable of producing excellent images of the tendons and other musculoskeletal structures is based in the Imaging Suite. The machine has a second probe which allows imaging of the heart, lungs and abdominal structures. It is also useful for eye examinations, allowing us examine the structures at the back of the eye when it is not possible to look through from the front due to the disease process involved. The dark environment possible in the imaging suite enhances the quality of the images obtained further. All images are stored on a hard drive allowing comparison in the future when necessary.

A portable scanner is also available, but is best suited to reproductive work. Ultrasound allows early pregnancy diagnosis including the detection of twin pregnancies at a stage where they can be managed as well as evaluation for correct insemination times.

Endoscopy

A range of endoscopy equipment is available to help with diagnosing medical conditions:

A small scope for looking at the nasal passages and into the guttural pouches.

A medium scope for looking further into the airway; samples can be obtained via this scope to identify cell types in the lungs and therefore the disease process that is affecting the horse.

A long gastroscope is used to examine the lining of the stomach and to visualise the beginning of the small intestine. All of these are attached to a video monitor allowing clients to see what we see.