Services

San Dieguito Equine Group offers wide range of services for our clients and their horses. From advanced diagnostic imaging to routine wellness care and emergency services, our doctors can come to your farm or you can bring your horse to our state-of-the art facility. Click on the tabs below for more information about the all the services we provide.

Services

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to produce images with superior bone and soft tissue detail.  Our low field system allows us to acquire images of the distal limb in the standing, sedated horse.  We do not have to put the horse under general anesthesia.  We gather images in multiple planes allowing the radiologist to precisely locate the cause of the problem.  Depending on the temperament of the horse, the exam usually takes about 3 hours.
    MRI is an exciting technology as it allows us to diagnose lameness causing injuries that show few or no abnormalities with other imaging techniques like radiographs or ultrasound.  For more information about what to expect if your horse has an MRI at our clinic, please see the frequently asked questions page.
• Nuclear Scintigraphy

  • Nuclear Scintigraphy

    Nuclear scintigraphy, commonly called a bone scan, is a diagnostic procedure used in lameness cases. It involves i.v. administration of a radiopharmaceutical to the horse. The horse is then returned to its stall. While in the stall the radiopharmaceutical accumulates in areas where bony remodeling is actively occurring. We then gather information using our gamma camera and can recognize areas of injury where there is more “uptake” of radiopharmaceutical than normal. This type of imaging is especially useful in diagnosing injuries that are difficult or impossible to visualize with radiographs or when the horse has a multi-limb lameness. The imaging process takes approximately 3 hours to complete and an overnight stay is required to ensure adequate elimination of the isotope from the horse’s system. For more information about what to expect if your horse has a bone scan at our clinic, please see the frequently asked questions page.
    
• Digital Radiography

  • Digital Radiography

    Digital radiography allows for detailed diagnostic studies of bone pathology with consistent image quality. Images can be seen immediately as there is no film that needs to be developed. SDEG utilizes the Eklin portable DR system at the clinic and in the field. Preliminary review of the images can happen in the field. However, final interpretation is made on our high quality monitor at the clinic. At your request, we can save all readiographs on a CD for your records.
    
• Ultrasound

  • Ultrasound

    Ultrasound is a valuable imaging tool used to visualize soft tissue structures in the horse. Joint, tendon, and ligament injuries can be diagnosed and monitored using this modality. It also allows for evaluation of thoracic and abdominal organs for horses with suspected systemic illness. SDEG has portable ultrasound units in each ambulatory vehicle and a large hospital unit at the clinic.
• Orthopedic Evaluation

  • Orthopedic Evaluation

    The lameness examination involves a combination of historical information from the client, visual examination of the horse in motion, musculoskeletal palpation and manipulation, and variably using diagnostic blocking and advanced imaging to determine the source of pain or decreased performance. If a problem is diagnosed, SDEG can provide numerous therapeutic treatments and will design a lay-up and rehabilitation program specific to the horse's injury.
    
    
• Pre-Purchase Examination

  • Pre-Purchase Examination

    Comprehensive examination prior to purchasing or leasing a horse is essential for identifying underlying health conditions that may exist in the horse you are thinking about buying or leasing. The pre-purchase exam is tailored to the clients needs and can include advanced imaging, baseline blood work and drug screening, and consultation with our boarded specialists, if requested.
    
    
    
• Endoscopy

  • Endoscopy

    Both portable and videoendoscopy are available at SDEG. Evaluation of the upper respiratory tract is possible out in the field. Our 3-meter endoscope allows examination of the stomach and aids in diagnosis of gastric ulceration and other disorders. The exam can be recorded and saved on a CD for you, if desired.
    
    
    
• Wellness Management

  • Wellness Management

    General wellness management is essential to maintaining your horse’s health and performance. SDEG is committed to providing general services such as vaccines, deworming, nutritional consultation, annual examinations, insurance examinations, Coggins testing, and travel certification. We have a highly dedicated team who understands how to appropriately develop a wellness management plan for your horse, as every horse is different.
    
    
    
• Dentistry

  • Dentistry

    Annual dental examinations and routine teeth floating are essential to early recognition and management of dental problems that can affect digestion, body weight, and performance. SDEG provides power dentistry for both preventative maintenance and to correct dental abnormalities and maintain proper functioning.
    
    
    
• Radiology

  • Radiology

    Dr. Natasha Werpy, DVM, ACVR is available for imaging consultation and is able to perform advanced ultrasound examinations at the SDEG clinic. Dr. Norm Rantanen, DVM, ACR is also available for imaging consultation on a more limited basis.
    
    
    
• Ophthamology

  • Ophthamology

    Dr. Brendan Mangan, DVM, MS, DAVCO is available for advanced ophthalmology cases and can schedule both clinic and ambulatory consultations.