A horse can only function optimally if all organs such as the heart (blood composition and blood vessels), lungs, digestive system (stomach, intestines), skin, liver, kidneys, bladder, muscles and nerves are completely in order. to be.
For these studies, VIA NOVA has appointed Dr. Caroline Ribonnet (Dipl. ECEIM – specialist in internal medicine) in house.
A cardiac examination consists of an echocardiography (heart tracing) and an electrocardiography examination. An electrocardiographic (EKG) study consists of a rest and an exercise EKG. Based on these studies, it is possible to determine whether the heart is at the root of any reduction in performance, whether riding a horse with a heart murmur or arrhythmia is safe, and what the impact of a heart murmur is on the horse's future sport performance. will be.
If your horse suffers from a cough, nasal discharge, nosebleed or makes an abnormal sound during exercise, further investigation is indicated.
The upper respiratory tract (nasal passages, air sacs, throat, vocal cords, trachea) and lungs are examined with an endoscopic (camera inspection), ultrasound and/or radiographic examination. In some cases, a sample (tracheal wash or bronchoalveloar lavage) is necessary to identify the cause of the airway problem.
If your horse makes a strange sound during exercise and the cause is not found through a rest endoscopy, a dynamic (during exercise) endoscopic examination can sometimes provide more information.
If your horse suffers from intermittent colic, weight loss, is he grumpy while riding or if there is a suspicion of stomach ulcers, then further examination of the digestive system is indicated.
The digestive system consists of the stomach and various parts of the intestines. The digestive system is examined with a gastroscopy (camera inspection of the stomach), a digestive examination, faecal examination and ultrasound examination.
If there is a suspicion of kidney, bladder or liver problems, we can help you further.
Liver, kidney and bladder problems are investigated with a blood test, an ultrasound and/or endoscopic examination. In some cases, a urine sample or an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the liver or kidney may be necessary.
Performance problems can sometimes be due to rapid muscle acidification. A general examination, blood tests, acidity tests and taking a muscle biopsy of the correct muscle provide valuable information about muscle problems.
Skin problems can manifest themselves in different forms: allergies, bacterial, viral, fungal infections, melanomas, sarcoids, drug induced?. etc. Each cause needs a different approach. A skin examination consists of a visual and manual inspection, blood tests, biopsies, taping test or scrapings. The microscopic examination of the samples already provides the first information about the cause.
VIA NOVA has the right equipment to perform a blood test. Both standard and advanced blood results are interpreted by our European recognized Equine Internist Specialist.
