Internal medicine

Optimal Function for a Healthy Horse

For a horse to perform at its best, every organ system must function harmoniously. This includes the heart, which regulates blood composition and circulatory health; the lungs, which ensure efficient oxygen delivery; and the digestive system, comprising the stomach and intestines, vital for nutrient absorption and overall well-being. The skin, liver, kidneys, and bladder must also be in peak condition to support detoxification, fluid balance, and immune function. Furthermore, healthy muscles and nerves are essential for movement, strength, and coordination.

At Via Nova, we focus on maintaining and restoring the internal health of your horse, ensuring all systems work seamlessly together. Our advanced diagnostics and expert care help detect, treat, and manage conditions within these vital organs, allowing your horse to perform at its highest potential.

Cardiology and Heart

A comprehensive cardiac examination includes echocardiography (heart ultrasound) and electrocardiography (ECG). The ECG study is conducted in two phases: at rest and during exercise. These diagnostic tests help determine if the heart is contributing to any performance issues, assess the safety of riding a horse with a heart murmur or arrhythmia, and evaluate the potential impact of a heart murmur on the horse's future athletic performance. Through these advanced tests, we can provide a thorough understanding of your horse's heart health and its implications for their sporting activities.

Upper respiratory tract and lungs

If your horse experiences symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, nosebleeds, or abnormal sounds during exercise, further investigation is necessary.

The upper respiratory tract (including the nasal passages, air sacs, throat, vocal cords, and trachea) and lungs are examined using endoscopy (camera inspection), ultrasound, and/or radiographic imaging. In some cases, additional tests such as a tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage may be required to identify the cause of the airway issue.

If your horse produces unusual sounds during exercise and the cause is not evident through rest endoscopy, a dynamic (exercise) endoscopic examination may sometimes provide further insights.

Digestive system, stomach and intestines

 

If your horse experiences intermittent colic, weight loss, becomes irritable during riding, or there is a suspicion of gastric ulcers, further investigation of the digestive system is recommended.

The digestive system consists of the stomach and various parts of the intestines. It is examined through gastroscopy (camera inspection of the stomach), digestive analysis, fecal testing, and ultrasound imaging.

Liver, kidneys and bladder

If there is a suspicion of liver, kidney, or bladder issues, we are here to assist you.

Liver, kidney, and bladder problems are investigated through blood tests, ultrasound, and/or endoscopic examinations. In some cases, a urine sample or an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the liver or kidney may be necessary to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.

Muscle issues

Performance problems in horses can sometimes be caused by rapid muscle fatigue. A general examination, blood tests, acidification tests, and a muscle biopsy from the correct muscle provide valuable information about muscle-related issues.

Skin problems

Skin issues in horses can present in various forms, including allergies, bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, melanomas, sarcoids, and drug-induced conditions, among others. Each cause requires a specific approach. A skin examination involves a visual and manual inspection, blood tests, biopsies, tape tests, or scrapings. Microscopic examination of the samples provides initial insights into the underlying cause.

Laboratory, blood analysis and interpretation

At Via Nova, we are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform comprehensive blood tests. Whether standard or advanced, all blood results are carefully interpreted by our European-recognized Equine Internist Specialist. This ensures that we can accurately diagnose and provide tailored treatment plans based on the unique needs of your horse. Our expertise in blood analysis allows us to identify a wide range of conditions, from metabolic disorders to infections, ensuring the best possible care for your horse.