We have both a portable xray machine and an ultrasound scanner that can be brought out to your yard. In combination with nerve blocks (where local anaesthetic is injected into specific areas of the limb to determine where the pain is originating from), it is possible to diagnose most causes of lameness at your premises. All that we require is a flat level surface to trot your horse up on and a little patience – lameness investigations may take a while! Sometimes it is also useful to see a horse exercised on the lunge or under saddle.
If we need to carry out an xray or scan, we prefer the horse to be in a stable, out of bright light and on a level floor with the bed brushed back, with a power socket nearby.
Don’t worry if you don’t have these facilities at your yard, we can arrange for your horse or pony to be taken to Moreton stables were a more in depth investigation can be carried out. Remmer or Helen will advise you if this will be necessary.