At the stableside we take a full clinical history for the patient regarding its performance history and percieved issues. A full physical exam is carried out with a check over of limbs and cardiac auscultation. We will then make an assessment of the horse's larynx at rest. The horse is tacked up and the overground scope is fitted to our custom made bridle. We have a highly experienced team of staff to handle the patient during this process. An exercising ecg may be fitted if required. Our jockey will then work the horse whilst we are viewing the function of the larynx and surrounding tissues during exercise. The bulk of cases are worked on the sand gallop but if needed, a course of jumps can be put up in the arena and the horse can be examined whilst schooling over fences. If you are bringing a sports horse, it may be preferrable to provide the regular work rider and your own saddle. Please be aware that if you are riding your own horse, you must wear a hat and back protector. Please discuss with the office when booking your appointment the level of fitness required to do a diagnostic piece of work. A recording is made of the overground scope and may be sent to your referring vet on request. The lower airway will be evaluated after exercise with a tracheal wash. Further tests and examinations are carried out on a case by case basis.
TREATMENT
After careful discussion with you and your vet, once a diagnois has been made we offer a range of surgical procedures to treat any issue. Some cases may be treated as a day patient but others may stay with us under our nursing care for 2 or 3 days. It is important that we speak with your vet in order to provide sufficient aftercare for each patient after they have been discharged from the clinic. Our team of staff are happy to discuss your requirements and likely timeframe when you book your horse in. Surgical treatments include but are not limited to Hobday procedure, Tie backs, Tie Forwards, Epiglottic entrapment resection and laser fold resection. Procedures may be done under general anaesthetic or standing under sedation - this decision is made on a case by case basis.