Columbia Equine Hospital

Columbia Equine Hospital has four equipped trucks to provide full service care for your horses in a field setting. Our patients include show, performance, pleasure, trail, and even retirees! Our comprehensive ambulatory services include primary care, preventative medicine and vaccinations, new foal wellness exams, lameness and prepurchase examinations, reproductive services, and dental procedures. We also perform regular re-examinations of horses after discharge from our hospital so we can assure that patients are continuing with their progress. Diagnostically we have the ability to perform radiographic (X-ray), ultrasound, and endoscopic examinations in the field when necessary. Doctors are available for 24-hour emergency coverage within our practice area. Columbia Equine veterinarians also provide on-site services for several major horse shows and other events in the Portland area.

Lameness evaluations, both in the clinic and in the field, are a major part of the hospital caseload. Our spacious covered lameness arena allows for year-round work-ups of horses both under saddle and on the lunge line. Patients at CEH undergo a thorough physical exam with gait analysis, flexion tests, nerve and joint blocks as needed and advanced diagnostic imaging. CEH offers the latest in diagnostics with GE Logic Book Digital Ultrasound that allows ultrasonic evaluation of joints, ligaments, tendons and several soft tissue areas previously not studied. Radiography is provided in the field and in-house with one of three X-ray machines. The latest addition to the imaging systems is the MIE Digital Scintigraphy diagnostic system (please see the Bone Scan section for more information). Diagnostic surgical arthroscopy is also available for intra-articular evaluations.

TruDR by Sound Technologies delivers instant enhanced digital radiographs. The portable DR unit allows immediate evaluation of positioning, exposure and motion to ensure quality radiographs and eliminate the need for retakes and multiple farm trips. With TruDR, Pre-Purchase Exams are accomplished thoroughly and efficiently with less radiation exposure for handlers and the horse. Doctors, staff and clients may instantly review images allowing rapid diagnosis and treatment. The images are digitally archived and automatically loaded on a secure website to allow Web-based sharing between clients, their farriers and other veterinarians.

Nuclear Scintigraphy (Bone Scan) is available at CEH. Our MIE digital unit with a Siemens Large Field of View Digitrac Gamma Camera is state-of-the-art and allows for all of the advantages of the new digital format. The updated motion correction software and high resolution collimator allow for pristine diagnostic images. The large field of view allows for faster studies and better comparisons of anatomic areas.

Bone Scans are performed on a standing sedated horse. The camera moves around the horse on a rolling gantry system that is quiet and easily adjusted to a variety of positions. Scintigraphy involves the use of a bone-seeking isotope that is concentrated in areas of increased bone activity that is found with arthritis, infection, fracture, or soft tissue injury that is closely associated with bone. The Gamma camera then counts the isotopes that concentrate in these areas and convert the counts into an image. Our staff veterinarians interpret the images and consult with off-site specialists for expedient and accurate interpretation.

The scintigraphy studies are useful for diagnosis of elusive lower limb lameness and upper limb/axial skeletal (back, neck, pelvis, shoulder) injuries that cannot be evaluated with radiographs. Scintigraphy localizes lameness and performance limiting injuries that do not block, that block but are radiographically “silent” and that are multifocal. Bone Scan, in conjunction with more traditional diagnostics, is another tool available to provide a more thorough and sensitive diagnosis of discrete or elusive lamenesses.

Orthokine IRAP (Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein), a natural product harvested from the horse and amplified in vitro, has been proven to slow the progression of early mild to moderate joint disease. This innovative procedure, used successfully for years in Europe, has recently become available in the United States.

Interleukin-1 is the precursor of the inflammatory cascade that results in Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). This agent is produced by injured cartilage cells and its presence in joints triggers the production of other inflammatory mediators that exacerbate joint disease. IRAP blocks Interleukin-1 from binding to its receptors, thereby halting the inflammatory cascade.

Blood drawn from the patient is conditioned in vitro to enhance that production of the IRAP. The blood is incubated for 24 hours in a sterile syringe filled with glass beads. The beads increase the surface area for the horse’s white blood cells to adhere. The white blood cells secrete natural anti-inflammatory compounds including IRAP that are harvested and injected back into the affected joints. While existing damage is not reversed, IRAP reduces further degenerative changes. As IRAP is a natural product and not a drug, it does not possess the potential side-effects of conventional joint injection products.

Autologous blood products have created a growing interest for use in a number of orthopaedic therapies. The healing effects of plasma are supported by growth factors released by platelets. These growth factors induce a healing process wherever they are applied.

Outside the bloodstream, platelets become activated and release proliferative and morphogenic proteins. These growth factors are known to be relevant for healing in a variety of tissue types including bone, tendon, cartilage and skin.1 Their main actions are:

CEH’s portable Sanuwave VersaTron® shockwave unit employs an electrohydraulic method to convert electricity generated outside the body (extracorporal) into focal pressure waves. When these waves reach the targeted tissue interface, energy is released. On a biochemical level, this energy increases cellular permeability, stimulates cellular division and cytokine production, induces neovascularization at the targeted tissue and improves tissue regeneration and healing. In short, ESWT reduces the convalescent period and improves overall healing of certain types of injuries. Shockwave is a non-invasive may to stimulate healing and relieve pain associated with certain chronic injuries.

Shockwave has been implemented for: insertional desmitis and tendonitis; osteoarthritis of the hock; navicular syndrome; stress fractures of the third metacarpal bone; and stimulation of bone formation and/or remodeling. Research is underway to determine the benefit of ESWT for subchondral bone cysts, body tendonitis and sore backs.

Shockwave is performed as a standing procedure on an outpatient basis. The horse is mildly sedated and receives 1,000-2,000 pulses (at 100 times atmospheric pressure) per 10-20 minute session. The number of sessions is dictated by the location and extent of the injury. As anatomical specificity is imperative to avoid damaging adjacent structures, concurrent ultrasonography or radiography may be necessary to properly direct the waves. It is important to restrict the horse’s activity after each treatment session as a brief period of analgesia (pain relief) lasting 4 days occurs due to nerve inflammation. Some regulatory bodies dictate that ESWT may not be performed within a specified time frame prior to competition to avoid overworking of horses with reduced pain perception.

Prepurchase Exams (PPE) are routinely performed by the staff veterinarians at CEH. A thorough soundness and physical exam is complimented by advanced diagnostic equipment at CEH including radiography, digital ultrasonography, videoendoscopy, nuclear scintigraphy and complete laboratory services. Hundreds of Pre-Purchase Exams are performed annually for a large variety of equine disciplines.
Radiographs taken at the time of the PPE allow diagnosis of current orthopedic issues affecting soundness. These images also reveal potential issues not yet evident clinically that may affect the future soundness of the horse. Radiographs do not reveal soft tissue lesions that may affect soundness. With hundreds of bones in the equine skeleton, imaging every joint is not practical. Instead, we recommend consulting with the veterinarian prior to the exam to determine what views may be necessary. These views vary based on the intended use of the animal, its current level of training, age and intent for resale and any abnormalities found on physical exam and lameness evaluation. Any radiographic findings must be interpreted in light of the horse’s current physical presentation. Some medical conditions or conformation faults are manageable or may never seriously affect the horse's performance. The veterinarian’s responsibility is not to Pass or Fail the horse, only to interpret current physical findings and advise the purchaser as to the potential limitations of the animal.

Remember, the most important part of the PPE is good communication. No horse is perfect in every regard. We are here to help you make an informed decision about the horse’s suitability for its intended purpose.

CEH recommends particular views for various breeds and disciplines. Please consult with a doctor when scheduling the exam to determine which views may be necessary. Additional views may be recommended after the examination based on the horse’s conformation and/or lameness. Please arrange to have your horses front shoes pulled prior to the PPE as the metal interferes with the quality of the radiographs.

As a PPE is thorough and time consuming, the horse (and handler) must be cooperative and patient. A fractious animal may be impossible to accurately evaluate, leading to an incomplete exam and overlooked problems. Sedation may be required to obtain clear and informative radiographs.

Medicine

The facility at Columbia Equine allows our veterinarians and staff to provide in depth medical and hospitalization services. We have nine indoor stalls, including two equipped for critical patients requiring IV fluid administration, as well as several outdoor paddocks for horses to recuperate. We are fully able to provide work-ups and treatment for medical colic, respiratory disease, ill neonates, and many other problems. We have an in-house laboratory where we monitor basic blood values for critical patients, as well as a local reference laboratory where we receive complete blood counts and blood chemistry results within 12 hours. Advanced diagnostics including endoscopy and ultrasound are routinely used to evaluate complex medical cases. An endoscope is a portable fiberoptic scope that allows the veterinarian to visualize structures in the upper respiratory tract, urethra and bladder, and uterus. Our video endoscope is equipped with a monitor to allow clients to see structures during the exam, as well as record images for records and consultations. Ultrasound technology can assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions in the horse.. Soft tissue ultrasonography plays an important role in diagnosing medical problems including pneumonia, abdominal pain, umbilical infections, bladder conditions, masses and swellings, early pregnancies and late term fetal monitoring.

Surgery

Surgical services provided by CEH include video assisted arthroscopy, general orthopedics, soft tissue surgery other than colic surgery, reproductive surgery, dental surgery and a wide variety of routine and emergency procedures. The surgery is primarily performed by Dr. Scott Hansen who has been the surgeon at CEH since 1983 and has had extensive surgical training and experience. The surgical suite is complete with a hydraulic table, gas anesthesia with positive pressure ventilation, blood pressure monitoring, EKG, pulse oximetry, medical and emergency support, padded recovery room, climate control, and a wide variety of other medical and surgical equipment. Surgical patients are moved to the surgical aftercare section of the hospital for monitoring and aftercare following the surgical procedure.

Reproduction

Our goal at Columbia Equine Hospital is to maximize your animal’s reproductive success by providing high quality individualized care and attention to stallions, mares and foals. In 2002, we constructed an on-site breeding facility with a safe and quiet breeding shed, teasing wall and collection phantom, stocks, 5 spacious mare/foal stalls and a reproductive laboratory for embryo transfer and semen freezing, storing and shipping. Most reproductive services are also available on an ambulatory basis.

Breeding Soundness Exam

Mare

We provide a wide range of reproductive services including breeding soundness examinations for both mares and stallions. Prior to purchasing a new mare or breeding a maiden mare, we recommend an external and internal evaluation of the reproductive tract. Vulvar or pelvic conformation defects may result in wind-sucking or urine pooling and subsequent contamination of the uterus. Cervical scarring from previous foaling trauma can inhibit complete uterine evacuation during estrus, thereby reducing fertility. Ultrasound examination of both the uterus and the ovaries can reveal tumors, cysts, and infection that may affect reproductive success. Videoendoscopic evaluation allows a thorough inspection of the reproductive tract that can reveal localized lesions affecting fertility. Uterine cytology and culture is beneficial in diagnosing unapparent infection and/or inflammation. Uterine biopsy reveals histological defects in the uterine wall that may inhibit implantation of the embryo. These diagnostics are crucial in the problem mare with a history of poor reproductive performance.

Stallion

Prior to purchasing a new stallion, considering a young stallion for his first breeding season, or entering the breeding season with a stallion with suspected low fertility, we recommend a thorough examination and evaluation of the reproductive tract (testicular size, shape and symmetry) and semen. If your stallion is trained to mount the phantom and ejaculate into an artificial vagina, semen is collected and analyzed. If the stallion has not been collected for awhile, semen is collected and disregarded.

Fertility trials using cooled transported equine semen have yielded pregnancy rates varying from 0% to over 70% per cycle, thus indicating that significant variability of sperm quality and response to cooling. Semen quality is determined based on concentration, motility and morphology. The semen is then extended in various antibiotics and preservatives and stored for 24 hours to determine which formula best preserves the sperm, thereby optimizing your stallion’s performance.

Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination allows breeding of your mare to a stallion from anywhere in the world without the risk of disease or injury during mating. Managing the estrus cycle with ultrasonography reduces the number of inseminations needed to achieve fertilization. Optimally, the mare's breeding records should be examined or she should be monitored through one or two estrous cycles prior to breeding to establish the dynamics of her cycle and the size of the follicle that she typically ovulates. Artificial insemination with fresh-cooled semen can be performed either in-house or on your farm. If your mare is to be inseminated with frozen semen, we encourage you to board her at CEH for intensive management of her cycle. Ultrasound examinations are performed as frequently as necessary (up to four times daily) to ensure accurate synchrony of ovulation and insemination.

Once bred, we recommend ultrasound examinations at day 14-15 (to visualize the embryonic vesicle), day 25 (to monitor for heart beat) and day 35-40 to ensure normal development of the embryo. We are available for consultation throughout your mare’s pregnancy answering your questions concerning nutrition, vaccinations and pre-partum expectations.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer has emerged as a way to enhance a particular mare’s reproductive potential by maximizing her number of offspring. Embryo transfer has been used in fertile older mares unable to carry a foal to term due to uterine or other physiological defects (fractured pelvis, ruptured pre-pubic tendon, laminitis). With embryo transfer, many performance mares are able to produce offspring without interruption of their show career. Six to nine days after breeding we harvest the embryo from your mare and ship it to a recipient mare and transfer station of your choice. Recipient mares incubate the fetus and naturally deliver normal foals with your mare’s genetics.

Mare/Foal Exam

After delivery, a mare/ foal exam within the first 24-48 hours is essential to ensure the health of your mare and new addition. Newborns require a thorough examination with particular attention to their limbs, heart and lungs, umbilical stump and palate. The presence of a ruptured bladder, umbilical herniation, or a patent urachus may require immediate surgical intervention and should be closely monitored. Your newborn may also require vaccination, vitamin/mineral supplementation, passive transfer (IgG) testing and an enema depending on the nutritional status and vaccination history of your mare. Conformation evaluation is crucial as many orthopedic defects can be remedied or improved by addressing the problem immediately. Your mare should be evaluated for trauma sustained during delivery. Examination of the placenta is necessary to ensure the membranes were passed in entirety. Retention of the placenta beyond 4 hours may be life-threatening and needs immediate attention.

Stallion Collection

Stallion collections are performed at CEH in our indoor collection facility. Clients may supply their own cycling mare for teasing or, with advanced notice, we will have an ovarioectomized mare on the premises. Semen is collected, analyzed, extended (if necessary) and shipped from our lab.
If you require additional services please call us with questions regarding your specific needs.

Equine dental needs of all types are addressed. Basic floating, or occlusal equilibration, is performed as a routine part of annual care recommended for all horses. The patient is sedated with its mouth held open by a speculum. The head is supported in a padded ring or other device. Overlong teeth are filed as needed, sharp points are removed and edges are smoothed for comfort and efficient mastication. Bit seats are applied to all horses and incisors are reduced as needed. Other procedures performed on an as needed basis include intraoral extractions, intraoral and standard radiographs, and treatment of periodontal disease. More specialized procedures, such as orthodontics, root canals, both conventional and surgical, surgical extractions, restorations of decayed teeth and periodontal surgeries are also offered.

The veterinarians at Columbia Equine Hospital are available for emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We pride ourselves by providing our clients with extremely reliable emergency services. Outside of colic surgery, we are able to handle most cases either at your farm or at our hospital facilities. To reach a veterinarian for an emergency, just call our office phone numbers (503-663-1515) and the answering service will page us.