Sports Medicine- Lameness
It might be an unexpected misstep, a missed barrel or refused fence. You notice that your horse isn’t performing at expected levels and this could be a source of pain causing unsoundness. Return to peak performance begins with accurate diagnosis, followed by treatment and a plan for joint maintenance.
DIAGNOSIS:
Dr. Caruso is a specialist, but more important has years of experience in evaluating, diagnosing and treating the sources of pain that are causing lameness. Evaluations begin with a thorough physical exam, locomotor exam and flexion testing. In some cases, diagnostic analgesia (nerve blocks/joint blocks) are administered along with advanced imaging on the farm including digital x-ray and ultrasound. When necessary we arrange for MRI, bone scans or CT scans at a referral hospital.
Diagnostic Imaging: The longevity of your horse depends on accurately diagnosing the source of pain causing lameness or poor performance. It is the foundation for a successful treatment and rehabilitation. Dr. Caruso is trained and versed in interpreting multiple diagnostic imaging modalities.
Performed on the farm: Digital ultrasound and radiographic examinations
Coordinated by Dr. Caruso with an affiliated hospital: nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), MRI, and CT evaluations
TREATMENT:
Using all diagnostic testing as a roadmap, a reliable treatment plan is designed and implemented. These treatments may include intra-articular or intralesional injection with a corticosteroid or regenerative medicine (mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, IRAP). Sometimes the treatment plan includes surgery.
Surgery
There are times when the treatment plan includes SURGERY. Dr. Caruso, a board-certified surgeon, provides elective surgery options.
As the primary surgeon Dr. Caruso specializes in:
Urogenital/reproductive surgery including laparoscopy
Upper respiratory/Sinonasal surgery
General soft tissue surgery/mass removals
Consultation and Referral
Dr. Caruso is available for consultation and referral. Based on the treatment plan, your veterinarian may refer your horse to Dr. Caruso, a specialist, for further diagnosis, treatment or surgery.
Or, your veterinarian may choose to consult with Dr. Caruso to review a diagnosis or the viability of a treatment plan.
Either way, Reedsdale Equine considers it an honor to partner with you and your veterinarian to create a successful plan for your horse’s health and soundness.
Pre-Purchase Exams
The purchase of a horse is an exciting time. Many factors are taken into consideration to ensure you have purchased the best horse for your needs. Veterinary specialist advice is highly recommended to determine the suitability of horse for the rider’s future goals. Dr. Caruso’s specialty allows him to make these high-level, objective interpretations and recommendations.
EXAM ESSENTIALS:
Pre-purchase exams include a thorough evaluation of the horse ranging from general health to soundness from previous injuries as well as joint, tendon, and ligament evaluations. We evaluate the horse’s medical or surgical history along with on-site examinations enables you to make an informed decision. Digital radiographs and/or ultrasound evaluations can be completed on the farm during the examination.
SHOW SEASON PREPARATION
Not unlike humans, our equine athletes are plagued with mild aches and pains associated with tendons/ligaments, muscle injuries, and more commonly joint disease. Reedsdale Equine performs pre-training or pre-showing soundness evaluations to detect minor issues that at this stage can be addressed with oral or intra-articular medications and shoeing strategies. This prevents major lameness issues.
This is a practice that will prevent unplanned problems that not only interrupt your show or race events but will prevent unnecessary and painful lameness for your beloved athlete.
