Sports Medicine

LAMENESS EXAM | PRE PURCHASE EXAMS | BIOLOGIC THERAPIES | DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING | POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROGEL

Fairfield equine is proud to provide innovative and comprehensive care to all patients.

Lameness Exam:

Our veterinarians offer comprehensive lameness diagnostics and provide state-of-the-art care for the equine athlete. We offer expertise in evaluating lameness and poor performance in horses throughout a wide variety of disciplines within the equine industry. Our approach to sports medicine is individualized and specifically tailored to each horse’s age, discipline, and performance level.

At Fairfield Equine we value a team approach to examination and diagnostics. We incorporate the input of owner, trainer, rider, farrier, and other equine specialists to evaluate the whole picture of the horse and keep them in top form. As riders themselves, our veterinarians understand the dedication and training involved to compete at the highest levels.

We are a proud part of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathologists (ISELP), and we are dedicated to advancing diagnostic excellence in the sport horse world.

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Biologic Therapies:

Our practice aims to stay at the forefront of new veterinary treatments to keep your horse performing at their best. We are dedicated to enhancing the performance and career of sport horses by offering an array of biologic therapies to maintain their long-term health and soundness.

Regenerative medicine offered at Fairfield equine:

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): This process maximizes platelet recovery and concentration from the patient’s own blood. When inserted into an injury site, the platelets activate, and growth factors are released, which help in healing, repair and regeneration of soft and hard tissue including tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.
• Pro-Stride (Autologous Protein Solution): By separating and concentrating the patient’s own blood, this dual-device system produces a concentrated solution of cells, platelets, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The process takes less than 20 minutes stall side, and the resulting solution helps reduce pain and inflammation to manage equine lameness and arthritis in horses.
• Alpha 2 Macrogloblulin (A2M): This process isolates the α2M molecule, which is a powerful inhibitor of cartilage catabolic factors and slows the progression of osteoarthritis by preventing cartilage breakdown and loss. This incredible molecule is the body’s natural defense against cartilage breakdown, joint pain, and inflammation.
• Stem Cells: Stem cells are essentially ‘blank slate’ cells that have the potential to differentiate into nearly every type of tissue, such as tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, and muscle. Stem cell therapy used early after a soft tissue injury can promote more aligned fibers in tendons or ligaments to result in stronger, healthier tissue.

These products are safe solutions for managing lameness in your horse. They present a natural and effective means to treat inflammation and injuries.

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Diagnostic Imaging:

Fairfield equine has invested in the most up to date diagnostic imaging equipment available.

Our veterinarians use digital radiographs and digital ultrasound to provide clients with detailed images in the field and reach a fast, correct diagnosis. 

Electronic images are stored both on site, and online, so doctors can tend to a case and view digital images from anywhere in the world.

Digital Radiographs: Radiography is commonly used for lameness diagnoses and for pre-purchase examinations.

Radiographs show developmental abnormalities, fractures, or other issues in hard tissue and the digital x-rays can be manipulated for a more accurate reading.

Most of the time a diagnosis can be made on farm, but consultations with board certified radiologists are available when needed.

Digital Ultrasound: Digital ultrasound is one of the best modalities for diagnosing and tracking the progression of equine soft tissue injuries. 

Ultrasonography uses high frequency sound waves to produce a real time image of a variety of internal structures.

It is most often utilized to diagnose musculoskeletal injuries including tendon, ligament, and joint issues.

However, it is also a vital tool for managing respiratory and cardiac diseases, colic, and pregnancies.

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Polyacrylamide Hydrogels:

Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) is a non-toxic and non-immunogenic biocompatible polymer gel consisting of sterile water and cross-linked polyacrylamide.

The material is hydrophilic, homogenous, biocompatible, and viscoelastic. It maintains its volume through continual exchange of water with the surrounding tissues.

The hydrogel does not become encapsulated, but rather integrates within the tissues to stabilize the joint capsule and synovium while also increasing joint capsule elasticity.

Put simply: PAAG’s seek to target the root cause of joint pain by physically reducing friction.

There are currently two PAAG products available – Noltrex-vet and Arthramid-vet – that can be injected directly into the equine joint to provide greater cushioning.

The goal is to provide longer lasting joint lubrication thereby extending the athletic function of refractory joints past what was previously possible.

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Fairfield Equine Veterinarians:

All our vets are well trained in lameness work up and diagnostics and we are also proud to have two veterinarians with advanced board certification in sports medicine and rehabilitation:

• Dr. Richard Mitchell
• Dr. Ryland Edwards

Contact us today for an appointment.

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