Services
Integrative Equine Medicine, Wellness, Internal Medicine, and Preventative Care
We have the facilities, experience, and diagnostic tools to help make the correct diagnosis and provide progressive treatment options,
including stem cell therapy, IRAP, PRP, and extra corporal shockwave therapy.
Both at the clinic and in the field, we provide tailored diagnostics and treatment
suited to your horse's needs to address and reduce health risks to its health.
Clinic and Hospital
We offer the convenience of outpatient visits as well as hospitalization for intensive care, medical and surgical cases.
Ambulatory/Farm Calls
Sound Equine has fully equipped mobile veterinary units available for farm calls.
Acupuncture
Dr. Hills has recently completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) course. He is pleased to offer acupuncture treatment and diagnostics as a stand-alone, or as complementary to ongoing therapy. Commonly treated conditions include allergic reactions, dermatitis, sore-back horses, stiff necks, TMJ pain, laminitis, caudal heel pain syndrome, chronic diarrhea, and colic. Dr. Hills is happy to field questions about possible integration of acupuncture with ongoing difficult cases.
Digital Radiography
Digital radiography, or digital X-ray, is a wonderful new development in equine veterinary practice. Our portable digital imaging system provides immediate high-resolution images that can be enhanced to reveal problems that might not be seen using traditional X-ray technology. Digital x-rays reduce exam time because each image is captured, verified, and clinically reviewed in seconds. Owners or buyers receive on-site diagnosis that enables on the spot, stall side, diagnostic and therapeutic decision making.
Digital Ultrasound
Our portable digital ultrasound unit allows detailed visualization of soft tissue structures including tendon and ligament injury, lungs, eyes, and internal organs.
We also use digital ultrasound in reproductive examinations for pre-breeding, ovulation, and pregnancy diagnoses.
In-House Laboratory
We have a well-equipped laboratory in the clinic which allows for fast decision making as well as thorough monitoring of intensive care, chronic or surgical cases.
Dentistry
We provide experienced and thorough dental care for all life stages and performance levels. We use sedation and motorized equipment to reduce time and stress on patients.
Surgery
We treat many soft tissue and orthopedic cases, from routine castrations to neurectomies, hernias and cryptorchids. Cases are monitored with EKG, blood pressure, pulse-oximetry and blood gases as necessary. We also offer ovariectomy and other reproductive surgeries, as well as dental and sinus surgery. We provide management to all surgery cases.
Endoscopy
We offer endoscopic evaluations of the upper respiratory tract to help evaluate bleeding, guttural pouch disease and laryngeal/tracheal/pharyngeal problems.
Pre-purchase exams
We perform thorough pre-purchase ancillary exams. A written report is provided, and the findings are discussed in detail. Additional diagnostics--lab work, digital x-rays, endoscopy, and ultrasound--are also available as part of the exam.
Breeding and Reproductive Health
Transrectal or transabdominal ultrasound is available for pregnancy diagnosis or fetal monitoring. We have packaged programs for artificial insemination with chilled or frozen semen. We have the ability to monitor high risk mares during their pregnancy and assist with foal delivery at our hospital.
Ophthalmic Care
We treat emergency, routine, and chronic eye cases. We have the ability to measure intraocular pressure. We also use ultrasound to evaluate the eye, especially in cases of suspected retinal detachment, cataracts, or lens luxation.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a new technology for treating equine musculoskeletal problems, soft-tissue injuries, and bone injuries. ESWT is a non-invasive modality used to stimulate healing to aid in returning horses to work more quickly.
ESWT works from outside the body (extracorporeal). The machine generates high-intensity shock or pressure waves, which pulse into the injured tissue. Though its actual mode of action is still in dispute, it stimulates and accelerates the healing process, while also reducing swelling and pain. This technology has become very useful for the management of ligamentous and tendon injuries.
Stem Cell Therapy
Equine tendon, ligament, and joint injuries are some of the most debilitating, and some of the most frequently seen, in clinical veterinary practice. Such injuries lead to joint instability, degenerative joint disease, and reduced performance and lack of use.
Traditional therapies address the inflammatory process and pain, yet have not successfully addressed the regeneration of these tissues that often result in scar tissue formation and partial or full loss of function. Whether these horses are performance athletes or companions, their owners are seeking therapy that can return them to their chosen level of activity.
Stem cells currently are provided by the horse's own bone marrow or fat, which are then processed and re-injected back into the injured tissue, providing the opportunity for a stronger, more lasting repair of the injured tissue.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP therapy offers a promising solution to accelerate healing of tendon injuries and osteoarthritis naturally, without subjecting the patient to significant risk. PRP is an emerging treatment in a new health sector known as "Orthobiologics." The philosophy is to merge cutting edge technology with the body's natural ability to heal itself. Platelets were initially known to be responsible for blood clotting. In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors. There are many growth factors with varying responsibilities, however cumulatively they accelerate tissue and wound healing. When injected into inflamed or injured tissue, we are able to deliver a powerful cocktail of growth factors that can dramatically enhance tissue recovery.
IRAP Therapy
"Therapeutic proteins from the patient... for the patient." Irap™ therapy utilizes your patient's own blood and natural healing mechanisms. The patented irap syringe produces autologous conditioned serum (ACS), which contains active quantities of anti-inflammatory and regenerative cytokines. The irap syringe contains specially treated glass beads that stimulate the white blood cells to produce the anti-inflammatory and regenerative cytokines. The whole blood is incubated overnight and then centrifuged to collect serum. The serum produced is then re-injected back into the patient, be it an orthopedic joint, a chronically sore navicular area, or an inflamed tendon sheath.