Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to produce images of internal structures with the use of a hand held probe. Structures inside the body with different densities i.e. tendons, bone, fluid and ligaments reflect some sound waves back to the probe. These reflections are used to create a digital image of the structures being scanned. Bone appears white, fluid appears black, and most other structures show up in a grey scale.
Ultrasounds are performed in nearly every facet of equine practice including:
- Reproductive tract e.g. follicle testing in mares
- Musculoskeletal system e.g. tendon scans
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Gastrointestinal tract e.g. during a colic work-up
An endoscope is an instrument used to examine the inside of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. An endoscope transmits images from the inside of your horse, through flexible long thin glass fibres into a magnifying eyepiece.
One of the most common reasons to scope your horse is to investigate poor performance or abnormal respiratory noise. Under a mild sedation, the endoscope is passed up one of the horse’s nostrils and into the pharynx (throat). The larynx of your horse is the opening to the trachea (windpipe) and our veterinarian will be able to assess and diagnose any abnormalities or conditions your horse may have.
Our ultrasound scanners and endoscopes are compact and battery operated, making them very user-friendly in the field.
