In addition to a thorough clinical examination, we employ a variety of diagnostic techniques to determine your horse's illness or problem. These techniques allow us to select the most appropriate treatment for your horse and help give an accurate prognosis.

Radiography

We have a purpose built radiography suite with rubberised floor for safety. We have an overhead, gantry mounted x-ray machine that allows us to position the machine for the best possible radiographic images. This machine is also powerful enough to achieve good images of structures such as upper limb joints, necks and backs; this is not always possible with the smaller, more portable machines. Our state of the art, digital processor allows rapid image development and images can also be easily emailed, which is so vital in pre-purchase examinations.

We also have two digital x-ray machines, which can be used in clinic and on yards to give instant images, which is particularly useful when working with a farrier or investigating laminitis.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound scanning allows visualisation of soft tissues (tendons, ligaments and muscles) and provides vital additional diagnostic information. We have a hospital based scanner in the imaging suite.  This provides superior quality images for the best assessment possible and can also be used to assess hearts, lungs and other internal organs. We also have portable machines for yard visits and reproductive work.

Endoscopy

Endoscopes allow us to visualise internal structures through a long, cable-like camera.  We have a variety of sizes of endoscopes. The smallest endoscope is used for assessing structures in the head, such as guttural pouches, sinuses or the larynx. We can use this small endoscope or the medium sized one to visualise the upper and lower respiratory tract. We also have a 3m long endoscope which is used for gastroscopy; particularly used for diagnosing gastric ulcers which commonly cause problems in competition horses.

MRI

At Ashbrook Equine Hospital we have a standing MRI unit which can be used to provide vital information about the small tendon and ligament structures of the lower limb.

In-house laboratory

We have in-house laboratory facilities which are available round the clock, enabling us to run routine and emergency blood samples without delay.