Ashbrook Equine Hospital has an extensive range of facilities enabling us to provide a highly specialised service for the investigation and treatment of medical problems. Common medical conditions investigated and treated at Ashbrook include gastrointestinal problems such as colics, diarrhoea or weight loss, respiratory problems, liver or kidney disease, neurological problems including head-shaking syndrome, cardiology cases, ophthalmology problems and sick foals.

Ultrasound Scanning

We have state-of-the-art ultrasonography which is used extensively to visualise the abdomen in cases of weight loss, diarrhoea and medical colics. This machine can also be used to assess and monitor the heart in cardiology cases and visualise the lungs and thoracic cavity in cases of respiratory distress e.g. pleuropneumonia and Rhodoccocus Equi infection in foals. The ultrasound is also used to examine the liver and provide visualisation for liver biopsies.

Gastroscopy

We are one of the few local clinics to have our own gastroscope. This is invaluable in the early diagnosis of gastric or duodenal ulceration. These diseases may be heralded by poor performance, weight loss and recurrent colic cases. The gastroscope also enables us to biopsy the first part of the small intestine in cases of weight loss.

Video Endoscopy

Video endoscopy allows detailed examination of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. In the upper respiratory tract, we will use the endoscope for identification of nasal, laryngeal and guttural pouch related problems. In addition to visualisation of the lower respiratory tract, the endoscope can be used to collect samples from the lungs (Bronchoalveolar Lavage) or the trachea (Tracheal Wash). These methods of sampling are especially beneficial in cases of Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) /Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), bronchopneumonia or other disease processes in the lungs.

Overground Endoscopy

We are also able to offer overground endoscopy by arrangement, to assess respiratory noises made when the horse is exercising. This provides a dynamic assessment of the upper respiratory tract enabling the most appropriate treatment to be prescribed.

All these diagnostic techniques, together with our in-house laboratory and CCTV monitored, intensive care stables enable us to provide the best possible care for critically ill patients and horses in for investigation of disease.