Our services
The clinical team at the Vairão Equine Clinical Center strives to meet the needs of your horses, ponies, and donkeys, providing modern facilities and cutting-edge equipment.
Digestive System
Digestive System
Admission of Colic Cases
The approach to a horse with colic can be either medical or surgical. Additionally, horses with colic often require hospitalization to undergo complementary examinations (blood tests, ultrasound, transrectal palpation, nasogastric tubing, abdominocentesis, etc.), receive continuous fluid therapy, and be monitored 24/7.
Digestive System
Glucose absorption test
The administration of glucose via nasogastric intubation followed by the measurement of blood glucose levels allows for the determination of the glucose absorption rate and, consequently, the intestinal absorption capacity.
Digestive System
Transrectal ultrasound
Along with abdominal ultrasound, transrectal ultrasound allows the examination of some organs of the digestive tract and urogenital system.
Digestive System
Biopsies of the pylorus, duodenum and rectum
Whenever there is a suspicion of intestinal changes, samples of the aforementioned structures can be collected so that the tissues can be evaluated in the laboratory.
Digestive System
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy allows direct observation of the esophagus and stomach to evaluate these structures for the presence of ulcers, parasites, or masses.
Digestive System
Abdominal ultrasound
Transcutaneous ultrasound allows visualization and, consequently, evaluation of the various intra-abdominal organs (stomach, intestine, spleen, kidneys, and liver). It is an essential diagnostic tool in cases of colic, weight loss, anorexia, etc.
Digestive System
Fecal analysis
Fecal analyses have proven to be essential diagnostic tools, allowing the evaluation of feces not only macroscopically but also microscopically, for the presence of parasites, blood, or sand.
Respiratory system
Respiratory system
Transtracheal lavage
A collection of mucus or lavage of the trachea is performed via a transcutaneous approach. The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory to identify the types of cells involved. Additionally, a culture may also be conducted in order to provide a targeted treatment against the involved agent.
Respiratory system
Thoracic ultrasound
Thoracic ultrasound aims to evaluate the pleura and lung surface, also allowing the presence or absence of fluid to be ruled out.
Respiratory system
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Bronchoalveolar lavage, along with transtracheal lavage, allows for the collection of a sample and laboratory analysis.
Cardiovascular System
Cardiology is the field that focuses on the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. Whenever alterations are detected during the physical examination, such as the presence of heart murmurs or arrhythmias, further diagnostic tests are required, such as echocardiography and electrocardiography. CCEV offers a reference service in Equine Veterinary Cardiology in collaboration with Dr. Maria Vellalba Orero.
Genitourinary System
Alterations in the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder can occur in horses. Blood and urine tests, as well as abdominal and transrectal ultrasounds, are diagnostic tools that should be implemented to evaluate the organs of the urinary system and establish a diagnosis and treatment.
Regarding castration, intact horses can be castrated in different ways, and although castration can be performed in the field, general anesthesia castration carries fewer infection risks and is more suitable for adult horses. Additionally, since the horse is a species predisposed to cryptorchidism (the presence of one or both testicles in the inguinal, abdominal, or inguino-abdominal area), surgery is recommended in these cases.
Skin conditions such as tumors and lacerations can affect the penis, which often leads to total or partial penile amputation, especially in severe cases of priapism.
Bladder ruptures occur relatively frequently in foals and can also affect adult horses, although more rarely, requiring emergency surgery. Additionally, horses can develop urinary stones, the removal of which may require laparotomy under general anesthesia.
Rarely, accidental recto-vaginal ruptures can occur during mating or parturition, which are surgically repaired, restoring the integrity of the vagina and rectum.
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic conditions represent a significant component in equine practice. Therefore, whenever the animal shows photophobia, epiphora, or changes in the eyelids or eyeball, it should undergo an evaluation. One of the most common conditions is corneal ulcers, which sometimes require prolonged treatments, applied multiple times a day.
Dermatology
Dermatology refers to the specialization that deals with skin disorders. Equids can manifest a wide variety of skin conditions, including ectoparasites, hives, cellulitis, and tumors, among others. Several diagnostic tests can be performed, starting with a complete clinical examination, scraping of the lesion, puncture, or biopsy to conduct cytological and histopathological analyses that allow for an accurate diagnosis and the implementation of a treatment plan.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that has become the standard method for exploring and resolving certain joint pathologies. This type of surgery is widely used to treat conditions such as OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) or articular chips.
It is also frequently used for exploring tendon sheaths (tenoscopy) or bursae (bursoscopy).
Orthopedic Surgery
Wounds/Septic Arthritis
Wounds are a common problem in horses, and their appearance is not always indicative of their severity. Some wounds may require cleaning/debridement and surgical repair. Others may affect joints or other important synovial structures, most of which require surgical lavage.
Neonatology
Some foals suffer from severe pathologies within the first days of life. Some are due to prematurity or dysmaturity, others caused by the birth itself, and some have infectious origins, etc. Foals that are unable to stand or feed, with colic, umbilical infections, septic arthritis, or septicemia, should be hospitalized as they require intensive care.