Sports Medicine
Lameness Evaluations
Dr. Sotela has focused her continuing education on the sport horse, thus furthering her knowledge in biomechanics, lameness, imaging, treatments, prognosis, management, and rehabilitation. She prides herself in being a part of keeping your horse in top condition using the latest technology available for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Lameness is defined as any alteration of gait, but can also include changes in attitude or performance, usually associated with pain. The purpose of the examination is to isolate the source of the lameness to one or more anatomic locations. Knowing the exact cause of lameness will result in a more direct treatment plan. It is best to have a lameness examination performed sooner rather than later to prevent further injury and potentially save time and money. Lameness can result in poor performance, for information on other factors leading to poor performance, please click here.
A Pre-Purchase Examination is a highly specialized evaluation of a horse's health and soundness. This exam evaluates the horse for existing conditions that could present issues for its intended use and identify issues that may require future management. We are not here to pass or fail a horse but to discuss our findings on that given day and to help you make an informed and educated decision.
A pre-purchase examination also involves an in-depth gathering of pertinent historical information. It is requested that the buyer and seller both fill out our PPE disclosure forms prior to the exam whenever possible. These forms can be found here.
Dr. Sotela will work with you to determine the best course of action based on your comfort level and financial goals. Customized recommendations on which parts of the horse to radiograph may vary depending upon findings during the clinical exam, discipline, intended level of work, breed, age, and resale considerations.
Pre-Purchase
Exams
Performance Evaluations
Routine preventive evaluations are critical to maintaining the health and soundness of a performance horse. A performance exam once or twice a year is a priceless, proactive strategy that will help minimize the chances of injury, lameness, and the accompanying downtime. Ideally, it is important to schedule these evaluations before you notice a change in your horse's temperament or athletic ability.
Evaluating our equine athletes systematically, before or after periods of intense training or competition, can allow Dr. Sotela to detect subtle changes that may be indicative of future concerns. Although lameness may not be present, the evaluation of muscle symmetry, palpation for effusion of joints or thickening of soft tissue structures and gait analysis can provide clues as to how to best manage each individual athlete. Paying close attention to performance and musculoskeletal history in conjunction with detailed record keeping allows us to detect small changes as they happen.
Routine dental care is essential to your horse’s health. Once to twice yearly examinations and regular care such as floating are necessary for a number of reasons. Horses with dental problems may show obvious signs, such as pain or irritation, or they may show no noticeable signs at all. It is important to catch dental problems early. If a horse starts behaving abnormally, dental problems should be considered as a potential cause.
Proper dental care has its rewards and is a crucial part of keeping your horse healthy and sound. Your horse will be more comfortable, will utilize feed more efficiently, have greater well-being and optimal performance, and may even live longer.
Dentistry
Horse Show Prep
Planning ahead will ensure you and your horse an enjoyable show season. Almost all States in the U.S. require that owners and professional shippers carry documentation of a negative Coggins test and a valid health certificate. In preparation for competition, ensure that your horse meets the vaccination requirements of the governing body or association. Contact us for proof of vaccination if necessary.