| |
Estrella Equine Hospital is a full service referral hospital with a state-of-the-art surgical suite. The hospital offers elective services with a full range of surgical and diagnostic capabilities. Communication between owners, referring veterinarians, trainers and Estrella staff ensures the patient gets the very best care. Estrella Equine Hospital maintains close working relationships with veterinary schools, medical specialists, and surgeons throughout the United States. The staff attends seminars all over the country, bringing back cutting edge knowledge and skills. Through these relationships Estrella Equine Hospital can provide almost any care your horse needs. The hospital also provides standard/routine veterinary services to horses at the hospital and on the farms. Dr. Bogenrief is a consultant for both buyers and consignors at horse sales throughout the country.
Lameness exams are a primary focus at Estrella Equine. A thorough physical examination and history are followed by observing the horses movement in hand and under saddle. Subtle lameness issues are frequently only appreciated when the horse is ridden. Diagnosis is then facilitated by the use of digital radiography and/or digital ultrasonography.
Preventive medicine and routine patient care, including gastroscopy to detect ulcers are performed routinely.
|
|
 |
|
Most buyers want to be sure the horse they have chosen is healthy and sound for its intended use. Prior to purchasing a new horse a complete pre purchase examination is recommended. Frequently this consists of a thorough physical exam as well as an examination for soundness. The horse is examined at a walk, trot, and canter, on hard and soft ground, and observed on a lunge line and/or under saddle. Digital radiographs are frequently taken. These provide vital information by which to base the purchase decision as well as provide a baseline for that particular horse. Other tests frequently performed, if warranted, include drug screening, upper airway endoscopy, lower limb ultrasonography, and lab screening for general health.
|
|
 |
|
For the past three years, Estrella Equine in cooperation with Dr. Alan Nixon of Cornell University, has been involved in treating soft tissue injuries with bone marrow derived stem cells. Stem cells are collected from the sedated horse and can be processed at the hospital for immediate implantation into injured tissues. If necessary, stem cells can also be collected from the standing horse and sent to Cornell University for further isolation and growth. On return from the lab they are then implanted into the injured tendon or ligament under ultrasound guidance. Stem cell repairs appear to result in stronger healing with less scarring and a decreased reinjury rate.
Platelet rich plasma is a new therapy designed to enhance soft tissue rehabilitation. A blood sample is collected from the horse and then processed in our laboratory. Within one hour the platelet rich plasma can be injected into the soft tissue lesion with ultrasound guidance.
|
|
  |
|
The backbone of our practice, EEH has two digital x-ray machines for clinic as well as ambulatory use. A large x-ray machine at the hospital permits radiographic study of necks, backs, the abdomen and thorax. High-resolution digital ultrasound for the hospital and ambulatory use permits visualization of tendons and ligaments. Ultrasound and radiographic images are stored electronically or given to the client in a CD format as part of their horse's medical file.
|
|
 |
|
Preventive medicine and routine patient care including deworming, dentistry, vaccinations, Coggin's tests and health certificates are performed routinely. These are performed at the hospital and on the farm.
|
|
 |
|
There are many subtle changes that can occur over time in the horse's foot that can lead to decreased performance and lameness. Under run heels, long toes, misaligned pastern-foot axis, contracted heels and quarter cracks can all lead to chronic foot problems. Digital radiographs can be taken of the horse's feet to determine proper foot balance. These films allow us to see the relationship between the bony column and soft tissue structures of the foot. Balancing the feel allows for more even weight distribution and working together with our farrier prevents injury due to foot imbalance.
|
|
 |
|
There are many problems of the foot that can result in lameness. Underrun heels, broken pastern axis, and sheared heels are just a few of the problems that can result in lameness over time. A thorough clinic exam including digital radiographs gives us the necessary information to assess the structures of the foot and together with our farrier, Joe Schouten we are able to develop a plan and shoeing strategy that obtains the best results for your horse.
|
|
 |
|
In addition to orthopedic and arthroscopic surgery many routine surgical procedures are performed regularly. These include colic surgery, castration and cryptorchid surgery, ovary removal as well as ophthalmic and soft tissue procedures. |
|
 |
|
In addition to seeing horses at our hospital we regularly attend to their needs at home, in their own environment. Insight into horse care at home can be invaluable to managing the welfare of the individual. Lameness evaluation and routine preventive medicine are performed in the field. |
|
 |
|
Trained in advanced arthroscopic procedures, Dr. Bogenrief has a particular interest in performance limiting injuries. Arthroscopic removal of bone chips, bone cyst repair, cartilage resurfacing using stem cell grafts, and tendon sheath repair are primary interests. Advanced orthopedic procedures are frequently performed by Dr. Alan Nixon of Cornell University as well. |
|
 |
|
Information is power and EEH believes strongly in ongoing education for our staff and our clients. Our hospital houses an extensive library of current books, journals and CDs for our client's viewing. In addition, an in-surgery camera allows owners to view surgeries of their horse while they relax in the library.
|
|
 |
|
|
