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Internal medicine is a distinct branch of specialty veterinary care encompassing infectious disease and disease prevention, neurology, neonatal and geriatric medicine, as well as respiratory, ophthalmic and cardiac disease. In other words, internal medicine encompasses not just the internal organs, but also many unusual conditions. Although most equine veterinarians practice some internal medicine each day, specialization in this discipline can allow a better in-depth assessment of many diseases or processes. Crossroads Veterinary Services is proud to provide true internal medicine specialty services. IF YOUR VETERINARIAN IS INTERESTED IN REFERRAL SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT US TO SET UP A CONSULTATION WITH DR. FERGUSON. We are well-equipped to routinely perform the following procedures, among others: Endoscopy Endoscopic examination of the upper airway is a common way to evaluate the size of the airway, as well as evaluate for the presence of abnormal discharge. The size of the airway is significant in the amount of air the horse is able to take in. Structures normally evaluated include the following: · Arytenoids cartilages o Evaluated for symmetry of form and function o Evaluated for inflammation and infection · Epiglottis o Evaluated for size, shape and consistency o Evaluated for inflammation or abnormal structures, such as cysts · Guttural pouches o Evaluated for signs of fungal or bacterial infections, as well as for the presence of chondroids Routine endoscopic examinations may be performed with or without sedation. When evaluating for normal form and function, sedation is not typically used as it may interfere with normal function. When evaluating for the presence of guttural pouch infection, to diagnose the cause of nasal discharge, and when evaluating the trachea for signs of IAD or EIPH, sedation is typically used. Endoscopic examination of the lower airway may be performed as well. This is typically done in conjuction with a BAL, in which a sample of cells in the distal part of the lung is obtained. The carina, which is the division between the right and left lungs, is evaluated for bluntness, indicating inflammation. As the endoscope is passed deeper into the lungs, the smaller airways enable it to be seeded into an airway and form a seal. This enables sterile fluid to be instilled into that part of the lung and recovered. This procedure is performed under sedation and does not appear to be painful to the horse. During passage of the endoscope for BAL, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) is infused in the trachea and lower airways to reduce the cough reflex. Although not all of the fluid infused is recovered, the lungs resorb the remaining fluid without adverse effects. Endoscopic examinations may be performed of the urinary bladder. This is usually to evaluate the source of blood in the urine. Although the kidneys themselves are reached with the endoscope, we can visualize the entrance of the ureters into the urinary bladder, and determine if blood is coming from one or both kidneys, if at all. The inner surface of the bladder is evaluated for inflammation or the presence of abnormal masses, and the inner surface of the urethra is evaluated for inflammation. Endoscopic examination of the bladder is performed under sedation. Endoscopy of the stomach is also known as gastroscopy. This is the only diagnostic method to evaluate for the presence, number and location of gastric ulcers. The stomach of the horse has 2 parts, separated by a line known as the margo plicatus. The glandular portion of the stomach is the part responsible for producing acid in order to aid in digestion, and is reddish in appearance. The squamous portion of the stomach is typically the portion affected by stomach ulcers, and is whitish in appearance. Most ulcers occur along the margo plicatus on the squamous portion. Severe cases of ulcers may involve all portions of the squamous gastric mucosa as well as part of the esophagus. Ultrasound Neonatal Intensive Care Neurologic Exams Ophthalmology Dermatology Endocrinology  The tube on the left contains lipemic (fatty) serum, the middle serum is clear (normal in all species) and the serum in the tube to the right is icteric (this is normal in horses). Respiratory Exams Oncology (Cancer Care) Dental Exams Routine Dental Care Point, Hook, Step and Wave reductions Gentle Geriatric Dentistry Dental Radiography
We work hard to provide a broad range of modalities to minimize disease and maximize health. We're proud to provide advanced, progressive equine medicine to you and your horse. In addition to offering in-depth, thorough internal medicine examinations, we are available 24/7 to help in the full range of emergency medical situations.
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