Services

Acupuncture

Every acupuncture treatment is preceded by a full palpation and motion exam to tailor treatment to the individual needs of your equine companion. The goal of acupuncture treatments is to restore balance and stimulate healing. On a physiologic level, needle stimulation sends signals to the spinal cord and brainstem, decreasing the pain response and increasing blood flow to the stimulated area. It also causes tissue relaxation (muscle and fascia). Acupuncture treatments can be used to treat laminitis, allergies, lameness, musculoskeletal soreness, nerve damage/muscle atrophy, colic, respiratory issues, and more. Active sport horses competing at peak performance, rehabbing animals, and retired horses alike benefit from acupuncture treatment. Dr. Vardell utilizes both dry needling and electrical stimulation.

Medical Manipulation

Veterinary medical manipulation, similar to chiropractic treatments offered for humans, restores and maintains normal range of motion. By relieving restrictions, adjustments help your horse use their bodies correctly; encouraging balanced, biomechanically correct movement patterns and preventing injury.  

For more information on acupuncture and chiropractic services, please see the following linked article by the AAEP. http://aaep.org/horsehealth/veterinary-acupuncture-and-chiropractic-what-when-who

Riverbend Equine recognizes that the above listed treatments can be used as stand-alone treatments in many cases, but also serve as extremely effective modalities when paired with traditional diagnostics and treatment in order to treat the whole horse. As such, we encourage you to establish and maintain a good relationship with your primary care veterinarian. Dr. Vardell looks forward to working collaboratively with your entire team to provide the best care for your equine companion.

Laser Therapy

Class IV regenerative laser therapy (photobiomodulation) is a non-invasive treatment modality aimed at decreasing inflammation, reducing pain, and speeding tissue healing (including wounds or post-operative incisions). Laser therapy is part of a multi-modal approach to pain management and rehabilitation. It is applied frequently for management of sports injuries such as tendon, ligament, or muscle injury. It can also be used for managing chronic pain such as back and neck pain or osteoarthritis. Photobiomodulation refers to the effect laser therapy has on the cells and tissue, modulating cell behaviors and enhancing the process of tissue repair. This happens through inducing cell proliferation and enhanced stem cell differentiation. 

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20190104/regenerative-laser-therapy-proves-beneficial-equine-athletes-cornell-ruffian-equine-specialists

Musculoskeletal/performance exams

Musculoskeletal issues are one of the most prevalent medical complications affecting our equine companions, companion animal or athlete. Musculoskeletal exams are aimed at localizing and diagnosing pain or abnormal gait patterns. Routine performance exams conducted annually or biannually can help identify problems before they impact performance or limit future soundness. Performance exams begin with a thorough history obtained from the owner and rider, and an understanding of current performance. This is followed by a standing physical exam, followed by motion exam (in hand, lunge, and under saddle, conducted on hard and soft ground if available) and flexions. Following the performance exam, a plan will be established for further diagnostics and treatment. This plan will address any existing problems and often also outlines a plan for preventing future injury and maintaining soundness. 

Imaging

Digital radiography

Ultrasound

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment aimed at enhancing the rate of soft tissue and bone healing, as well as an effective pain management tool. "Shockwaves" are powerful positive pressure acoustic waves that transmit energy to deeper structures in the body. This process improves circulation, stimulates new cell growth, and promotes healing. Shockwave is an effective management tool for arthritis (for example lower hock or cervical arthritis), soft tissue injury, bone injury at sites of soft tissue attachment, and various back and pelvic issues (including kissing spine). Shockwave therapy may also increase the effectiveness of PRP injection when performed immediately prior to the injection. Riverbend Equine utilizes a Piezowave unit, which is a piezoelectric system. This system is more comfortable for the patient than electrohydraulic systems and, as a result, typically does not require sedation. 

Biologic and Regenerative Therapy

The primary biologic therapy utilized at Riverbend Equine is ProVet Autologous Protein Concentrate (APC). This is a regenerative, biologic therapy that combines Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), IRAP, and leukocytes (white blood cells). This results in a leukocyte rich, platelet rich plasma (LR-PRP) with a higher composition of growth factors and cytokines important for stimulating the body's own healing mechanism (stimulating cell function and regeneration). This is useful for stimulating healing of soft tissue injuries and disease modification of joints (osteoarthritis). 

ProVet APC processing uses blood drawn in a sterile process from your horse, which is then processed using the ProVet centrifuge system. Processing takes less than three minutes and results in a higher volume of product than other similar methods. This is a safe alternative for treatment of patients with metabolic issues or PPID (Equine Cushings Disease).