Equine Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective veterinary care. At Sunrise Equine, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic services to quickly and accurately identify health issues in your horse, both in the clinic and in the field.
In-House Laboratory Testing
Our fully equipped in-house laboratory allows for rapid, same-day results, enabling timely treatment decisions. Common in-house tests include:
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Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates overall health, infection, and anemia.
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Chemistry Panels (CHEM): Assesses organ function, electrolytes, and metabolic status.
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Fibrinogen & Serum Amyloid A (SAA): Indicators of inflammation and infection.
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Foal IgG Testing: Determines passive transfer of immunity in newborn foals.
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Packed Cell Volume (PCV) & Total Protein (TP): Assess hydration, blood loss, and protein status.
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Coggins Test: This test is required for all traveling horses and must be current within the last 12 months. This test monitors for the prevalence of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).
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PCR / Fluxergy Testing: Rapid molecular testing for infectious diseases, including:
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Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
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Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 & EHV-4)
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Equine Influenza Virus (EIV)
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Salmonella spp.
These in-house capabilities allow for immediate decision-making and ensure your horse receives the appropriate care without delay.
Send-Out Laboratory Testing
For more specialized conditions, we utilize a variety of send-out laboratories for advanced testing, including:
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ACTH, Insulin, and Metabolic Panels: To monitor endocrine and metabolic health.
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Vitamin E, Muscle Biopsies, and Neurologic Panels: When neurologic symptoms or muscle disease is suspected.
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Lyme Disease Testing: Detects exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi.
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Vaccination Titers: Assess immunity and guide vaccination decisions.
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Additional Specialized Panels: Available for a variety of other conditions seen in horses.
Imaging Capabilities
We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging both in the clinic and in the field:
Digital X-Ray
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Used for fast, precise imaging for a wide variety of applications, both in the clinic and in the field:
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Baseline Joint & Farrier Views: Routine imaging to assess joint health and monitor hoof or shoeing issues.
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Lameness & Sports Medicine: Detailed examination of bones, joints, and bony structures to identify fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities; guiding in therapeutic injections.
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Dental Procedures: Guiding extractions and evaluating tooth roots and jaw structure.
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Wound Evaluation: Assessing the extent of bony involvement or foreign material in traumatic wounds.
Ultrasound
Used for detailed evaluation of a wide range of conditions, both in the clinic and in the field.
Applications include:
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Reproductive: Monitoring mares during estrous cycles and breeding management.
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Lameness & Sports Medicine: Evaluating tendons, ligaments, joints, and bone for injury; guiding therapeutic injections.
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Abdominal & Thoracic: Assessing gastrointestinal issues, colic cases, and thoracic concerns such as pneumonia.
Upper Airway Endoscopy
Using a flexible endoscope, we can visualize the horse’s upper respiratory tract to evaluate breathing, performance, and airway health. Common conditions and findings include:
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Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO / Heaves): Chronic inflammatory disease causing difficulty breathing.
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Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP): Abnormal movement of the soft palate affecting performance.
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Laryngeal Hemiplegia (“Roaring”): Paralysis or reduced movement of one side of the larynx.
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Arytenoid or Vocal Cord Abnormalities: Including paresis, collapse, or lesions affecting airflow.
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Epiglottic Entrapment: Tissue covering the epiglottis that can interfere with normal airflow.
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Soft Tissue Masses: Tumors, cysts, or granulomas in the upper airway. Inflammation or Infection: Pharyngitis, laryngitis, or abscesses (including strangles-related changes).
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Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) Screening: Visualization of blood or airway lesions in the upper airway after exercise.
Gastroscopy
Using a flexible endoscope, we can visualize the inside of a horse’s stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract. This diagnostic tool is essential for identifying problems that may otherwise go undetected and for guiding effective treatment plans.
Common conditions and findings include;
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Esophageal Abnormalities: Strictures, inflammation, or evidence of choke.
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Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS): Detection of ulcers in both the squamous and glandular portions of the stomach, common inperformance horses, foals, and stressed or hospitalized horses.
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Monitoring Response to Therapy: Follow-up gastroscopy ensures that treatment for ulcers or other stomach issues is effective.
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Diagnostics
Why are diagnostic services important for horses?
Diagnostic testing allows veterinarians to accurately identify health problems and determine the most effective treatment plan. By using laboratory testing, imaging, and specialized procedures, veterinarians can detect illness, injury, or underlying conditions early and provide targeted care.
What types of diagnostic tests do you offer for horses?
Sunrise Equine provides a wide range of diagnostic services including bloodwork, Coggins testing, PCR testing for infectious diseases, metabolic testing, digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging, endoscopy, and gastroscopy. These tools help evaluate everything from infections and organ function to lameness and respiratory conditions.
Do you offer same-day diagnostic results?
Yes. Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform many tests with rapid results, including CBC, chemistry panels, fibrinogen, and foal IgG testing. Fast results help our veterinarians make timely treatment decisions for your horse.
When might diagnostic imaging be recommended for my horse?
Imaging such as digital X-rays or ultrasound may be recommended when a horse shows signs of lameness, injury, swelling, or performance issues. These tools, along with same-day PCR testing for respiratory disease and SAA testing, allow veterinarians to evaluate bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and overall health to identify the underlying cause of the problem.
What is gastroscopy and why might my horse need it?
Gastroscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the inside of a horse’s stomach and upper digestive tract. It is the most reliable way to diagnose gastric ulcers and helps veterinarians determine the appropriate treatment and management plan.
In addition to gastroscopy, we use advanced imaging tools such as ultrasound for a wide range of applications, including evaluating wounds, guiding dental procedures and extractions, and supporting reproductive care by tracking cycles. Imaging also plays an important role in both internal medicine and musculoskeletal cases, allowing us to assess structures such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, and umbilical areas.