Services
pierce equine performance
Dr. Pierce primarily focuses on sporthorse medicine for eventing, hunter/jumper, and dressage horses but does see western performance horses as well.
Treating equine lameness often requires a multifaceted approach. This may involve a combination of oral medications to manage pain and inflammation, targeted exercises to strengthen affected areas, and specialized rehabilitation plans to restore function. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address underlying issues. To ensure a successful recovery, regular follow-up evaluations are crucial to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
- Soundness/Lameness Evaluations
- Pre-Purchase Examinations
- Chiropractic Care
- Digital Radiography
- Tendon and Soft Tissue Ultrasound
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Nutrition Plans and Consulting
Current services include:
Soundness / Lameness Evaluation
Our soundness and lameness evaluation is a comprehensive diagnostic process to assess any signs of pain, discomfort, or movement abnormalities in your horse. Using a combination of palpation, flexions, gait analysis on a lunge and under saddle, and advanced diagnostic tools such as nerve blocks and imaging, we pinpoint the root cause of lameness. We believe in a systematic approach to localize issues. Our goal is to recognize lameness at onset before it hinders performance.
Pre-Purchase Examinations
A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is essential for assessing the health and soundness of a horse before buying. Our thorough PPE includes a complete physical exam, lameness evaluation, neurologic evaluation, ophthalmic exam, dental evaluation, and bloodwork. A full lameness work up allows us to advise on diagnostic imaging to ensure that the horse is free from hidden injuries or conditions that could impact future performance or health. We provide a comprehensive report and an in-depth conversation to give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision.
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Our physical therapy and rehabilitation services are designed to help horses recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. We offer personalized rehabilitation programs that include controlled exercise regimens, stretching, cold and heat therapy, massage, and advanced therapies such as targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy. Our goal is to promote healing through an individualized tailored plan based on extent of injury, the horse’s career, and the owner’s budget.
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Nutrition Consultation
Proper nutrition is key to maintaining a horse’s health, performance, and recovery. Our equine nutrition consultations provide tailored dietary plans to meet your horse’s specific needs, whether for weight management, muscle development, or competition performance. We assess the current diet and recommend appropriate feed, supplements, and adjustments to support your horse’s overall health and fitness.
Spinal Medical Manipulation (Chiropractic Care)
Equine chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and joint mobility to improve overall musculoskeletal function. Misalignments or restricted movement in the spine and joints can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced performance. Through gentle spinal adjustments, we help restore proper movement, relieve discomfort, and enhance your horse’s flexibility, posture, and coordination, supporting their overall health and performance.
Diagnostic Imaging (Ultrasound & Digital Radiography)
Our ultrasound and x-ray equipment are vital tools for accurately evaluating musculoskeletal structures. Ultrasound provides real-time soft tissue imaging for evaluating tendons, ligaments, and muscles, while digital radiography allows us to detect bone fractures, arthritis, and other skeletal abnormalities. We utilize the ultrasound for precise injection of structures within the neck, back, sacroiliac region, and soft tissue lesions.
Joint Injections
Joint injections are a highly effective treatment for horses suffering from joint pain, inflammation, or degenerative conditions like arthritis. We offer a range of joint injection options, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and biologic therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS), Autologous Protein Solution (APS), mesenchymal stem cells, and amniotic derived products. Joint injections help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance joint function. These injections are used to target specific joints, providing relief from inflammation and stiffness, promoting long-term comfort, and helping your horse return to their training or competition regimen. By incorporating joint injections into your horse's treatment plan, we aim to maintain soundness and prevent further damage to the affected joints.
