Digital Radiography
Ultrasonography
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Scintigraphy
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy
Laboratory
Digital Radiography
Radiography is the principle imaging modality for bone. In small animals and foals the soft tissue structures within the thorax and abdomen can also be imaged.
The hospital uses a digital computer radiography system which produces radiographic images of excellent quality. The pictures are viewed on a computer screen and areas of particular interest can be enlarged to achieve more detail. The digital system also allows radiographs to be sent via email, for example to referring vets or farriers. For our Moulton Clinic and visits we use a transportable digital radiography computer.
In some cases a radiographic contrast agent is used to outline a specific structure, for example during the investigation of penetrating wounds to the hoof.
In other cases, such as those involving fractures or laminitis, radiographs are used to make accurate measurements which are then used to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
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A fractured radius |  |
Osteoarthritis in the carpus of a racehorse |
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is a versatile imaging modality for soft tissue structures. The practice has five ultrasound scanners in total. Two large scanners are situated permanently in the Oakham hospital, one in each of the small and large animal departments. An additional three scanners are transportable and can be used on visits out of the hospital and at the Moulton Clinic.
Ultrasonography is widely used in orthopaedic cases for the assessment of tendons and ligaments and the investigation of wounds. It is also extensively used in stud medicine to image the mares' ovaries and uterus.
Scanning of the thorax and abdomen is also performed. In small animals pregnancy diagnosis can be performed as well as visualisation of most abdominal and thoracic structures.
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Available at our Oakham Hospital.
Oakham Veterinary Hospital is one of the few practices in the country with a standing MRI facility. This method of imaging allows simultaneous evaluation of bone, soft tissue and cartilage.
In horses it is especially useful in the diagnosis of foot lameness and has revolutionised the understanding of problems such as the "Navicular Syndrome".
The design of the MRI suite is such that scanning can be performed up to the knee and hock region under sedation without the need for a general anaesthetic.
Scintigraphy
Available at our Oakham Hospital
Our new scintigraphy suite, built in partnership with Nottingham University has been completed and is now fully operational.
Scintigraphy is also known as ‘Bone Scanning' and is a tremendously sensitive imaging technique for investigating problems in bone. This method of imaging involves the intravenous injection of a radioactive pharmaceutical. The uptake of this agent is then recorded by a gamma camera and processed by a computer system.
Areas of damage have a greater uptake of the radioactive agent and appear on the image as "hot spots".
It highlights areas of bone that are metabolically active, usually indicating a disease process. Scintigraphy can be very helpful in picking up problems early in the disease process or for identifying suspected fractures. Scintigraphy is typically used in the investigation of subtle lameness which is not easily diagnosed with nerve blocks.
It is also very useful for investigating problems in the back and pelvis where the large muscle mass can make radiography and ultrasound investigation difficult. It is also used for investigating dental problems.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy equipment is primarily used to evaluate the upper respiratory tract but urethra and bladder can also be examined.
In addition to the three portable fibre optic endoscopes, a videoendoscope and monitor are available at the hospital to produce a permanent record in both video and still prints.
In small animals endoscopy can be used to visualise the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, trachea and upper airways), oesophagus, stomach, duodenum and colon.
Gastroscopy
Available at our Oakham Hospital
A specialised three metre endoscope is available for investigation of upper gastrointestinal problems. This technique is most frequently used for the diagnosis of equine gastric ulcers.
Laboratory
Located at our Oakham Hospital
There is a well equipped in-house laboratory that is run by a full-time technician to provide reliable and prompt results.
A full range of haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, cytology and parasitology services are available.
The laboratory is one of only a limited number in the country to be approved by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) for the isolation of veneral pathogens associated with Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)
Equine specific services are listed below:
Equine
• Performance horse profile
• Tracheal wash analysis
• Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) culture
• Endometrial swab culture
• Semen evaluation
• Faecal worm egg counts
Two new equine services have been recently introduced. The IRAP and Osteokine products are now being used in the management of musculoskeletal problems.
Irap
This innovative new treatment, launched by Genitrix, involves culturing the horse's own blood to produce a rich source of anti-inflammatory substances. These substances are then injected back into the affected joint or tendon to reduce inflammation and initiate healing.
One of the principle benefits of the irap product is that it provides a drug free method of getting horses back into competitive work since the treatment utilises the horse's own biological material to produce the healing proteins. The studies so far have produced very promising results and the treatment is widely used in Europe and America.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
PRP is now being used in tendon and ligament injuries. It is literally plasma (the straw coloured liquid in which the blood cells are suspended) that is rich in platelets. A blood sample is taken from the patient and then processed in the laboratory to produce PRP the same day. A high concentration of growth factors are released by the platelets when the PRP is injected at the site of injury, stimulating tissue repair.
