Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
The science of sports medicine continues to evolve to better support and improve the performance of hard-working athletes- including horses. Lameness is one of the most common causes of performance problems in our equine athletes, and it often can be effectively diagnosed and treated through progressive equine sports medicine.
In this section
While lameness exams are completed within our equine surgery service, our sports medicine and rehabilitation team is led by a faculty specialist who is ACVS board-certified in equine surgery, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, and possesses years of experience treating upper-level horses. Our team provides world-class diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services in a state-of-the-art facility, serving sport horses from all life stages and disciplines. From 4-H pony to the barrel racer to dressage and hunter/jumper to the multi-million-dollar racehorse, our equine sports medicine and rehabilitation team tailors your horse’s care routine to their individual needs and their progress. And, as part of the performance evaluation process, we can consult with other Veterinary Medical Center specialists, including internal medicine, theriogenology and reproductive medicine, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and integrated oncology.
Our 12,000 sq. ft., all-weather, multi-surface Ralph Rogan Equine Performance Evaluation Arena allows our equine veterinarians to conduct comprehensive evaluations, diagnostics, and treatments for performance horses. The arena space allows the rider or handler to recreate the issues they are experiencing with their horse, which aids clinicians in diagnostic anesthesia or localization of the area of discomfort in the horse.
Hours & Appointment Scheduling
Office hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
- Patient visits are by appointment only
- For an appointment: 614-292-6661
- After hours/weekend emergencies: 614-292-6661. We ask that you please call ahead.
Common Conditions
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Poor performance from lameness or spinal musculoskeletal injuries, upper and lower airway conditions, neurologic dysfunction, cardiac disease.
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Performance-altering behavioral changes from musculoskeletal injuries, neurologic conditions, or reproductive disorders.
Service Highlights
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ACVS board-certified faculty specialists
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Fear Free Certified professional faculty
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12,000 sq. ft. performance evaluation arena with associated asphalt jogging strip
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Full diagnostics including 3-Tesla MRI, 128-slice CT, nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), digital radiography, ultrasonography, dynamic endoscopy performed on high-speed treadmill
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Robust surgical options for musculoskeletal injuries such as arthroscopy, tenoscopy, fracture repair, and tendon/ligament treatment
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Joint injections with a full range of biologic products such as platelet-rich plasma, stem cells, etc.
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Consultation with and therapeutic shoeing by a certified journeyman farrier
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Rehabilitation services such as shockwave therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapies
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Pre-purchase exams (also available on-farm through our equine ambulatory team)
What to Expect
An initial exam consists of a complete examination of the horse, evaluation of the horse in hand at all gaits, and when needed or desired, a ridden (or driven) evaluation. Once the horse is evaluated and deficits are identified, the horse may go through diagnostic anesthesia (nerve or joint blocks) to localize the region of pain or dysfunction. Following localization, radiographs and ultrasound are routinely performed, however, depending on the type of performance dysfunction that is identified, other diagnostics, such as upper airway endoscopy, or a consult with internal medicine, reproduction, or cardiology may be performed. Once the horse has a working diagnosis, the team will develop a comprehensive treatment, therapeutic, and rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs, and including your primary veterinarian.
I was just amazed and almost in disbelief on how well it all went. Awesome job by the team!
Clinical Trials
The Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation service is often recruiting patients for related studies for which your animal may be eligible. If you have any questions regarding your animal's eligibility, please contact the Blue Buffalo Clinical Trials Office (cvm-clinicaltrials@osu.edu).
For a listing of current trials please click here.