Equine
Horses and other equine patients require veterinarians who specialize in treating them so we are pleased to offer this service in Serving West Virginia and the surrounding communities.
Here at the practice of Clara A. Mason, D.V.M, our veterinarian is able to take care of your prized horses and other equines, whether you show them, breed them, or just love them as pets. Our entire staff is dedicated to our equine patients so that they can have the very best life possible.
Time of need care
Time of need care-We offer care for your horse in case of medical colic, sickness, lameness, injury, metabolic problems, or chronic illness. We are equipped to provide intravenous fluids and most laboratory results are obtained within 24 hours. Emergency care for our regular clients is provided on a 24 hour basis. Please call us at (304) 340-1401 for care.
Pre-purchase examinations
An extensive physical examination, lameness evaluation, neurologic examination, and drug screen is offered by us prior to purchasing a horse. The information gathered is used by the prospective buyer and/or agent to determine whether the horse will be servicable for it’s intended use. The exam often includes laboratory testing, digital radiographs, endoscopy, and ultrasound exams.
Geriatric care
Aged horses can have sub-clinical health care issues that can be identified and treated before they become a problem. If your horse is over 15 years of age we recommend a complete physical examination and blood testing to establish baseline values.
Lameness examination
Evaluate the locomotion of your horse. We use a variety of techniques to identify the source(s) of lameness including physical examination and palpation, flexion tests, and joint and nerve blocks. Digital radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory tests help us to further evaluate the source of your horse’s lameness.
Surgery
Standing or recumbant surgery of the horse is performed for castration, biopsy and laceration repair. More complicated procedures may be referred to a specialist.
Dentistry
Dentistry exams are included in all regular physical exams. We recommend a bi-annual dental exam for your horse. In a horse, improper teeth wear can cause bit problems, behavior problems, lameness, bad breath, thin body weight, pain and disease. Our goal is to balance your horse’s mouth and restore the dentition to it’s natural and healthy state.
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography uses sound waves to evaluate soft tissues like tendons and ligaments, reproductive organs, lumps, and tumors. It is painless and non-invasive.
Digital Radiography
Digital Radiography-uses x-rays to visualize bone for abnormalities including arthritic changes, fractures, ocd, bone cysts and bone infection. Our unit is capable of providing digital images within 2 seconds. As a mobile practice, we will come to you and do x-rays in the field. We will also give you a copy for your records.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy utilizes a fiber optic device for evaluating the upper airway of the horse, including the larynx, sinuses and guttural pouches. The trachea and upper esophagus can also be examined with this flexible device. Useful in prepurchase examinations, pneumonias, or reactive airway disease.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that utilizes needles to stimulate nerve pathways to heal many problems. Often, chinese herbs will be prescribed to aid in therapy.
Tonometry
Tonometry is a procedure that measures the intraocular pressure of the eyeball and is useful in detecting glaucoma and uveitis.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is used on animals and humans to control pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments. In addition, it will expedite healing allowing tissue to close faster than under usual treatment modalities. Laser will improve muscle function. We use a K-laser Cube machine that produces focused waves and the depth of penetration and force can be modified to suit the structure being treated.
Allergy testing/hyposensitization
Skin testing is considered the gold standard by most allergists in the United States. Blood test results do not correlate well to skin test results. In our practice skin testing is the method of choice to diagnose and treat skin and respiratory allergies in the horse.