When your horse faces complex health challenges that go beyond routine care, you need a veterinary team with the expertise and advanced diagnostic capabilities to uncover the root cause and develop effective treatment plans. At South Valley Equine, our internal medicine services provide comprehensive diagnosis and management for diseases affecting multiple body systems in both adult horses and foals. We combine cutting-edge diagnostic technology with compassionate care to help your horse overcome even the most challenging medical conditions.
Internal Medicine
Understanding Internal Medicine
Internal medicine in equine veterinary care focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases that affect your horse’s internal organs and body systems without requiring surgical intervention. This specialized field demands extensive knowledge of how different body systems interact and affect overall health. Our internal medicine team investigates complex cases where symptoms may involve multiple organs or when standard treatments haven’t provided answers.
Our Internal Medicine Services
Our comprehensive internal medicine services cover a wide range of conditions affecting horses of all ages. From respiratory issues to metabolic disorders, we provide expert care backed by advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatment protocols.
Disease Diagnosis and Management
Managing complex diseases requires a thorough understanding of how various conditions manifest and progress in horses. Our team excels at investigating mysterious symptoms, connecting seemingly unrelated signs, and developing targeted treatment strategies. We handle cases ranging from chronic conditions requiring long-term management to acute illnesses needing immediate intervention.
Neonatal Care
Newborn foals require specialized attention during their critical first days and weeks of life. Our neonatal intensive care unit provides round-the-clock monitoring for foals experiencing complications such as failure of passive transfer, sepsis, or neonatal maladjustment syndrome. We support premature or dysmature foals with advanced therapies including oxygen support, intravenous nutrition, and carefully controlled environmental conditions.
Cardiology
Heart conditions in horses can range from innocent murmurs to life-threatening arrhythmias. Our cardiology services include comprehensive cardiac evaluations using electrocardiography and echocardiography to assess heart function and structure. We diagnose and manage conditions such as atrial fibrillation, valvular disease, and congestive heart failure.
Neurology
Our neurology services address conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. We perform detailed neurological examinations to localize problems and determine appropriate diagnostic tests. Common conditions we treat include equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), cervical vertebral malformation (wobbler syndrome), and viral encephalitis. Our treatment protocols focus on halting disease progression and maximizing neurological function recovery.
Oncology
Cancer diagnosis in horses requires careful evaluation and compassionate care planning. Our oncology services provide comprehensive cancer diagnosis through biopsies and advanced imaging, followed by appropriate treatment options. We manage various equine cancers including lymphoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. When beneficial, we offer systemic chemotherapy treatments, always prioritizing your horse’s comfort and quality of life.
Myopathies
Muscle disorders can significantly impact your horse’s performance and comfort. We diagnose and manage both inherited and acquired myopathies through comprehensive evaluation, including genetic testing, muscle enzyme analysis, and occasionally muscle biopsies. Treatment plans typically involve dietary modifications, controlled exercise programs, and management strategies tailored to your horse’s specific condition and intended use.
Our Internal Medicine Process
Getting Started with Your Horse’s Care
Your horse’s treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation where we gather detailed history about symptoms, previous treatments, and your observations. We perform a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to all body systems. During this initial visit, we discuss our findings and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests based on clinical signs.
Building Your Horse’s Treatment Strategy
Following diagnostic testing, we analyze all results to develop a targeted treatment plan specific to your horse’s condition. We explain our findings in clear terms, ensuring you understand the diagnosis and treatment options. Your involvement in decision-making is crucial, and we work together to create a plan that aligns with your goals and your horse’s needs.
Putting Our Plan into Action
Treatment implementation varies based on diagnosis but may include medications, dietary changes, management modifications, or hospitalization for intensive care. We provide detailed instructions for at-home care and remain available for questions as you navigate your horse’s treatment. Our team monitors response to therapy closely, making adjustments as needed to optimize outcomes.
Keeping Your Horse Healthy
Long-term success often depends on proper aftercare and maintenance strategies. We provide comprehensive discharge instructions and teach you how to monitor your horse for signs of improvement or complications. For chronic conditions, we develop sustainable management plans that fit into your daily routine while maximizing your horse’s health and comfort.
Checking In and Moving Forward
Regular follow-up appointments allow us to assess treatment effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. We schedule recheck examinations and repeat diagnostics as appropriate to track progress. Our commitment extends beyond initial treatment, and we remain your partner in managing your horse’s health throughout their recovery and beyond.
Why Choose Us for Internal Medicine
When complex medical conditions require specialized expertise, South Valley Equine serves as the region’s leading referral center for equine internal medicine cases. Our internal medicine team, including specialists like Dr. Roger Rees, tackles challenging diagnoses that demand advanced diagnostic capabilities, from puzzling respiratory conditions to complicated metabolic disorders. We built our practice on the principle that every horse deserves expert, compassionate care, treating each patient with the same dedication we’d give our own animals.
Ensure Your Horse’s Overall Health With Comprehensive Internal Medicine at South Valley Equine
If your horse faces unexplained weight loss, recurring colic, persistent cough, or other concerning symptoms that haven’t responded to standard treatment, our internal medicine specialists can provide the answers and advanced care you’ve been searching for. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for educational content and updates, check our Google Maps listing for directions, and see what fellow horse owners share about their experiences in our Yelp reviews. Call 801-254-2333 to discuss your horse’s symptoms with our team and schedule a comprehensive internal medicine evaluation.
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FAQs
What are the first signs of Cushing's disease in horses?
Early signs of Cushing’s disease (PPID) include delayed coat shedding, long or curly hair that persists through summer, increased drinking and urination, and lethargy. You might also notice regional fat deposits, particularly above the eyes, and increased susceptibility to infections or laminitis. Some horses develop a pot-bellied appearance or muscle wasting along their topline. Because signs can be subtle initially, annual screening for horses over 15 years old helps catch the disease early when treatment is most effective.
Can horses get Lyme disease?
Yes, horses can contract Lyme disease from infected tick bites, particularly in regions where deer ticks are prevalent. Symptoms in horses vary widely and may include shifting leg lameness, muscle soreness, behavioral changes, and low-grade fever. Some horses develop neurological signs or eye problems. Diagnosis requires blood testing combined with clinical signs, as many horses test positive without showing symptoms.
How to treat ulcers in horses?
Gastric ulcer treatment begins with prescription medications to reduce stomach acid production and allow healing. Treatment duration typically ranges from 28 days for squamous ulcers to potentially longer for glandular ulcers. Alongside medication, management changes are crucial including increasing turnout time, providing constant access to forage, reducing grain intake, and minimizing stress. Our veterinarian will asses the best treatment course for your horse and their specific situation.
What is heaves in horses?
Heaves, also called recurrent airway obstruction or severe equine asthma, is a chronic respiratory condition similar to human asthma. Affected horses develop inflammation and narrowing of their airways when exposed to allergens like dust, mold, or pollen. Symptoms include chronic coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and development of a “heave line” along the abdomen from labored breathing. While not curable, heaves can be managed through environmental modifications to reduce allergen exposure, along with medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids during flare-ups.
What is pigeon fever in horses?
Pigeon fever is a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis that causes abscesses in horses. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with pigeons but gets its name from the characteristic swelling of the chest that resembles a pigeon breast. The bacteria typically causes external abscesses along the chest, abdomen, or legs, though internal abscesses can also occur. Treatment involves draining mature abscesses and antibiotics in some cases. Most horses recover completely, though the infection can recur. Fly control and proper wound management help prevent spread between horses.