All of our diagnostic services are easily performed in the comfort of your barn aisle. We provide stall-side diagnostics at the highest available quality, including lameness examinations, prepurchase examinations, and routine performance evaluations.
🏇 Performance & Lameness Evaluations
Every stride tells a story. We’re here to interpret it.
Whether your horse is competing at the highest level or showing subtle signs of discomfort, we offer in-depth performance and lameness evaluations to optimize soundness and performance.
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Comprehensive sports medicine evaluations
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Nerve and joint blocks to localize lameness
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Flexion tests, hoof balance assessments, and gait analysis
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Pre-purchase and pre-competition evaluations
🔎 Prepurchase Examinations
Knowledge is power when buying your next equine partner.
Our thorough prepurchase evaluations are designed to give you a clear, confident understanding of a horse’s current health, performance potential, and long-term soundness.
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Comprehensive physical and lameness examination
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Flexion tests, hoof evaluation, and conformation assessment
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On-site radiographs, ultrasound imaging, and upper-airway endoscopy
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Additional lab testing available
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Detailed written report with findings and recommendations
- Optional outside review of imaging by board-certified radiologists
Radiographs
We provide digital and wireless technology to provide the highest-quality radiographic images for diagnostic purposes. From prepurchase exams to lameness diagnoses, radiographic imagery is invaluable. Farrier consultation for performance horses is also a vital tool we use to help guide the team of caretakers in the best possible direction to support the equine athlete. As an equine sports medicine veterinarian, Dr. Guardia teams with the farrier, trainer, and owner to help determine the ideal shoeing adjustments to provide the best comfort for the performance horse.
Ultrasound
Dr. Guardia is in the process of obtaining International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP) Certification. This certification focuses on detailed, precise ultrasound examination and diagnosis of equine lamenesses. Because of this attention to detail and specificity, ultrasound examination leads to more specific rehabilitation plans and prognoses for return to work. Dr. Guardia is committed to providing the highest level of diagnostics and services to her patients.
Upper-Airway Endoscopy
Often, subtle performance issues can be related to airway function. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the horse’s quality of life, as well as potentially extend their athletic career. Upper-airway endoscopy is a wonderful, non-invasive stall-side tool that can help identify abnormalities before they cause significant decline in performance.
