Equine Sports Medicine & Lameness Evaluations in Valdosta, GA
Helping Your Horse Perform at Their Best
Whether your horse competes, works, or is simply an active companion, maintaining soundness is essential for long-term health and performance. Subtle changes in movement, behavior, or willingness to work can be early indicators of discomfort that, if identified early, may help prevent more significant injuries.
At Veterinary Care Center of Valdosta, we provide comprehensive equine sports medicine services for horses throughout Lowndes County, surrounding South Georgia communities, and parts of North Florida. From routine soundness evaluations to pre-purchase examinations and hoof care consultations, our goal is to help horses stay healthy, comfortable, and performing at their highest level.
Soundness & Lameness Evaluations
Regular soundness evaluations are an important part of preventive care for performance horses and horses with changing athletic demands. If your horse develops lameness or changes in performance, identifying the source of discomfort is the first step toward developing an effective treatment plan.
Our veterinarians perform thorough lameness examinations, which may include:
● Physical and gait evaluations
● Flexion tests
● Diagnostic nerve blocks
● Digital radiography
● Ultrasound imaging
Using these diagnostic tools, we work to accurately identify the source of lameness and recommend treatment options based on your horse's individual condition and intended use.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment recommendations may include:
● Joint injections
● Arthramid® joint injections
● Corrective shoeing recommendations
● Rehabilitation programs
● Osphos® therapy
● Collaboration with your farrier and other members of your horse's care team
Pre-Purchase Examinations (PPE)
Purchasing a horse is a significant investment, and a pre-purchase examination can provide valuable information before making your decision.
Our experienced TAEM veterinarians perform customized pre-purchase examinations tailored to your goals and intended use for the horse. Depending on your needs, your examination may include:
● Complete physical examination
● Lameness evaluation
● Digital radiographs
● Drug screening
● Evaluation of specific areas of concern
We communicate with you throughout the process, discussing findings as the examination progresses and allowing you to make informed decisions about additional diagnostics if needed.
Hoof Care & Farrier Collaboration
Healthy feet are the foundation of every horse's comfort and performance. Proper hoof balance plays an important role in preventing injury, maintaining soundness, and supporting long-term musculoskeletal health.
Our veterinarians work closely with local farriers to develop individualized hoof care plans for horses requiring therapeutic trimming or corrective shoeing. Digital radiographs can be used to evaluate hoof balance and assist in developing trimming and shoeing recommendations that best support your horse's needs.
By collaborating with your farrier, we strive to provide a coordinated approach that promotes both performance and long-term soundness.
Supporting Performance at Every Level
Whether you're managing a competitive athlete, a working horse, or a trusted trail companion, Veterinary Care Center of Valdosta is committed to helping your horse move comfortably and perform at their best.
Through comprehensive diagnostics, individualized treatment recommendations, and collaboration with horse owners and farriers, we provide sports medicine services designed to support your horse throughout every stage of life and athletic performance.
Contact Veterinary Care Center of Valdosta today to schedule a soundness evaluation, pre-purchase examination, or sports medicine consultation.