Our Services

Forward Thinking Equine offers an extensive array of services designed to elevate your horse’s health and performance.

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  • Sports Medicine: Evaluations
    Performance Examinations
    We recommend that your horse be examined once or twice yearly in order to catch and address any issues before they become a problem. This exam also helps us get to the root of any performance issues your horse may be having, so that we can provide a solution. Our performance evaluations include an in-depth full body examination, examination in motion and under saddle, as well as flexion tests. Treatments or further diagnostic recommendations will be made based on findings during the examination.

    Lameness Evaluations
    Our lameness evaluations include the same in-depth examination as above, but may also require nerve or joint blocks to help localize the cause of the lameness. Once localized, we can perform digital imaging to determine the cause, and put together a tailored treatment program. We also work closely with local equine clinics like New Bolton Center, Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center, and Equine MRI of New Jersey for horses that may need advanced imaging, such as nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), CT, MRI, PET, or myelogram.

    Imaging
    Each doctor is equipped with their own ultrasound and digital radiograph equipment, so those services will always be available to you at your appointment, with instant results. We also offer review of radiographs by boarded Veterinary Radiologists that specialize in equine imaging.
  • Sports Medicine: Treatments
    Regenerative Medicine
    • Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (Alpha-2EQ)
      Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M) is a molecule present in your horse’s own blood. It is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. The Alpha 2EQ technology allows us to draw a sample of blood from your horse and extract out highly concentrated A2M right at your barn during an appointment. The product then is injected into an inflamed joint, over an injured tendon, or can even be used in an inhaler to treat inflammatory lung disorders. This product is best to use in place of steroids for joint maintenance. The benefits include no increased risk of laminitis post-injection, quick results, and high volume-meaning we can inject multiple joints at one appointment, or freeze any leftover product for use within the next 12 months.

    • Pro-Stride APS
      Pro-stride APS (autologous protein solution) is derived from your horses own blood. We process it on site at your appointment to concentrate cells, platelets anti-inflammatory factors, and growth factors. The product is then injecting into an inflamed joint or tendon. This product is best to treat injuries or a single joint, as it is a smaller volume and contains additional healing factors versus Alpha-2-macroglobulin.

    • Anicell
      Anicell is an amnion product that is harvested non-invasively. It contains components to form a bioscaffold, and has many applications. Injectable versions can be injected under the skin overlying tendon, ligament, or joint injuries, as well as surrounding wounds. The product will move to the area of injury, and the healing process will begin. Topical versions can be applied over wounds or eyes to provide a scaffold and to aid in healing. We have had great responses with this product. The big benefit is that there is no need to inject directly into a tendon injury, which can cause damage and be painful. It also increases rate of healing for wounds and other injuries.

    • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
      Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is derived from your horse’s own blood on-site. It concentrates anti-inflammatory factors, platelets, and growth factors that are injected back into tendon and ligament injuries. This product is injected directly into a tendon or ligament injury using ultrasound-guidance to aid in healing.

    Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
    Shockwave has been proven to be an effective and non-invasive method to improve quality of healing and reduce pain. It calls in the body’s own stem cells and healing factors to repair and regenerate injuries. It also leads to decreased pain in the 3-5 days following the treatment. It is useful in treatment of injured tendons, ligaments, and joints, as well as for pain reduction in joints, necks, backs, and the pelvis-leading to improved performance. Our new shockwave has the added benefit of being less painful, and more quiet than other shockwave units. It also has the ability to penetrate deeper when required, effectively reaching the sacroiliac region and back more effectively than other units.
  • Pre-Purchase Evaluations
    We are happy to offer comprehensive pre-purchase examinations. Our base examination includes:

    • Review of medical and performance history
    • Ophthalmic examination
    • Oral examination
    • Auscultation of heart and lungs before and after exercise
    • Musculoskeletal examination, which includes palpation of all soft tissue and bone structures of the limbs and spine, as well as assessment of range of motion
    • Performance evaluation, which includes assessment in motion at the walk, trot, and canter, as well as under saddle. Flexion tests are also included.
    • Neurologic evaluation
    • Microchip scan & research (USEF or Jockey Club)
    • Drug screen blood drawn and held for 12 months post-examination
    • Consultation on risk of purchase based on examination findings, as well as recommendations on imaging to be performed.

    Imaging packages are available for radiographs and ultrasound
  • Medical Manipulation (Equine Chiropractic) & Acupuncture
    We are proud to offer alternative therapies in addition to conventional therapies. Both Dr. Levine and Dr. Fraysier are qualified to perform medical manipulation adjustments, often referred to as equine chiropractic. Regular adjustments can help reduce risk of injury and improve performance by clearing any restrictions that may be leading to pain or abnormal locomotion. Many behavior issues can also be improved with spinal manipulation, if restrictions are involved. Additionally, Dr. Levine is qualified to perform acupuncture, which can be used alone or in addition to spinal manipulation.
  • Gastroscopy
    Gastric ulcers are highly prevalent in performance horses, but also in pleasure horses. They can cause significant behavioral issues, performance issues, weight loss, and pain. The only way to diagnose gastric ulcers is via gastroscopy, where a camera is passed through your horse’s nose, down their esophagus, and into their stomach. We are equipped to perform this service at your farm, without the added stress of a trailer ride. Your horse will be fasted after having their dinner/night meal, and the procedure will be performed the following morning. Results are instant and you are welcome to watch the camera screen as we perform the gastroscopy. After the procedure, we will put together a detailed treatment and follow-up plan.
  • Telemedicine
    Have a question about a problem or concern and unsure if you need a visit? We schedule consultations over the phone that include evaluation of photos and videos where necessary. If we decide together a visit is warranted, the cost of the consultation can be applied to the visit.  This service can also be used to consult on purchase exams and radiographs performed while you are in search of your next partner.
  • Routine Care
    We are happy to provide routine veterinary services, including vaccines and routine bloodwork, for select clients. Please call regarding availability of routine services in your area.
  • Emergencies
    Emergency services are offered to full service clients between the hours of 6am and 9pm. Full service clients are defined as those who have had an annual wellness exam and routine vaccinations by our practice within the last 12 months. For rare emergencies that occur between 9pm and 6am, please be prepared to trailer your horse to the nearest veterinary hospital. For clients that are not considered full-service, we recommend contacting the veterinarian that performs your annual wellness examination and vaccinations for emergency services.