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.

    A.I. Gait Analysis
    We utilize A.I. technology to evaluate asymmetries in your horse’s gait. This state-of-the-art software analyzes video we record during the examination and detects even the smallest asymmetries, so they can be addressed prior to a bigger issue occurring. The software can track trends across a period of time, so that when something changes, we know it is time to investigate further. It is also useful to follow changes during a rehabilitation protocol, so that appropriate adjustments can be made to get your horse back to work faster. This analysis can be done in-person during an exam, or remotely for follow-ups, which means an in-person visit is not required to utilize the benefits of the software and make adjustments to work or rehabilitation plans.
  • 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.

    Class IV Therapeutic Laser
    We offer high-powered Class IV Therapeutic Laser treatments to aid in healing, as well as speed recovery after a big event. Therapeutic laser treatment increases the rate that tissue regenerates, thus speeding the healing process. It also reduces inflammation, edema, and pain. We have found it to be very effective in treating soft tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments), arthritis, wounds, nerve damage, pain, swelling or edema, over acupoints in place of needles, and in management of musculoskeletal discomfort between competitions or workouts. The treatments are quick and enjoyable for the horse. Single treatments to address musculoskeletal discomfort between competitions/workouts, as well as packages to aid in healing are available. It can be partnered with many of our other therapies, including orthobiologics, shockwave therapy, and integrative services to achieve maximum results.
  • 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
  • Alternative and Integrative Services
    Medical Manipulation (Equine Chiropractic)
    Medical Manipulation Therapy, commonly known as equine chiropractic, is a great tool to improve performance and prevent injury. The therapy focuses on clearing restrictions in the body to regain normal range of motion, as well as stimulating the nervous system to relax tight muscles and reduce pain. Thus, the horse is able to use their body appropriately, symmetrically, and without pain. Both Dr. Rachael & Dr. Sam offer this service for your horse.

    Acupuncture
    Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for a wide variety of ailments. From a performance perspective, it can treat behavioral issues, lameness, pain, muscle soreness, and boost overall well-being and balance. Great results are also seen when it is used for ophthalmic (eye) problems, respiratory disease (heaves/asthma), metabolic disease, gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, ulcers), neurologic issues, reproductive problems, non-sweating, and many others. Our practice also performs electroacupuncture, which stimulates the acupoints to achieve faster and more potent results. Moxibustion, laser acupuncture, and aquapuncture with B12 are also utilized as needed. Both Dr. Sam and Dr. Rachael integrate acupuncture as part of their treatment plans, or as a standalone therapy.

    Herbals
    We are happy to prescribe herbals through Jing Tang, which are used alongside acupuncture to boost results. They work as a daily dose of acupuncture for your horse, and most formulations are USEF show legal.
  • 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.