Lameness workup is an important process. Simon holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Equine Orthopaedic Surgery (CertAVP(ESO)) and is an advanced practitioner in equine orthopaedic surgery. This qualification is above and beyond the standard veterinary degree and is the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in the subject of lameness investigation and treatment. One of the requirements to maintain Advanced Practitioner Status is the completion of an average of 50 hours Continuing Professional Development every year (compared to only 35 hours per year for “normal” vets). This is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest, cutting edge treatment and maintain high standards of surgical skill.

We prefer horses to come into the clinic so that we can fully investigate any lameness or poor performance issues. Although, on occasions, we can do these things on the yard but this has limitations and at the clinic we have all the facilities and equipment on hand which prevents repeat visits to the yard for diagnostics.

At Heaps Cottage Equine Clinic we have large examination rooms with rubber flooring where horses can be safely restrained for nerve and joint blocks. These also allow diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, ultrasound scans and endoscopy. We have a powerful fixed X-ray generator that can be used to image more difficult areas such as the back and pelvis regions.

Our concrete trot-up area, waxed-track sand arena and area of hard-standing for lunging on hard ground can be used to fully examine lameness or poor performance that may only show up with higher intensity exercise.