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Gary Amaral DVM

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Services

Equine Services

Preventative Medicine

Wellness and Preventative Medicine

Regardless of the age of your horse, a comprehensive vaccination and parasite control program forms the basis of good health. We can help evaluate your horse’s individual needs and devise a program that is right for you. We also can help you determine your horse’s nutritional needs for each stage of life from weaning through the golden years. Many developmental orthopedic diseases can be prevented and sometimes treated through proper nutrition.

Reproduction

Reproduction

We offer a full range of reproductive services for the mare and stallion. Most routine services can be provided at your farm.

Pre-Purchase Exams

Pre-Purchase Exams

A complete physical exam and lameness evaluation are done to provide prospective buyers with information they need to make an educated purchase. During a pre-purchase exam, all major body systems are evaluated. This includes an evaluation of the horse’s general condition, vital parameters, cardiovascular system at rest and post-exercise, as well as an exam of the eyes and oral cavity, and thorough examination of the musculoskeletal system. Special procedures such as x-rays, blood work, or drug testing may be performed in addition to the comprehensive exam.

Lameness

Lameness

Diagnosis of a lameness requires a thorough physical exam and an acute eye. Observation of your horse’s gait while he is moving in straight lines and lunging in circles is essential. Gait analysis may be needed during flexion tests, after nerve blocks, and/or after joint blocks to pinpoint the area causing the lameness. Once the area is isolated, diagnostic aids such as radiographs and/or ultrasound may be used to help visualize the cause of the lameness. After the cause has been determined, Gary can develop a treatment plan which may include corrective farrier work, nursing care, medication, surgery or other appropriate therapies.

Emergency Services

Emergency Services

Gary Amaral DVM offers digital paging service so Gary can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide your horses with emergency medical care.

619-257-7775 follow the voice prompts to page Dr. Amaral

Diagnostics

Diagnostics

Ultrasound: We have a multi-functional and portable ultrasound machine. These state-of-the-art machines allow us to obtain the best quality images for tendon, joint, chest, abdomen and reproductive exams. Using different types of ultrasound probes, we are better able to diagnose lameness problems and colic issues, as well as offer high quality reproductive services.

Endoscopy: Flexible endoscopy allows us the opportunity to look inside areas of the horse that would otherwise be inaccessible and is a valuable diagnostic tool. Our endoscope allows us to examine the nasal passages, pharyngeal region, guttural pouches and upper airways. We are also able to examine the lower urinary tract to look for bladder stones and examine the mare’s uterus to identify abnormalities that may affect her fertility. Camera and video equipment allow us and our clients to watch the scoping on a monitor during the examination and record each session.

Radiography: Radiography is a very important diagnostic aid for a number of problems including, but not limited to fractures, heart and lung conditions, intestinal disorders, spinal problems and lameness. For field work we have a portable x-ray machine that is easily handled.

Dentistry

Dentistry

Proper dental care has been proven to be extremely important in maintaining your horse’s health and performance. Advances in the understanding of how the horse chews different foods and how the horse uses jaw position to hold his head has made "floating" teeth more of a science. Gary is committed to giving you the most up-to-date dental care to ensure the best performance and longevity of your horse.

The use of motorized equipment has allowed the corrections to be done much more quickly and precisely. A full mouth speculum gives us the opportunity to watch the procedure rather than do corrections blindly or by feel. Combining the use of motorized and hand instruments, Gary offers a full range of dental care. Some horses may need only basic floating to allow them to eat more efficiently. Other horses may need services such as bit seats; wave, ramp, or hook reductions; extractions; and incisor alignments to accomplish a more balanced mouth. A dental exam is the first and most important step in determining what treatment may be needed.

Mobile Services

Mobile Services

All of our appointments are done at your ranch boarding facility or farm. Services include primary care for sick horses, selected surgical procedures, wellness exams and preventative care, pre-purchase and lameness exams, reproductive services, new foal care exams, and dental procedures. Gary has a fully equipped vehicle with hot water, refrigeration, portable x-ray and ultrasound equipment, instruments, supplies, and medications to treat most of our patients in the field.

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