X-ray capability is a necessity for diagnosing many medical problems, but mostly musculoskeletal lameness.  It puts a picture and a degree of severity to navicular disease, laminitis and chip fractures or OCD lesions in joints, to name a few. 

Tacoma Equine Hospital is proud to offer the latest in this technology.  We have four x-ray systems that are highly portable but still powerful enough to image the head, neck, portions of the back, and legs of all horses and the lungs and the abdomen of smaller horses.

The benefits of digital radiology are many, including superior imaging quality to enhance diagnostic ability and instant results to speed treatments and shorten recovery times.  The digital aspect of this system allows us to modify, magnify and manipulate the image for more comprehensive evaluation.  Images are stored in Asteris, a cloud-based storage program, allowing for easy viewing and sharing of exams.

Digital ultrasound allows us to noninvasively diagnose soft tissue injuries involved in lameness problems (tendon, ligaments, bursas) as well as to visualize the soft tissues of the heart, lungs, abdomen, reproductive tract, eye or soft tissue swellings of the skin.

Tacoma Equine is equipped with several high quality ultrasound machines.  With multiple ultrasound probes, our GE LOGIQ e Vet NextGen and Siemens Acuson P300 systems have excellent imaging capabilities used to evaluate the musculoskeletal system and internal organs.  Both systems are fully digital and the images can be easily sent to the owner or referring veterinarian.

For reproductive ultrasounds we utilize a CHISON SonoBook, which allows for excellent visualization of the mare's reproductive tract and detecting pregnancy either rectally or via the abdomen.

Utilizing state-of-the-art video gastroscopy and endoscopy, we are able to diagnose and manage a range of equine health concerns. Our 3.5-meter gastroscope allows us to thoroughly examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first section of the small intestine to detect issues such as gastric ulcers, cancer, or delayed gastric emptying. The exam is displayed on a large monitor, so owners can follow along in real-time, and we record the procedure and capture still images for use in follow-up care or to share with referring veterinarians.

For respiratory evaluations, our 1-meter endoscope provides detailed visualization of the sinuses, throat, and lungs, enabling us to diagnose conditions such as sinus and guttural pouch infections, pneumonia, nasal tumors, and functional or anatomical abnormalities of the throat. This versatile tool can also be used for specialized procedures, like identifying and removing uterine cysts in mares.

Video of Gastroscope of Horse

Stablelab® EQ-1 Handheld Reader

Stablelab® is a handheld stall-side diagnostic tool that accurately quantifies Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in 10 minutes to help detect, monitor and screen horses for infection. SAA is a non-specific biomarker produced by the body, predominantly in the liver, in response to an infection. SAA forms as part of the acute phase inflammatory response. It can indicate the severity of the infection and how the body is coping with it.

sidekick IgG

Sometimes you can't wait for the lab. When a foal's life depends on timely results, the sidekick IgG test gives us real-time data for an accurate diagnosis and on-the-spot treatment of failure of passive transfer.

Utilizing reference labs, including ANTECH, Cornell, Equine Diagnostic Solutions, Nextmune, UC Davis, and WADDL, we are able to offer a large variety of testing, including:

• CBC & Chemistry • Cultures • Cytology • Drug Screens • Fecal Exams • Foal IgG • PPID (Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia) • Insulin & Glucose • Coggins (Equine Infectious Anemia) • EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) • EPSSM (Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) • Respiratory PCR (Influenza, EHV, Strangles, Rhinitis) • Diarrhea PCR Panel • Strangles (Streptococcus equi) Titer • Allergy Testing • And many more!

Tonometry is a simple diagnostic test used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), or the pressure inside the eye. Monitoring IOP is essential for detecting and managing conditions like glaucoma and uveitis that can impact your horse's eye health.

We use the iCare® TONOVET tonometer, a modern, non-invasive tool designed specifically for animals. This device provides accurate measurements quickly and painlessly, without causing discomfort or needing sedation.

Regular IOP monitoring is important for horses predisposed to ocular issues or those exhibiting signs of eye discomfort, swelling, or redness. Early detection allows us to address problems promptly and protect your horse’s vision and well-being.