Lameness and performance exams can be performed at our clinic located in Mt. Airy or on the farm.  Exams include a tho

rough history, palpations, evaluation in hand, lunge and/or under saddle and flexion tests.  Diagnostics offered to further isolate the cause of the lameness or poor performance include regional nerve blocks, digital radiographs, digital ultrasonography, and upper airway endoscopy.  

The Lameness Locator® is also available to aid in lameness evaluations.  Using three wireless inertial sensors attached to the patient’s head, pelvis and right front limb, our veterinarians are able to objectively measure the amount of lameness, which limb is affected and which phase of the stride the lameness occurs.  Because of the computer-assisted system, each stride is sampled 200 times per second vs. a human eye at 20-25 times per second increasing the reliability of each exam for both an initial diagnosis and during the healing process to ensure improvements are occurring during each phase of rehabilitation.   More information can be found at https://equinosis.com/

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options include extracorporeal shock wave therapy, joint injections using Hyaluronic Acid and steroids, Platelet-rich plasma, autologous-conditioned serum (processed off-site), and Polyacrylamide gels to aid in the healing process.

Preventative medicine is critical for each of our patients and Dr. Snyder takes pride in keeping up to date with current research and guidelines to ensure your horse’s health is at it’s best.  We offer different vaccination/deworming programs to fit the needs of both our patients and clients.  Based on the risks of the patient, different health programs are recommended to decrease risk for preventable diseases and parasites.

The health programs are scheduled throughout the year and reminders are sent to the client two weeks prior to confirm the appointment and determine if further services are requested at the time of the appointment.  The farm call is included in each health program fee and enrollment in our health program ensures emergency coverage for our patients.  While the health programs help reduce the number of vaccines given at one time and ensures the vaccinations are given when the disease is at the highest risk, it also allows Dr. Snyder to examine your horse for any concerns including nutrition, performance, follow up examinations, etc.

Deworming programs are also imperative in a horse’s life and current research has shown clinical approach has shifted from deworming every horse six times per year to treating each horse as an individual.  Most recent recommendations for equine parasite control includes two fecal egg counts per year (spring and fall), deworming all horses twice yearly, and deworming again if needed based on the fecal egg count results.  Young horses require different products and treatments more often compared to adults and Dr. Snyder works closely with her clients to ensure each patient is well managed to control parasite load and reduce the risk of health concerns that may be caused by parasitism.

Yearly dental examination are highly recommended for each of our patients to ensure they are chewing properly and performing to their upmost ability beginning as early as 12-18 months of age and throughout their entire life.  Each examination is performed under standing sedation using a dental speculum to ensure proper restraint for a thorough exam and dental float.  Most adult horses require a dental examination and float once yearly while others have risk factors prompting more frequent exams such as excessive or uneven wear, loss of a tooth, abnormal bite, etc.

Damascus Equine Associates provides emergency care for all patients 24/7.  Emergency coverage is split between different veterinarians in Damascus Equine Associates including Drs. Michael Erskine, Suzanne Welker, Alex Yerkes, Peter Radue, Edward Radue, and Megan Snyder.  Our veterinarians provide phone consultations and/or farm visits if needed for all patients enrolled in our health programs.  Services include, but are not limited to, laceration repair, severe lameness, acute illness, and acute abdominal pain.  

If an emergency should arise, please call our office during business hours Monday-Friday 8am-5pm at 301-502-1762 or the emergency answering service outside working hours at 240-782-8350. 

Please have the following information prepared prior to calling:

• Owner’s name and phone number
• Patient’s name
• Farm name and address
• Concerns regarding patient
• Vital signs (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate)

Pre-purchase examinations are offered to evaluate a patient prior to purchase.  The examination includes a full physical including ophthalmic exam, palpations of all limbs, neck and back, and a baseline lameness evaluation with flexions.   The patient is also observed on a lunge line and/or under saddle. 

Other services offered during the pre-purchase examination are a drug screen, complete blood count, blood chemistry, Cushing’s/Insulin Resistance test, radiographs, ultrasound and standing endoscopy.  All additional services must be requested prior to the exam to ensure sufficient time has been scheduled for the appointment. 

Prevention and early intervention are key when it comes to the care for your horse.  Dr. Snyder works closely with owners to determine abnormal clinical symptoms and provide management and treatment options.  She offers medical work ups for various causes of illness and guides diagnostic and treatment plans specific to you and your horse’s needs. Dr. Snyder also works closely with and refers to multiple specialists in various fields to ensure your horse is provided the best care possible on the farm or at our clinic.

Dr. Amy Polkes of Equine Internal Medicine is a board-certified internal medicine specialist and offers services such as gastroscopy, thoracic/abdominal ultrasound, neurological and respiratory diagnostics and evaluations. Visit www.equineimed.com for more information. 

Dr. Catherine Nunnery of Equine Veterinary Vision is a board-certified ophthalmologist that solely practices equine and offers examinations and ophthalmic procedures. Visit www.equineveterinaryvision.com for more information.  

Mare and foal care are offered on the farm including rectal ultrasounds to determine the mare’s stage in her reproductive cycle, insemination with fresh cooled semen, pregnancy checks and preventative care for the mare prior to and post foaling. 

Foal examinations are performed at 12-18 hours post-foaling to ensure the health of the mare and foal.  A post-foaling appointment includes examinations of both patients, complete blood count and IgG level for the foal and examination of the placenta to ensure it has been passed in its entirety.