Equine services

We offer a specific range of services including: lameness investigation, orthopaedic surgery, 'poor performance', and pre-purchase evaluations, gait analysis and state-of-the-art imaging facilities.

We have a combination of highly trained technical staff and the best available equipment, so that our diagnostic imaging services are world class.

Available imaging equipment includes digital radiography, scintigraphy (bone scan), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and the only high field MRI unit in Australia capable of imaging horse limbs.
The standing CT machine, was the first to be installed in Australia 2019. The state-of-the-art Asto CT scanner offers high quality imaging in the standing, sedated horse. This CT aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the distal limb and diseases of the head and neck in horses.

Our services

Information for clients

  • What should I do when I arrive at the Equine Centre?

    On arrival to the Equine Centre we ask that you phone the number on the gate as you enter the Equine Centre so a nurse can meet you in the carpark to unload your horse. The nurse will be available to assist you with unloading and weighing your horse. As we like to ensure your horse is as relaxed as possible prior to any examinations or procedures they will be placed into a stable or yard to adjust to the new environment.

  • What should I expect during my consult?

    At the beginning of your consult you will meet with a member of our veterinary team to discuss your horse’s history and the plan for your visit. This is a great time to let us know if there is anything that may change our plan slightly, such as previous drug reactions, upcoming competitions, and preference for your horse not to be clipped. During the initial consultation process you will be able to stay with your horse, and we also provide a comfortable client waiting room for use while your horse is being assessed further. There may also be procedures where we will need to remove your horse's shoes or sedate your horse.

  • Who will be present during the consult?

    During your consultation and the examination of your horse a number of people will be assisting. This will include a veterinary specialist , a clinical veterinarian and a veterinary nurse. As we are a teaching hospital, veterinary students may also be present. Our students will observe and may also be involved in minor procedures with your consent only.

    The handling of your horse will be performed by one of our trained veterinary nurses. This is for safety reasons and consistency of procedures because they know exactly what our veterinarians require. It will also allow you to concentrate on what the veterinarians are doing and what they are explaining to you.

  • What happens if my horse is admitted to the hospital?

    If it is necessary for your horse to be admitted to the Centre either as part of the examination process or for further treatment and monitoring, your horse will be placed into a stall with feed and water provided. We can accommodate for a number of different feeds, however if your horse has a special diet, please make the nurse aware and we can discuss the best course of action.

    We encourage owners to take their head collars and lead ropes home, however if your horse has rugs we are happy to ensure they are put on as required. Please do not forget to label your rugs.

  • Can I visit my horse?

    Yes – by appointment only.

  • Are there rules when visiting my horse?

    It is important that we maintain a level of care for all our patients in the Centre as well as ensuring the safety of all people while within the Equine Centre. For this reason we ask that individuals visiting their horse follow these rules:

    • Only owners/trainers listed on the admission form will be allowed to visit unless given permission from the owners. The party responsible for the horse must contact reception with a list of approved visitors.
    • Whilst visiting the hospital all clients must wear appropriate clean clothing and footwear, including closed-toe shoes. Clients who are inappropriately dressed will be asked to change.
    • Clients must first check in at reception. Please do not go directly to the stall.
    • Clients will be asked to wait in the client waiting room once their horse is admitted.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
    • Clients should not remove their horse from the stall unless given permission by the clinician.
    • Clients must obey all signage and not enter any area marked as restricted. This includes stalls that have increased biosecurity measures.
    • To protect the privacy of our clients we ask that visitors do not walk around the clinic unattended, visit other patients, take photographs of other patients, or read charts of any patients. Any client doing so will be asked to leave immediately.
    • There is a cafĂ© on site which clients are welcome to visit while they are waiting.
  • Who will care for my horse while at the Centre?

    During your horses stay in the Centre a team of nurses will monitor and treat your horse under supervision of our veterinary team. The duration and frequency of monitoring depends on the type and severity of the condition of each horse. Students may play a role in this by performing basic monitoring and some treatments under strict supervision. The care and treatment of your horse is of upmost importance to us and we ensure that all steps are taken in maintaining the comfort of your horse.