2291 Peyton St, Ward, AR 72176
Equine Sports Medicine, Lameness & Diagnostic Imaging
Precision Diagnostics. Targeted Treatments. Optimized Performance.
At Elite Equine, we understand the demands placed on today's equine athletes. Whether competing at the highest levels or enjoying recreational riding, maintaining soundness, comfort, and performance is essential to every horse's success and longevity.
Our sports medicine services focus on identifying the underlying causes of lameness, developing individualized treatment strategies, and helping horses return to their intended level of activity. By combining thorough clinical evaluations, advanced diagnostic imaging, and a variety of therapeutic options, we strive to provide effective solutions tailored to each horse's specific needs.
From subtle performance concerns to complex musculoskeletal injuries, our goal is to provide horse owners with clear answers, practical treatment options, and a comprehensive plan for recovery and long-term soundness.
Comprehensive Lameness & Performance Evaluations
Finding the Source. Understanding the Problem.
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At Elite Equine, our lameness evaluations are designed to identify the source of discomfort, assess musculoskeletal function, and investigate changes in performance.
Each examination is tailored to the individual horse and include a detailed physical and musculoskeletal assessment, gait evaluation, flexion tests, diagnostic nerve or joint blocks, and targeted imaging when indicated.
We understand that not every performance issue presents as an obvious lameness. Subtle changes in movement, difficulty performing specific maneuvers, or a decline in athletic performance may be early indicators of an underlying problem.
Our approach focuses on looking beyond the symptoms to identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that addresses the horse's specific condition.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
Better Diagnostics. More Informed Decisions.
Accurate diagnostic imaging plays a critical role in evaluating equine lameness, musculoskeletal injuries, and a variety of medical conditions.
Elite Equine utilizes digital radiography and diagnostic ultrasound to provide detailed assessments of both bone and soft tissue structures. These technologies allow us to investigate injuries, monitor healing, and make informed decisions regarding treatment and rehabilitation.
With imaging capabilities available at our clinic and through our ambulatory services, we offer flexibility and convenience without compromising our commitment to thorough diagnostics.
Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
Our portable digital radiography system provides high-quality images that allow us to evaluate bone and joint structures, identify abnormalities, and investigate potential causes of lameness.
Digital radiographs are particularly valuable in evaluating conditions such as osteoarthritis, fractures, developmental orthopedic abnormalities, and other skeletal changes. Radiography is also an important component of many pre-purchase examinations and ongoing performance evaluations.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Ultrasonography allows us to evaluate soft tissue structures that cannot be adequately assessed through radiographs alone.
This technology is especially valuable for diagnosing tendon and ligament injuries, assessing joint and tendon sheath abnormalities, and monitoring tissue healing throughout rehabilitation.
Beyond musculoskeletal imaging, ultrasound also plays an important role in reproductive examinations and select internal medicine evaluations.
By combining diagnostic ultrasound with digital radiography when appropriate, we can develop a more complete understanding of your horse's condition.
Individualized Treatment & Orthobiologic Therapies
Modern Treatment Options. Personalized Approaches.
Every horse, injury, and performance goal is different. At Elite Equine, we believe treatment should be guided by an accurate diagnosis, current veterinary knowledge, and the individual needs of each patient.
Our treatment options include therapeutic joint injections, conventional medical therapies, and orthobiologic products designed to address inflammation and support musculoskeletal health.
Orthobiologic treatment options available at Elite Equine include:
- ProStride APS: An autologous blood-derived treatment that concentrates anti-inflammatory proteins and other biologically active components for use in selected joint conditions.
- Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M): A naturally occurring protein with the ability to inhibit certain proteases involved in cartilage degradation and joint inflammation.
- Medical-Grade Placental Products: Biologic products derived from placental tissues that may be considered in selected musculoskeletal conditions, depending on the specific product, clinical indication, and available evidence.
We recognize that no single treatment is appropriate for every horse. Our goal is to evaluate the available options, discuss realistic expectations, and recommend therapies that best align with each horse's diagnosis and long-term athletic goals.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Targeted Therapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions.
Elite Equine offers extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as an additional treatment modality for selected orthopedic and soft tissue conditions.
Shockwave therapy delivers focused acoustic energy to targeted tissues and may help reduce pain and influence biological processes involved in tissue repair.
Depending on the diagnosis, shockwave therapy may be incorporated into treatment plans for certain tendon and ligament injuries, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Treatment recommendations are based on the specific injury, clinical findings, and the horse's intended use. For competition horses, we also consider applicable medication and treatment restrictions established by governing organizations.
Injury Rehabilitation & Return to Performance
Recovery Is a Process. Every Step Matters.
Diagnosing and treating an injury is only part of the process. Proper rehabilitation is essential to promote tissue healing, restore function, and reduce the risk of reinjury.
At Elite Equine, we develop individualized rehabilitation protocols based on the type and severity of injury, diagnostic findings, and the horse's intended athletic discipline.
Rehabilitation plans may include controlled exercise programs, progressive increases in workload, follow-up examinations, and repeat diagnostic imaging to assess healing and guide adjustments.
Whether your horse is recovering from a tendon injury, suspensory ligament damage, or another orthopedic condition, our goal is to provide a structured, practical path toward a safe and successful return to activity.
Our commitment doesn't end with the diagnosis. We're here to help guide the recovery process and support your horse's long-term soundness and performance.
Specialized Diagnostics & Referral Collaboration
While Elite Equine provides a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services, certain conditions benefit from specialized imaging, surgical intervention, or advanced hospital-based care.
When necessary, we work with trusted referral facilities to coordinate additional diagnostic procedures, including MRI, CT, nuclear scintigraphy, or other specialized evaluations.
Our priority is ensuring each horse receives the appropriate level of care while maintaining clear communication and continuity throughout the referral and follow-up process.
At Elite Equine, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for your equine athlete, helping them perform at their best and reach their full potential. Contact us today to schedule a lameness evaluation and take the first step towards optimizing your horse's performance and well-being.


