Services

• Surgeries: Orthopedic and arthroscopic (general & advanced), laporoscopic, throat, soft tissue, fracture repairs, bone platting & pinning
• Laser surgery – CO2 and Diode laser
• Vaccinations, deworming, physical examinations, and preventative medicine
• Pre-purchase examinations, lameness examinations
• Castrations, blood work, dentistry (including major dental work), and ophthalmic (eye) examinations
• Reproductive services including ultrasound machine
• Digital x-ray machine, fluoroscopic images, video endoscopy and gastroscopy
• Intra-Articular Injections (joint maintenance), IRAP, Equine Shock Wave Therapy
• 24 hour emergency services and ill patient care

Equine Sports Medicine

Equine Sports Medicine is not only for elite horses it is for the 4-H pony, the 3-Day event horse, the barrel racer, the endurance horse, and the multi-million dollar racehorse. Your equine athletes, just like you, tend to push their bodies. The injuries that may result can limit a horse's ability to perform. Whether poor performance means coming in fourth rather than first in the Derby or having an unpleasant trail ride because your horse was coughing, limitations to a horse's physical ability means that the horse cannot do his job well. The role of equine sports medicine is to determine how each of the body systems enables the horse to perform at a maximum level, and, if the horse's performance has decreased, to determine which body system is not working. Sports medicine is for any rider and horse team that wants to be able to exercise without pain and without limitation to the horse's genetic potential.

Lameness Evaluation

Pain or restricted movement are the most common causes of gait abnormalities, or lameness, in our horses.

Equine Veterinary Associates provides a comprehensive range of clinical lameness services that can rapidly and effectively address the orthopedic needs of our patients. A thorough exam, which often includes flexion tests and diagnostic nerve or joint blocks, is used in combination with a good history to indentify the location of the lameness problem.

• Conformation and Body Condition
• Hoof Testing and Consultation with farriers
• Gait Evaluation (in hand, lunging, under saddle)
• Limb Flexion Tests
• Regional Anesthesia (nerve blocks)
• Intra-articular Anesthesia (joint blocks)
• Intra-articular medication (joint injections)
• Evaluation of tendon/ligament injuries
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
• Maintenance therapy with injectables IM or IV
• Consultation and recommendations for oral supplementation

Once the area of concern has been identified the next step usually requires some type of diagnostic imaging. An array of sophisticated equipment and services includes:

• Digital X-rays
• Digital fluoroscope
• Digital Ultrasound
• Comprehensive surgical facilities

In addition, our digital equipment allows us to easily share data—including X-rays and other images—with you and your primary veterinarian.

Farrier Consultations

In the process of trying to diagnose and treat a lameness, a relationship with a farrier is required. There are times when a change in shoeing will be all it takes to improving a horse's soundness. The practice of farriery is truly a fascinating blend of art and science. How one farrier approaches one issue may be different from another yet the results can be the same.

The idea of farrier consultations has grown out of the use of digital x-rays in the practice. By being able to take the radiograph with the farrier present, we can see what is currently there and make recommendations on the spot. This is especially valuable with founder cases and other causes of foot soreness.

EVA is equipped to treat a range of foot conditions with medical therapy, as well as corrective shoeing and maintenance. The treatment area is also equipped to support laminitis and navicular cases.

Phil Fisher, AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier, is on site to provide corrective shoeing to patients requiring special attention, and any other farrier services you may need.

Member since 1981:
American Farrier's Association (National)
Midwest Farrier's Association (Regional)

Phil's participation in continuing education through the AFA and AAEP has allowed him to be part of a national network of the most talented farriers and veterinarians in the country. Forging skills sharpened through local and national competitions have given him the ability to effectively forge and apply corrective and theraputic shoes. Phil has worked closely with Dr. Brunk for 10 years. He has the necessary skills and knowlege to forge shoes based on the assessed needs of each individual horse.

To set up an appointment with Phil phone: 402-461-6891

Pre-Purchase Exams

Pre-Purchase exams are customized to meet each clients needs. The goal is to quantify the health and well being of the animal, as well as lameness or any other medical problems. We begin the process in our indoor arena with the horse's movement.

• Movement on flat ground at a walk and trot
• Lunged or ridden
• Flexion tests to aggravate potential lameness issues
• A full set of x-rays and fluoroscopic images

Depending on the intended use, other tests could include:

• Endoscope, blood workup, drug testing and ultrasound
• Eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal system examinations

Dr. Brunk conducts pre-purchase exams daily for our clients.

Dental Care

Dental health and function is very important to the performance of all horses. Dentistry is recommended to be performed at a minimum of once a year.

• Power floating
• Removal of sharp enamel points from the cheek teeth
• Bite alignment and correction
• Reduction of tall or sharp canine teeth
• Leveling of the incisors
• Extraction of wolf teeth
• Extraction of infected or fractured teeth
• Filling of periodontal pockets

Internal Medicine

As a full-service equine facility, EVA is outfitted with the most advanced equipment and instruments for diagnosis and supportive care. Around-the-clock observation and treatment is available.

In House

• CBC and chemistry panel
• IV Fluid therapy
• Hospitalization of medical colics (no surgeries)
• Hospitalization of critical care cases
• Upper Airway Endoscopy

Outside Labs

• Bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitiviy
• Cytology
• Seroloy
• Biopsy and histopathology
• Cogins
• EPM

Diagnostic Imaging

Equine Veterinary Associates utilizes the most advance equipment and instruments available. Digital equipment allows us to better manipulate images, store them, e-mail and print them as needed for our client.

• Digital Radiography – the introduction of digital radiography provides a great deal of flexibility. The image can be manipulated to accommodate more accurate diagnosis, emailed, printed, copies given to our clients on disk, and it is digitally stored in EVA's patient archives.
• Images in seconds on computer screen
• Contrast studies
• Digital Ultrasound – with our digital ultrasound we have linear and sector probes, to assist in the diagnosis of various internal and external conditions.
• Soft tissue, tendon, ligament injuries
• Monitor healing progress
• Ultrasound guided injections
• Evaluate anatomical sites with a mass or swelling
• Digital Fluoroscope – EVA incorporates digital fluoroscope for more comprehensive imaging. The potential result for the client can be a more efficient diagnosis of joint problems and bone injuries.
• Video Endoscopy – Video endoscopy allows Dr. Brunk to visualize anatomical structures of the throat and stomach in the horse. Equipped with a video monitor, clients can see these anatomical structures during exam. Problems with the upper airway are a common cause of decreased athletic performance or the slow recovery of an animal during the training routine.
  • Examine and evaluate the upper respiratory tract
  • Upper gastrointestinal tract, urethra and bladder
• Video Gastroscopy – allows Dr. Brunk to examine and evaluate the gastrointestinal tract. Its monitor allows clients to visualize the tract during the exam.
  • Essential in diagnosing gastric ulcers

Surgical Services

The surgery facility consists of a surgical prep room, an operating room and recovery rooms. Conveniently adjacent is the lab. The facility is equipped with the most advanced technology available.

Dr. Brunk performs more than 1,000 anesthesia surgeries a year, from orthopedic to soft tissue to emergency surgeries. Passionate about staying on the leading edge of technology Dr. Brunk performed his first stem cell implant early in 2004.

• Orthopedic and arthroscopic (general and advanced)
• Laporoscopic
• Soft tissue, fracture repairs, bone platting and pinning
• Laser with either a CO2 or Diode laser
• Throat surgeries
• Castration ("gelding") - routine and cryptorchid
• Laceration Repair
• Tumor Removal
• Umbilical Hernia Repair
• Patent Urachus (infected umbilical area on foals)
• Dead/Damaged Bone ("sequestrum") removal
• Joint Lavage and Infusion
• EVA is certified to apply DYNA-Splints, a corrective splint for crooked legs due to congenital malformities or injuries.