Poor Performance

Lameness, respiratory and cardiac diseases are the most common causes of poor performance or loss of performance in the equine athlete. In many horses, mild abnormalities in more than one body system can cumulatively contribute to a loss of performance and investigation can thus be challenging. A complete investigation of the musculoskeletal, respiratory and cardiac systems is essential in the diagnosis of poor performance.

At Ascot Equine Veterinarians, each horse receives independent evaluation and diagnostics which may include blood tests, lameness assessment, upper airway endoscopy at rest and during exercise, ECG, echocardiography, muscle enzyme measurement post exercise, bronchoalveolar lavage, and gastroscopy.

Diagnostic imaging, including radiography, ultrasonography and video endoscopy, is available both at the hospital and on-farm. Specialist diagnostic equipment, including overground dynamic endoscopy, and echocardiography (heart ultrasound) is also available.