Internal Medicine

Elm Creek Equine provides in-depth diagnostic and treatment plans for general medicine cases. 

Some examples of general medicine cases:

• Recurring Colic
• Inflammatory Airway Disease
• Internal and External Parasites
• Metabolic Disease

Colic is a very common problem in horses. Elm Creek Equine provides emergency colic treatment and diagnostics. 

It is important to know that colic is a symptom; diagnosing the underlying cause of GI pain is critical in determining the correct treatment plan and prognosis. 

We use a combination of physical exam findings, rectal palpation, nasogastric intubation and ultrasound to diagnose colic related pain. 

We offer prompt referral if surgical intervention is required. 

We offer  gastroscopy (stomach exams) both in our two equine hospital locations (Elm Creek and Oakbank)  as well as on farm. Gastroscopy is a critical diagnostic test to dtermine if your horse is suffering from gastric ulcers. 

We offer basic blood work panels to assist in developing an accurate diagnosis. 

A CBC is used to detect anemia, inflammation, stress, or infection. We often recommend monitoring trends with repeat blood work throughout your horse's illness.  

A Chemistry Profile is used to monitor internal organ function such as liver, kidneys and muscles. We also use chemistry profiles to monitor protein levels and electrolyte balances.

Lyme disease and Anaplasma are growing issues in Manitoba. We diagnose these conditions based on location, history, and clinical signs. We also use the Idexx Snap 4DX Test to detect antibodies to Lyme and Anaplasma. 

We continue to research the recent studies comparing Snap 4DX Testing versus Multiplex Testing, which is a referred out test. 

Many medicine cases require that bloodwork or other lab specimens be sent to labs across North America for accurate diagnostics. 

We partner with many labs including:

• University of Manitoba Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
• Idexx
• Prairie Diagnostic Services
• University of Guelph Animal Health Lab
• Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center
• Michigan State University

Cultures are often needed to diagnose bacterial and fungal infections. Cultures are important to determine that our choice of antibiotic is safe and effective. We use cultures and biopsies routinely in sub fertile mare work ups. 

For more information on this, please see our mare services section.