Veterinarian | Equine | Small Animal | Covington, GA
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      • Dan Carter, DVM, CJF
      • Katie Childers, DVM
      • Lynnie Fuller, DVM
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        • Chasing the Ulcer Diagnosis
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      • Corneal Ulcers
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      • Podiatry: Case of the Keratoma
      • Podiatry: Case of Canker
      • Puncture Wounds
      • Tenotomy
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      • IRAP
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      • PRP
      • Stem Cell Therapy
    • Surgery >
      • Arthroscopy
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    • Canine Hip Dysplasia
    • Diagnostics >
      • Digital Radiography
      • In-house Laboratory
      • Ultrasound
      • Video Otoscope
    • Ear / Eye Issues
    • Skin Conditions / Allergies
    • Surgical Procedures >
      • Cystotomy
      • Spay or Neuter
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      • Prescription Refill Request
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    • Request an Appointment
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      • Pay your invoice online

equine joint health

Horses are high performance athletes. Just think about it - their movement provides the ultimate combination of strength and coordination. But, what really helps a horse achieve smooth, frictionless movement? 


HEALTHY & HAPPY EQUINE JOINTS

For a healthy joint to achieve a range of motion, several structures must work together like a well-oiled machine:

  • Articular Cartilage - a joint connects 2 bone ends that are covered by articular cartilage. The ultimate goal of the articular cartilage is to enable frictionless movement of the joint and distribute even loads into subchondral bone.  
  • Subchondral Bone - this bone is beneath the articular cartilage and it acts as a shock absorber.    
  • Collateral Ligament - these ligaments helps maintain strength and stability in the joint. 
  • Fibrous Joint Capsule - tightly connected to both bones and collateral ligaments. The joint capsule works to provide joint stability. 
  • Synovial Membrane - secretes the synovial fluid, which provides lubrication within the joint itself. 
  • Synovial Fluid - the main function of synovial fluid is to lubricate the joints. It also supplies nutrients and removes waste from the articular cartilage. 
equine joints
DIAGRAM PROVIDED BY ®LEGEND

DIAGNOSING JOINT DISEASE

No matter your horse’s discipline or breed, the joints are subject to stresses and injury. Countless ailments could be the cause of pain and lameness, so rather than "blindly" injecting your horse, we take the time to identify the true cause of the problem. We are here to help you mazimize your horse's soundness and performance.  
GOALS OF JOINT THERAPIES:
  • REDUCE / ELIMINATE PAIN 
  • RETURN THE JOINT TO NORMAL 
  • MINIMIZE THE PROGRESSION OF JOINT DETERIORATION & OSTEOARTHRITIS
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BE PROACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE 

At Countryside, we encourage horse owners and trainers to think about joint care management early on in a horse's career. Early intervention leads to the most successful prognosis and can prevent permanent joint damage, which can eventually lead to osteoarthritis.  

A good horsemanship practice is to check the legs before and after each ride or workout. Run your hands down your horse's legs to feel for any heat, swelling or other changes. In many cases, there are signs before a horse ever goes lame. Proper maintenance and management can allow your horse to not only reach their best performance level, but extend their performance lifespan.

COMMON DISEASES & INJURIES

  • ​Synovitis
  • Capsulitis 
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tendon or ligament injuries
  • Bone fractures / bone chips ​​

NOTICE SWELLING OR PUFFINESS ON YOUR HORSE'S KNEE, HOCK OR FETLOCK AREA? 

From training to competition, repetitive movements and trauma can lead to inflammation of the joint. 
When inflammation occurs, it can be a result of damage to the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane increases the volume of synovial fluid, which dilutes the hyaluronic acid and causes the synovial fluid to become less viscious (thinner and more watery). This condition is known as synovitis and it's what can make the joint feel warm and puffy. Synovial health is vital to proper joint function. If you suspect an injury or disease, don't hesitate to contact us.   
healthy equine joint
DIAGRAM PROVIDED BY ®LEGEND
synovitis
DIAGRAM PROVIDED BY ®LEGEND

AN INSIDE LOOK AT SYNOVITIS: ULTRASOUND 


​Ultrasound is a diagnostic technology that uses sound waves to reveal internal structures of your horse. This quick and painless diagnostic tool plays a major role in the treatment and management of equine injuries. 
learn more about ultrasound

Severely thickened synovium (joint lining) revealed by ultrasound:


AN INSIDE LOOK AT SYNOVITIS: ARTHROSCOPY 

Arthroscopic Surgery combines specialized cameras and instruments to give the surgeon the ability to look directly into your horse’s joints and cartilage. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat lameness and joint disease, as well as remove bone fragments. 
​
LEARN MORE ABOUT arthroscopy

Arthroscopic image of healthy equine cartilage.              

healthy equine joint
Image courtesy of Horse Journals.

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We were very impressed with Dr. Carter and the thorough exam he conducted. We will definitely be referring friends for lameness issues.

Ron D.

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Dr. Childers took care of my dogs issue with her allergies. She took the time to explain what the issue was and the remedy to correct the issue. She is always informative.

Gerry D.

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These guys are the best!! My dog had to have surgery that was very difficult, and the doctor did an incredible job!! Our dog is running around and doing great!! Thank you for caring so much about our pet!!

Jimmy N.

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Everyone was so nice, kind and informative. From the staff to my doctor. They really took care of my baby the few hours she was in their care and I really appreciate it.

Laura M.

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My animals always receive such wonderful care when at Countryside. I am very happy to have both my dogs treated and cared for by this company. They make you feel like you are a part of their family.

Brit W.

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Dr Mary is always very personable and professional. She was on time and considerate of my wishes about Will. She always does a wonderful job!!

March H.

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ALL the staff at Countryside and friendly, professional, and caring. We enjoy coming in for routine visits but really appreciate the care and concern we were given during an emergency situation on a Saturday! Lynnie Fuller is so knowledgeable and caring as all the medical and support staff are.

Kevin H.

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PHONE

  770-788-7387

info@countrysidevets.com
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
3435 MAUGHON ROAD | ​ COVINGTON, GEORGIA 30014​

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Team >
      • Dan Carter, DVM, CJF
      • Katie Childers, DVM
      • Lynnie Fuller, DVM
      • Jennifer Coval, DVM
      • Samantha Eder, DVM
    • Blog
    • Community Involvement
    • Sponsored Rider Program >
      • 2019 Team
    • Gallery
  • Equine Services
    • Diagnostics >
      • Digital Radiography
      • Digital Ultrasound
      • Gastroscopy >
        • Chasing the Ulcer Diagnosis
      • Upper Airway Endoscopy
    • Emergencies
    • Lameness/Sports Medicine >
      • Joint Health
    • Ophthalmology >
      • Corneal Ulcers
    • Podiatry >
      • Podiatry: Case of the Keratoma
      • Podiatry: Case of Canker
      • Puncture Wounds
      • Tenotomy
    • Pre-purchase Exams
    • Preventive Equine Care >
      • Dentistry
      • Equine Microchipping
      • Targeted Deworming
      • Vaccinations
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • IRAP
      • Pro-Stride
      • PRP
      • Stem Cell Therapy
    • Surgery >
      • Arthroscopy
  • Small Animal Services
    • Annual Wellness Care >
      • Dental Care
      • Microchipping
      • Fleas, Ticks & Heartworm
      • Senior Pet Care
      • Vaccinations >
        • Puppy Packages
        • Kitten Packages
    • Boarding
    • Canine Hip Dysplasia
    • Diagnostics >
      • Digital Radiography
      • In-house Laboratory
      • Ultrasound
      • Video Otoscope
    • Ear / Eye Issues
    • Skin Conditions / Allergies
    • Surgical Procedures >
      • Cystotomy
      • Spay or Neuter
  • Contact
    • Online Forms >
      • Prescription Refill Request
      • Equine Forms
      • Small Animal Forms
    • Employment Opportunities >
      • Referral Program
      • Employment Application
    • Request an Appointment
    • Payment Options >
      • Pay your invoice online