Performance Equine Veterinary Services, FL

Description of Elective Experience
  • Emergency Medicine: Assist with the triage and management of acute cases, including colic, respiratory distress, and neonatal intensive care.
  • Surgery & Anesthesia: Observe and assist in a variety of procedures, ranging from elective arthroscopy and upper airway surgery to emergency laparotomies.
  • Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation: This is our specialty. You will gain hands-on experience with:
    • Advanced Imaging: Digital radiography, ultrasound, and standing MRI.
    • Regenerative Medicine: Processing PRP, IRAP, and Stem Cell therapies.
    • Physical Therapy: Observation of underwater treadmill sessions, cold salt-water spa treatments, and laser therapy.
Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?

1. Elite Medical Staffing

The cornerstone of our practice is our specialized medical team. We prioritize board certifications and advanced credentials to ensure your horse receives the most current, evidence-based treatments.

  • ISLEP Certified Sports Medicine Provider: Our lead practitioner is a member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). This certification represents the pinnacle of expertise in equine lameness, focusing on the intricate anatomy of the distal limb and the biomechanics of the athletic horse.
  • Specialized Clinicians: Our team includes veterinarians focused exclusively on regenerative medicine, internal medicine, and advanced diagnostic imaging.
  • Certified Rehab Technicians: Staffed by veterinary technicians with specific certifications in equine rehabilitation, ensuring that every therapeutic modality is applied with precision.

2. Advanced Diagnostic Suite

To treat a problem, you must first see it. We utilize high-definition imaging to identify sub-clinical issues before they become career-ending injuries.

  • High-Field MRI & CT: For definitive diagnosis of bone and soft tissue pathologies that traditional X-ray cannot capture.
  • Wireless Digital Radiography (DR): Instant, high-resolution imaging for skeletal assessment.
  • High-Frequency Ultrasound: Specific probes used by our ISELP providers to map tendon and ligament architecture.
  • Dynamic Respiratory Endoscopy: Over-the-ground endoscopy to evaluate upper airway function while the horse is under saddle or at speed.

3. Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Equipment

Our rehab wing is equipped with "The Big Three" of equine recovery, designed to reduce inflammation and promote structural healing.

Equipment

Clinical Benefit

High-Speed Underwater Treadmill

Provides controlled resistance and buoyancy to build core strength without concussive impact.

Cold Saltwater Leg Spa

Utilizes 35°F saltwater to reduce distal limb inflammation and accelerate healing.

Class IV Regenerative Laser

Stimulates cellular ATP production to speed up soft tissue repair.

4. Regenerative Medicine Laboratory

We maintain an on-site regenerative lab to provide biological therapies with minimal turnaround time.

  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Concentrating growth factors to treat ligament tears.
  • APLHA 2: An anti-inflammatory therapy derived from the horse's own blood to treat joint disease.
  • Stem Cell Therapy: Cultured cells for complex orthopedic repairs.
Supervisor
Katherine Matheny
Address

5590 NW Hwy 225
Ocala, FL 34482
United States

Animal Type
Practice or Institution Type
Is student housing available?
Yes
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week
40-55
Global engagement opportunity
Yes
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