In house diagnostics

We are pleased to be able to provide in house blood analysis and fecal examination.

This addition to our services gives us the ability to have blood results within hours of leaving your farm and potentially alter care decisons. We will often use this in emergency situations as well as routine monitoring.

Perry the Parasight is another great addition. The Parasight is a 2.5 minute validated fecal egg counter that uses fluorescence-imaging technology and a automated counting algorithm to identify and number specific parasites present.

DR. DANIELLE FRITZ DVM INC

Est. 2006

Serving the Cowichan Valley

Endoscopy: 3m Portable Endoscope

Endoscopy involves using a small fiberoptic camera called an endoscope to take images of the body as it is passed through desired areas in the horse. The team offers upper and lower airway endoscopy for examination of the nasal cavity, upper airway (larynx and pharynx), and trachea. The length of the endoscope allows for examination of the esophagus through to the stomach for diagnosis of stomach ulcers. The portability of this endoscope allows for on farm diagnostics.

Joint Injections, Theraputic Treatments and Maintanence

We are pleased to offer a range of options for joint injections, rehabilitaion of soft tissue injurys as well as routine maintence.

We have multiple options for improving rehab and maintaining your horse through ProStride, PRP, joint injections of Hy-50 and steroid as well as Noltrex. We routinely provide maintanence with Legend, Adequean and a range of high quality supplements.

Our team is passionate about helping you and your horse be the best you can be; whether that is on the A circuit jumpers, hitting the trails or just having a comfortable retirement.

Wireless Battery Powdered Digital X-Ray

We offer the latest in digital X-Ray with the Equine Wireless Sound Next system. As a battery powered digital system we can bring the system to you; whether that be to your ring for a soundness exam or into a field on an emergency. Our system is connected to Washington State University Radiology Department for consultation with their radiology team.

Equine Health: Vaccination

A standard vaccination program does not exist for horses. Each individual horse and situation is different and requires evaluation based on the following criterias; The risk of disease including anticipated exposure, environmental factors, geographic factors, age, breed, use and sex of the horse. The consequences of the disease, the effectiveness of the vaccination, and the potential for adverse reactions to the vaccination need to be considers as well.
Horses on Vancouver Island should be vaccinated at least yearly for Tetanus, Influenza, Rhinopneumonitis, Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis and West Nile. Other vaccines that should be discussed with a veterinarian include Rabies and Strangles.

Equine Reproduction

Dr. Fritz offers pre breeding examination including uterine ultrasound, cytology, culture, and biopsy.

Artificial insemination of mares can be performed with fresh, cooled, and frozen semen. We also offer embryo transfer.

We continue to work with mare's and foals throughout their gestation and birth with routine vaccines and parasite control.

We would be happy to discuss with you what the best plan for breeding your mare is.

Equine Services

Dentistry

Routine yearly examination of your horse's mouth is as critical as vaccinations and parasite control programs. Dental abnormalities can cause oral pain, weight loss, and performance or training problems. Sharp enamel points on the premolars and molars can cause the horse to have difficulty chewing, and this can manifest as excessive salivation, dropping hay and grain, and even choke. Floating is a procedure where the veterinarian uses a special file to smooth the enamel points in the horses teeth. This is a painless procedure however sedation is used for the safety of the horse and veterinarian. A commonly seen problem is oral ulcers due to sharp enamel points. Other problems can include development of infection in a tooth due to a defect through a fracture or developmental problem. Yearly oral exams are strongly recommend.

Ultrasound

Our Exago ultrasound machines both consist of three types of ultrasound probes linear, convex and rectal, allowing for imaging of tendons, ligaments, reproductive track, abdomen, thoracic cavity and other anatomy of our equine patients. Ultrasound can be a valuable tool for diagnostics in an emergency situation as well as in the diagnosis of soft tissue injurys.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a newer treatment for horses with soreness in the neck and/or back. It acts to simulate the mesoderm, the middle layer of the skin. This can relieve a wide variety of ailments. The technique involves the injection of substances to stimulate the mesoderm for various biological purposes. Extremely small needles are used to penetrate the interdermal layer of the skin, typically 4 to 6 millimeters. The number of treatments depends on the condition and the duration of the condition. Usually one to three treatments are needed. Mesotherapy is effective for a multitude of conditions to stop the pain spasm cycle.

Emergency Care

We offer an after hours emergency service with a veterinarian on call to routine clients.
In the event of an emergency, please call 1.800.869.1208.
After hours and on weekends please call the emergency number.
The veterinarian on call will contact you within 10 minutes.
Possible emergency situations include: Colic, trauma, lacerations, dystocias, eye injuries, and severe illness.
If you are unsure if you are in an emergency situation, please don’t hesitate to call.