Paragon Equine Sports Medicine & Lameness

Paragon Equine Sports Medicine & Lameness Mobile equine veterinary care, with a focus on sports medicine, lameness and chiropractic medicine. Specializing in sports medicine and lameness.
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Paragon Equine, owned by Dr. Haleigh Lundgreen, services equine patients all over Utah. We are a mobile only service. A little about Dr. Haleigh:
Dr. Lundgreen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Sciences, with a minor in Biomedical Sciences, from Colorado State University. She graduated from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Post graduation, Dr. Lundgreen was s

elected for an internship working with renown doctors at the cutting edge practice of Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery in Weatherford, TX. After her time in Texas, Dr. Lundgreen worked in a mixed animal practice where she enjoyed treating dogs, cats and horses. Dr. Lundgreen is an avid horse rider and horse owner who paid her way through vet school by training horses and as a riding instructor. In her spare time she enjoys riding her horse, R***r, and spending time with her family.

George Washington was an excellent horseman! Thomas Jefferson called him the best, most graceful horseman of his age! He...
06/21/2024

George Washington was an excellent horseman! Thomas Jefferson called him the best, most graceful horseman of his age! He had a special bond with his favorite horse, Nelson. Nelson was a Chestnut Charger, who stood at 16 hands tall. He was born in 1763, but Washington didn’t meet him until he was 15. Washington’s friend, Thomas Nelson, gave the horse to Washington as a gift in 1778, and Washington named the horse Nelson in honor of his friend. Nelson was known for his calmness and was not skittish in battle, remaining calm during cannon fire. Because of this, Washington rode him into battle many times during the Revolutionary War. Once the war was over, Nelson retired to the luxurious Mansion House Farm in Mount Vernon, where he lives as a celebrity. Washington would often visit Nelson, who would rush up to the fence to greet his old friend. Nelson died in 1790, at 27 years old, which was considered quite old for a horse at that time.

Pro-Stride is an evidence and research backed autologous protein solution consisting of white blood cells, platelets, an...
06/20/2024

Pro-Stride is an evidence and research backed autologous protein solution consisting of white blood cells, platelets, and concentrated plasma used to treat horses with osteoarthritis. The white blood cells contain cytokines which contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain. Platelets contribute growth factors that promote healing. The concentrated plasma contains anabolic growth factors and cytokines. This concentrated cell solution has been proven to reduce pain, inhibit cartilage damage and joint breakdown, and regulate inflammation, restoring a healthy environment within the joint. The injections have shown improvement in lameness, pain in flexion, gait analysis and range of motion observed. Improvement is seen within a few days, peaking at 2-4 weeks after injection, and lasting upward of a year. Using Pro-Stride also reduces the need for repeated corticosteroid injections. This solution can be prepared right in your barn, requiring just a centrifuge once a blood sample has been collected. DM if you think your horse could benefit from Pro-Stride!

We can help manage the symptoms of hock pain! Arthritis of the hock is a very common condition affecting all types of ho...
06/19/2024

We can help manage the symptoms of hock pain! Arthritis of the hock is a very common condition affecting all types of horses. It is not just a disease of old horse, it can be regularly seen in horses around 7 or 8 years old. The presenting signs can vary greatly from an obvious lameness to poor performance or a small subtle change that only the owner or trainer notices. It is common to see the horse twist the hind limbs as it walks-this is an attempt to reduce pressure on the painful part of the joint. Diagnostics radiographs can confirm the arthritis and the degree of severity. One of the most successful treatments is to inject a steroid into the joint. The steroid reduces the inflammation and can potentially slow the progression of the arthritis. If you have concerns about arthritis in your horse, contact your veterinarian!

Now is the time to make sure you’re prepared for fireworks! Be sure that any fencing is secure and look for any other ha...
06/18/2024

Now is the time to make sure you’re prepared for fireworks! Be sure that any fencing is secure and look for any other hazards your horse may find if frightened. If you are concerned about your horse’s comfort and safety, contact your veterinarian about calming medications. Preparing now will ensure you and your horse have an enjoyable 4th of July! DM us with any questions or concerns!

A dental float should be done once a year. If delayed, your horse will need it before the next scheduled vet care. Some ...
06/17/2024

A dental float should be done once a year. If delayed, your horse will need it before the next scheduled vet care. Some horses require dental care every six months, or more frequently based on your veterinarian’s recommendation. A horse’s first dental visit should be before you put a bit in their mouth, or no later than three to four years old. The dental exam needs to be performed by a veterinarian who can legally and knowledgeably administer intravenous sedatives to your horse for the procedure. Dental visits are like farrier work, they are part of horse maintenance and should not be considered optional. This is also a great time to get any routine blood work done (especially if your horse is on medication) and radiographs (x-rays) of your horse’s feet for the farrier.

Horses are one of the few mammals that sweat to cool themselves off. Primates and humans are the only others. Sweating, ...
06/14/2024

Horses are one of the few mammals that sweat to cool themselves off. Primates and humans are the only others. Sweating, or perspiration, is the process of converting water from a liquid form to a gas form, which cools the body. Sweating is a key component in the horse’s ability to thermoregulate. The sweat glands (knows as apocrine glands) will begin to excrete a mix of water and electrolytes once the horse’s core body temperature has exceeded it’s normal resting temperature of 99-100 F. As the sweat evaporates from the skin, it carries away heat from the skin, reducing the body temperature. Horses can produce twice the amount of sweat per square inch of skin compared to humans, producing up to 1 gallon of sweat every 15 minutes when working in hot temperatures. Horse perspiration also causes more electrolyte loss than in humans, so it’s crucial to ensure that hot, sweaty horses are getting adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement.
You may have noticed that your horse sometimes produces foamy, white sweat- that is due to a protein in the horse’s sweat called latherin, which appears as a white foam. It acts as a wetting agent, facilitating effective evaporative cooling. Total lack of sweat is known as anhidrosis, and can quickly lead to a medical emergency. Horses in anhidrosis can rapidly develop heat stress or heat stroke. If your horse is in anhidrosis, get him to a cooler area and consult your veterinarian immediately!

Equine gastroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to examine the inside of your h...
06/12/2024

Equine gastroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to examine the inside of your horse’s stomach and upper digestive tract. This procedure allows your veterinarian to identify and evaluate any potential issues or abnormalities, ensuring your horse’s well-being. Your horse’s unique digestive system can make them prone to certain conditions like gastric ulcers, which can impact their overall health and performance. Equine gastroscopy can help diagnose various conditions, including gastric ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and foreign bodies. By identifying these issues early on, appropriate treatment plans can be developed, leading to improved health and well-being for your horse. During the procedure, your horse will be lightly sedated to ensure their comfort. A long, flexible tube with a camera attached, called an endoscope, is gently inserted through the nostril and guided down the esophagus into the stomach. The camera allows your veterinarian to visualize the stomach lining and identify any abnormalities. The entire process is quick, safe, and minimally invasive. If you think your horse could benefit from a gastroscopy, send us a DM!

The purpose of joint injections are to decrease inflammation, which is the primary cause of pain and joint damage. This ...
06/11/2024

The purpose of joint injections are to decrease inflammation, which is the primary cause of pain and joint damage. This can protect the joint and reduce lameness. But it is possible for injections to lose their effectiveness. You will know when the injections are wearing off because your horse will show signs of pain again. Once the injection wear off, we can discuss wether to inject again or explore other options. There are other ways to manage inflammation either in combination with injections or as an alternative treatment. Oral or injectable anti-inflammatories, oral or injectable joint support medications, shockwave therapy, or chiropractic adjustments are all beneficial therapies. Maintaining a healthy weight and daily exercise are also beneficial for osteoarthritis management. Follow to learn more about our services!

Many colic insurance programs, including Smartpak ColiCare and Platinum Performance, will cover colic surgery but a full...
06/10/2024

Many colic insurance programs, including Smartpak ColiCare and Platinum Performance, will cover colic surgery but a full annual exam must be up to date in order to qualify, so be sure to check your requirements! A wellness exam includes vaccinations, deworming, f***l, and dental floats and should be performed at least once a year (or every 6 months for sick or geriatric horses). If you need to schedule an exam, text or send us a DM today!

Today is our amazing Dr. Lundgreen’s birthday! We are so lucky to know and work with Haleigh. She is so smart, funny, ca...
06/08/2024

Today is our amazing Dr. Lundgreen’s birthday! We are so lucky to know and work with Haleigh. She is so smart, funny, caring, and an overall awesome human! She is always there for all of our clients and their horses and cares for her patients so much.
She is a true horse girl and an amazing mom, boss, and friend! Happy birthday Dr. Lundgreen, we love you!!

The American Quarter Horse is the most popular horse breed in North America. Named for its amazing ability to sprint sho...
06/07/2024

The American Quarter Horse is the most popular horse breed in North America. Named for its amazing ability to sprint short distances, the Quarter Horse is prized for its athleticism as well as its ability to perform ranch work. The origins of the breed can be traced back to the early 1600s. Early colonists began to breed their English Thoroughbreds and Arabians with the Spanish Barb horses domesticated by the Chickasaw Indians, who were much faster than the English horses. This resulted in horses that were small, quick, and sturdy. They could double as both work horses and race horses. Over the next few hundred years, horse racing became more and more popular with the colonists. The tracks were more open and flat than European tracks, and the newly bred Quarter Horse excelled at these races.
Quarter Horses come in two distinct body types: the smaller and more muscular stock type and the taller, leaner racing type. They are primarily a sorrel, or reddish-brown color, but can be nearly any color. They typically stand between 14-16 hands. Quarter Horses are known for being level headed and reliable, making them a favorite both as a working horse and as a member of the family!

Be ready to go all summer long! We offer extended health certificates that are valid for 6 months through Global Vet Lin...
06/06/2024

Be ready to go all summer long! We offer extended health certificates that are valid for 6 months through Global Vet Link. A full physical exam and Coggin’s test will be performed at the appointment, then you will need to log into Global Vet Link, enter your destination and the current body temperature of your horse, then you’re all set! Participating states: AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NM, NY, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT*, WA, WV and WY. Text or DM to get scheduled!

Writing down any questions you have about your horse before their appointment is a great way to ensure you get the most ...
06/05/2024

Writing down any questions you have about your horse before their appointment is a great way to ensure you get the most out of your horse’s exam. We offer a personalized experience and want to be sure you fully understand what we are doing during our exam. We will alway stop and explain or answer any questions you have! In addition, we are completely mobile meaning we bring all the equipment we need to evaluate and treat your horse to you. We will provide a personal, stress free exam on your horse then discuss our findings and treatment recommendations with you all in the comfort of your own barn. DM or text for more info or to get scheduled!

Temperatures will rise quickly by the end of this week, reaching into the 90s in many places. With warmer temperatures h...
06/04/2024

Temperatures will rise quickly by the end of this week, reaching into the 90s in many places. With warmer temperatures here to stay, it’s important to make sure your horse has plenty of access to water and shade at all times. Avoid work or exercise during the hottest parts of the day and allow your horse to acclimate to hot weather before starting any activity or exercise. Dullness, lethargy, excessive sweating, and increased or faster breathing are all signs that a horse is beginning to struggle with heat exhaustion. Most of our horses (and us!) haven’t acclimated to the heat yet, so it’s critical to use caution with exercise and work during the day.
If you have any concerns about your horse overheating, contact your veterinarian right away!

If your equine athlete is a little stiff or off after an event, we can help them get back into top shape for the next ev...
06/03/2024

If your equine athlete is a little stiff or off after an event, we can help them get back into top shape for the next event! A full performance evaluation can determine areas of pain, injury, or arthritis, that may not even be obvious! Once the evaluation has been completedthen we can begin a treatment plan. We can evaluate the extent of damage using a flexion test, radiographs, or ultrasound. Once we know what to treat, we can perform joint injections, chiropractic adjustments, shockwave therapy, or mesotherapy based on your horse’s needs. Any of these modalities can be combined for optimal recovery. Full treatment can take up to several months to get your horse back to its optimal state, so starting treatment now can help you be ready for warm weather. DM for more info or follow to learn more!

The Kelpies are the largest equine structure in the world! The Kelpies sculptures are located next to the M9 motorway in...
05/31/2024

The Kelpies are the largest equine structure in the world! The Kelpies sculptures are located next to the M9 motorway in B Scotland, where the towns of Grangemouth and Falkirk meet in the Helix Ecopark. The Kelpies were designed by sculptor Andy Scott in 2013. Each head stands at 100 feet (30 m) tall and weigh over 300 tonnes. They were created using structural steel as their frame and were constructed in just 90 days. Their forms were inspired by Clydesdales, who are native to Scotland, and honor the strength and hard work of the breed.
In Scottish legend, a kelpie is a shape-changing aquatic spirit. Kelpies are said to haunt rivers and streams, usually in the shape of a horse, and are believed to have the strength of 10 horses. They shift into human form and can lure others into the water to their death. Despite their dangerous reputation, the mythical creatures are said to be beautiful and graceful, and have inspired many throughout history.

Often, horses require extra treatment, even if their physical activity isn’t consistent. The common term for this is ‘ma...
05/30/2024

Often, horses require extra treatment, even if their physical activity isn’t consistent. The common term for this is ‘maintenance’. Budget for your horse’s maintenance! Doing a gait evaluation at the beginning of the season, with or without treatment, and a recheck in 30 days, gives you an abundance of information and allows for a personalized approach to your horse’s healthcare and maintenance. Ideally, your horse will receive a gait evaluation two to four times each year by your veterinarian. These exams do not always require treatment; the goal is to take a proactive approach. I observe lameness before most owners, riders, and trainers (it’s my job!). By the time an owner, trainer, or rider spots lameness, we are working at a deficit. If pain and lameness are caught early and treated early, downtime and long-term effects for your horse are significantly minimized, improving long-term soundness! DM any questions you have about your equine athlete’s health or to get scheduled!

Summer is coming! With warmer temperatures, it’s important to make sure your horse has plenty of access to water and sha...
05/29/2024

Summer is coming! With warmer temperatures, it’s important to make sure your horse has plenty of access to water and shade at all times. Avoid work or exercise during the hottest parts of the day and allow your horse to acclimate to hot weather before starting any activity or exercise. Dullness, lethargy, excessive sweating, and increased or faster breathing are all signs that a horse is beginning to struggle with heat exhaustion. If you have any concerns about your horse overheating, contact your veterinarian right away!

Does something seem off with your horse? Do you notice changes in your horse’s behavior? Mood and temperament changes ca...
05/28/2024

Does something seem off with your horse? Do you notice changes in your horse’s behavior? Mood and temperament changes can be an indication that your horse is in pain. Other signs can include changes in eating habits, abnormal gait or posture or muscle tremors. Trust your gut! We find that owners and trainers notice something wrong but they think they’re crazy because others don’t always see it. If you have concerns about your horse’s behavior, text or DM us!

05/27/2024

Joint injections can be very beneficial for your equine athlete if they are lame, injured, or arthritic. Excessive fluid build up within the joint is called joint effusion, and is caused by damage to the structures of the joint from trauma, overuse, arthritis, or infection. Excessive effusion build up leads to inflammation of the structures of the joint. Removing the effusion can relieve swelling and pain in the joint and allow the structures to heal. Injecting either steroid medications or PRP/Prostride into the joint can further reduce inflammation and pain while your horse heals. Joint injections work well with other treatment modalities as well, including shockwave therapy and chiropractic adjustments. DM if you think your equine athlete could benefit from joint injections!

Bucephalus was the name of Alexander the Great’s beloved horse! Bucephalus was believed to be a Thessalian, which is a n...
05/24/2024

Bucephalus was the name of Alexander the Great’s beloved horse! Bucephalus was believed to be a Thessalian, which is a nearly extinct breed of horse found in Thessaly, Greece. He had a glossy black coat highlighted by a distinct white star on his forehead, and had a massive build, towering over other Macedonian horses. He lived from 335 BC-326 BC. Bucephalus was presented to King Phillip, Alexander’s father, as the finest horse, fit for a king, however Bucephalus was wild and unmanageable. The king ordered the horse to be taken away, but Alexander, who was 13 at the time, saw the potential in Bucephalus and made a wager with his father that he could mount the horse. Alexander realized that Bucephalus was frightened by shadows and turned him to face the sun, calming him down and solidifying their bond. Bucephalus was a fierce and loyal horse to Alexander. He rode Bucephalus in many different battles spanning more than two decades but the horse was mortally wounded in Alexander’s last battle in 326 BC. After his death, Alexander founded the city of Bucephala (thought to be the modern town of Jhelum, Pakistan) in memory of his beloved horse.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of the body. It is an excellent, non-invasive diagnostic t...
05/23/2024

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of the body. It is an excellent, non-invasive diagnostic tool. Ultrasounds can be performed to evaluate tendons and ligaments for issues such as lameness, poor performance, arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and more. Ultrasound can also help diagnose problems with the heart, lungs, intestines, and stomach. Our portable ultrasound machine can be brought directly into your barn for ease and comfort during the exam.
DM us if you think we could help your horse or follow to learn more about our services!

05/23/2024

Riding season is here! Make sure your horse is ready for spring riding and events!
A full performance evaluation can determine areas of pain, injury, or arthritis, that may not even be obvious! Once the evaluation has been completedthen we can begin a treatment plan. We can evaluate the extent of damage using a flexion test, radiographs, or ultrasound. Once we know what to treat, we can perform joint injections, chiropractic adjustments, shockwave therapy, or mesotherapy based on your horse’s needs. Any of these modalities can be combined for optimal recovery. Full treatment can take up to several months to get your horse back to its optimal state, so starting treatment now can help you be ready for summer. DM for more info or follow to learn more!

An ulcer is the deterioration of the stomach lining caused by prolonged exposure to acids in the stomach. Signs of a gas...
05/22/2024

An ulcer is the deterioration of the stomach lining caused by prolonged exposure to acids in the stomach. Signs of a gastric ulcer in horses can be very subtle and can include poor appetite or changes in eating habits, poor hair coat, and decreased performance. Knowing what to watch for can lead to a better recovery if caught early. Ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors including feeding only a high grain diet, stress, and long term use of NSAIDs. Ulcers can lead to colic if left untreated. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice these symptoms in your horse!

Botox has been used to treat laminitis in horses, which is a painful condition caused by inflammation or damage to the l...
05/22/2024

Botox has been used to treat laminitis in horses, which is a painful condition caused by inflammation or damage to the laminae tissue of the hoof wall causing increased tension to the tendons. It is injected into the deep digital flexor muscle and works by blocking the release of neurotransmitters in the nerve endings of the digital flexor tendon, allowing the muscle to relax. This treatment mimics a tenotomy but is significantly less invasive. Text or DM us with questions or for more information!

05/21/2024

Joint injections can be incredibly beneficial for your sore equine athlete! Joint injections work by stopping the inflammation inside the joint capsule. Removing fluid build up and delivering medication directly to the injured area allows the joint to heal, improving mobility and range of motion, and reduces pain. Injections can deliver corticosteroids, Pro-Stride or PRP directly to the injured tissues to help speed healing. We can use our portable ultrasound to guide the needle into the joint capsule for certain joints like the SI or along the neck and spine, ensuring proper placement. DM or text if you think your horse could benefit from joint injections!

We now offer gastroscopy! Equine gastroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to ex...
05/20/2024

We now offer gastroscopy! Equine gastroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to examine the inside of your horse’s stomach and upper digestive tract. This procedure allows your veterinarian to identify and evaluate any potential issues or abnormalities, ensuring your horse’s well-being. Your horse’s unique digestive system can make them prone to certain conditions like gastric ulcers, which can impact their overall health and performance. Equine gastroscopy can help diagnose various conditions, including gastric ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and foreign bodies. By identifying these issues early on, appropriate treatment plans can be developed, leading to improved health and well-being for your horse. During the procedure, your horse will be lightly sedated to ensure their comfort. A long, flexible tube with a camera attached, called an endoscope, is gently inserted through the nostril and guided down the esophagus into the stomach. The camera allows your veterinarian to visualize the stomach lining and identify any abnormalities. The entire process is quick, safe, and minimally invasive. If you think your horse could benefit from a gastroscopy, send us a DM!

Horses need to drink about 10 gallons of water a day! At minimum, horses need to consume a half gallon to gallon of wate...
05/17/2024

Horses need to drink about 10 gallons of water a day! At minimum, horses need to consume a half gallon to gallon of water per 100 lbs. That works out to 5-10 gallons of water for a 1,000 lb horse. However, this is only adequate for a horse in a mild climate not doing any work. When horses are working, in hot temperatures, lactating, or has other increased demands on their body, the amount of water needed increases anywhere from 50-200%! Consuming a diet of mainly dry feed will also increase the need for water. Conversely, a diet of lush, green pasture can decrease water consumption. Fresh pasture is about 60-80% moisture so horses may not drink as much when their diet is primarily pasture during warmer months, but may need more water when in their stalls eating mainly a hay diet even when the temperature is colder.
Water is the most important nutrient in a horse’s diet. Lack of access to adequate water will have a profound effect on your horse’s health and performance. Signs of dehydration can include dullness, sunken eyes, and loss of elasticity in the skin. Colic can develop quickly in dehydrated horses so it’s incredibly important to monitor your horse’s water consumption!

05/17/2024

We are a fully mobile equine veterinary practice specializing in high end care for your horse. Our treatment modalities include wellness exams, dental floats, chiropractic treatments, sports medicine, and much more. We are located out of Riverton, Utah, USA, and travel throughout Northern Utah including Summit, Wasatch, and Salt Lake County, and sometimes venture to Tooele, Davis, Weber and Morgan counties. We can be reached via text message, DM on Instagram or Facebook. (801) 980-0452

Are you noticing an unusual posture, lameness, or changes in behavior and eating on your horse? Is your horse reluctant ...
05/16/2024

Are you noticing an unusual posture, lameness, or changes in behavior and eating on your horse? Is your horse reluctant to move a certain way?These may be signs of neck pain. Some of the reasons for neck pain in horses including acute and chronic injuries or arthritis but the pain may not be obvious. A full physical exam and performance evaluation can reveal any areas of pain in your horse. Shockwave therapy, joint injections or chiropractic adjustments can all be beneficial treatments for neck pain. DM or text to schedule an evaluation!

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Riverton, UT
84065

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