Virginia Equine Rehabilitation & Performance Center

02/08/2024

VRC will have our own UTC machine in September!!! So excited and proud to be a part of the Equine Tendon team 💪🏻

16/07/2024

We are very excited to begin using Phovia from Vetoquinol USA to aid in faster skin recovery!

01/07/2024

VRC is so very proud to be a part of this innovative and progressive team! We do our very best to create objective and data driven rehabilitation programs! 💪🏻

22/06/2024

Thank you Hilltop Bio and Spy Coast for hosting the Equine Spine Initiative last week! The more you learn, the more you realize what you don’t know!!! This seems to be the theme of the equine cervical spine….but, incredible work is being done to further understand cervical disease and how to manage it. Thank you to all involved in hosting and contributing to this meeting.

11/06/2024

⚕️Case Study: Little Gun's Road to Recovery ⚕️

Patient Information:
Name: Little Gun
Height: 16.1 hands
Age: Approximately 15 years old
Breed: Warmblood
History: Little Gun had a successful career as a 1.15m-1.20m jumper with both junior and amateur riders.
Official Diagnosis: RF superficial digital flexor tendonitis.

History and Diagnosis:
Little Gun's tendon injury was diagnosed during a routine wellness exam conducted by Davis Equine Sports Medicine. Despite appearing sound when trotted, the injury was discovered, leading to an initial round of traditional treatment. However, a re-check the following winter revealed a secondary injury to the same tendon, indicating the need for a more comprehensive approach.

Innovative Approach:
Realizing the complexity of Little Gun's case, Dr. Stephanie researched advanced diagnostic techniques and discovered Ultrasound Tissue Characterization (UTC) technology. This technology can differentiate between different types of fibers within the tendon. It allows for the assessment of the proportions of healthy aligned fibers, the presence of scar tissue, the severity of an injury, and the influence of current exercise regimens on the tendon, all through a single scan. The UTC ultimately allows for a quantitative evaluation of the structural integrity of the tendon.

Treatment at VRC:
Little Gun was transferred to the Virginia Equine Rehabilitation Center (VRC) for specialized care. Over nine months, he underwent intensive therapy, including using the Tendon Pro and a range of other modalities such as shockwave, aqua, and dry tread therapies. Regular UTC scans provided crucial feedback on his progress.

Fun Fact:
During his stay at VRC, Little Gun endeared himself to the team with his love for scratches and affectionate demeanor, earning him the nickname "pocket pony." He is also why Dr. Stephanie became part of the Equine Tendon team.

Outcome:
Little Gun made a full recovery thanks to the comprehensive treatment regimen at VRC. He returned to full work in January 2024 and back competing at the 1.10m!



🎥 Little Gun competing at Upperville C**t & Horse Show in The Masters Classic 1.10m

01/06/2024

Away on vacation but always working and moving our practice forward. Next week Drs. Stephanie Davis and Molly Delaney will be the official veterinarians for the Middleburg Horse Trials at Great Meadow, while Dr. Chad is away in Bromont, Canada to help clients competing at the FEI events.

We at Davis Equine Sports Medicine and Virginia Equine Rehabilitation & Performance Center have begun the first steps in our new podcast called
“The Practice”

While we have already begun making plans for episode topics but thought it would be great to hear from our community about topics they would like to hear us discuss. Thanks in advance to the input from our community.

10/05/2024

Do you want your horses to be at the top of their game, then have you thought about including water treadmill work into their routine.
Alongside the obvious rehabilitation benefits-
- It can increase joint mobility and range of motion.
- Help develop muscular strength
- Help build core strength
- Improve straightness
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Aid in return to work following a period of injury or downtime.

Check out our website for more info - https://equinetherapyint.com/product/water-treadmill/

10/05/2024

At VRC, we prioritize the well-being of our equine patients. That's why we utilize the UTC scan for all horses recovering from tendon injuries. This cutting-edge technology allows us to objectively measure tendon health and growth, ensuring the best possible recovery outcomes.

04/05/2024

A bit late, but every Kentucky is one to remember. Grateful to count this year our 15th year of working at Rolex/Land Rover/Defender and whatever name it will be next year 😂 So grateful to work with amazing riders, grooms, family, and friends.

12/04/2024

The Equinosis Q Lameness Locator is a cutting-edge system utilized at VRC for objectively assessing lameness in horses. This advanced technology provides precise measurements that are invaluable in diagnosing and treating equine lameness. At VRC, we rely on the Equinosis Q because it offers an objective measure in a field where subjective assessments can sometimes fall short. With its ability to detect even subtle lameness that may not be apparent to the naked eye, this system is 200 times more sensitive, allowing us to accurately evaluate multi-limb lameness and track progress in reducing pain and improving strength for our equine patients.

02/04/2024

The Vitafloor Vibration Stall is a cutting-edge solution revolutionizing equine rehabilitation. With its innovative whole-body vibration technology, the Vitafloor offers a myriad of benefits backed by research.

One remarkable advantage of the Vitafloor is its ability to stimulate accelerated hoof growth. Through gentle vibrations, the Vitafloor promotes circulation and enhances nutrient delivery to the hooves, facilitating faster and healthier hoof development.

Additionally, using the Vitafloor can result in a more muscular and more balanced physique, essential for optimal performance and overall well-being.

Its non-invasive nature sets the Vitafloor apart, making it suitable for a wide range of rehab conditions. Whether recovering from an injury, undergoing post-surgical rehabilitation, or simply maintaining peak condition, the Vitafloor provides a safe and effective solution for equine rehabilitation needs.

31/03/2024

Happy Easter from day 2 vetting the Morven Park Horse Trials

25/03/2024

The Aquatread at VRC is an integral part of our therapy regimen, utilized daily for both in-house and haul-in cases.

20/03/2024

One of the lesser-known services offered at VRC is acupuncture, administered by Dr. Stephanie. Acupuncture involves the precise insertion of needles into specific points on the body, followed by mechanical or electrical stimulation. This process activates various nerve components, triggering biochemical and biophysical reactions that can alleviate pain and promote healing.

Acupuncture is utilized as a supplementary therapy at VRC, as it is non-invasive and can be incorporated into other treatments. Horses that respond well to acupuncture can benefit from focused relief and healing during their time at VRC.

While acupuncture is not used as a standalone treatment, Dr. Stephanie has successfully used it as part of a comprehensive approach. For instance, in one case, acupuncture helped manage discomfort in a colicking horse, potentially avoiding the need for surgery. This underscores the significant role acupuncture plays as a powerful supplementary therapy at VRC.

13/03/2024

We have officially been helping horses for two years! Here’s to many more years of helping horses stay comfortable and become stronger, whether that means that they can go on a trail ride with their favorite person, or return to the show ring!

01/02/2024

01/02/2024

Thank you Equine Therapy International LLC for such a great video of our facility! ❤️

23/01/2024

Cannot wait to share all of the exciting things we are learning and working on in Amsterdam!

We're out of the country from January 22-27!

We're off attending several meetings and participating in the Veterinary Sport Horse Congress and Jumping Amsterdam in the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

17/01/2024

Dr Chad is back from Aiken till monday when we depart for Amsterdam for a veterinary conference
We will arrive back on the 28th and we have some exciting news for Davis Equine Sports Medicine
!
Dr Chad will be driving back to Aiken for a few days from the 28th thru the 1st of Feb

04/01/2024

Hoping everyone is getting excited about their 2024 plans! VRC is happy to help your horses get strong during the winter season or help rehab one to be ready for the summer or fall! Just give us a call to find out how we can create a specific program for you and your horse :)

31/12/2023

30/12/2023

We would like to present a case study featuring Bebop, a special equine athlete undergoing a successful recovery from a proximal suspensory injury.

At Virginia Equine Rehabilitation Center (VRC), our commitment to return to athletic function is unwavering. Bebop's journey began with meticulous care and planning at VRC, where our team of experts tailored a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Recognizing the critical need for a smooth transition from intensive care to ongoing support, VRC has proudly partnered with Beverly Equestrian. This collaboration brings a unique step-down rehab board to our offerings, providing a specialized environment for horses like Bebop to continue their recovery journey.

Just as humans benefit from physical therapy and controlled exercise after significant injuries, we know our equine athletes deserve the same level of care. This approach underlines our goals at VRC and our partnership with Beverly Equestrian.

Bebop's progression is a testament to this comprehensive approach. Following initial treatment and therapies at VRC, Bebop seamlessly transitioned to Beverly Equestrian, ensuring continuity in his treatment plan. This partnership not only accelerates his recovery but also adds a personalized touch to his rehabilitation journey.

Your horse's path to wellness is now more individualized and supported than ever.

Be on the look out for more about Bebop and what he’s up to now!

14/12/2023

Incredible progress of a SDFT of an upper level event horse. These images are 6 WEEKS apart!!! Even not understanding UTC completely, there is a remarkable reduction of “red” (which are stretched fibers essentially). Controlled exercise with a dynamic support system boot for the WIN! This horse is TROTTING with an active tendon lesion, but being controlled with the boot and a detailed exercise program. Once healed, he will be ready to go back to flat work immediately and begin small fences since he will have been slowly increasing exercise throughout the entire healing/rehab time.
AMAZING!

23/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Davis Equine Sports Medicine and Virginia Equine Rehabilitation & Performance Center!!

08/11/2023

New at VRC! Introducing FES - The Cutting-Edge Equine Therapy!

At Virginia Equine Rehab Center, we're excited to be able to use this new exciting therapy - Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).

What is FES?
FES harnesses low voltage pulses to stimulate sensory and motor nerves, activating deep muscle movement in horses. This advanced therapy effectively enhances muscle strength, reduces adhesions, and aids in improved recovery by reaching fast-twitch muscle fibers that conventional rehabilitation exercises might not engage.

How does FES Benefit Your Horse?
It's a game-changer for boosting muscle function and enhancing the recuperation process. FES serves as an ideal solution for promoting rapid muscle recovery and strengthening while targeting areas that require specialized attention.

Why Choose VRC for FES?
Our expert team at Virginia Equine Rehab Center ensures your horse receives cutting-edge care. With FES, your equine friend will experience state-of-the-art technology in a safe, controlled environment.

Ready to lead your equine friend towards better health? Contact us now to explore the incredible benefits at VRC!

pc. Katherine Rizzo