• To Provide You With Knowledge to Make Choices
• To Help Your Horse With Quality Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
• To Practice Competency By Combining Current Technology with A Solid Foundation of Experience

Application of Hoof testers are a useful indicator of foot pain.

Flexion tests are done to rule out or identify joint or ligament problems.

The examination may include the use of digital radiology (x-rays). This can be done at the clinic or on a farm call.

Digital ultrasound imaging is used extensively, not only for diagnosing tendon and ligament injuries, but also to assess joints and monitor a horse's rehabilitation program. These programs, developed by Kleider Veterinary Services, have been specifically tailored to enhance athletic return to function.

Why have we earned a reputation as a place to go to figure out where and why a horse is sore and maybe not performing up to snuff?

First we jog and lunge the horse on a hard surface and follow this with work on a soft surface. A physical exam, which may include flexion tests and hoof-tester exam, is followed by a recommendation.

This may include further diagnostic services such as:

• Diagnostic nerve & joint blocks to localize the area of lameness or discomfort.
• Digital radiology for X-rays with excellent resolution
• X-rays developed on the spot with our automatic processor
• Fluoroscopy for instant TV viewing of a horses bones and joints
• Digital ultrasound to study your horses tendons, ligaments & joints
• Blood tests for metabolic and muscle profiles

Many cases thought to be one problem, turn out to be something completely different, so if your horse is stopping short, resistant, or not using himself properly, don't hesitate to have him evaluated.

Lameness diagnostic procedures are often included as an important part of purchase examinations.

Qualifications: Nick's interest in musculoskeletal problems grew out of his own competitive experiences with sport horses. Nick has received intensive training in musculoskeletal examinations, radiology, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, MRI and other imaging technologies. His arthroscopic and surgical experience help him understand the horse from the inside out. (see surgical credentials under Arthroscopy)

He is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and continuously upgrades his skills through in depth sessions and regular attendance at continuing education seminars. Always being a leader Nick was the first BC veterinarian to become a member of ISELP (The international society of equine locomotor pathology).

He presently attends 4 meetings a year throughout the United States. These are in depth courses revolving around all lameness issues with the most current information being presented.

Instinct and intuition, honed by three decades of experience with race and sport horses, enable Nick to evaluate many subtle performance problems.