Colorado State University Veterinarians Offer Specialized Equine Sports Medicine Service

Colorado State University veterinarians are offering a new, mobile service that provides unique, holistic and tailored veterinary care to equine athletes from birth through retirement.

The new Equine Sports Medicine program at CSU, a pioneer in this new veterinary field, offers clients state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment for musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and medical issues. In addition to providing intimate, comprehensive services to equine athlete clients, the new program offers CSU veterinary students exciting learning opportunities.

Equine Sports Medicine brings digital radiography, digital ultrasound, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, laser therapy, and the latest advancements in repairing joint injuries, including bone marrow-derived stem cells, to the client’s doorstep. Beyond offering the latest innovations, the range of therapies offered by the new service includes complementary therapies such as chiropractic and acupuncture strategies. Equine patients also can receive aquatic therapy with an underwater treadmill at the Orthopaedic Research Center on campus.

“The goal of this sports medicine specialty is three-fold: to provide comprehensive care to equine athletes from birth through their career and into retirement; to use our familiarity with each athlete to tailor a veterinary plan for them at their home; and to treat any illnesses or injuries while also restoring and rehabilitating the entire horse,” said Dr. Chris Kawcak, head of the equine unit at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and an orthopedic surgeon in the Equine Orthopaedic Research Center.

The sports medicine specialty was only recently recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and CSU’s program is one of only a few founding programs to be accepted into the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Kawcak is a charter member of the College along with Drs. Wayne McIlwraith, David Frisbie, and Kevin Haussler.

The Equine Sports Medicine program is a collaboration between veterinarians in the Orthopaedic Research Center and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
To schedule an appointment call, (970) 566-3931.
-30-