Internal Sports Medicine
Services provided by SMDC
Opening hours
- Mon - Fri: 8.00 AM - 5.30 PM
- Sat - Sun: Closed
+ 31 (0)412 745500
Poor performance or abnormal behavior is not always caused by the musculoskeletal system — it can also stem from the horse’s internal health. In many cases, it’s the result of a combination of orthopedic, internal, and muscular factors. Issues involving the respiratory system, heart, metabolism, muscles, or gastrointestinal tract can all have a significant impact on a horse’s performance and workload tolerance.
Respiration (airways)
Healthy lung function is essential for both athletic performance and overall well-being. Reduced performance, coughing, nasal discharge, or abnormal breathing sounds may indicate respiratory issues.
Cardiology (heart)
The heart plays a crucial role in oxygen supply and athletic performance. Heart abnormalities often go unnoticed at first but can eventually lead to reduced stamina, loss of performance, or even life-threatening conditions.
Gastroenterology (gastrointestinal tract)
Stomach disorders, such as gastric ulcers (Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome – EGUS), are common in sport horses. Typical symptoms include reduced performance, decreased appetite, teeth grinding, yawning, colic-like signs, weight loss, and changes in behavior.
Hematology & biochemistry (blood tests)
Blood work is a valuable tool for assessing a horse’s health status. It can reveal abnormalities that are not visible to the naked eye or detectable through a physical examination.
Myopathology and exercise physiology (muscles and endurance)
Proper muscle function is essential for athletic performance. Muscle problems may present as stiffness, trembling, fatigue, or loss of performance. Examining the muscles and exercise physiology helps identify underlying causes and supports the optimization of training and management.
Together with the best specialists in their fields, we provide the most optimal support for your horse.
Feel free to contact us to discuss the options for your horse.