Cave Creek Equine Hospital/Sports Medicine & Surgery

06/10/2026

Not every injury or source of lameness is visible during a physical examination.
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Advanced imaging technologies, including nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), can help identify areas of concern that may not be apparent from the outside, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
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When horses present with complex lameness, performance concerns, or difficult-to-localize pain, advanced imaging can play an important role in helping veterinarians understand what is happening beneath the surface.
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At Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine Center, advanced imaging is an important part of our approach to both sports medicine and emergency care.
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06/09/2026

Every veterinarian brings unique training, experience, and clinical interests to the horses and owners they serve. 🐴🩺
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As a board-certified equine surgeon, Dr. Christine Moyer has particular interests in orthopedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, podiatry, emergency triage, and complex equine cases.
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Her collaborative approach to care helps ensure that each horse receives an individualized treatment plan designed to support both immediate needs and long-term health and performance.
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We are proud to have Dr. Moyer's expertise as part of the Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine Center team.
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06/08/2026

Not every veterinary concern is an emergency, but some situations require immediate attention.
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Knowing the warning signs can help you make informed decisions and seek care when your horse needs it most.
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Examples of equine emergencies may include:
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• Signs of colic
• Severe or sudden lameness
• Eye injuries
• Significant wounds or bleeding
• Choke
• Foaling complications
• Neurologic symptoms
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When in doubt, it's always best to contact your veterinarian.
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Emergency & Critical Care Services are available at our Cave Creek facility, where advanced imaging, surgical capabilities, and hospitalization resources are readily available to support urgent cases.
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📞 623-581-5508
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06/05/2026

When an equine emergency happens, timely access to experienced veterinary care can make all the difference.
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Beginning June 8, 2026, Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine Center will offer Emergency & Critical Care Services at our Cave Creek facility.
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Supported by our growing team of specialists and clinicians, our facility provides access to advanced imaging, surgical capabilities, and hospitalization resources to support urgent medical cases.
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Emergency and Critical Care services are provided at our clinic, where these diagnostic and treatment resources are immediately available.
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For emergency inquiries, please contact our office at 623-581-5508.
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05/29/2026

A negative Coggins test is more than just a travel requirement. It also plays an important role in helping control the spread of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a serious and lifelong infectious disease in horses.

Thank you to AAEP for sharing this important educational reminder for horse owners.

Most equine owners know that a negative Coggins test is a document required to be able to transport their animal across state lines, enter them in a competitive event, or board at someone's barn. But what does the phrase "negative Coggins test" actually mean?

A "Coggins" is a blood test that can only be performed by USDA-approved laboratories and checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the blood. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that produces a persistent infection among equids nearly worldwide. Transmission through blood transfusions or contaminated needles/syringes, surgical instruments or dental equipment is most common. The virus can also be transmitted through vectors via fly bite.

The clinical signs of disease can vary dramatically from an acute infection to an inapparent form, but what is important to know is that it produces a persistent infection. Once an animal tests positive for EIA it becomes a lifelong source of disease transmission, so the owner can only choose between quarantine for life or humane euthanasia to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don’t occur. There is no vaccine or treatment for EIA.

Take-home message: While a Coggins test is a necessary travel document, don’t forget that it's also first and foremost a way to identify and remove EIA carriers to keep the disease under control.

To learn more about EIA, visit our website at: https://aaep.org/resource/equine-infectious-anemia/ or visit the Equine Disease Communication Center's website: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-infectious-anemia

05/20/2026

Regenerative therapies are designed to support the body’s natural healing process and are commonly incorporated into treatment plans for tendon, ligament, and joint injuries in horses.
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For equine athletes, thoughtful diagnosis and individualized treatment planning play an important role in supporting long-term soundness, comfort, and performance.
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At Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine Center, regenerative medicine is approached as part of a comprehensive care plan tailored to the needs of each horse and rider.
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05/07/2026

Knowing what’s normal for your horse can make all the difference during an emergency.

Subtle changes in behavior, appetite, movement, or vital signs are often early indicators that something isn’t right. Being prepared and recognizing those signs early can help ensure your horse receives prompt veterinary attention when needed.

Thank you to AAEP for sharing this important reminder for horse owners.

⚠️ DO YOU KNOW HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HORSE IS IN DISTRESS? ⚠️

As a horse owner, it's imperative you know how to recognize problems and respond promptly. It's important to know what conditions require veterinary attention, and how to take appropriate action while you're waiting for the veterinarian's arrival.

Types of emergencies you and your horse may encounter on your journey together include colic; lacerations and bleeding wounds; impaled objects or nails in the foot; acute lameness due to conditions ranging from hoof abscess to fractures, laminitis, tendon injuries and more; eye injuries; allergic reactions; choke; and even foaling emergencies.

No matter what you may face in the future, getting to know your horse's normal vital signs (including temperature, pulse and respiration) as well as its normal behavior patterns will help you become a good observer, so that you readily recognize signs of ill health. Being prepared is in your horse's best interest.

Always remember, your veterinarian is one of your best resources. Talk to them about how they can be reached after-hours, and about recommendations for an emergency plan suitable for your individual situation.

05/06/2026

Not every injury or performance issue can be seen from the outside.
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Advanced imaging allows us to look deeper and better understand what’s happening beneath the surface, helping us diagnose problems more accurately and develop a targeted treatment plan for your horse.
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At Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine Center, advanced imaging services include:
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• Digital radiography (X-ray)
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan)
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These tools help evaluate:
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• Lameness and performance concerns
• Soft tissue injuries
• Bone and joint abnormalities
• Complex or difficult-to-localize issues
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Early and accurate diagnosis plays an important role in protecting long-term soundness and performance.
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04/30/2026

Not sure when it’s time to call the vet?
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Here are a few signs your horse may benefit from an evaluation:
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• Subtle changes in performance or attitude
• Inconsistent gait or stiffness
• Difficulty picking up leads or maintaining balance
• Behavioral changes under saddle
• Lingering issues that don’t fully resolve
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These small changes are often early indicators of something more.
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At Cave Creek Equine Sports Medicine Center, we focus on identifying the cause early and developing a plan that supports long-term soundness and performance.
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Our services include:
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• Lameness evaluations
• Advanced imaging
• Regenerative therapies
• Orthopedic and soft tissue surgery
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Every case is approached with a thoughtful, team-based plan tailored to your horse.
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02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the heart behind the horsepower. 💗
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A horse’s heart isn’t just symbolic. It’s an extraordinary athletic engine.
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💓 The average horse’s heart weighs 8–10 pounds, nearly ten times the size of a human heart.
💓 At peak exertion, it can pump up to 75 gallons of blood per minute.
💓 A resting heart rate typically ranges between 28–44 beats per minute.
💓 Recovery time after exercise tells us just as much as the run itself.
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That powerful muscle is responsible for oxygen delivery, stamina, recovery, and overall performance.
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When a horse feels “just a little off,” struggles to finish strong, or takes longer than expected to recover, it’s not always conditioning. Sometimes, it’s the cardiovascular system asking for a closer look.
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Performance medicine isn’t just about treating injury. It’s about understanding the whole athlete, including the heart that carries them through every haul, every pattern, every trail ride, and every goal you set together.
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Today, we’re honoring the muscle that makes it all possible.
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Because your horse doesn’t just carry you...
They carry your goals, your grit, and your dreams. 💕
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If you’d like to know more about evaluating heart health and performance recovery, our team is always happy to answer questions.
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