Equine Clinic of the University of Pretoria at Onderstepoort

Equine Clinic of the University of Pretoria at Onderstepoort Welcome on the page of the Equine Clinic of the University of Pretoria.

12/06/2026

Hear what 2026 intern Dr Joanie has to say about the internship so far. Applications are open

12/06/2026

Internship applications now open!!!
Hear what Dr Lara has to say about 2026 internship so far.

12/05/2026

🔬 Standing Arthroscopic OCD Removal 🐴

At Onderstepoort Equine Clinic, we offer standing arthroscopic removal of selected OCD fragments, allowing certain horses to undergo minimally invasive joint surgery without general anaesthesia.

This technique is performed in line with international standards and offers several advantages:
✅ Avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia
✅ Reduced recovery time
✅ Short hospital stay — most horses are admitted and discharged the following morning

📍 This procedure is only suitable for:

* Specific joints and fragment locations (such as selected dorsal P1 fetlock fragments)
* Horses with an appropriate temperament for standing surgery

💰 Current estimated cost: R13 000 – R15 000

Standing arthroscopy is another example of how advanced techniques can improve patient safety while maintaining excellent surgical outcomes.

💬 Would you consider standing surgery for your horse if it meant avoiding general anaesthesia? 👇

Literal life blood.🩸 Thanks to our very own heroic Flint, a horse with severe anemia due to piroplasmosis could receive ...
05/05/2026

Literal life blood.🩸

Thanks to our very own heroic Flint, a horse with severe anemia due to piroplasmosis could receive 15 units or approximately 7.5L of blood within a matter of hours after arrival.

🦠Piroplasmosis commonly known as tick bite fever ,caused by Theileria Equii, is carried and transmitted by ticks. It invades the red blood cells causing the immune system to attack and destroy the red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential for transport of oxygen in the body.

In this case the patient had a fever, elevated heart rate🫀 and pale mucous membranes.

Diagnosis is made from a blood smear or PCR testing.

Whole blood in equines cannot be stored thus blood collection must be done when it is required. Thank you Flint!

01/05/2026

Distal limb bandage placement by final year veterinary student Marita

30/04/2026

Lameness workup on a teaching pony

💉 Mesotherapy in Horses 🐴These images show mesotherapy, a technique involving multiple superficial micro-injections of m...
02/04/2026

💉 Mesotherapy in Horses 🐴

These images show mesotherapy, a technique involving multiple superficial micro-injections of medication into the skin along affected regions—most commonly over the neck, back, and hindquarters.

🔬 How it works
Small volumes of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are injected intradermally, targeting cutaneous nerves and underlying soft tissues. This helps modulate pain pathways and reduce local inflammation with minimal systemic effects.

💡 Common indications:
- Back pain and poor performance
- Neck stiffness or restricted range of motion
- Myofascial pain syndromes
- Chronic low-grade lameness where a muscular component is suspected

🛠️ Technique
- Multiple small injections spaced evenly over the affected area
- Typically performed in a grid or row-like pattern
- Usually well tolerated in standing, lightly sedated horses

🔄 Maintenance & follow-up
- Often performed as a series of treatments rather than a once-off intervention
- Combined with physiotherapy, saddle fit assessment, and rehabilitation programs
- Frequency depends on the individual case and response to treatment

Mesotherapy is a valuable adjunct therapy in managing performance-related pain, helping horses return to comfort and function without relying solely on systemic medication or more invasive therapies.

💬 Have you ever had a horse treated for back pain—and how did you treat it? 👇

Advanced Thrush in a Hoof 🦶This case shows advanced thrush affecting the lateral sulcus of a donkey’s hoof. Thrush is a...
12/03/2026

Advanced Thrush in a Hoof 🦶

This case shows advanced thrush affecting the lateral sulcus of a donkey’s hoof. Thrush is a bacterial infection of the frog and surrounding structures, commonly associated with moist environments, poor hoof hygiene, and deep sulci that trap debris.

In more advanced cases like this, the infection can extend deep into the sulci of the frog, causing tissue necrosis, pain, and a characteristic foul-smelling discharge. Left untreated, it may lead to significant discomfort and lameness.

🩺 Treatment typically involves:

* Thorough hoof cleaning and debridement of necrotic tissue
* Keeping the hoof dry and well ventilated
* Topical antimicrobial treatments
* Corrective farriery to open deep sulci and prevent debris accumulation

Donkeys are particularly prone to deep sulci, making regular hoof inspection and cleaning essential for prevention. Early intervention makes treatment simpler and far more comfortable for the patient.

🔎 Hoof care reminder: pick out hooves regularly and check the frog and sulci for signs of infection.

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🔪 Pelvic Flexure Enterotomy During Colic Surgery 🐴These photos show a surgeon performing a pelvic flexure enterotomy dur...
09/03/2026

🔪 Pelvic Flexure Enterotomy During Colic Surgery 🐴

These photos show a surgeon performing a pelvic flexure enterotomy during colic surgery. An enterotomy involves making an incision into the intestine to remove impacted feed material or sand that cannot be cleared through normal intestinal motility.

The pelvic flexure of the large colon is one of the most common sites for impactions due to its sharp bend and relatively narrow lumen. By carefully opening the colon at this location, surgeons can evacuate the contents of the entire ascending colon.

💡 One of the advantages of having a large, experienced surgical team is efficiency in the operating theatre. While one surgeon performs the enterotomy and evacuates the colon, another surgeon can continue exploring the abdomen, checking the rest of the intestinal tract for additional problems.

This coordinated approach helps reduce overall anaesthetic time, which is critical for equine patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Every minute counts in colic surgery—and teamwork makes the difference.

💬 What management changes do you use on your farm to help prevent impaction colic?

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Address

Old Soutpan Road (M35)
Onderstepoort
0110

Telephone

+27761433655

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