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What is Equine Sports Medicine?
The Equine Sports Medicine service offers support to the equine athlete with the latest therapeutic, diagnostic, and rehabilitation techniques from birth through adolescence, competition, injury, rehabilitation, and retirement.
 
This mobile service was started by Orthopaedic Research Center faculty members and the VTH, and is one of the founding programs to be accepted in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. The CSU ESM pioneers include four ACVSMR-board certified ORC faculty members: Drs. Wayne McIlwraith, Chris Kawcak, David Frisbie, and 
​Kevin Haussler. Dr. Melissa King is the lead clinician, and is ACVSMR-board certified. Current veterinary residents are Drs. Dora Ferris and Erin Contino. Amanda Mills is the client care coordinator.
 

Services We Offer

Equine patients can receive aquatic therapy in the ORC's on-site underwater treadmill. ESM travels throughout Colorado with the latest equipment and technology for comprehensive care of your equine partner. Services offered include state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment for musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and medical issues for the equine athlete.
 
  • Lameness and follow-up examinations
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  • Digital radiography
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  • Digital ultrasound
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  • Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
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  • Laser therapy
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  • Joint injections
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  • Therapeutic management of back pain
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  • Regenerative therapies (IRAP, PRP, and bone marrow-derived stem cells)
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  • Rehabilitation consultations
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  • Pre-purchase examinations
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  • Assistance with physical or behavior issues that limit your equine athlete
All surgical cases are referred to the Equine Surgery Service at the VTH to provide consistent, thorough follow-ups of postsurgical cases. The ESM service also can work with your local veterinarian, as well as refer additional treatments for acupuncture, chiropractic, nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), or MRI to local practitioners.
 
For more information, or to make an appointment, call Amanda at 970-556-3931.
 

Information for Students

ESM offers an exciting learning opportunity for veterinary students who have the option of working with this group as a student rotation. Veterinary residents enrolled in this specialty training program can experience the challenges and rewards of practicing sports medicine in a practical setting, while adhering to the strict guidelines of the newly established American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
 
Students who are interested in learning more should contact:
 
Dr. Melissa King
970-556-3931
Melissa.king@colostate.edu


Contact Us:
​Colorado State University
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
300 West Drake Road
Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523

Phone:
(970) 297-5000

Fax:
(970) 297-1205

Emergencies:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
(970) 297-5000
 
Appointments:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
(970) 556-3931