DVC is affiliated to international laboratory chain Idexx. We offer on-site analysis of blood and other samples, as well as outsourced microbiology, histopathology, hormone levels, serology and PCR. Other veterinary practices make use of our laboratory and are welcome to do so.
(“Bone scanning”). This involves injection of a radioactive substance (Technetium) with an affinity for bone, and then scanning the entire patient with a Gamma camera to detect areas of increased bony up-take (“Hot Spots”). These correlate to areas of active inflammation and hence the source of lameness. Once a hot spot is identified with scintigraphy, it can be investigated with x-rays or ultrasound. DVC is fortunate to be one of only 2 veterinary practices in the country with a scintigraphy machine
DVC has a number of portable ultrasound machines which are useful for reproductive scanning, tendon scans, umbilical scans and thoracic scans in foals. We also have an in-house ultrasound scanner which we use for colic ultrasound, lameness investigation etc. Ultrasound has become an indispensible tool in equine veterinary practice and provides much useful information that was previously unattainable.
DVC keeps 6 stocked vehicles on the road to service horse owners, breeders and trainers in all parts of the Western Cape. We pride ourselves on a rapid response to emergencies and a very extensive service area. 3 vehicles are based in Paarl, 1 in Durbanville and 2 are based in Robertson.
DVC has 3 portable Eklin digital X-ray machines that we use extensively for pre purchase examinations, Thoroughbred yearling sales, lameness and medicine workups. Private vets are welcome to contact us to arrange for radiographs to be taken anywhere in the Western Cape. We also have a mounted in-house CR system for radiographing large body parts such as necks, backs and chests.
DVC has 2 portable scopes for imaging the upper airway of horses. At the clinic, we are fortunate to have a state-of-the-art video endoscope which is excellent for visualizing a host of inaccessible sites including airways, the stomach, bladder and uterus. Diagnosis and monitoring of stomach ulcers is now easy and
accurate with a 3 metre gastroscope.
DVC boasts 2 fully-equipped theatres with padded induction / recovery rooms. We make use of top anaesthetic machines with mechanical ventilation and advanced monitoring capabilities. Private vets are welcome to book a theatre and anaesthetist for surgeries which cannot be performed in the field.
At DVC, we make use of a Stryker arthroscope for diagnosis and treatment of OCD, chip fractures, septic joints, etc. The prognosis for these conditions has dramatically improved since arthroscopy has become available as a therapeutic tool.