Burlington Equine
After 20 years of being a general medicine equine practice Burlington Equine has evolved to one that focuses on equine sports medicine cases. As we enter 2010, this will be the third year that we have grown into a busy Sports Medicine practice managed by Dr. Randy Frantz. The practice utilizes diagnostic procedures with some of the most advanced equipment available to ambulatory practices today: Digital X-ray, Digital Ultrasound, Video Endoscopy, Shockwave Therapy and Thermography. The use of alternative medicine procedures: Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Mesotherapy are essential additions for diagnostics and treatments.In addition newer techniques involving regenerative therapy: Stem Cells, PRP and IRAP are being incorporated into treatments.. By focusing on lameness and performance limiting issues the practice is able to provide more in-depth work ups for these problems. These have long been an interest of Dr. Frantz and devoting the time and energy toward diagnosing and resolving them is one of the main goals of the practice.
At this point Dr. Randy Frantz, a 1988 graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, is the only Veterinarian working at Burlington Equine. He completed certification in Acupuncture in 1993 and completed the Chiropractic program several years later. The use of alternative medicine has complemented the traditional veterinary procedures for years and has been a staple at Burlington Equine for the past 15 years.
The office is staffed by Susan Boardman, a Veterinary Technician, and Linda Light. Susan will freqently accompany Dr.Frantz on appointments as well as help with cases in the clinic.
Both Susan and Linda are horse owners. Susan has successfully trained and competed with her horse Pavarotti through Grand Prix. Currently Susan has a 5 year old Hanoverian mare, Flori, that she is training for a career in Dressage. Flori was evaluated in 2009 by the American Hanoverian Society and placed 5th in the country after the mare inspection. This is a notable placement. Susan is currently continuing with her dressage work as well as preparing Flori for the Free Jumping portion of the Mare Performance Testing.
Linda has a new horse,Lily, that she acquired last year. Lily is a 2 year old Trakehner mare that is only 2 and she is currently being boarded at Foxwood Farm in Charlotte. Linda is looking forward to starting some ground work with her this year.
New Information
As of February 2010 the website has had new information added. There are descriptions of services offered through the practice plus articles written on selected subjects. Periodically information will be added. I am always interested in hearing from any of you if you would like another subject explored or would like further explanation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Continuing Education
In December 2009, Dr. Frantz attended the American Association of Equine Practitioners in Las Vegas. This is the largest all equine conference drawing veterinarians from all over the U.S. plus there are a number of equine veterinarians from around the world that attend. The newest research is presented along with the results of clinical trials. This information provides the basis for what equine veterinarians use in our practices and how we approach various cases. With the wide variety of equine veterinarians that attend AAEP, every discipline is represented making for many interesting discussions. The approach and expectations for me with a hind limb lameness in a dressage horse may be very different from what a veterinarian may expect that works with rodeo horses in New Mexico or the veterinarian in Tennessee that primarily works with gaited horses.
Almost every subject was discussed at the conference and lameness issues were well represented. A review of information on laminitis was explored fully, diagnostic and treatment approaches were discussed with many conditions and the newer medications and supplements being used were also evaluated. In addition new information on diagnosing and treating joint diseaes was presented. Over the past few years MRI has become commonplace in the diagnostic work-up of lameness cases at referral institutions. Since last year we have expanded our treatment abilities at Burlington Equine and more horses are being evaluatred with MRI at referral hospitals.
New Lameness Based Organization
Recently Dr. Frantz joined ISELP (The International Society for Equine Locomotor Pathology), this is a group that focuses on the problem of lameness in the equine athelete. The stated goal is to provide contemporary knowledge and techniques in the continually evolving field of equine locomotor analysis which will better prepare the equine clinician to understand and manage lameness conditions in the equine athlete. The program involves 8 nmodules that are instructed by equine veterinarians considered experts in equine lameness. The modules are held either in various locations in the US and Europe, and provide detailed information on the newest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for various parts of the horse anatomy involved in lameness problems. Once the 8 modules are completed there will be an exam administered which will permit the passing clinician to reach diplomat status. These 3 day modules involve presentations, anatomical dissection, use of ultrasound for the individual areas:
Distal frontlimb: foot, pastern, fetlock joint
Middle frontlimb: palmar fetlock, metacarpus and tendons, carpus, carpal canal
Proximal frontlimb:forearm, elbow and shoulder
Distal hindlimb: foot, pastern, fetlock, metatarsus
Middle hindlimb: hock and suspensory ligament
Proximal hindlimb: stifle and thigh
Neck and thoracolumbar area
Lumbosacral area and pelvis
Of course not everyone would be as excited to spend 3 days just discussing lameness issues originating from the foot or from the neck and withers area, but this type of detail will be a huge benefit to my clients and patients.
Dr. Frantz will attend the session on the Proximal Forelimb at Virginia Equine Imaging, Dr. Kent Allen's practice in Middleburg, Virginia in March. Following this he will go to the session in May being held at Fairfield Equine in Connecticut, Dr. Rick Mitchell's practice, for a module covering the neck and back.