Coosa Valley Equine Center
The vision, Coosa Valley Equine Center, was developed by Dr. Ed Murray and wife Sandra in 1970's as an equine veterinary practice with emphasis on ambulatory service in central Alabama. Coosa Valley Equine Center has since evolved into an 24 hour full service referral center dedicated to both medical and surgical care for horses.
During a 2 week externship in August 2015 I was privileged to work with Dr. Ed Murray, Dr. Jody Wagner, Dr. John Sudduth and Dr. Blake DeWitt. I was able to observe all aspects of their veterinary services and client communication. During my visit I assisted in wound management, monitoring anesthesia, dental exams and floatation, administered medications through SPL, gave vaccinations, applied bandages and performed reproductive exams. Among the many procedures I observed were lameness exams, joint injections, MRI's, orthopedic surgeries, airway exams, radiographs, Coggins Tests, ultrasound, flushing of the sinuses, corrective shoeing, IRAP therapy, laminitis management, and management of a neurologic patient.
 Post-Op BandagingAn injury compromised the periosteum and led to a sequestrum formation in the sesmoid. The sequestrum was successfully removed and the patient was fitted with a tendon rest shoe for added support during the healing process. |  Coggins TestingAt Coosa Valley they perform all their own Coggins Tests. |  Wrapping a lacerationThis patient is receiving regular bandage changes and topical ointment for a laceration that exposed her extensor tendon. |
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 Casting a hoofSevere laminitis cost this patient a significant portion of their hoof wall and sole depth. Dr. Wagner is providing temporary support via casting. The patient is progressing well and remaining comfortable. |  Endoscopy of upper airwayDr. Murray is evaluating the larynx of a horse and explaining to the clients what he is looking for. |  WidpuffsUltrasound revealed excess synovial fluid with severe adhesions. |
 Dental and Sinus RadiographsDr. Sudduth explains to clients how a fractured tooth led to a fistula formation between the maxillary sinus and oral cavity. |  Navicular Bursal injectionDr. Wagner is utilizing radiographs to direct his his needle placement. This helps ensure accuracy before injecting IRAP therapy. |  Dr. Blake DeWittPlacing an IV catheter in a patient presented for colic. |