The purpose built surgical suite, which is run to a very high standard of aseptic protocol, allows us to perform a large range of surgical procedures, assisted by a team of equine nurses.

Surgical procedures carried out at Ardene House range from straight forward castration and cryptorchid surgery up to more specialised arthroscopy procedures. Anaesthesia is carried out on a cushion adjustable hydraulic operating table and is principally by use of isofluorane gaseous anaesthesia utilizing a range of monitoring equipment.

We have two x-ray machines, one of which is portable machine enabling use in the field to x-ray horses which cannot be transported such as horses with suspected fractures or laminitic horses.

Ardene House has two ultrasound machines with linear, sector and curvilinear capabilities which are used extensively in reproductive work, musculoskeletal and internal medicine work.

We have 3 flexible endoscopes which allow us direct visualization of many internal structures in the horse. Their main use is in respiratory medicine where they allow us to directly see into the nasal passages, throat, larynx, windpipe and lungs as well as the guttural pouches. Endoscopy is occasionally used in the urinary system and also in reproductive work allowing visualization of mare's uterus.

An arthroscope is a very specialised instrument allowing key hole access to equine joints. It has a very important diagnostic role as not all joint pathology can be seen using x-rays and ultrasound. Arthroscopy allows direct access into a joint to and whilst inside the joint we also carry out any treatment required such as removing chips of bone or pieces of damaged cartilage.

At Ardene House we invest heavily in continuing professional development and ensure that all the equine team has received further training in the use of all diagnostic equipment, realising that high quality images and expert interpretation is essential to provide the best diagnosis and allow informed opinion on treatment options.