Equine ER Welcomes Media Visitors

27 June 2008

High-tech horse diagnostics were on display today as the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Equine Hospital hosted a tour for local journalists.

The visiting media were shown some of the high-tech equipment used in the Hospital, witnessing one horse having a computerised x-ray and a second undergoing digital ultrasonography, which is used to detect bruised or strained soft tissue. The Equine Hospital, which is located at the Sha Tin Racecourse, also has a gamma camera for scanning bones and a high-speed horse treadmill to evaluate a horse's heart rate and respiratory system during exercise.

Besides such state-of-the-art equipment, the Hospital has an operating theatre, pre-operation anaesthesia and post-op recovery rooms and a laboratory.

"The welfare of the horses is our top priority during the Olympics and Paralympics," Dr Chris Riggs, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services, said during the tour. Dr Riggs, who is also the Olympic Veterinary Services Manager, is an internationally respected equine orthopaedics specialist. His staff of four dozen includes eight other equine clinicians and 23 farriers. "We're ready to treat any emergencies or ailments that might come up," said Dr Riggs.

Responsible for providing and preparing the venues for the Beijing Games' Equestrian Events, the Club has also built a dedicated Equine Clinic for diagnostic and primary care as part of the Olympic stabling complex, adjacent to the Sha Tin Olympic competition arena. A temporary clinic is serving the Beas River venue.