Equine hospital launches specialist internal medicine service

ENDELL Equine Hospital has launched a new service which offers a comprehensive and specialist-led approach to the diagnosis, treatment and management of complex equine medical conditions.

The Equine Internal Medicine Service is spearheaded by Dr Sonia Gonzalez-Medina, a board-certified American specialist in large animal internal medicine, whose extensive international experience and clinical knowledge bring an added level of excellence to the hospital.

Andrew Jones, clinical director and specialist surgeon at CVS Endell Equine Hospital, said: “Internal medicine specialists such as Dr Gonzalez-Medina, with her comprehensive expertise spanning multiple body systems, will be instrumental in enhancing Endell’s existing services.

“This includes not only the busy surgery and imaging service but also its emergency services and improving clinical standards at the hospital.

Dr Sonia Gonzalez-Medina is leading the new service

“These efforts align with Endell’s commitment to continuous progress and providing exceptional patient care with the rest of the existing team.”

With access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools - including videoendoscopy, ECG, ultrasound, radiography and an in-house laboratory - the hospital, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is fully equipped to manage a wide range of medical presentations with precision and care.

The service covers a broad spectrum of equine medical conditions, including respiratory disorders such as asthma, sinusitis, and pleuropneumonia; weight-loss investigations with full dietary, parasitological, and gastrointestinal assessments; neurological evaluations for conditions like head-shaking, wobblers, and trauma, and ophthalmology care, including advanced diagnostics, intensive care for complicated corneal ulcers, uveitis and immune-mediated corneal disease management.

Other areas covered include muscle disease diagnostics, including genetic testing and biopsies; dermatology services for chronic skin conditions and allergies including intradermal skin testing; liver and kidney disease assessments with advanced imaging and biopsy capabilities, and endocrinology consults for metabolic syndrome and PPID. 

Dr Gonzalez-Medina brings a wealth of experience to the role. A graduate of the University of Córdoba, Spain, she has trained and worked across Europe and the United States, including at the Animal Health Trust, The Royal Veterinary College, Colorado State University and Nottingham University.

Her clinical interests span neurology, ophthalmology, muscular disorders, and infectious diseases, and she is widely recognised for her contributions to equine research.

Dr Gonzalez-Medina continues to contribute to ongoing studies in exercise biomarkers, toxicology and infectious disease management, and regularly presents her findings at national and international veterinary conferences. This ensures her services are not only clinically robust but also research-driven.

Andrew said: “The launch of this service represents a major step forward in our commitment to delivering specialist equine care.

“Our area has lacked this type of service for patients in the past, meaning horses can now access advanced internal medicine care without traveling great distances. 

“Dr Gonzalez-Medina’s expertise and dedication to clinical excellence will be instrumental in providing our clients and their horses with the highest standard of comprehensive medical support.”

Endell Equine Hospital works closely with Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn and Dr Gonzalez-Medina will also be consulting on cases for patients of Valley Equine on an emergency and appointment basis.

The Equine Internal Medicine Service is now accepting referrals and direct cases.

Visit mail@endellequinehospital.co.uk or https://www.endellequinehospital.co.uk/ for more details, or call 01722 710046.