Frequently Asked Questions
Your Equine Care Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about equine sports medicine, lameness, pre-purchase exams, and care at Lone Star Animal Hospital in Montgomery, TX.
General
About Our Practice
What animals does Lone Star Animal Hospital treat?
Lone Star Animal Hospital treats equine and large animals only — horses, mules, donkeys, miniature horses, and other large animals. We do not see dogs, cats, or small animals. For small animal care, our sister clinic Woodforest Animal Hospital is at the same address.
What is the difference between equine sports medicine and a regular equine vet?
A sports medicine equine vet focuses specifically on performance, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal health in horses that compete or train. Dr. Alvarez combines standard veterinary care with advanced diagnostics (SLEIP gait analysis, digital radiography, ultrasound) and regenerative therapies (PRP, Pro-Stride, shockwave) designed to keep performance horses sound and competing at their best.
Do you offer emergency equine services?
Yes. For urgent equine emergencies — colic, lacerations, severe lameness, eye injuries — call us directly at (936) 220-1352 so we can prepare for your arrival. For after-hours emergencies, contact the nearest 24-hour equine referral hospital. Never hesitate to call: a quick phone consultation can help you triage the urgency.
Do you do farm calls and ambulatory visits?
Yes. Dr. Alvarez and our team provide ambulatory services throughout the greater Houston area, including Conroe, The Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Tomball, Huntsville, College Station, Navasota, and surrounding counties. Contact us to arrange a farm call.
Where are you located and what are your hours?
14920 FM-2854, Montgomery, TX 77316 — Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (936) 220-1352 to schedule.
Soundness
Lameness & Diagnostics
How do I know if my horse has a lameness problem?
Signs range from obvious (head-bobbing at trot, reluctance to move forward) to subtle (shortened stride, resistance to lateral bending, poor performance under saddle, behavioral changes). If your horse seems off, loses impulsion in one direction, or your trainer notices asymmetry, a lameness evaluation is the right next step. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and shorter recovery.
What happens during a lameness evaluation?
Dr. Alvarez performs a systematic hands-on exam — visual inspection, palpation, hoof testers, flexion tests, and straight-line and circle trotting. He uses SLEIP gait analysis to objectively quantify asymmetry. If a source of pain is suspected, diagnostic nerve blocks isolate the region. Imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) confirms the diagnosis. You leave with a clear picture of what's wrong and a treatment plan.
What does a pre-purchase equine exam include?
A comprehensive physical exam, flexion tests and trot-out, hoof tester evaluation, SLEIP gait analysis, digital radiographs of agreed-upon joints, and optional endoscopic airway exam. You receive written findings. The exam is objective — it gives you the facts to make an informed decision, not a pass/fail verdict. More about pre-purchase exams →
What imaging equipment do you have?
We use digital radiography (X-ray) for bone evaluation, portable musculoskeletal ultrasound for soft-tissue assessment, and video endoscopy for upper airway evaluation. Digital X-rays are available at the clinic and on farm calls. Results are reviewed immediately.
Treatment
Treatments & Therapies
What regenerative therapies do you offer?
We offer PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, Pro-Stride APS, RenoVō® amniotic tissue therapy, and Arthramid® polyacrylamide hydrogel. We also perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and mesotherapy. Most treatments are single-visit procedures at the clinic or on a farm call. See all services →
How many shockwave sessions does my horse need?
Most conditions respond to 3 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart. Some horses show improvement after a single session; others may require a 4th. The number depends on the diagnosis, severity, and how the horse responds. Dr. Alvarez will outline a protocol at your consultation.
How often should my horse have a wellness exam?
Annual exams are appropriate for most horses and include a physical exam, dental assessment, Coggins test (required annually in Texas for travel), and a review of vaccination and deworming schedules. Performance horses in active work benefit from semi-annual exams and regular gait monitoring to catch issues before they become injuries.
Where can I order medications and prescription refills?
Our online pharmacy is available at lonestarvet.ourvet.com. For prescription refills, contact our office first so we can verify the prescription is current and appropriate.
Still have questions?
Call us at (936) 220-1352 or send us a message and we'll respond within one business day.
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Hours
Monday - Friday from 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Follow us
@lonestarequinesportsmedicine
Address
14920 FM-2854, Montgomery, TX 77316