The Alamo Pintado Surgical Center welcomes patients from across the western United States, and is equipped with a host of advanced technological features that enhance our surgical capabilities while minimizing the risks of surgery and general anesthesia. From colic cases to long bone fractures and arthroscopy, we provide surgical patients with the highest level veterinary care and surgical expertise available.
Meet Our Surgeons
Carter Judy, DVM, Dip. ACVS
Dr. Carter Judy is a gifted equine surgeon, with referring veterinarians from across the western United States sending horses to Alamo Pintado Equine for Dr. Judy's surgical expertise. A world-renowned authority in equine MRI, Dr. Judy has the unique ability to expertly diagnose then surgically repair a patient's injury, resulting in lesser time from diagnosis to treatment and a greater opportunity for success. Dr. Judy has been a vital part of the team at Alamo Pintado Equine for over 20 years as a boarded surgeon, trained at the prestigious UC Davis College of Veterinary Medicine.
Troy Herthel, DVM, Dip. ACVS-LA
Dr. Troy Herthel was raised in veterinary medicine as the youngest son of Dr. Doug and Mrs. Sue Herthel, founders of Alamo Pintado Equine. Troy has always had a passion for veterinary medicine, and surgery in particular. After earning his veterinary degree from Oklahoma State University and completing an internship at Weatherford Equine in Texas, Troy went on to engage in a 3-year residency under the tutelage of renowned boarded equine surgeon, Dr. Carter Judy. Today Dr. Troy Herthel works side-by-side with Dr. Carter Judy and Dr. Mark Rick, performing surgeries that range from advanced orthopedic repair to colic intervention and more.
Wade Walker, DVM, Dip. ACVS-LA
Wade is a 3rd generation veterinarian from La Canada Flintridge, California. He achieved both his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University. During this time he was employed as a research assistant at the Equine Orthopaedic Research Center. Dr. Walker completed an Internship at Arizona Equine Medical and Surgical Centre followed by a Large Animal Surgery Residency at Cornell University. Wade gained further experience as a staff surgeon at both San Luis Rey Equine Hospital in Bonsall, California and Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center in Cave Creek, AZ prior to joining the team at Alamo Pintado.
Examples of
Equine Surgical Procedures
Performed by Our Surgeons
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Castration: Surgical removal of the testes in male horses.
Wound Debridement and Closure: Removal of damaged tissue and closure of wounds.
Exploratory Laparotomy: Surgical examination of the abdominal cavity.
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Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgical procedure to visualize, diagnose, and treat joint problems.
Fracture Repair: Surgical stabilization of bone fractures using implants.
Joint Fusion: Surgical procedure to fuse a damaged joint.
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Laryngeal Hemiplegia (Roaring) Surgery: Correction of laryngeal paralysis to improve airway function.
Guttural Pouch Empyema Treatment: Surgical drainage and management of guttural pouch infections.
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Colic Surgery: Various procedures to address colic, such as intestinal resection and anastomosis.
Nephrosplenic Space Surgery: Placement of a laparoscopic abomasopexy to prevent nephrosplenic entrapment.
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Corneal Ulcer Surgery: Surgical treatment of deep or non-healing corneal ulcers.
Eyelid Tumor Removal: Excision of neoplastic growths on the eyelids.
Cataract Surgery: Removal of cataracts via phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.
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Cesarean Section: Surgical delivery of a foal.
Ovariectomy: Surgical removal of the ovaries in mares.
Uterine Tears and Ruptures Repair: Surgical repair of uterine trauma.
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Spinal Surgery: Treatment of spinal cord compression, fractures, or tumors.
Head Trauma Surgery: Surgical intervention for severe head injuries.
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Thoracic Surgery: Procedures for conditions such as pleuropneumonia or mediastinal masses.
Pericardial Window: Surgical creation of an opening in the pericardium to drain fluid.
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Cryptorchidectomy: Surgical removal of retained testicles.
Sarcoid Removal: Excision of equine skin tumors.
Equine Recovery Pool
Alamo Pintado designed a custom warm-water recovery pool to ease the transition as surgical patients come out of anesthesia. It allows for horses to wake up from surgery in a warm, weightless and tranquil environment, while minimizing stress and movement.
Post-Surgical Care
Beyond the results we are able to achieve in surgery, the care that our patients receive post-surgery is a vital part of their recovery process. Surgical patients are monitored around the clock and provided with dedicated care to ensure that they are given every opportunity for a full and vital recovery.
Aquatred
The underwater treadmill provides an excellent form of post-surgical rehabilitation, with gentle movement that builds muscle and helps to condition horses in a safe and effective way. More than just a recovery tool, our clients often book sessions for their horses in the underwater treadmill in preparation for shows and to get their horses in top shape.