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Europe's Elite Equine Hospital: A Donkey's Second Chance
22 Aug
Summary
- Belgium's equine hospital treats world's most expensive horses and injured animals.
- It utilizes advanced tech like robots and VR for complex surgeries.
- A donkey with a shotgun wound to the skull received life-saving surgery.

Nestled in central Belgium, Europe's largest private equine hospital has transformed from a humble barn over twenty years ago into a globally recognized center for advanced veterinary care. The state-of-the-art clinic, founded in 2002, now boasts a spa, intensive care units, advanced medical imaging, and rehabilitation facilities, attracting an international clientele including royalty and the children of billionaires.
This facility is renowned for its innovative approach, being the first in Europe to use robotic surgery and virtual reality in equine treatment. Its surgical techniques are shared worldwide, facilitating complex cases with international specialists. The clinic is preparing for busy periods, providing on-site veterinary care for major equestrian events like the Brussels Stephex Masters.
The future of equine veterinary science at this clinic is data-driven, focusing on preventive medicine akin to elite human athletes. Innovations such as MRI, scintigraphy, and UTC tendon imaging allow for early problem detection and injury avoidance. This advanced approach has dramatically improved outcomes, enabling repairs for injuries previously considered untreatable, such as fractures and severe tendon damage.
Remarkable cases include the world-first reconstructive surgery on a donkey with a severe skull injury and treatment for Totilas, a record-breaking dressage horse. Despite challenging outcomes, like the euthanasia of a valuable stallion, the clinic remains dedicated to providing the highest level of care, treating every animal with the same commitment and compassion.