When your animal isn’t acting right but there’s no clear reason why, you need a vet who can look deeper.

At Bear Creek Large Animal Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools to find the answers you need. From imaging and lab work to gastric endoscopy and lameness exams, our goal is simple: understand what’s happening, explain it clearly, and help you make confident decisions for your animals and your operation.

Diagnostic Tools That Work in the Field and at the Facility

Accurate answers start with the right tools- and the experience to use them well. We provide both mobile and (coming soon) haul-in diagnostic options to support horses, cattle, goats, sheep, camelids, and pigs in select cases.

Diagnostics are available for wellness exams, reproductive evaluations, and urgent or emergency care. Testing and imaging can be performed on-site or in collaboration with trusted external laboratories for advanced analysis.

Seeing What the Eye Can’t

Modern imaging helps us detect problems earlier, confirm injuries, and guide treatment plans that actually work. At Bear Creek Large Animal Clinic, these tools are part of our daily fieldwork- not just something we use once in a while.

Digital Radiography (X-Rays)

Portable, high-resolution digital radiographs help us visualize bone, joint, and hoof structures right in the field. We rely on radiography for lameness evaluations, pre-purchase exams, hoof balance assessments, and fracture detection. You’ll see the images on-site and understand exactly what we’re looking at.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound gives us a real-time look at what’s happening beneath the surface. Our ultrasound helps us monitor reproductive progress with accuracy and confidence. From follicle checks to pregnancy confirmation, it’s an essential part of breeding management. It’s a dependable tool for breeding programs and can be applied to select soft-tissue cases when appropriate.

Gastric Endoscopy

For horses showing signs of discomfort, poor performance, or behavior changes, gastric endoscopy provides direct answers. We perform full-length gastric scoping with a gold-standard scope– the same level of equipment you’d find at a referral center.

Endoscopy allows us to diagnose Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), reflux, and both glandular and squamous disease with precision. Because owners can see the images in real time, it’s an incredibly clear and valuable diagnostic tool. Other veterinarians throughout Southern Oregon refer their performance horse cases to us for this exam.

To complement our full-length scope, we’ve added a second, shorter endoscope to our diagnostic toolkit. Its smaller diameter and 1.5-meter length allow for detailed upper airway exams, guttural pouch assessments, and other focused evaluations that aren’t possible with a standard scope. This investment expands the level of care we can provide right here at Bear Creek, so your horse can get high-quality answers close to home.

Bloodwork, Fecal testing, and the Value of Small Details

The right lab work can reveal what the eye can’t: metabolic changes, infection, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance. We draw, process, and interpret samples with care, sending complex panels to trusted reference labs when needed.

Our testing includes:

  • Complete blood counts (CBC) and chemistry panels
  • Equine metabolic and PPID panels (processed through Cornell University)
  • Fecal egg counts and parasite screenings
  • Hormone testing for breeding and reproduction
  • Baseline and drug screening panels for pre-purchase or performance evaluations

Whether it’s a single horse or a herd check, lab work helps guide treatment decisions and track long-term health.

When Time Matters, We Move Quickly

In emergencies, diagnostic tools help us stabilize animals, determine severity, and make the next right move. From colic work-ups and lameness injuries to calving complications, we bring portable imaging and rapid testing directly to the field.

It’s Not Just About Tests. It’s About What They Mean.

We believe good diagnostics depend as much on interpretation as technology. Dr. Bur Church approaches every case with calm thinking and practical insight- choosing tools that add value, not unnecessary cost. You’ll know what we’re testing for, what the results mean, and what your options are. Our goal is to give you useful information you can trust, not overwhelm you with numbers.

Diagnostic Visits with Bear Creek

Whether we’re coming to you or you’re hauling in, here’s what to expect:

  • Preparation: We’ll review your animal’s history and recent changes before the exam.
  • During the visit: Some procedures, such as radiographs or gastric endoscopy, may require mild sedation for accuracy and comfort.
  • Afterward: You’ll receive a clear explanation of findings, treatment options, and recommended next steps. Follow-up visits or re-checks are arranged as needed.

Areas We Serve

We provide mobile and haul-in diagnostics across:

  • Jackson and Josephine Counties (Oregon)
  • Siskiyou County (California)
  • Surrounding rural communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Most radiographs, endoscopy, and ultrasounds can be performed on-site.

You’ll often see imaging results immediately. Lab results typically return within 1–3 business days, depending on the test.

Yes. We provide field diagnostics for small ruminants, including fecal testing, reproductive ultrasound, and select blood panels.

Fees vary based on travel distance, species, and procedure. We’ll provide an estimate before beginning any work.

That’s exactly why we’re here. We’ll start with a thorough exam, review your observations, and use the right tools to get answers.

Let’s figure out what’s going on.

Call to Schedule a Visit- (541) 246-7370, (541) 646-0016.