EMERGENCY CARE

When To Call The Vet

When in doubt, you can call us 24/7, 365 days a year. Our on-call veterinarian will return your call to verify next steps. Give us a call if:

If your horse is acting colicky (down, rolling, pawing, looking at flanks, off feed)
Any time an eye is involved (tearing, swelling, lacerations, cloudiness, or squinting)
If a laceration (cut) is over a joint or tendon, if bone is exposed, if stitches are needed, or if the bleeding won't stop
If your horse becomes depressed or lethargic, stops eating, or has a high (>102 F) temperature
If your mare is in labor and has not made progress giving birth within 20 minutes

Next Steps

For colic, call us before giving any medications. If your horse is trying to roll or go down, you can walk him/her until you talk to your vet.

For lacerations, gently clean with warm water and mild soap; apply pressure to stop bleeding. You can apply a light bandage to keep the wound clean while you wait for the on-call veterinarian.
For eye emergencies – call us right away and do not attempt to clean or apply any ointment.
When you call, state your name and emergency. Clearly provide your contact phone number. Keep your phone with you, or have someone stay by the phone until the vet calls you back.