People often call on the weekends and can’t decide if they have an emergency or not. Most large animal practices have a 24-hour emergency veterinary service. There are several small animal emergency practices nearby for those who chose to use them if their own small animal vet is not open.
There are several things that I would consider equine emergencies. A non weight-bearing lameness might be an abscess in a wimpy horse, but it might also be a broken bone or a deep infection. Heavy or rapid bleeding is an emergency – this is one that most people are pretty quick to jump on! Very rapid breathing or panting in a horse is cause for alarm and can be anything from an overheated animal to one experiencing a fatal colic. A horse that is down and unwilling or unable to rise after several hours is an emergency with causes ranging from encephalitis to extreme pain. Any very large swelling can be an indication of infection, internal bleeding or tissue damage.
Blood or foam from the nostrils often has a serious cause and requires evaluation. A horse unable or unwilling to move may have
neurologic disease, severe lung disease, a broken bone, or acute laminitis. Any foal with an extreme change in energy or
habits should be evaluated.
Of course, most of you know I feel all eye issues warrant a discussion! Any of these may be life-threatening, and the sooner proper treatment is begun the better. You can always call and ask your
veterinarian – emergency vet hotline calls are usually free!
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