Critical Care for Critical Moments: Equine Emergency Services
When every second counts, knowing you have a trusted partner in your horse's care can make all the difference. Woodside Equine Clinic is committed to providing prompt and compassionate emergency care when your horse needs it most.
Fast-Track Emergency Response
We understand the critical nature of timely care in emergency situations. That's why we've established a fast-track emergency response system, ensuring that our existing clients receive immediate and effective care when every moment counts. During work-ups, we utilize our in-house lab for immediate answers to help guide treatment decisions.
For Our Loyal Clients:
Being an established client with us means your horse's medical history is at our fingertips, allowing for rapid, informed decision-making in emergencies. This seamless access is a key advantage of our wellness program, designed to keep your horse healthy and safe.
Welcoming New Emergencies:
Whether you're coming to us through a referral or facing an urgent hospitalization need, you can trust our readiness to deliver exceptional care. Our clinic is fully prepared for a wide variety emergency scenarios, supported by a dedicated team committed to your horse's well-being.
Recognizing an Emergency
Knowing what constitutes an emergency can save valuable time. Here's a guide to recognizing situations that require immediate veterinary attention:
- Dystocia: Difficulties in foaling, especially labor lasting more than 15–20 minutes or the appearance of anything other than two front feet and a muzzle.
- Colic: Symptoms may include restlessness, pawing, circling, repeated lying down and getting up, looking at the abdomen, kicking at the abdomen, depression, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Respiratory Distress: Severe breathing difficulties, with horses appearing anxious and unwilling to eat or drink.
- Wounds: Any puncture, wound, or laceration that penetrates through the skin or is actively bleeding.
- Non-Weight Bearing Lameness: Any reluctance or resistance to move or any uncoordinated, wobbly gait.
- Choke: Signs include food, saliva, or foam coming from the nose or mouth, especially after eating, along with an outstretched neck and straining to swallow.
- Diarrhea: Abnormal consistency of manure persisting for more than 24 hours.
- General Illness: Signs of sickness such as depression, lethargy, decreased appetite, or fever.
- Down Horse: A horse that is unable to rise or is struggling to do so.
- Eye Emergencies: Any discoloration/cloudiness, wounds, excessive tearing, squinting, discharge, swelling, or light sensitivity.
Horse and Pony Vital Signs
It is also abnormal if your horse has a decreased appetite (even for their favorite treats), decreased manure production, or signs of colic.
You know your horse best. Please use your judgment as well as these guidelines to determine when to call your veterinarian. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.
For Referring Veterinarians
We value the trust placed in us by fellow veterinarians seeking the best possible care for equine patients in emergency situations. Woodside Equine Clinic is here to extend our support and services, ensuring a seamless transition of care for your patients when an emergency arises. We recognize that not all cases are able to be managed on the farm, and we are here when a hospital setting is in the best interest of the patient.
We are ready for emergency surgeries and intensive management of cases. Surgeons are available 24/7 for referrals. Please contact us by our main phone number at (804) 798-3281.
Our Commitment to You and Your Horse
In moments of emergency, our team stands ready to provide the urgent care your horse requires. Our experienced team, advanced medicine, and welcoming atmosphere ensure that we're prepared to address emergencies with the urgency and compassion they demand.
Please contact our main line for any questions regarding emergencies. Our on-call vets will ensure that every horse receives the attention and treatment needed around the clock.