Emergency
At Tanglefoot Veterinary Services we provide coverage for equine emergencies in which horses experience sudden, critical health issues or injuries that require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications or death. Equine emergencies can range from traumatic injuries to acute illnesses, and prompt intervention is crucial for the well-being and survival of the horse.
24-Hour Emergency Coverage
We provide after-hours emergency support through a call-sharing network with other local clinics. Our process for urgent care includes:
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Triage Call: After-hours calls are answered by a trained Veterinary Technician who gathers clinical information.
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Veterinarian Notification: The technician contacts the veterinarian on call to relay the details of the emergency.
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Case Assessment: The on-call veterinarian determines if the horse requires an immediate after-hours examination.
Conditions Requiring Urgent Care
Prompt intervention is necessary for several acute conditions. We provide care for emergencies such as:
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Digestive & Respiratory: Colic and respiratory distress.
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Injuries: Severe lameness and traumatic wounds or lacerations.
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Reproductive: Foaling complications.
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Neurological: Sudden collapse, unconsciousness, or other neurological changes.
Preparing for Critical Situations
Having a protocol in place helps ensure timely intervention when an emergency occurs. We recommend maintaining the following:
First Aid Kit: Keep a stocked equine first aid kit on hand to administer basic measures while waiting for the veterinarian to arrive.
Transportation Plan: Establish a plan for horse transportation to the clinic or a nearby equine hospital if the condition requires facility-based care.
Contact Information: Keep the clinic’s emergency contact details readily available to reduce delays in starting the triage process.