Emergency Care
Colic Evaluation
Most colics can be evaluated and treated on the farm by one of our emergency care veterinarians. They will perform a physical examination and likely administer pain medications. Each colic is treated differently and evaluation may also include an ultrasound exam, rectal exam, nasogastric intubation, and bloodwork at the veterinarian’s discretion.
Severe colics, horses that have diarrhea, and horses that have not responded to initial treatment may be put on IV fluids on the farm or be referred to a facility that can provide intensive care services.
Please note that as of September 15, 2024, Southwest Equine will be suspending all colic surgeries until our new surgical center is open. If medical management fails and surgery is an option, your horse will need to be transported to a facility that performs colic surgery (Arizona Equine, Chaparral Equine, Copper Ridge Equine).
Laceration / Wound Care
From small wounds to large gashes, our veterinarians have your horse covered. If your horse sustains a wound please contact us immediately, as the sooner we address the wound the higher the chance of a cosmetic outcome (older and contaminated wounds do not heal as well).
Wounds that are near a joint or tendon sheath must be attended immediately. If we determine that the wound involves a synovial structure we will advise you regarding medical management (lavage) vs referral to a surgical center.
Ophthalmic Problems
A painful eye is ALWAYS an emergency. Small scratches can turn into severe fungal infections, even when treated quickly and appropriately.
Our veterinarians will guide you through the medical management for most ophthalmic conditions and if your horse is not responding to treatment or is too painful to medicate we can place an indwelling catheter to facilitate treatment. We will refer some horses to an Ophthalmology Specialist (Dr. Joanna Norman) for a full fundic examination, corneal grafts, or keratectomies if clinically indicated.
Acute Lameness
Acute, severe lameness is an emergency. Often it is as simple as a foot abscess (which can be very painful!). Acute lameness due to laminitis or a fracture should be addressed immediately with appropriate pain control and mechanical stabilization.
Desert Emergencies
From close encounters with cholla to rattlesnakes, the Southwest Equine Team is well-versed in helping your horse get through some of the challenges associated with desert living.
Acute Neurologic Disease
If your horse is acutely losing balance, stumbling, circling, or seizuring please call immediately. Early and aggressive intervention is often critical in cases of brain or spinal cord swelling. Most acutely neurologic horses will be treated on the farm. A negative EHV-1 test (1hr PCR test) will be required for any acute neurologic horse prior to arriving at Southwest Equine (unless the neurologic symptoms are due to a known and observed traumatic event).
Please make sure you keep your horses vaccinated for WNV- we do see it in Arizona!
