There can be a lot of reasons why our horses are struggling to get around. Check out some options below to see what makes the most sense for your situation.

+ My horse can’t walk because his/her front feet seem sore

– See founder

+ My horse can’t walk on one of its legs

If your horse is struggling to put weight on any of its legs it is important to get into contact with us quickly. You can call us at any time of day, any day of the week, at 303-841-6006. However answering some quick questions may help us determine if this is something that require immediate vet care, or something that we can see within 12 – 24 hours. When you call these are the questions you’ll likely be asked

– Is your horse bleeding from the hurt leg?

– Does it appear that anything is out of place on your horse’s limb?

– Is your horse entirely non-weight bearing? Or will they put a little bit of weight on the heel or the toe of their hurt leg?

– Is there any heat or swelling anywhere on the limb?

– Is there any heat in the hoof of the affected limb?

– Does your horse have a fever?

– Has your horse had any previous issues with this leg?

– Is your horse on any anti-inflammatory medications, such as Bute, Banamine, Meloxicam, Equioxx?

– Do you have any anti-inflammatory medications?

There is chance we will need to take some radiographs to determine the extent of the issue with your horse. We need electricity, so plan for us needing to use an outlet of some sort and let us know where that will be. Ideally we want to stay as close to your horse’s stall as possible, since they are probably pretty unwilling to move.

The list of issues that cause single limb lameness in horses is a mile long, and the severity of the issues can also vary. It is important to make sure you talk to your vet quickly and don’t let an issue sit for too long. Sometimes you don’t need us, but sometimes you do and waiting can make it worse! It is always better to at least have the conversation, so give us a call at 303-841-6006.

Address:
2565 Gold Creek Drive
Elizabeth, CO 80107

Time is an important factor with colic. If you feel your horse is colicing immediately call us at 303-841-6006. While you wait for us try to walk your horse at a brisk pace, but only if your horse is safe to handle. Some horses can be very violent during a colic episode. If this is the case it is more important that you stay safe. When the vet arrives we will take care of it!

Address:
2565 Gold Creek Drive
Elizabeth, CO 80107

Address:
2565 Gold Creek Drive
Elizabeth, CO 80107

Unfortunately founder, also known as laminitis, is a more common problem in the horse world than we would like. Time is crucial with a horse that is foundering. We need to try to stop the laminitic episode as quickly as possible, as well as determine if any rotation has occurred. So if you think your horse is foundering call us immediately at 303-841-6006. We will want to come see your horse within 12-24 hours, but here are some things to do before your appointment.

– IMMEDIATELY remove your horse from pasture. This is vital. We do not want your horse eating any more sugar from the field!

– Stop feeding any and all grain. Even if the bag says “low starch” do not feed it. All grain has sugar and if your horse is having a laminitic flare we need to significantly reduce their sugar.

– If you feed grass hay soak it for 30 minutes, drain the water, then feed it. Again, this is all about sugar. By soaking the hay we remove water soluble sugars.

– Confine your horse to a small area with lots of soft bedding (like 6-8″ lots). This will help alleviate some of the pressure your horse is feeling when standing. We want them to be as comfortable as possible

– If you have Bute on hand let your veterinarian know when you talk to them. Do not administer it without their direction however, as they may want to give something when they come out that Bute may limit their ability to give. Laminitis is an inflammatory disease, so if we can reduce the inflammation we can help them stay more comfortable.

– There is a high likelihood we will need to take some radiographs to determine the severity of the laminitis in your horse. We need electricity, so plan for us needing to use an outlet of some sort and let us know where that will be. Ideally we want to stay as close to your horse’s stall as possible, since they are probably pretty unwilling to move.

There are a lot of ways we can help a horse recover from a laminitic episode, even severe ones, but it is important to get it handled as quickly as possible. Make sure to call us at 303-841-6006 as soon as you suspect a problem!

Address:
2565 Gold Creek Drive
Elizabeth, CO 80107

Even if we wrapped horses in bubble wrap they still manage to get themselves into trouble. If you have gone out and found your horse with a cut, there are some things you’ll need to look at before you decide it will heal on its own. There are quite a few wounds that will heal faster, cleaner and with less hassle if we come out and treat them. If you answer yes to any of these questions make sure to call us at 303-841-6006. 

– Does the cut look like it could be a puncture?

If your horse has a puncture wound it is important to have a vet out. It may go deeper than you think, and it may still have something in the wound. Your horse will need to be sedated so we can make sure the wound is clean. We will usually give the horse an antibiotic shot as well.

– If the cut is in a fleshy part of the horse, is it deeper than an 1/8″?

If you answered yes it is likely we need to put a couple layers of stitches in so that the cut can heal quickly and limit the risk of infection

– If the cut is on a bony part of the horse, is there a flap of skin?

Any time a cut over a bony structure has a flap of skin we want to do stitches. This will heal the cut faster, protect valuable structures under the skin, and result in less scar tissue.

– Is there heat, swelling, or sensitivity around the cut?

Heat, swelling and sensitivity means inflammation. We need to make sure we aren’t looking at infection. If we have any concern of infection it is important that your vet start your horse on antibiotics quickly.

– Is there any thick, yellow discharge or bad smell coming from the wound?

If you see this discharge or smell something bad it is almost certainly infected and you will need a vet to sedate and clean the wound as well as start antibiotics.

– If the wound is older does it have proud flesh forming?

Proud flesh, or excessive granulation tissue, can hinder the healing process of wounds, and if the wound is over a joint you can lose range of motion. Sometimes we want a little bit of proud flesh, but not often. If there is proud flesh we will probably need to cut it out, so call us immediately.

– Does your horse have a fever?

A fever means an infection. If you take your horse’s temperature and it is over 100.5 degrees then you need to call us immediately.

– Has it been longer than a year since your horse had a tetanus shot?

Most spring shots series have tetanus in them, but if you are not sure if your horse has had a tetanus shot within a year call us immediately. It is important to stay up to date on vaccinations, but particularly tetanus if your horse has cut themselves.

If you decide not to get into contact with us make sure you watch the wound very carefully. If at any time you feel the wound is not healing properly make sure to call us at 303-841-6006.

Address:
2565 Gold Creek Drive
Elizabeth, CO 80107