Trusted Emergency Care for Horses When Every Minute Matters
Conley and Koontz Equine Hospital is a 24 hour, 7 day a week ambulatory and referral facility. Our veterinarians and support staff take pride in caring for your horse in it's time of need. The facility offers 10 heated intensive care stalls, each equipped with webcams and the equipment to administer continuous IV fluids and medications. With the in-hospital laboratory, we can assess critical care patients immediately.
Equine emergencies require fast decisions, experienced veterinary care, and a clear plan. At Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital, we provide comprehensive equine emergency services for horses experiencing sudden illness, injury, colic, foaling complications, and other urgent medical conditions.
Whether your horse needs emergency care on the farm or advanced treatment at our equine hospital, our team is here to guide you through the process with skill, compassion, and clear communication. Establishing a relationship with an equine emergency veterinarian before an emergency occurs can save valuable time and reduce stress when it matters most.
If you are unsure whether your horse’s condition is an emergency, we encourage you to call. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
The Services we offer include:
- Continuous IV fluid administration
- Colic: Medical and Surgical
- Neonatal intensive care
- In-house diagnostics
- 24-hour observation by veterinarians and registered veterinary nurses
- Pain management
Everything You Need to Know About Equine Emergencies
Hello, I’m Dr. Koontz with Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital. Today, I’d like to help you better understand equine emergencies—what they look like, and when you should reach out for help. Neveah will be helping by asking some common questions horse owners have about emergency situations.
How do I find an emergency veterinarian for my horse?
The best time to plan for an emergency is before one happens.
First and most importantly, you should have a relationship with your equine veterinarian so that your veterinarian knows you and your horses.
Having that relationship between the horse owner and the veterinarian gives horse owners the knowledge of whom they should call, how to reach them, and what their emergency options are ahead of time.
At Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital, we provide emergency care and guidance when your horse needs it most. We recommend saving our number in your phone and knowing how to reach us after hours.
Having a clear plan in place can save critical time and reduce stress during an emergency.
How do I know if my horse is experiencing an emergency?
A good rule of thumb is this: if your horse is acting significantly different than normal, that’s a reason to be concerned.
Sudden pain, distress, difficulty standing, heavy bleeding, or rapid changes in behavior can all signal an emergency. Knowing your horse's baseline temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate is important so that you will know if these vital measurements have changed.
If you’re ever unsure, we encourage you to call Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital. We would much rather help you early than see a condition worsen.
Is my horse being lame an emergency?
Not all lameness is an emergency, but sudden or severe lameness can be.
If your horse will not bear weight on a leg, shows intense pain, or if you notice swelling, heat, or a wound, that should be evaluated promptly.
When lameness comes on quickly or is accompanied by signs of infection or severe discomfort, contacting Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital is important.
What are some signs and symptoms that are considered an equine emergency?
Wound Care
Deep wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, puncture wounds, or wounds near joints or tendons are all considered emergencies.
Even wounds that look small on the surface can be serious underneath, which is why early evaluation by Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital is critical.
Colic
Colic is one of the most common equine emergencies and should always be taken seriously. Colic means abdominal pain.
Signs of colic include pawing, looking at the flank, repeated lying down and getting up, rolling, decreased appetite, or reduced manure production.
Even mild signs can progress quickly, so if you suspect colic, contact Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital as soon as possible.
Choke (esophageal blockage)
Choke occurs when food becomes lodged in the esophagus and is considered an emergency.
Common signs include difficulty swallowing, coughing, feed or saliva coming from the nostrils, stretching the neck, and signs of distress.
If you suspect choke, remove all feed and water and contact Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital immediately for further instructions.
Hoof Injuries or Abscesses
Sudden, severe hoof pain or a horse that won’t bear weight may indicate a hoof abscess or injury.
While some hoof abscesses are manageable, intense pain or worsening signs should prompt a call to Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital.
Should I give my horse first aid at home, and what should I have in my first aid kit?
Basic first aid can be helpful while you’re waiting for veterinary care, but it should never replace professional treatment.
A well-stocked equine first aid kit should include clean bandage materials, antiseptic solution, gauze, a thermometer, and a hoof pick.
Knowing how to safely take your horse’s temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate is also important.
Before giving any medications, we recommend calling Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital for guidance.
How will a veterinarian treat my horse in an emergency situation?
Emergency treatment is focused first on stabilizing your horse and controlling pain.
Depending on the situation, this may include medications, wound care, diagnostics, or advanced treatment either on the farm or at our hospital.
At Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital, our goal is to provide timely, skilled care while keeping your horse as comfortable and safe as possible.
Is active labor considered an emergency for my horse?
Normal foaling is not an emergency, but abnormal or prolonged labor absolutely is. Abnormal labor is called dystocia.
If a mare is actively straining for more than 20 to 30 minutes without progress, if the foal appears mispositioned, or if the mare seems distressed, this is an emergency. In a normal delivery, the foal will come out a little with each uterine contraction. The foal will fall back into the uterus slightly between contractions when the uterus relaxes. If the mare and foal are making progress with each contraction, this is probably a normal delivery, however if the uterus is contracting and the mare and foal are not making progress, it is likely an emergency.
In those cases, you should contact Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital immediately. If your mare is in foal you should have transportation ready and be prepared to get your mare to the hospital as quickly as possible. In most cases, very little can be done for a dystocia at the farm and intervention at the hospital is required. Early intervention can be life-saving for both mare and foal.
Will my veterinarian come to me in case of an emergency?
Many emergencies can be addressed on the farm, while others are best treated in a hospital setting.
At Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital, we will help determine the safest and most effective plan for your horse—whether that means a farm call or transport to our facility for advanced care.
That’s why having an established relationship with our team before an emergency occurs is so important.
Emergency Equine Care You Can Rely On
When your horse needs urgent care, you deserve a veterinary team you can trust. Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital is dedicated to providing responsive, knowledgeable, and compassionate equine emergency care when it matters most.
If you have concerns about your horse’s health or believe you may be facing an emergency, contact Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital immediately. We are here to help—every step of the way.