When to Call the Vet 

According to the Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines for Horses, Ponies and Donkeys a veterinary surgeon should be consulted urgently by the owner or person in charge of the horse if there are any signs of:

• Acute abdominal pain or colic
• Serious injury involving deep wounds, severe haemorrhage, suspected bone fractures or damage to the eyes
• Evidence of straining for more than 30 minutes by a mare due to foal
• Inability to rise or stand
• Inability or abnormal reluctance to move
• Severe diarrhoea
• Prolonged/ abnormal sweating, high temperature, anxiety, restlessness or loss of appetite
• Any other signs of acute pain or injury
• Respiratory distress

A veterinary surgeon should be consulted within 48 hours of the owner or person in charge becoming aware of the following conditions:

• Marked lameness that has not responded to normal first aid treatment
• Injury that has not responded to normal first aid treatment
• Signs suggestive of Strangles or other infectious disease, nasal discharge, raised temperature, enlarged lymph nodes or cough
• Sustained loss of appetite
• Persistent weight loss
• Skin conditions that have not responded to treatment, including saddle sores and girth galls
• Other sub-acute illness or injury

Obviously this list is a minimum indication of the conditions that warrant prompt attention should they be observed in your horse. At Central Equine Vets we pride ourselves in being a friendly and pro-active practice. As such, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the health and husbandry of your horse, then please feel free to call us on: 0131 664 5606 or e-mail us: [email protected].

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