When Every Moment Matters
Timely, informed veterinary care for established patients, referrals, and urgent equine health concerns.
We understand the critical nature of timely care in an equine emergency. Our emergency response system helps our veterinarians provide immediate, informed care when every moment counts.
During emergency workups, our in-house laboratory can provide timely results to help guide treatment decisions.
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We may be able to assist new patients arriving through a referral or requiring urgent hospitalization, depending on location, case circumstances, and veterinarian availability.
When another facility is better positioned to help, we may recommend an appropriate emergency provider or surgical center.
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If you do not reach a Colorado Equine Clinic veterinarian, continue calling every 15 minutes until you have spoken directly with a CEC veterinarian. After-hours calls are answered through our emergency call service, which contacts the veterinarian on call.
If you are uncertain whether the situation is an emergency, please call. We would rather discuss a concern early than miss an urgent medical problem.
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If you do not reach a Colorado Equine Clinic veterinarian, continue calling every 15 minutes until you have spoken directly with a CEC veterinarian. After-hours calls are answered through our emergency call service, which contacts the veterinarian on call.
If you are uncertain whether the situation is an emergency, please call. We would rather discuss a concern early than miss an urgent medical problem.
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Stay calm. Your horse may respond to your anxiety, so move deliberately and speak quietly.
Protect yourself. Sick or injured horses can behave unpredictably. Move the horse only when it is safe.
Call immediately. Contact Colorado Equine Clinic at (303) 791-4747.
Send photographs. When safe, send clear photographs or video if requested by your veterinarian.
Provide details. Describe symptoms, behavior, location, medical history, and any treatment already provided.
Follow veterinary instructions. Do not administer medication or attempt treatment unless directed by a veterinarian.
For emergencies, call: (303) 791-4747
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Our team is equipped to assess and manage a broad range of urgent equine health concerns, including:Emergency wound management and repair
Emergency lameness evaluations
Critical care and hospitalization
IV fluids and electrolyte therapy
Overnight monitoring, when appropriate
Trauma care for injuries and fractures
Neonatal and foal emergencies
Diagnostic evaluation and laboratory testing
Pain management and medication
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We provide diagnostic evaluation and comprehensive supportive care for colic cases, but we do not perform colic surgery.
If surgery is indicated, we will help determine the appropriate next step and coordinate referral to a surgical facility.
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A responsible adult must be physically present with the horse and available to meet the emergency veterinarian.
If the owner cannot be present, please provide the name and contact information of the person authorized to make treatment decisions. A digitally signed consent-to-care form may be required.
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Save our emergency number in your phone.
Know your horse’s normal vital signs and behavior.
Keep medical and medication information current.
Maintain a well-stocked equine first-aid kit.
Emergency Information FAQs
Knowing what to look for and what information to have ready can help us respond quickly when your horse needs urgent care.
Before You Call
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To help determine urgency, prepare the appropriate equipment and medications, and provide guidance before arrival, we may ask:
When was your horse last known to be normal?
When did you first notice the problem?
Is the condition improving, worsening, or unchanged?
What is your horse doing right now?
What symptoms are you observing?
Have medications or treatments been administered?
Has your horse experienced this problem before?
What is the horse’s current location?
Who is physically present with the horse?
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If it is safe to do so, having the following information ready may help your veterinarian evaluate the situation:
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Rectal temperature
Gum color and capillary refill time
Appetite and water intake
Manure and urination
Ability and willingness to walk
Photographs or video, when safe
If you are uncertain whether the situation is an emergency, please call. We would rather discuss a concern early than miss an urgent medical problem.
Recognizing an Emergency
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Pawing, rolling, repeatedly lying down, looking at the flank, abdominal discomfort, depression, or refusing food may indicate colic.
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Food, saliva, or foam coming from the nose or mouth, coughing, excessive drooling, or difficulty swallowing can indicate choke.
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Eye concerns should be evaluated promptly. Warning signs include squinting, excessive tearing, cloudiness, swelling, discharge, light sensitivity, or trauma around the eye.
If you are uncertain whether the situation is an emergency, please call. We would rather discuss a concern early than miss an urgent medical problem.
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Call for deep or puncture wounds, significant bleeding, suspected fractures, and wounds near joints, tendons, or tendon sheaths.
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Urgent evaluation is needed for sudden severe lameness, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, uncoordinated movement, or a suspected fracture.
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Call immediately if labor is not progressing normally or if you see anything other than two front feet followed by the muzzle.
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Severe breathing difficulty, visible distress or anxiety, weakness, or an unwillingness to eat or drink may indicate a respiratory emergency.
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Fever, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, reduced manure production, sudden behavioral changes, or collapse should be assessed promptly.
