Colorado Equine Clinic emergency equine care

24/7 Equine Emergency Care

Emergency Care

Fast-Track Response

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.

Call Now (303) 791-4747

Important Emergency Instructions

Speak Directly With a Veterinarian

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.

Call (303) 791-4747

Established Patients

Care Built on Medical History

Our emergency service is primarily intended to support established Colorado Equine Clinic clients and patients.

Access to your horse’s medical history, previous diagnostics, medications, and ongoing treatment plans helps our veterinarians make faster, better-informed decisions.

New Emergencies

Referrals and Urgent Cases

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.

01 / Before You Call

Information We May Ask For

These questions help us determine urgency, prepare equipment and medications, and provide guidance before arrival.

  • When was your horse last known to be normal?
  • When was the problem first noticed?
  • 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?

Helpful Information

What You Can Safely Gather

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
  • Capillary refill time
  • Appetite and water intake
  • Manure and urination
  • Ability and willingness to walk
  • Photographs or video, when safe

02 / Warning Signs

Recognizing an Emergency

Colic

Pawing, rolling, repeatedly lying down, looking at the flank, abdominal discomfort, depression, or refusing food.

Choke

Food, saliva, or foam coming from the nose or mouth, coughing, excessive drooling, or difficulty swallowing.

Eye Injuries

Squinting, excessive tearing, cloudiness, swelling, discharge, light sensitivity, or trauma around the eye.

Wounds and Trauma

Deep or puncture wounds, significant bleeding, fractures, or wounds near joints, tendons, or tendon sheaths.

Acute Lameness

Sudden severe lameness, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, uncoordinated movement, or suspected fracture.

Foaling Difficulties

Labor that is not progressing normally or the appearance of anything other than two front feet followed by the muzzle.

Respiratory Distress

Severe breathing difficulty, distress, anxiety, weakness, or unwillingness to eat or drink.

General Illness

Fever, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, reduced manure production, sudden behavioral changes, or collapse.

03 / Immediate Steps

What to Do in an Emergency

  1. Stay calm. Your horse may respond to your anxiety, so move deliberately and speak quietly.
  2. Protect yourself. Sick or injured horses can behave unpredictably. Move the horse only when it is safe.
  3. Call immediately. Contact Colorado Equine Clinic at (303) 791-4747.
  4. Send photographs. When safe, send clear photographs or video if requested by your veterinarian.
  5. Provide details. Describe the symptoms, behavior, location, medical history, and any treatment already provided.
  6. Follow veterinary instructions. Do not administer medication or attempt treatment unless directed by a veterinarian.

Emergency Capabilities

Our Emergency Services

Our team is equipped to assess and manage a wide variety of urgent equine health concerns.

  • 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

04 / Available 24/7

After-Hours Emergencies

A responsible adult must be physically present with the horse and available to meet the emergency veterinarian.

If the owner is unavailable, provide the name and contact information of the person authorized to make treatment decisions. A digitally signed consent-to-care form may be required.

Be Prepared

Preparing Before an Emergency

  • 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
  • Keep your trailer accessible and in working condition

Concerned About Your Horse?

You know your horse best. If something does not seem right, please call. Our on-call veterinarians are available around the clock.

Call (303) 791-4747 View First Aid Information