If you are concerned your horse is suffering from abdominal pain, more commonly called colic, our doctors can diagnose and treat, either in-clinic or on farm. exam to evaluate the fitness of the horse in High River, AB. Visit or give us a call today to get your horse checked.
What Are Equine Colics?
Equine colics refer to a group of digestive disorders that cause abdominal pain in horses. Colic can manifest in various ways, from mild discomfort to severe distress, and it’s crucial for horse owners to recognize the signs promptly. Common causes of colic include intestinal blockages, gas accumulation, and gastrointestinal inflammation. If you suspect your horse is experiencing colic, it’s essential to seek professional veterinary care immediately.
How it is Diagnosed
Diagnosing equine colics requires a thorough examination by our experienced veterinarians at Highview Animal Clinic Ltd. The diagnostic process typically includes:
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Physical Examination: Our veterinarians will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to assess your horse’s vital signs, abdominal pain, and overall condition.
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Medical History: We’ll gather information about your horse’s medical history, diet, recent changes, and any previous episodes of colic.
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Additional Tests: In some cases, we may recommend blood tests, abdominal ultrasounds, or X-rays to further evaluate the severity and cause of the colic.
What Are the Vets Doing?
Our dedicated veterinarians at Highview Animal Clinic Ltd are experienced in diagnosing and treating equine colics. When you bring your horse to us with colic concerns, here’s what our vets will do:
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Assessment: We’ll assess the severity of the colic and its potential causes, such as gas accumulation, impaction, or twisted intestines.
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Pain Management: Pain relief is a priority, and we’ll administer appropriate medications to alleviate your horse’s discomfort.
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Treatment Plan: Depending on the diagnosis, we’ll formulate a tailored treatment plan, which may include dietary adjustments, fluids, and medications.
Common Treatment
The treatment for equine colics varies based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common treatments may include:
- Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications are often administered to provide comfort and reduce inflammation.
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Nutritional Support: Dietary changes may be necessary to ease the digestive system and promote healing.
Other Services
In addition to lameness exams, we also offer the following for horse health and wellness:
At Highview Animal Clinic Ltd, we are committed to the comprehensive health and wellness of your horses. In addition to our equine lameness exams, we offer a range of specialized services to address various aspects of equine care:
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Sheath Cleaning: Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for your horse’s well-being. Our experienced veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) are happy to assist with thorough sheath cleaning to ensure your horse’s comfort and health.
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Freeze Branding: We understand that some procedures can cause discomfort to your horse. That’s why we offer freeze branding with the added benefit of sedation. This approach ensures a more comfortable experience for your horse during the procedure. We provide the necessary liquid nitrogen, while you supply the brand, making it a convenient option for horse owners.
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Colic Treatment: Equine colic, or abdominal pain, is a distressing condition that requires immediate attention. Our skilled veterinarians are well-versed in diagnosing and treating colic, either at our clinic or on your farm. You can trust us to provide prompt and effective care to alleviate your horse’s discomfort.
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Lameness Exams: Lameness is a common concern among horse owners, and it can result from various factors. When your horse exhibits an abnormal gait or is unable to walk normally, our equine lameness exams come into play. We perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of lameness, which may stem from infections, injuries, or conditions that develop during different stages of your horse’s life.
At Highview Animal Clinic Ltd, we prioritize the health and well-being of your horses. Our specialized services are designed to cater to their specific needs, ensuring they lead healthy and comfortable lives. If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We are here to provide expert care and guidance for your equine companions.
We have a spacious in-clinic equine treatment room with stocks, separate from the rest of the clinic, to aid in the care and treatment of your horse.