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When to call the veterinarian Ask the Vet


A monthly column By Daniel H Grove, DVM


by daniel h. grove, dvm “When do I call my veterinarian?”


T


hat is a question many clients tend to struggle with. In my opinion, it is better to make that phone call and


discuss your concerns rather than waiting too long and having a more challenging time resolving a case. I would much rather have someone call during normal business hours with questions about a mild colic rather than 10 o’clock at night with a colic that is now dire. It is hard to give a recommendation on times not to call without having an examination of the patient to make a determination. So, here are some key times when I think it is prudent to get on the phone and at least discuss the situation with your veterinarian. Colic. This is probably the number one


reason for emergency calls. Colics can be mild and resolve on their own, but they can


be life threatening. Treating them early for some types really makes a huge difference on the outcome. Bleeding. If you have profuse bleeding


that cannot be controlled, this warrants an immediate call. Blood loss can lead to death. Eye problems. Eye problems can go south


quickly. If there is squinting, tearing, chang- es in color or other signs of discomfort, at least discuss the situation sooner rather than later with your veterinarian. Non-weight bearing pain. If your horse will


not put weight on a leg, this is a good reason to call. It can be as simple as a hoof abscess, or as bad as a fractured bone. Anorexia/No interest in food. If your horse


is not eating, that is a big sign that some- thing is wrong. They are meant to be eating most of the time. There is a myriad of rea- sons for this, but whichever it is, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Problems with urination and defecation. If they cannot pass waste products or are


Here are some key times when I think it is prudent to get on the phone and at least discuss the situation with your veterinarian.


ROPE SORT


SPIN TURN BEND


D R


not making enough, these things need to be resolved quickly to avoid geting to a point where you cannot fix them. Fever. A mild fever can help fight an infec-


tion, but if it gets too high, measures need to be taken to prevent it from killing your friend. Wounds. If you have a wound that is going


to require suturing, geting it repaired soon- er will increase your chances of a successful repair. Before you have an emergency. Many


equine veterinary practices are starting to not see emergencies unless you are already a client. My practice does not take this approach, but I do feel that it is beter to have an established relationship with your veterinarian on a routine call prior to an emergency. Unfortunately, if you own a horse, it is not


if, but when are you going to have an emer- gency. It is a part of owning them. When faced with that situation, do what you can to maybe mitigate that emergency call fee— call as soon as you notice something, and you may be able to get it resolved with just a phone call. If not, dealing with it sooner rather than later will likely be less costly in the long run.


–Dan


DEVENPORT TRAINING at San Pasqual Valley Ranch RIDING LESSONS, TRAINING & SALES a


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