Sick & Urgent Care

Accepting New Patients
Weekend Hours

Sick & Urgent Care for Horses & Farm Animals

Illness and injuries in horses and farm animals can escalate quickly without prompt veterinary  attention. Our team is here to provide experienced, compassionate care when your animal  needs medical support. At Gulf Coast Equine Hospital, we care for horses and farm animals  experiencing a wide range of urgent medical concerns, injuries, and illnesses.  

Whether your horse is showing signs of colic, your livestock has developed respiratory  symptoms, or your animal has sustained an injury, our veterinary team is equipped to evaluate  the issue, identify the cause, and begin appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.  

From wound care and lameness evaluations to diagnostic imaging and surgical support, we  offer comprehensive veterinary services designed to support your animal’s health, comfort, and  recovery. Throughout the process, our team will communicate clearly, answer your questions  thoroughly, and help you feel informed every step of the way.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Recognizing Signs of Illness in Horses & Farm Animals  

Some medical concerns are immediately noticeable, while others develop more gradually over  time. Changes in appetite, behavior, movement, breathing, or energy level can all indicate an  underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention. Early evaluation and treatment often  improve outcomes and may help prevent more serious complications.  

Below are some common signs that your horse or farm animal may need medical care.

Abrasions, Cuts, or Open Wounds

Even minor cuts or abrasions can quickly become infected if left untreated, especially if your pet or animal licks and scratches the area. Open wounds or visible bleeding may require stitches or antibiotics to prevent complications. If you notice a sore that isn’t healing or your animal is limping, excessively licking, or favoring a certain area, it’s time to bring them in.

Bumps, Lumps, or Swelling

Finding a lump or bump on your animal can be alarming. While not all masses are cancerous, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Some may be benign cysts or fatty tumors, but others could indicate infection or something more serious. Our team can assess the lump, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and discuss next steps with you. Early detection is key when it comes to your pet’s health.

Colic in Horses

Colic is one of the most common equine emergencies and can range from mild digestive  discomfort to a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical intervention. Signs of colic  may include pawing, rolling, looking at the abdomen, restlessness, loss of appetite, sweating, or  repeatedly lying down and standing back up.  

Because the severity of colic is not always immediately obvious, prompt veterinary evaluation is  important anytime a horse displays signs of abdominal pain. Our team can assess your horse’s  condition, identify potential causes, and recommend appropriate medical or surgical treatment  based on their individual needs

Choke in Horses

Choke occurs when feed or other material becomes lodged in a horse’s esophagus, preventing  food and water from passing normally. Horses experiencing choke may cough, extend their  neck, drool excessively, or have feed material coming from the nostrils.  

Although choke is not typically the same as choking in humans, it still requires prompt veterinary  attention. Left untreated, choke can lead to dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, or injury to the  esophagus. Our team can safely evaluate and treat the obstruction while helping reduce the risk  of complications.

Diarrhea in Horses & Farm Animals

Diarrhea in horses and farm animals can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weight  loss, and other serious complications if not treated promptly. Digestive upset may be associated  with infection, parasites, dietary changes, stress, toxins, or underlying gastrointestinal disease.  

If your animal is experiencing persistent diarrhea, weakness, reduced appetite, abdominal  discomfort, or changes in manure consistency, veterinary evaluation is recommended. Our team  can help determine the underlying cause and provide supportive treatment to aid recovery.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries and infections should always be treated as urgent concerns in horses and farm  animals. Redness, swelling, discharge, squinting, cloudiness, or sensitivity to light may indicate  trauma, ulcers, infection, or inflammation within the eye.  

Because eye conditions can progress quickly and may threaten vision if left untreated, prompt  veterinary evaluation is important. Our team can identify the underlying issue and begin  treatment to help protect your animal’s comfort and long-term eye health. 

Labor & Delivery Complications

Complications during labor and delivery can quickly become serious for both the mother and  offspring. Difficult labor, prolonged delivery, retained placenta, or signs of distress may require  immediate veterinary intervention.  

If your animal is experiencing complications during labor or delivery, our veterinary  team can provide medical assessment, supportive care, and emergency treatment when  necessary.

Lameness

Lameness can develop suddenly or gradually and may result from injury, hoof issues, joint  disease, infection, or underlying musculoskeletal conditions. Even subtle changes in gait,  posture, movement, or performance can indicate pain or discomfort.  

Our veterinary team performs thorough lameness evaluations to help identify the source of the  issue and recommend treatment options that support mobility, comfort, recovery, and long-term  soundness.

Lethargy or Low Energy

When your normally energetic animal suddenly seems tired, disinterested, or unwilling to play or go for walks, it’s often a sign that something’s wrong. Infections, internal pain, or chronic conditions such as diabetes or anemia can be a link to lethargy. We take these signs seriously and will run diagnostics to determine what’s affecting your pet’s energy and overall wellness.

Loss of Appetite

If your animal is skipping meals or turning away from treats they normally love, it could indicate dental problems, gastrointestinal upset, organ dysfunction, or even emotional distress. A pet’s appetite is a significant indicator of health, so any sudden change deserves attention. Our team can assess your animal’s oral and internal health to get to the root of the issue and help them regain a healthy appetite.

For Animal Emergencies

If your animal is experiencing an emergency during our operating hours, please call us at 251-752-7856 to see if we can accommodate your animal’s emergency. 

FAQs

What Should I Do If My Horse or Farm Animal Appears Sick?

If your animal is showing signs of illness, injury, pain, or unusual behavior, contact our team as soon as possible so we can evaluate the situation and recommend the next steps.

How Do I Know if a Wound Needs Veterinary Care?

Any deep wound, puncture wound, active bleeding, swelling, lameness, or signs of infection should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Prompt treatment can help reduce complications and support proper healing.

Do You Offer Emergency or Same-Day Care?

We do offer emergency and same-day care depending on severity and availability; please give our team a call so we can assess your pet’s situation and determine next best steps for you and your pet.

What Are Common Signs of Illness in Horses and Farm Animals?

Common signs of illness may include reduced appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge, lameness, behavioral changes, weight loss, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

How Are Wounds Treated?

Treatment depends on the location, severity, and type of wound. Care may include cleaning,  bandaging, suturing, medications, pain management, and follow-up monitoring.

Will My Large Animal Need Antibiotics?  

Antibiotics may be recommended depending on the type of injury, risk of infection, or underlying  condition. Our veterinarians will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your  animal’s individual needs.

We Offer Flexible Payment Options

We believe every animal deserves top-notch care—and that cost shouldn’t stand in the way. That’s why we offer flexible payment options to help you plan and pay for your animal’s care with confidence. Click the button below to learn more about how we handle payments and animal insurance at our hospital.

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Veterinary Care, Your Way

Our goal is to make veterinary care convenient and accessible for all animal owners in Summerdale and Surrounding Communities. Choose the contact method that works best for you.

251-989-6213
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