Examples of Urgent Emergencies:
Non-weight bearing lameness
Eye related problems
Colic
Broken bones
Heavy bleeding
Horse trapped in stall, trailer, or fence
Mare in labor unable to deliver the foal
Examples of Emergencies that should be seen in the same day:
Mild colic that does not resolve in 30-45 minutes
All eye-related problem
Sudden loss of coordination or balance
Lacerations or trauma
Weak foal that is unable to nurse
Choke (saliva coming from the nose)
High fever with inappetence
Dull horse with inappetence
Retained placenta (more than 3 hours)
Have the following ready BEFORE you call our office:
Referring Veterinarian’s contact information (if applicable)
Owner’s name, address, phone number, and credit card information
Name, age, breed, and sex of the horse
Street address of farm where the horse is located & be prepared to give directions
Description of the problem
Insurance company name and phone number (if applicable)
Paper and pencil to write down instructions
When Every Minute Matters, We’re Here
At South Shore Equine Clinic & Diagnostic Center, we understand that emergencies don’t happen on a schedule. That’s why we provide 24-hour emergency care, 365 days a year.
Whether it’s a late-night colic, a sudden injury, or a foaling emergency, our team is ready to respond with the experience, equipment, and urgency these situations require.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you believe your horse is experiencing an emergency:
Call or text us immediately at 781-585-2611
Our emergency line is always monitored. You will be guided through next steps and connected with a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Common Equine Emergencies We Treat
Colic and abdominal pain
Lacerations and traumatic injuries
Choke (esophageal obstruction)
Respiratory distress
Neurologic symptoms (stumbling, weakness, abnormal behavior)
Acute lameness or inability to bear weight
Eye injuries
Foaling and reproductive emergencies
Fever or signs of infectious disease
If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, call us. It’s always better to ask.
On-Farm and In-Clinic Emergency Care
Depending on the situation, care may be provided:
On-Farm
Our ambulatory veterinarians can respond directly to your farm for many emergencies, allowing your horse to be treated in a familiar environment when appropriate.
At the Clinic
For more complex or critical cases, we may recommend transporting your horse to our facility in Plympton, MA. Our clinic is equipped for:
Intensive monitoring and treatment
Advanced diagnostics
Fluid therapy and hospitalization
Emergency procedures
We will guide you through that decision and help coordinate next steps.
A Team You Can Rely On
Emergencies are stressful. Our goal is to provide not just medical care, but clear communication and steady guidance during difficult moments.
Our team is experienced in managing urgent and critical equine cases and will work quickly to assess your horse, stabilize the situation, and outline a plan.
Planning Ahead Matters
We strongly encourage all clients to:
Save our number in your phone:
Know your horse’s normal vital signs and behavior
Have a trailer available or a plan for transportation if needed
Keep basic first aid supplies on hand
Preparation can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Have the following ready BEFORE you call our office:
Referring Veterinarian’s contact information (if applicable)
Owner’s name, address, phone number, and credit card information
Name, age, breed, and sex of the horse
Street address of farm where the horse is located & be prepared to give directions
Description of the problem
Paper and pencil to write down instructions
Colic Assistance Plan
For clients interested in additional peace of mind, we offer a Colic Assistance Plan designed to help manage the cost of colic treatment at our clinic.
Ask our team for details about enrollment and coverage.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle them alone.
Call 781-585-2611
