Emergency Services
At Sunrise Equine, we understand that horses can experience sudden and serious health issues at any time. Whether it’s colic, choke, lacerations, infections, or other urgent medical concerns, our team is prepared to provide rapid, expert care for your horse.
Comprehensive Emergency Care
When an emergency arises, our knowledgeable and experienced veterinarians will promptly assess your horse and develop a personalized treatment plan based on a thorough physical exam and any necessary diagnostics. Some cases can be managed on-site with medications, supportive care, or follow-up visits, while others may require advanced diagnostics, ongoing treatment, or referral to a specialty equine hospital for surgery or continuous care.
We prioritize life-threatening and critical emergencies to ensure your horse receives the care they need as quickly as possible.
24-Hour Emergency Availability
Sunrise Equine is proud to offer 24-hour emergency care. Critical health issues—such as severe colic, choke, or major lacerations—cannot wait for a routine appointment and require immediate veterinary attention.
When you call our emergency line, a licensed veterinarian will speak with you directly to triage the situation, provide guidance, and outline a plan for getting your horse evaluated. Please note that this phone consultation is considered a paid service, as it involves professional veterinary assessment and advice. If your horse is subsequently seen by one of our veterinarians, the consultation fee will be waived.
What to Do in an Emergency
While waiting for the veterinarian, take the following steps to ensure the best outcome for your horse:
1. Ensure Safety
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Have the horse caught with a halter and lead rope if possible
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Move the horse away from traffic, other animals, or hazards if it is safe to do so
2. Prepare for the Veterinarian’s Arrival
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Confine the horse in a safe, well - lit area
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Clear a safe, accessible area for treatment
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Have medical records, recent medications, or vaccination history ready
3. Common Emergencies & Immediate Actions
Colic:
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Remove feed
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Walk the horse if safe and advised
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Try to prevent rolling if possible
Lameness or Injury:
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Keep the horse still/quiet
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Apply a clean supportive bandage if there is bleeding
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Do not remove embedded objects (nail in foot, etc.) prior to veterinary exam
Heavy bleeding:
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Apply firm pressure with clean towels or bandages
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Put shavings or other materials down if horse is on a slippery surface to help prevent fall and further injury
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Remove feed
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Walk the horse if safe and advised
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Massage left side of neck where esophagus lies
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Try to encourage horse to keep head and neck lower to prevent aspiration of feed and saliva
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Prevent rubbing, apply fly mask or protective covering if necessary
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Avoid applying medications unless advised
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Call immediately if labor exceeds 20 minutes with no progress
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Do not pull on the foal unless instructed
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Have truck and trailer hooked up and ready incase referral into hospital is necessary
Your horse’s health and safety are our top priorities. In a life-threatening or urgent situation, call our emergency line immediately so we can provide the care your horse needs.
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Services
What types of equine emergencies do you treat?
Our veterinarians treat a wide range of urgent conditions including colic, choke, severe lameness, lacerations, infections, eye injuries, and foaling complications. If your horse is experiencing a sudden or serious health issue, contact our emergency line immediately so we can assess the situation and provide guidance.
Do you offer 24-hour emergency veterinary care for horses?
Yes. Sunrise Equine provides 24-hour emergency services for horses in North Branch, MN and surrounding communities. Critical conditions cannot wait for routine appointments, so our team is available to respond when urgent care is needed.
What happens when I call the emergency line?
When you call, a licensed veterinarian will speak with you directly to assess your horse’s condition, provide immediate guidance, and determine the best plan for evaluation and treatment. This consultation helps us prepare for the emergency and prioritize care.
Will my horse be treated on-site or referred to a hospital?
Many emergencies can be treated on-site with medications, supportive care, and follow-up visits. However, some cases may require advanced diagnostics, surgery, or continuous monitoring at a specialized equine hospital. If referral is necessary, our veterinarians will help coordinate the next steps.
What should I do while waiting for the veterinarian to arrive?
Ensure your horse is in a safe, well-lit area and caught with a halter and lead rope if possible. Remove feed if advised, control bleeding with clean bandages if present, and keep the horse calm and confined. Having your horse’s medical records and recent medication information ready can also help the veterinarian provide faster care.