FAQs

Yes—many senior horses can continue light work if they are comfortable. Exercise can help maintain:

• Joint mobility
• Muscle mass
• Mental well-being

Workload should be adjusted based on soundness and overall health.

Signs of pain in older horses can be subtle:

• Stiffness or reluctance to move
• Weight shifting or lying down more than usual
• Decreased appetite
• Behavioral changes (withdrawal, irritability)

Chronic pain—especially from arthritis—is one of the most common quality-of-life concerns.

Yes—when performed correctly by a trained individual, gunshot is considered a rapid and humane method. It may be appropriate in emergency or field situations where other options are not available. An important note, our veterinarians do not perform this service, but our team can provide you with information regarding proper aim and placement.

Yes. Many owners choose to be present, while others prefer not to. There is no right or wrong choice—only what feels best for you.

Equine acupuncture can help improve comfort, mobility, and overall wellness by stimulating specific points on the body that influence nerves, muscles, and circulation. This therapy may help reduce pain, relax muscles, support healing, and improve your horse’s quality of life.

Acupuncture may be used to support horses with conditions such as osteoarthritis, muscle pain, nerve issues, allergies, respiratory conditions like heaves, digestive concerns, and certain chronic conditions. It is often used alongside other veterinary treatments for a comprehensive care plan.

Yes. When performed by a trained veterinarian, acupuncture is a safe and minimally invasive therapy. Sterile, very fine needles are used, and most horses tolerate the treatment well.

During a session, the veterinarian places thin needles into specific acupuncture points based on your horse’s condition and overall health. Treatments typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and many horses become relaxed during the process.

The number of treatments depends on the horse’s condition and response to therapy. Some horses benefit from a single session, while chronic conditions may require a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart for the best results.

Horses can develop a variety of skin conditions, including allergies, insect bite hypersensitivity, dermatitis, fungal infections such as dermatophytosis, cellulitis, and skin tumors. These conditions may cause itching, hair loss, scabs, swelling, or changes in skin pigmentation.

Signs of skin disease may include persistent itching or rubbing, hair loss, scabs, bumps, unusual lumps, redness, swelling, or recurring lesions that do not heal. If you notice these symptoms, a veterinary dermatology exam can help identify the cause and guide treatment.

During a dermatology visit, the veterinarian reviews your horse’s medical history and performs a detailed examination of the skin and coat. Diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings, swabs, hair samples, or biopsies may be collected to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and may include topical medications, oral medications, parasite control, environmental management, or other therapies designed to reduce inflammation, infection, or allergic reactions.

Serum allergy testing is a diagnostic test that uses a blood sample to identify allergens that may be causing skin irritation or allergic reactions. The results can help veterinarians develop targeted management strategies, including environmental changes or allergy-specific immunotherapy.

Sunrise Equine offers several minor surgical procedures, including standing castration, mass removals, wound repairs, dental extractions, and certain in-clinic procedures such as enucleation. These treatments help address common health concerns while prioritizing your horse’s safety and comfort.

Yes. Most minor surgical procedures are performed using sedation and local anesthesia to ensure the horse remains comfortable and calm. Our veterinarians also use appropriate pain management and sterile techniques to promote safe procedures and recovery.

Many minor procedures, such as standing castrations, simple mass removals, wound repairs, and some dental extractions, can be performed safely in the field. However, more complex procedures may require treatment in the clinic where equipment is available.

Standing castration is a procedure performed while the horse remains standing under sedation and local anesthesia. This approach helps reduce the risks associated with general anesthesia and typically allows for a faster recovery.

Minor surgery may be recommended for conditions such as tumors or cysts, certain dental problems, lacerations that require repair, or medical conditions that cannot be managed with medication alone. Your veterinarian will evaluate your horse and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Sunrise Equine provides limited veterinary services for sheep and goats, focusing primarily on herd health and preventive care. Services may include wellness exams, vaccination protocols, parasite control planning, nutritional guidance, and herd health management.

Small ruminant services are provided exclusively by Dr. Kate O’Connor, who works with clients to support the health and productivity of their sheep and goat herds.

Emergency services for small ruminants (including sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas) are limited. Urgent or same-day appointments may be available for established herd health clients; however, care is dependent on Dr. Kate O’Connor’s availability and is typically provided on a haul-in basis. Emergency care cannot always be guaranteed due to scheduling and practice focus.

No. The practice does not accept one-time urgent cases or emergency visits for non-established flocks or herds. Establishing a herd health relationship allows the veterinary team to better support your animals over time.

If you are interested in herd health services, contact the clinic to discuss availability and determine whether your operation is a good fit for the practice. Establishing an ongoing veterinary relationship helps ensure better long-term support for your herd.

Sunrise Equine provides a range of reproductive services including transrectal ultrasound monitoring, hormonal management for ovulation timing, artificial insemination with fresh cooled semen, pregnancy diagnosis, and follow-up reproductive examinations.

No. Sunrise Equine does not provide stallion services such as semen collection or evaluation, and we do not perform frozen semen breeding. Our reproductive program focuses on mare care and breeding using fresh cooled semen.

Close reproductive monitoring allows veterinarians to track follicle development, uterine health, and ovulation timing. This helps coordinate semen shipment and insemination more precisely, improving the chances of successful conception.

Many mares benefit from staying at the clinic during their heat cycle so veterinarians can monitor follicle development and ovulation closely. This approach helps ensure accurate timing for insemination and reduces the risk of missed breeding opportunities.

A neonatal exam allows veterinarians to evaluate the foal’s overall health, check limb alignment, assess the eyes and umbilicus, and perform IgG testing to confirm the foal has received adequate immune protection from colostrum. Early evaluation helps identify and address potential health concerns quickly.

For breeding clients, mares enrolled in our breeding packages are recommended to stay at the clinic to allow close monitoring and precise cycle tracking, helping support a successful pregnancy and healthy foal.

Mares may be boarded at or hauled to the clinic for breeding services; however, on-farm breeding is not a service we provide.

Horses can develop several eye conditions, including corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, and Equine Recurrent Uveitis (moon blindness). Because eye conditions can worsen quickly, prompt evaluation by a veterinarian is important to protect your horse’s vision and comfort.

During an ophthalmic exam, the veterinarian carefully evaluates the horse’s eye structures using tools. This may include staining the cornea to detect ulcers, using an ophthalmoscope to examine the inside of the eye, and measuring intraocular pressure to check for conditions like glaucoma or uveitis.

Signs of eye problems in horses may include excessive tearing, squinting, swelling, redness, cloudiness, sensitivity to light, or discharge from the eye. If you notice any of these symptoms, veterinary attention should be sought promptly.

Treatment depends on the specific condition but may include topical medications, oral medications, anti-inflammatory treatments, or therapies such as subpalpebral lavage systems to deliver medication directly to the eye.

Eye injuries and infections can progress rapidly and may lead to vision loss if left untreated. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly improve the chances of protecting your horse’s vision and preventing long-term damage.

Equine sports medicine focuses on identifying and treating musculoskeletal issues that may affect a horse’s comfort, movement, and athletic ability. Through thorough evaluations, advanced diagnostics, and targeted therapies, sports medicine helps maintain soundness, support recovery from injury, and optimize performance for horses in training, competition, or regular work.

A sports medicine evaluation may be recommended if your horse shows signs such as lameness, stiffness, reduced performance, reluctance to work, or uneven movement. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of discomfort and prevent minor issues from becoming more serious injuries.

During a soundness exam, the veterinarian evaluates your horse’s movement and musculoskeletal health through a detailed physical exam, gait assessment, and flexion tests. Diagnostic tools such as nerve blocks or imaging may be used to pinpoint the source of pain and guide treatment.

Common diagnostic tools include digital X-rays and ultrasound imaging to evaluate bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These technologies help veterinarians accurately diagnose injuries and develop targeted treatment plans.

Treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis and may include joint injections, regenerative therapies, shockwave therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or other pain management strategies. Each treatment plan is tailored to the horse’s discipline, workload, and long-term performance goals.

A respiratory examination may be recommended if your horse shows signs such as coughing, nasal discharge, poor performance, labored breathing, fever, or reduced stamina during exercise. Early evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and allows for prompt treatment.

Our veterinarians evaluate and manage a variety of respiratory conditions, including equine asthma, inflammatory airway disease, pneumonia, infectious respiratory diseases, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Proper diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

Respiratory diagnostics may include upper airway endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), transtracheal wash (TTW), ultrasound imaging, and laboratory testing. These tools help identify inflammation, infection, structural abnormalities, and other airway concerns.

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the horse’s nasal passages, throat, and upper airway. It allows veterinarians to identify inflammation, mucus buildup, bleeding, or structural issues that may affect breathing and performance.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis but may include medications such as bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics, along with environmental management to reduce dust and airway irritation. In some cases, therapies like nebulization or shockwave therapy may also be recommended.

Diagnostic testing allows veterinarians to accurately identify health problems and determine the most effective treatment plan. By using laboratory testing, imaging, and procedures, veterinarians can detect illness, injury, or underlying conditions early and provide targeted care.

Sunrise Equine provides a wide range of diagnostic services including bloodwork, Coggins testing, PCR testing for infectious diseases, metabolic testing, digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging, endoscopy, and gastroscopy. These tools help evaluate everything from infections and organ function to lameness and respiratory conditions.

Yes. Our in-house laboratory allows us to perform many tests with rapid results, including CBC, chemistry panels, fibrinogen, and foal IgG testing. Fast results help our veterinarians make timely treatment decisions for your horse.

Imaging such as digital X-rays or ultrasound may be recommended when a horse shows signs of lameness, injury, swelling, or performance issues. These tools, along with same-day PCR testing for respiratory disease and SAA testing, allow veterinarians to evaluate bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and overall health to identify the underlying cause of the problem.

Gastroscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the inside of a horse’s stomach and upper digestive tract. It is the most reliable way to diagnose gastric ulcers and helps veterinarians determine the appropriate treatment and management plan.

In addition to gastroscopy, we use advanced imaging tools such as ultrasound for a wide range of applications, including evaluating wounds, guiding dental procedures and extractions, and supporting reproductive care by tracking cycles. Imaging also plays an important role in both internal medicine and musculoskeletal cases, allowing us to assess structures such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, heart, and umbilical areas.

Routine dental care helps prevent painful sharp enamel points and other dental abnormalities that can interfere with eating, comfort, and performance. Regular dental exams help ensure your horse can chew properly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid complications such as ulcers, choke, or colic.

Dental floating is a procedure that smooths sharp enamel points and corrects uneven wear on a horse’s teeth. Because horses’ teeth grow and wear continuously, floating helps restore proper balance in the mouth and prevents painful sores on the cheeks and tongue.

Most horses should have a dental examination at least once a year. However, younger horses, senior horses, and those with dental abnormalities may require more frequent evaluations to maintain proper dental health and comfort.

During a dental visit, the veterinarian performs a thorough oral examination using a full-mouth speculum to safely evaluate all teeth and oral structures. Horses are typically sedated for comfort and safety, and dental equipment is used to float teeth and correct dental abnormalities.

Signs of dental issues may include dropping feed, slow chewing, weight loss, bad breath, head tilting while eating, resistance to the bit, or behavioral changes under saddle. Even if no symptoms are present, routine dental exams are still recommended to detect problems early.

Equine chiropractic care helps restore normal motion to joints in the spine and body. When joint movement improves, nerve communication, muscle function, and overall biomechanics also improve. This can lead to better flexibility, comfort, and performance for horses of all ages and activity levels.

During a chiropractic evaluation, the veterinarian carefully palpates the horse’s spine and joints to identify areas of restricted movement. A precise, controlled adjustment is then applied to restore normal joint mobility and improve communication between the nervous system and muscles.

Horses that show stiffness, decreased performance, behavioral changes, uneven muscling, difficulty bending, or discomfort when saddled may benefit from a chiropractic evaluation. Issues such as trouble picking up leads, abnormal posture, or reluctance to work can also indicate joint restrictions.

No. While performance horses often benefit from chiropractic adjustments, this therapy can also help pleasure horses, senior horses, and horses recovering from injury. Improving joint mobility and biomechanics supports comfort and overall wellbeing for horses of all activity levels.

At Sunrise Equine, chiropractic care is performed by licensed veterinarians who are certified in equine chiropractic. This ensures that each horse receives a thorough examination and that any underlying medical conditions or lameness issues are properly evaluated before treatment.

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.

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.

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.

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 equine hospital. If referral is necessary, our veterinarians will help coordinate the next steps. Please note that a consultation fee applies for emergency evaluations and care.

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.

Routine Care Days are designated dates throughout the year when Sunrise Equine offers half-price farm calls for routine and preventive veterinary services. These appointments are organized by geographic zones to make veterinary care more convenient and affordable for horse owners.

Routine Care Days are intended for preventive and routine veterinary services such as wellness exams, dental exams and power floats, vaccinations, Coggins testing, health certificates, sheath cleanings, recheck exams, fecal egg counts, deworming, castrations, and euthanasia.

No. Because Routine Care Days are scheduled to optimize travel routes and efficiency, specific veterinarian requests cannot be accommodated for discounted appointments.

First, determine which geographic zone your location falls under. Then choose one of the available Routine Care Day dates for your zone and call the clinic to schedule. Appointments should be booked at least one week in advance, and you will receive notification the day before your visit with an estimated arrival window.

Yes. To offer the discounted rate, at least two appointments must be scheduled in the same area on that Routine Care Day. If only one client is scheduled, you may either keep the appointment at the standard farm call fee or reschedule to a future Routine Care Day when additional appointments are confirmed.

Preventive care helps maintain your horse’s long-term health, comfort, and performance. Regular wellness exams, vaccinations, and routine testing allow veterinarians to detect subtle health changes early often before they develop into more serious or costly conditions.

During a wellness exam, our veterinarians perform a comprehensive physical examination, evaluate weight and body condition, assess the eyes, heart, lungs, and digestive system, and discuss your horse’s nutrition, behavior, and management. These exams help establish a health baseline and guide personalized care recommendations.

Most horses should have a wellness exam at least once a year, regardless of age or workload. Annual exams help keep vaccinations, parasite control, and prescriptions up to date while allowing veterinarians to monitor changes in your horse’s health over time.

All horses should receive core vaccines such as tetanus, rabies, West Nile virus, and Eastern and Western Equine encephalitis. Additional risk-based vaccines such as influenza, herpesvirus, or strangles may be recommended depending on your horse’s lifestyle, travel, and exposure to other horses.

Modern parasite control uses fecal egg count testing to identify how much each horse sheds parasite eggs. This allows veterinarians to create a strategic deworming plan tailored to the individual horse, reducing unnecessary treatments and helping slow the development of parasite resistance.

Routine Care Days are a special service we offer to help make veterinary care more affordable for our clients. On these designated days, we schedule preventive care appointments (such as vaccines, Coggins testing, and basic wellness exams) within specific geographic zones. This allows multiple owners in the same area to share or reduce the cost of the farm call fee. Please contact our office to find out when we will be in your neighborhood next.

Our service radius is 60 miles. If your facility is within this radius, we are able to travel to you for emergency care. Please call 651-583-2162 immediately if you have a medical emergency. If it is after hours, our answering service or voicemail will direct you on how to reach the veterinarian on call. We recommend saving our number in your phone so it is ready when you need it.

We provide 24-hour emergency care for our patients. If you have a medical emergency, please call 651-583-2162 immediately. If it is after hours, our answering service or voicemail will direct you on how to reach the veterinarian on call. We recommend saving our number in your phone so it is ready when you need it.

To ensure the appointment runs smoothly, please have your horse caught and secured in a stall or safe holding area prior to our arrival. Ideally, the examination area should be clean, dry, and well-lit. If you have records from previous veterinarians or a list of current medications, please have those ready for our team to review.

We offer cash, debit, credit card (3% surcharge), or check. We do not offer Care Credit.
Payment is expected in full at time of service.
Payment plans may be available for established clients if circumstances warrant and only available for emergency services.