Horse Emergency Care In Waco, Texas

As any horse owner knows, emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye. A seemingly healthy horse can suddenly colic, get cast in a stall, or suffer a traumatic injury in the pasture. In early 2026, the equine community in Central Texas has remained particularly vigilant following local outbreaks of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), emphasizing that internal medical crises are just as urgent as physical injuries. When something goes wrong, time is of the essence. The key to effective horse emergency care is knowing what to look for and acting quickly.

Recognizing an Equine Emergency

Signs of a possible emergency include severe or persistent colic symptoms (rolling, pawing, sweating), bleeding that won't stop, and an inability to stand or walk. Recent 2026 veterinary guidelines also stress monitoring for neurological signs—such as a loss of tail tone, stumbling, or difficulty urinating—which can indicate the neurologic form of EHV-1. Other red flags include respiratory distress, eye trauma (squinting or cloudiness), profuse diarrhea, and a fever exceeding 101.5°F. If something seems off and your instincts tell you it’s serious—it probably is.

What to Do While Waiting for the Vet

If you're facing an equine emergency, contacting your veterinarian or an equine hospital like Vaquero Equine Hospital in Waco should be your first step. While waiting for professional help, keeping your horse calm and safe is the priority. Move them to a quiet area, prevent them from further injury, and avoid administering medications unless directed by a vet.

For colic cases, hand-walking may help reduce discomfort and prevent the horse from thrashing. In cases of bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean towel or bandage. For limb injuries, avoid moving the horse until a vet can assess the situation. If you suspect an infectious disease based on fever or neurological signs, immediately isolate the horse from all other animals to prevent a stable-wide outbreak.

Common Horse Emergencies We See in Waco

In Central Texas, horse emergencies come in all forms. The most common we treat at Vaquero Equine Hospital include:

• Colic: The leading cause of emergency calls, colic ranges from mild gas discomfort to life-threatening intestinal twists. Early intervention remains the most significant factor in survival rates.

• Lacerations and Wounds: Fences, trailers, and pasture accidents often lead to deep cuts that require sutures, antibiotics, and tetanus protection.

• Neurological and Infectious Diseases: With the 2026 focus on EHV-1 and EIA in Texas, veterinarians are seeing an increase in emergency calls for sudden-onset fevers, respiratory distress, and incoordination.

• Laminitis: Sudden lameness, especially in the front feet, can signal laminitis. Prompt support is required to prevent irreversible bone rotation.

• Foaling Complications: Dystocia (difficulty delivering) and a retained placenta are critical emergencies requiring rapid response from experienced equine obstetrics teams.

Why 24/7 Access to Emergency Care Matters

Emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. That’s why having a trusted equine hospital like Vaquero Equine Hospital, which offers 24/7 emergency services, is critical for horse owners in Waco and surrounding areas. Our facility is equipped to handle major traumas, complex medical issues, and surgical interventions, with skilled staff on call to act fast.

In emergencies, every minute matters. Having your horse's records on file with a local vet hospital ensures faster, more informed care during a crisis. Building a relationship with your emergency care provider before an emergency strikes can bring peace of mind and better outcomes.

Preparing Ahead for Emergencies

Being prepared can make a life-or-death difference. Keep a well-stocked equine first aid kit on hand, including a digital thermometer, stethoscope, antiseptic solution, and various bandaging materials. As of 2026, many owners also include prescription sedatives like Dormosedan Gel (under vet guidance) to keep an injured horse calm for safe transport.

Know your horse’s normal vital signs—heart rate, respiration, and temperature—at rest so you can spot abnormalities quickly. Post your vet’s contact info in the barn, along with backup numbers and directions to the nearest equine hospital, to ensure no time is wasted when minutes count.

Equine Emergency Care in Waco You Can Trust

At Vaquero Equine Hospital, we understand the panic and uncertainty that comes with an equine emergency. Our experienced veterinary team is trained in high-stress situations and equipped with the tools and knowledge to act fast. Whether it’s a colicking mare, an injured gelding, or a foaling emergency in the middle of the night, we’re here for the Waco horse community when it matters most.