Large Animal Patients
There are many species of animal across the world that could be categorized as “large” but within veterinary medicine, this field most often refers to the care of animals found predominantly on a farm, including:
Due to the vastly different needs of all species under the umbrella of large animal care, some veterinarians will further specialize their practice to a limited category such as equine or dairy.
Large Animal Services
Services offered by each of our large animal hospitals may vary; for details on available care near you, please
visit your local clinic page.
Equine
While some experienced horse owners may feel comfortable treating many common ailments on their own, there are some situations that will almost always need immediate attention from an experienced veterinary team.
Whether for competition riding, vocational duties, or personal recreation, we provide personalized equine care, specifically tailored to meet the acute and ongoing needs of both you and your horse.
Learn more about Equine Care -> Wellness and Preventive Care – Large Animal Specific
While many large animal owners may be apt at providing routine care, comprehensive wellness and preventive care can often require technical equipment and specialized knowledge only available through a trained veterinary professional.
Primary care services often needed for large animal include vaccinations, fecal tests/deworming, nutritional assessment (hay/feed analysis) weight management, and routine lab paneling. Whether your animal is an accomplished athlete, used for food production, or simply a longtime companion, our teams work with you to provide highly individualized care.
Reproduction - Large Animal Specific
Access a wide range of large animal reproductive services and support for your mare, stallion, or cattle. We provide effective coordination and management of the breeding or collection process, delivered by staff trained in equine and large mammal reproduction procedures and processes. Services include, but are not limited to:
Semen collection, evaluation, and cooled shipping
Insemination using fresh cooled and frozen semen
Embryo transfer and management
Ultrasound and pregnancy diagnosis
Neonatal care
Foal out services
Please contact us for more details regarding the full scope of our large animal and equine-specific reproductive services.
Dental Care – Large Animal Specific
Preventive dental care, including periodic exams, helps identify potential problems that can lead to pain, tooth loss, and (in more serious cases) sepsis. Attention to dental health is especially important in horses, who have a dental arrangement unique to their species that requires regular maintenance and care.
Frequently observed conditions that indicate your large animal may need a dental checkup include weight loss or trouble chewing/dropping feed. More subtle indications might be head-shaking, lameness, or unusual aggressive behavior.
Standing MRI
With this innovative diagnostic imaging tool, we can perform an MRI on your horse’s leg without general anesthesia. This safe, highly convenient imaging option has been evolutionary in the diagnosis of lameness in horses.
Sports Medicine - Large Animal Specific
Equine sports medicine is designed to help your horse compete and feel their best. Common therapies provided through sports medicine include pre-purchase exams, diagnostic blocks, digital radiography, IRAP, Stem Cell Therapy, PRP (Protein Ritch Plasma Therapy), Shockwave, and digital ultrasound.
Please contact your large animal veterinarian to explore equine sports medicine services available near you.
Emergency Services - Large Animal Specific
Due to the unique health needs and lifestyles of large animals, it is important that owners and caretakers have access to emergency care and medical support around the clock. On-call veterinarians are available for field services 24/7 and our emergency teams are here to help with a wide range of time-sensitive health conditions from mild colic and lacerations to critical surgeries and fracture repair.
Surgical Services - Large Animal Specific
There is a wide range of surgical services that may be required for the health and wellbeing of large animals and our highly trained veterinarians are here to provide skills and expertise. Common surgeries performed on large animals include arthroscopy, fracture repair, tenoscopy, laparoscopy, colic, cryptorchid, castration, standing diagnostic arthroscopy, upper airway, and various other routine and emergency surgeries.
Acupuncture - Large Animal Specific
Acupuncture is the use of very small needles placed in the skin at strategic locations to stimulate a healing response in the equine body. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with traditional medicine to treat or prevent musculoskeletal, skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and hormonal/reproductive problems.
Acupuncture treatment promotes relaxation of the muscles at the site of needle insertion while stimulating the body to release anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving chemicals (e.g., endorphins). Acupuncture can also increase tissue blood flow and oxygenation, stimulate a nerve response, and help the regeneration of damaged nerve cells.
Digital Radiograph - Large Animal Specific
Digital radiography allows us to take and view radiographs instantly to aid us in diagnosing lameness issues.
Video Endoscopy - Large Animal Specific
Video Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows our veterinarians to see inside the animal’s body from their nasal cavities to the stomach. The video endoscope is equipped with a screen monitor that provides a clear image of the animal’s GI tract to aid in the diagnosis of various conditions.
Lab Services - Large Animal Specific
Lab tests are an essential tool in the diagnosis and prevention of many conditions in large animals. Through tests like complete blood count, chemistry panel, blood gas, and electrolyte panels, our veterinarians can quickly assess the health of the animal, identify issues, and form comprehensive treatment plans.
Field Services
Ambulatory services are beneficial to both animal and owner when it comes to the care of large species. Veterinary care provided in an animal’s home setting is often less stressful for the patient and much more convenient for the owner. Additionally, some ailments may render an animal immobile, creating logistical challenges and medical risks when attempting to transport them to a veterinary facility. Field services can include:
