Help Is (Sometimes) Only a Phone Call Away!

Do you depend on over-the-phone advice from your veterinarian? Here's what you need to know about telehealth to help you understand what you can, and can't, expect

- BARB CRABBE

Your horse is experiencing a colic episode. He seemed fine this morning, but he's pawing in his stall and refusing his evening hay. He doesn't seem all that distressed, his heart rate is 40, and you can hear gut sounds when you listen with your stethoscope-but you've owned horses long enough to know that something isn't right. Your friend gave you a tube of flunixin but you don't know how much to give. Time to call the vet!

Scenario #1: You're an experienced horse person and you do all of your own routine vaccinations. Your horse has always been healthy-until today! The last time you called a veterinarian was four years ago when your horse had his teeth done. You call that vet's emergency number, and when they call you back you tell them you think your horse's symptoms are mild. You just need to know how much medication you should give. The answer? "I can't give you that advice without examining your horse." 

Scenario #2: You have owned horses forever, but still make sure you see your veterinarian at least once a year for routine vaccinations and a general exam. Your vet last saw your horse three months ago. You call to report on your horse's symptoms, and your vet agrees-it sounds like a mild colic episode. They advise you to give a small dose of flunixin, keep a close eye on your horse, and check back in 45 minutes unless his signs get worse.