Being able to distinguish between time-sensitive, urgent, and emergency situations with horses helps you respond quickly and could keep a manageable condition from worsening. Jonathan Yardley, DVM, associate clinical professor at The Ohio State University, in Columbus, shares how to evaluate clinical signs and make informed decisions about when to call your veterinarian.

Time-Sensitive vs. Urgent vs. Emergency

Understanding the differences between these categories can help horse owners act promptly and appropriately. Time-sensitive issues don’t need immediate intervention, but the veterinarian should still evaluate them within a couple of days. “We don’t need to see the horse immediately, but soon enough to prevent the issue from worsening,” Yardley says. “We always advise owners to call and schedule an appointment as soon as they notice something.”

Even nonemergencies in horses can escalate if not addressed in time. “Delaying time-sensitive issues often turns manageable problems into emergencies,” he says. “If owners had called a day or two earlier, we could have treated them before they escalated. This also applies to scheduling (required procedures and paperwork) like Coggins tests or vaccinations ahead of competitions so they don’t become urgent.”

Urgent situations usually need equine veterinary attention within 24 hours. While these situations do not necessarily qualify as emergencies, they are serious enough veterinarians will likely adjust their schedules to fit your horse in that day, says Yardley.

Emergencies in horses demand immediate veterinary attention. “These situations can’t wait,” he says. “When we get those calls, we’re on the road right away. Owners must learn how to recognize true emergencies so we can prioritize the most critical cases.”

Time-Sensitive Equine Health Concerns

Yardley listed several examples that warrant care for your horse within 24-48 hours:

• Sudden diarrhea;
• Hives or mild allergic reactions without breathing difficulty;
• Swollen limbs suggesting cellulitis;
• Early signs of laminitis; and
• Hoof abscesses.

“These conditions require prompt attention, but they’re not emergencies,” he says. Some seemingly urgent issues might also fall into the time-sensitive category. “A laceration can often wait until later in the day or the next morning, depending on the location and severity. And with newborn foals, waiting 12 to 18 hours before performing an IgG test avoids false negatives and provides better data.”

Urgent Equine Health Concerns

Urgent cases need same-day care to prevent serious complications in horses. “If a laceration crosses a joint or exposes bone, that’s more urgent because of the risk of joint infection,” Yardley explains. “Foot abscesses may fall somewhere between time-sensitive and urgent, depending on the horse’s comfort level.” If your horse refuses to eat or drink, that often means he needs urgent veterinary attention.

Emergency Equine Health Concerns

“Emergencies include severe lameness that prevents the horse from bearing weight, which might indicate a fracture,” Yardley says (these signs are similar to those of a hoof abscess, but you can typically localize the pain to the hoof in horses with abscesses using hoof testers). “Uncontrolled bleeding also qualifies as an emergency.”

Broodmares in labor for more than 30 minutes need immediate intervention. “Owners preparing for foaling should have a trailer and truck ready,” he adds. In the case of dystocia (difficulty foaling), Yardley often recommends treating the mare at a referral hospital. “Waiting for the vet may reduce the chances of a safe delivery.”

For foals, some signs, including not standing and nursing shortly after birth, always signal an emergency. “A mare that hasn’t passed her placenta within four to six hours also needs urgent care,” Yardley says.

Horses displaying severe colic signs need immediate veterinary attention. Clinical signs might include rolling repeatedly and increased temperature, respiration rate, or heart rate. “If the horse needs surgery, earlier intervention improves survival odds,” says Yardley. “Waiting too long—especially after giving Banamine (flunixin meglumine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) or walking the horse—can worsen intestinal blood flow and reduce the chances of recovery.”

Best Practices for Urgent and Emergency Scenarios

When evaluating an urgent or emergency situation Yardley often asks about pain levels—but with caution. Individual horses display pain levels differently, much like humans, so it can be difficult for owners and veterinarians to accurately judge a horse’s pain levels without a thorough evaluation. “Owners must know their horse’s normal behavior to detect subtle signs of pain or distress,” says Yardley.

He also recommends preparing before an emergency occurs. Practice checking your horse’s vital signs to determine his normal ranges and decide your financial boundaries for veterinary care before an urgent or emergency situation occurs. “It’s a tough conversation, but better to have it before you face an emergency,” says Yardley.

Take-Home Message

Recognizing the difference between time-sensitive, urgent, and emergency equine health issues helps ensure your horse receives prompt, appropriate care. Time-sensitive problems, such as mild swelling or early signs of laminitis, need veterinary attention within a day or two. Urgent concerns—think lacerations near joints or horses not eating—warrant same-day evaluation. Emergencies, including severe lameness, colic, or foaling complications, demand immediate action.

Understanding these categories, knowing your healthy horse’s normal behavior, and preparing ahead of time can prevent small issues from becoming life-threatening. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian early to avoid delays that could compromise your horse’s health.