What information do you need when calling in an emergency?
We will need the owner’s contact information, the horse’s name and description, a brief history of what has happened with the horse and any treatment that it has received. We will need an estimated time of arrival, and new clients will need to leave a credit card number on file. MAEMC requires a deposit for all emergencies and full payment at the time of discharge. If your horse comes in after regular office hours, the office staff will contact you the next business day regarding your deposit. Deposits vary depending on the case but usually range between $1000 and $4000.

What should I do when my horse and I arrive?
It is usually beneficial to call when you are a short distance from the clinic, in case your estimated time of arrival was incorrect due to circumstances beyond your control. Once you arrive you will need to check in at the front desk and sign an Authorization of Treatment form and pick up the nametag for your horse.  At that time, a technician will help you unload your horse and show you to the appropriate exam room. The doctors will begin to evaluate your horse and may ask you to wait in the lobby at this time. Depending on the situation and the procedures that need to be performed, it may be safer for you as well as allow the doctors to work more efficiently if you are not in the exam room.

What happens next?
Once the doctors have finished their evaluation, they will speak to you regarding the treatment that they recommend for your horse. Feel free to ask any questions regarding your horse’s condition at this time. We know it is difficult to leave your horse, but if your horse has come in after hours we must ask you to leave at this time. You are welcome to come back during our regular visiting hours of 10-4 Monday through Friday, 10-12 on Saturday and 2-3 on Sunday. There hours are set based on the staff that will be able to assist you and the scheduling of treatments and procedures so it is important that you adhere to this schedule. If you are not able to come during these hours you will need to get permission from the doctor treating your horse in order to visit outside of visiting hours. 

When will I get updates on my horse?

The doctors treating your horse will call you every morning with how your horse did overnight. You will be contacted immediately if there are any drastic changes in your horse’s condition. Owners of more critically ill patients are called first – although we know it is difficult we ask that you rest assured that “no news is good news.” You are welcome to call in at any time to get an update on your horse, however, please understand that the doctors may not be able to come to the phone at that time and may need to return your call.

How will my regular veterinarian know what has been happening with my horse?
Our doctors speak with your horse’s regular veterinarian throughout their stay at our hospital. At the time your horse is discharged, a copy of your discharge instructions is faxed to your regular veterinarian. In addition, a referral letter is sent by regular mail to you and your regular veterinarian after your horse has gone home.