Barwon Equine Hospital

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Moolap, VIC
Barwon Equine Hospital

Full range of Equine Veterinary Services for Geelong and surrounds Our hospital facilities have been purpose built to cater for all equine patients safely.

Barwon Equine Hospital provides full veterinary services to Geelong and its surrounding areas (Lara, Little River, Bannockburn, Teesdale, Inverleigh, Winchelsea, Modewarre, Torquay, the Bellarine Peninsula and everywhere in between) Weekly consultations in the Colac, Camperdown, Terang and Cobden areas are also offered. We provide a 24hour a day, 365 day a year hospital and ambulatory emergency se

rvice, for horses of all ages and breeds. We can hospitalise patients for more specialised and intensive procedures, surgery and treatments. Our services include: foal through to geriatric medicine, poor performance and lameness diagnosis, evaluation and treatment, pre purchase examinations, digital radiography (including yearling sales sets), reproductive services (including obstetrics, assessment of poor fertility, preparation of walk-on mares and artificial insemination of mares with chilled or frozen semen), routine surgeries, specialist consultation (by arrangement). Our vets have extensive equine backgrounds and are committed to helping you and your horse achieve their full potential and health. We have committed to staying up to date with the newest treatments and procedures and are in constant contact with various specialists. The clinic is equipped with the newest technology, such as digital radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy, to achieve the highest standard of Veterinary service to our equine patients. We also offer Veterinary Services to other large animals such as cattle (existing clients only).

16/07/2026

Farewell Phoebe

It is with sadness that the team announces the passing of Phoebe, a clinic cat who lit up the clinic with her playful spirit. Phoebe (aka 'Feedme') was notorious for her mischievous antics, like stealing office chairs and ringing the office bell, and her constant vocal reminders to be fed! She was often a companion to hospitalised patients, providing a comforting presence. From humble beginnings as a racetrack kitten to a wise elder, we are grateful to have provided her a life and home filled with love and care.

13/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES: MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT COLIC

As we wrap up our colic education series, let's tackle some of the most common myths we hear from horse owners.

❌ MYTH: Walking cures colic.
✅ FACT: Walking does not treat the underlying cause of colic. Gentle walking may help prevent injury in some horses and can be useful while waiting for your veterinarian, but it won't resolve an impaction, displacement, or intestinal twist.

❌ MYTH: If a horse is eating, it can't be colicking.
✅ FACT: Some horses with mild or early colic may continue to nibble hay or grass. Reduced appetite can be a sign of colic, but its absence doesn't rule colic out.

❌ MYTH: Rolling causes a twisted gut.
✅ FACT: Horses roll because they are in pain. Rolling does not typically cause intestinal twists. In fact, horses with severe lesions such as torsions are often already experiencing significant pain before they begin rolling.

❌ MYTH: Every colic needs surgery.
✅ FACT: Fortunately, most colic cases can be managed medically. However, some conditions—such as intestinal strangulations and large colon torsions—require surgery to give the horse the best chance of survival.

❌ MYTH: If the horse looks better after pain relief, everything is fine.
✅ FACT: Pain relief can temporarily improve a horse's comfort, but it does not always address the underlying problem. Continued monitoring and veterinary reassessment may still be necessary.

❌ MYTH: Mild colic can always wait until morning.
✅ FACT: Some serious surgical conditions can initially appear mild. Early assessment often allows earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes.

❌ MYTH: Colic is always preventable.
✅ FACT: Good management can reduce risk, but even the best-managed horses can develop colic. Many causes are complex and cannot be completely prevented.

💡 The most important thing horse owners can do is recognise changes early and seek veterinary advice when concerned.

When it comes to colic, prompt assessment remains one of the most valuable tools we have.

☎️ If you're unsure whether your horse is showing signs of colic, contact your veterinarian. We'd always rather answer a question early than treat a more serious problem later.

What colic myth were you told when you first started owning horses? Let us know in the comments...

10/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #10: WHEN DOES A HORSE NEED SURGERY?

One of the most common questions owners ask is: "How do you know when a horse needs colic surgery?"

Veterinarians consider many factors, including:
• Severity of pain
• Response to pain relief
• Heart rate
• Re**al examination findings
• Ultrasound findings
• Bloodwork results
• Presence of gastric reflux

Some horses can be successfully treated medically, while others have conditions that cannot improve without surgery.

Referral decisions are often made because delaying surgery can reduce the likelihood of a successful outcome.

The goal is always to identify horses that will benefit from surgery before irreversible intestinal damage occurs.

☎️ Early veterinary assessment gives your horse the best opportunity for a positive outcome.

09/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #9: LARGE COLON TORSION

A large colon torsion occurs when the colon twists around itself.

This twist can rapidly compromise blood flow to the intestine, making it one of the most serious causes of colic.

🚨 Signs often include:
• Severe pain
• Continuous rolling
• Elevated heart rate
• Sweating
• Rapid deterioration

Unlike many other forms of colic, horses with a torsion frequently remain painful despite pain relief.

Emergency surgery is often required.

Time is critical. Prompt veterinary attention offers the best chance for a successful outcome.

08/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #8: SMALL INTESTINAL STRANGULATION

A strangulating lesion occurs when part of the small intestine becomes trapped, twisted, or compressed, cutting off its blood supply.

These conditions can progress very quickly and are considered surgical emergencies.

Common signs include:
• Severe colic
• Elevated heart rate
• Reflux from the stomach
• Rapid deterioration

Examples include:
• Lipoma strangulation (over represented in older grey ponies)
• Volvulus
• Internal hernias

Because the intestine can become permanently damaged within hours, early recognition and referral are essential.

☎️ Severe or worsening colic should always be treated as an emergency.
Image Credit: The Glass Horse

07/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #7: INTUSSUSCEPTION

An intussusception occurs when one section of intestine slides inside another section, much like a telescope collapsing into itself.

This creates an obstruction and may compromise blood flow.

Signs may include:
• Colic
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Reduced manure production
• Intermittent discomfort

Primarily affects foals and young horses (3 months to 6 years). It is often linked to abnormal motility, parasites (Parascaris equorum - tapeworm), enteritis, or rapid diet changes. It can often present as repeated bouts of colic, increasing in severity.

Many cases ultimately require surgical treatment.

Early diagnosis improves the likelihood of a successful recovery.

06/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #6: ENTEROLITHS

Enteroliths are mineral stones that form within the large intestine.

Over time, these stones can grow large enough to partially or completely block the intestine.

Risk factors may include:
• Certain dietary factors
• Geographic influences (California highly represented, but anywhere with a dry, arid climate is theoretically at risk)
• Individual horse variation

Signs often include:
• Recurrent mild colic
• Intermittent discomfort
• Reduced manure production

Many enteroliths require surgical removal.

If your horse experiences repeated episodes of colic, further investigation may be warranted to identify an underlying cause.

03/07/2026

COLIC SERIES #5: SAND COLIC

Did you know that horses can accidentally ingest significant amounts of sand while grazing or eating from the ground? Over time, this sand can accumulate in the large intestine and cause irritation, diarrhoea, weight loss, poor performance, and in some cases, a painful colic episode.

⚠️ Risk factors for sand accumulation include:
• Grazing on sparse paddocks during dry conditions
• Feeding hay directly on sandy ground
• Horses living in sandy environments
• Horses that are bored or prone to eating soil

🔍 Signs of sand-related disease can include:
• Recurrent mild colic
• Diarrhoea or loose manure
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Dull coat
• Reduced performance

🩺 Your veterinarian can often diagnose sand accumulation through a physical examination, abdominal ultrasound, radiographs (X-rays), or by detecting sand in manure samples.

✅ Prevention tips:
• Feed hay in feeders, bins, or on rubber mats rather than directly on the ground.
• Provide adequate forage year-round.
• Avoid overgrazed paddocks where horses may consume soil while searching for grass.
• Discuss regular sand monitoring and management strategies with your veterinarian if your horse lives in a sandy area.

While many cases can be managed medically, severe sand accumulations can occasionally require referral and surgery. Early recognition is key to achieving the best outcome.

If your horse is showing signs of colic, don't wait—contact your veterinarian promptly.

02/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #4: NEPHROSPLENIC ENTRAPMENT

Did you know that a section of your horse's large colon can become trapped between the spleen and the left kidney?

This condition, known as nephrosplenic entrapment (or nephrosplenic displacement), occurs when the left dorsal colon moves up between the left body wall and the spleen, trapping itself over the nephrosplenic ligament in the nephrosplenic space.

Nephrosplenic entrapment (NSE) occurs in roughly 5.1% to 15.4% of horses that undergo exploratory surgery for swimming-associated colic (SAC).

🔍 Common signs include:
• Mild to moderate colic
• Reduced appetite
• Decreased manure production
• Recurrent episodes of discomfort

🩺 Diagnosis is often made through a re**al examination and ultrasound examination performed by your veterinarian.

Treatment may involve:
• Medical management to shrink the spleen and encourage the colon to move back into position
• Exercise in suitable cases
• Surgery if the colon cannot be repositioned or if the horse's condition deteriorates

The good news is that many cases can be successfully treated, particularly when recognised early.

☎️ If your horse shows signs of colic, prompt veterinary assessment is always recommended. Early intervention often improves outcomes.
Illustration Credit: Horse Side Vet Guide

01/07/2026

🐴 COLIC SERIES #3: IMPACTION COLIC

An impaction occurs when feed material becomes lodged within the intestine, creating a blockage.

Impactions are commonly seen during winter when horses may drink less water and consume more dry forage.

Risk factors include:
• Reduced water intake
• Poor dentition
• Dietary changes
• Reduced exercise
• Sand accumulation

Signs may include:
• Mild to moderate colic
• Reduced manure production
• Dry manure
• Reduced appetite

Many impactions can be treated medically with fluids and supportive care, particularly when recognised early.

Preventative measures such as ensuring access to clean water, routine dental care, and appropriate nutrition can help reduce risk.

☎️ Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.

Address

8-12 Cooney Street
Moolap, VIC
3224

Telephone

+61352488899

Website

http://www.beh.com.au/

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