If a gait evaluation can be carried out Munsterman said veterinarians should observe the horse circling, backing, and going up and down hills or curbs; any deviations from normal should be noted here, as well. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church/The Horse

A horse owner’s day can go from great to horrific in a matter of seconds if he or she arrives at the barn to find their charge either staggering around the field or completely unable to rise. A prompt call to the veterinarian is warranted in these scenarios, but what should an owner expect when the veterinarian arrives?

Amelia S. Munsterman, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, ACVECC, a clinical lecturer in equine emergency and critical care at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, reviewed the steps in triaging acute neurologic emergencies at the 2013 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 17-21 in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Neurologic emergencies are a challenge for the veterinarian as well as the horse owner,” Munsterman said