Farm Emergencies

In an emergency ring 01899 220073 (Biggar) or 01721 722879 (Peebles) 24 hours 365 days

Farm animal emergencies are most often related to giving birth, or sudden severe illness or injury to individual animals, rather than herd or flock problems We provide emergency cover 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, using our own experienced veterinary surgeons. For urgent calls you can expect to receive a prompt response, and we will rearrange routine work to attend as soon as possible.

Calving/lambing

Calving and lambing can be a stressful time of the year, but all of our team are experienced in calving and lambing and are happy to help out when needed. Whether it be mixed up legs, a breech birth or something just doesn’t feel ‘right’, give us a call and we will be with you ASAP.

Caesarian section

There are many reasons cattle or sheep may need a caesarean section, the most common being a large calf or lamb relative to the pelvic size of the dam, an abnormal presentation, or failure of the cervix to open. No matter what the reason, all our vets are experienced in performing this emergency surgery.

Downer cow

One of the most common emergency calls to sick cattle we get is to the ‘downer’ cow. If you have a downer cow, give us a call and one of our vets will examine the cow to ascertain the most likely cause. All of our vets have cars that are fully stocked and equipped to deal with the potential diagnoses.

Trauma - fractures and wounds

Occasionally stock get themselves into regrettable situations and cause themselves an injury. We get wounds needing stitched up, injured legs needing a cast and in the worst case scenario, injuries severe enough that unfortunately the animal requires euthanasia on welfare grounds. Please describe the situation as clearly as you can to our receptionists so they can prioritise calls appropriately.

Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs following calving or lambing and is sometimes referred to as the calf/lamb ‘bed’ out. Difficult calvings/lambings that need a bit more of a pull can result in a uterine prolapse and it is one of the most urgent emergency call outs we get. This condition is life threatening for the animal and the uterus must be cleaned and reinserted quickly and carefully to minimise the chance that the animal dies of shock or blood loss.

Collapsed calf

Young calves can lack the reserves and immune system that older cattle have developed, this can leave them in danger of getting very sick very quickly. If you have a calf that is unwell please call us sooner rather than later to increase the chances of successful treatment.