Prairie Creek Veterinary Services

01/12/2026

We just want to take a minute to say how sorry we are for the loss of many loved cats, dogs and horses this past week. It’s been a sad start to the new year but looking forward to a new week ♥️

01/03/2026

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

12/27/2025

New Years week clinic open hours:
Mon 2-6 pm
Tuesday 9-12 pm
Wed 12-5 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed

The rest of the time we will be on farm calls. There will be a doctor available for horse/goat emergencies during the holiday.

12/26/2025

12/22/2025

Christmas week clinic open hours:
Mon 1:30-6pm
Tuesday 9-1 pm
Wed 9-12 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed

The rest of the time we will be on farm calls. There will be a doctor available for horse emergencies during the holiday.

12/22/2025

Holiday Announcements:
For the next 2 weeks the clinic will only be open during small animal office hours. Always talk to someone before you stop by to make sure someone is there.

We also have been having an increase in horse emergencies during the day so we may have to run out short notice to take care of an emergency. Please be patient with us.

The clinic will be closed Thursday and Friday all day for Christmas and after 12pm on Wed Christmas Eve.
We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

12/16/2025

Great news from the North Pole: Santa Claus' reindeer have been officially cleared for their Christmas Eve journey following their annual veterinary checkup by the AVMA.

12/01/2025

We’ve been working on getting our emailed reminders and receipts fixed so they don’t end up in your spam box. If you have trouble receiving our emails please add [email protected] as an approved email in your settings. Everything appears to be working on our end.

11/25/2025

If you compete with your horses, you probably heard about the equine herpes virus affecting some horses that went to a barrel show in Texas. Tonight, there is a free webinar to get the most up-to-date information about this virus. 

In light of the current EHV-1 outbreak, the AAEP and the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) have organized a horse owner education webinar to bring you the most up to date information on this issue.

Next Tuesday, join specialists Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges (Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director and Texas State Veterinarian), Dr. Krista Estell (AAEP/EDCC) and Dr. Katie Flynn (USEF) for an informative discussion about what EHV-1 is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to prevent its spread.

This webinar is FREE, but registration is required. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnIoJrASj0vuX7Q_K87mKEjg5bxeMAkqp7fpSoOgVtVm_Zgo1g5m~AiiV7ZQ3bbmlEW2iSkeRTSAfMCYf2QhFMoprr7WRbM_MsiJRcBGT1oLj0Q

*PLEASE NOTE: the attendee limit for this session is capped at 1,000. However, all who register will be emailed a link to an on-demand recording that will become available 24 hours after the live session ends.

09/28/2025

Today is World Rabies Day!🐈🐶🐾

If you pet is not vaccinated against Rabies, or is not up to date on their Rabies vaccine, call our clinic to schedule an appointment!

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day!🐾🐶

We want to see your dogs! Comment a picture below to show them off!🥰

07/30/2025

🐴Dr. Amy will be unavailable for large animal emergencies all day Saturday, August 2nd through Sunday, August 3rd. She will be available again starting on Monday, August 4th for large animal emergencies.
If you have a large animal emergency please call
Classic Equine at 616-292-1168
Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for
any inconveniences. 🐴