Horse: concerning abdominal pain
Extension lists flank watching or biting, rolling, reduced eating and little or no manure among colic signs. It advises calling when duration is unknown, signs are severe or vital signs are abnormal. If unsure, call rather than trying to identify the cause from a website.
Cattle: heat and breathing changes
The heat-stress guide lists increased breathing rate, panting, open-mouthed breathing and slobbering. Contact a veterinarian promptly for distress. Keep people safe and avoid adding handling stress. A farm-specific emergency plan is more useful than improvising during a heat event.
Make the call actionable
Have the animal identity, location, time first noticed and observed changes ready. Mention treatments already given. Only collect measurements if you know how and can do it safely. Do not delay the call to complete a record, take a photo or wait for an app reply.
Your quick-reference checklist
- Call your veterinarian or emergency veterinary service.
- State species, identity and location.
- Describe signs and time first noticed.
- Report treatments already given.
- Follow the veterinarian's directions.
A memory aid only. Adapt to your animals and your veterinarian's care plan.
Common questions
If none of these signs are present, can I wait?
This is not an exhaustive list and cannot establish safety. Contact a veterinarian when concerned.
Sources for this guide
Colic in your horseUniversity of Minnesota Extension · Accessed October 19, 2026
Managing heat stress in feedlot cattleUniversity of Minnesota Extension · Accessed October 19, 2026
The checklists and worksheets are original organizational tools, not clinical protocols. Sources inform the guidance; their publishers do not endorse this website or PawLine.