Wasatch Veterinary Large Animal

06/03/2026

We totally understand when you need us out of hours. However, if it isn't an emergency, we appreciate texts sent within normal business hours and the send later option makes that so much easier.

Please don't be THAT client who accidentally wakes up their horse doctor with a non-urgent text! On call or not, your veterinarian deserves a full-night rest. 💤

If you have a late-night or weekend thought, update, or question that does not warrant an emergency response, please hold off on sending that text until the next business day OR utilize your smartphone's "Send Later" feature to schedule the text to be received at an appropriate hour/business day.

If you haven't used your phone's "Send Later" feature, a quick Google search can help you find the instructions compatible with your specific smartphone model. If you're an iPhone user, reference our graphic for a quick visual.

We promise your horse doctor will thank you for letting them sleep through the night and enjoy their weekend uninterrupted by non-emergency texts. As a reminder, it's never a bad idea to ask your veterinarian about their after-hours emergency policies. With horses, emergencies are bound to happen; let's just be mindful of our vet's policies and on-call schedule before we send that text or call.

06/02/2026

Shearing sheep and alpacas is a vital part of herd and flock management and comfort, especially as temperatures rise. Removing the wool/fiber helps prevent heat stress, improves mobility and reduces the risk of issues like parasite buildup and fly strike. For alpacas, annual shearing is essential for maintaining high-quality fiber production. Proper handling, clean equipment and an experienced shearer help ensure the process is safe and low-stress for the animals. It’s also a great opportunity to assess body condition, check for skin issues and work alongside a veterinarian to keep animals healthy and thriving through the warmer months.

05/29/2026

Friday fun fact: horses can’t vomit. They have a very strong one way cardiac sphincter (valve) at the stomach’s entrance. Additionally, they have a steep entry angle of the esophagus and lack the necessary neural reflexes that trigger vomiting. This anatomic makeup makes it impossible to vomit, which is why issues like colic can become serious quickly as any GI issues can only go one way. Gas buildup or blockages can cause extreme pressure and twisted intestines (torsion) cut off blood supply, leading to tissue death.

05/29/2026

Friday fun fact: horses can’t vomit. They have a very strong one way cardiac sphincter (valve) at the stomach's entrance. Additionally, they have a steep entry angle of the esophagus and lack the necessary neural reflexes that trigger vomiting. This anatomic makeup makes it impossible to vomit, which is why issues like colic can become serious quickly as any GI issues can only go one way. Gas buildup or blockages can cause extreme pressure and twisted intestines (torsion) cut off blood supply, leading to tissue death.

05/26/2026

Equine lameness is a common and often complex issue that can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from hoof imbalances and abscesses to soft tissue injuries, joint inflammation or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. Horses may show subtle signs such as shortened stride, uneven gait or reluctance to perform, making early detection critical. A thorough lameness exam by a veterinarian, often including flexion tests, diagnostic imaging and nerve blocks, helps pinpoint the source of pain. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve corrective farriery, rest and rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory medications, or advanced therapies like joint injections or regenerative medicine. Prompt attention and a tailored treatment plan are key to restoring soundness and keeping horses comfortable and performing at their best.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day honors all service members who gave their lives in conflicts that have spanned many decades. Animals have long shared in that legacy, including the Civil War horses that carried supplies and messages to the modern military working dogs trained to detect explosives, provide security and even offer morale-boosting companionship. Additionally, horses, mules and even pigeons have served on battlefields. Today, large-animal veterinarians help preserve historic cavalry mounts in living history programs, while military veterinary teams safeguard the health of K-9 units and support service members’ families’ pets on bases worldwide. Many memorials now recognize animal heroes, like the Purple Poppy tradition abroad while some ceremonies include wreaths for the fallen alongside tributes to four‑legged comrades. This reminds us that humans and animals often stand side by side courageously in conflict.



Photo credit: https://texoso66.com/2022/11/10/sergeant-reckless/

05/22/2026

Friday fun fact: alpacas hum to communicate. These soft, gentle sounds can mean anything from curiosity to comfort or even mild annoyance. It’s their quiet way of chatting with herd mates and humans alike.

05/20/2026

Here is a rebate coupon our clients currently using Adequan for their equine friends. Adequan is a great medication used to treat degenerative joint disease (DJD) and traumatic joint dysfunction. If you’re interested in learning more about Adequan and its use for your equines, please reach out by text or phone.

05/19/2026

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a viral equine disease. EIA is a member of the Retroviridae family that produces a lifelong infection. It is most commonly spread through blood transfer, especially via biting insects like horse flies and deer flies, as well as contaminated needles or equipment. Horses with EIA may show a fever, anemia, swelling of the limbs and abdomen, weight loss, weakness and intermittent episodes of illness, while some become carriers with no obvious signs/symptoms. There is no cure or effective treatment. Management relies on strict testing (Coggins test), quarantine and prevention. Historically, EIA has been recognized for over a century, with major control efforts developing in the 20th century to limit its spread and protect equine populations. Negative Coggins test is usually recommended at a pre-purchase exam, needed for show entry and always required for interstate/international travel.

05/17/2026

It is with sadness we announce that Tara will be leaving this summer to pursue a Masters degree, so Dr Tracy is hiring for a new technician.
Wasatch Veterinary Large Animal is hiring a veterinary technician to start in June to work up to three 10 hour days per week (M-W, no overnight or weekend work required). Wasatch Veterinary Large Animal is a mobile only clinic, which means we get to work outside and in a new location daily. The practice services primarily horses, but additionally goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, dogs and cats. As a veterinary technician, you are expected to practice quality medicine, to be proactive, dependable, punctual and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. The clinic is looking for an individual who will deliver thoughtful, compassionate care to patients as well as good verbal communication skills with our doctor and clients. Job description includes assisting with all veterinary care provided including running/jogging with horses, handling all species we work with, working with sharps/needles, handling lab samples/fecals and blood. In addition, excellent client communication (in person and by phone), transcribing medical records and occasional social media is required.
Our ideal candidate:
Horse experience is a must (the more the better), handling of other species we service is a plus
Experience as a veterinary technician (small or large animal)
Dependable, punctual and able to be self motivated
Able to lift 50 lbs (this can be a physically demanding job so good health and fitness is a must)
Able to jog with horses daily
Pay is based on experience and licensing
Paid vacation, nights and weekends off, health stipend if needed
Work location: start and end in Salt Lake City, Utah
Call or text Tracy Wright, DVM at 801-662-8092 for more information. Please send resume, references and a cover letter specifying any relevant information not in your resume to [email protected]. Interviews will begin immediately and will consist of full days out with the practice.