Vermont Large Animal Clinic

As a premier "Pet Hospital" specializing in the care of large animals, particularly horses, the Vermont Large Animal Clinic (VLAC) stands as a vital resource for animal owners in Milton, Vermont, and the surrounding regions. Located at 1054 Lake Rd, Milton, VT 05468, USA, VLAC is renowned for its dedicated and compassionate veterinary services, combining a state-of-the-art facility with a highly experienced team. Their commitment to equine health is evident in every aspect of their operations, from routine preventative care to advanced surgical interventions and 24/7 emergency support.

The environment at Vermont Large Animal Clinic is designed to provide a comprehensive and comfortable experience for both animals and their owners. The facility is equipped to handle a wide range of medical and surgical needs for large animals. This includes a dedicated surgery room, an induction stall, and a recovery stall, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for procedures. Beyond the surgical suite, VLAC boasts a special procedures suite and a well-appointed treatment area. For hospitalized patients, there are eight stalls, providing ample space for recovery and ongoing care. A notable feature is their isolation barn, specifically designed for treating horses with infectious diseases, preventing the spread of illness and safeguarding the health of all animals at the clinic. The overall setup emphasizes a clean, organized, and professional atmosphere, conducive to healing and effective veterinary practice.

Vermont Large Animal Clinic offers an extensive array of services, catering to nearly every aspect of equine health. Their services can be broadly categorized into ambulatory and in-hospital care.

• Ambulatory Services: VLAC understands that not all conditions require an in-clinic visit, and for this reason, they operate a full ambulatory equine practice. Their team utilizes equipped trucks to provide on-farm care for horses, offering a comprehensive range of services in the field. These include primary care, preventative medicine and vaccinations, new foal wellness exams, lameness and pre-purchase examinations, reproductive services, and dental procedures. They are also equipped to perform diagnostic imaging such as radiographic (X-ray) and ultrasonography examinations directly on the farm when necessary, providing immediate insights and treatment recommendations.

• Emergency Services: Recognizing that emergencies can happen at any time, VLAC provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency services. Owners can reach a veterinarian by calling their office number (802) 893-6800 during working hours or the emergency answering service at (802) 860-8266 after-hours. They pride themselves on providing reliable emergency care, handling most cases either at the farm or within their hospital facilities, including critical procedures like colic surgery.

• In-Hospital Services: The clinic’s state-of-the-art facility supports a wide range of in-hospital services. Their laboratory services are extensive, allowing for immediate evaluation of a patient's treatment needs, including complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry analysis, and in-house lactate levels.

• Sports Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging: A significant portion of their hospital caseload involves sports medicine evaluation and therapeutics. Lameness examinations are performed both in the field and at the hospital, involving thorough evaluations such as physical examination, gait analysis (in-hand and/or under saddle), flexion tests, diagnostic nerve and joint blocks, and advanced diagnostic imaging. They utilize computed digital radiography and digital ultrasound for excellent quality images, enabling immediate interpretation and treatment recommendations. Advanced treatments offered include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and IRAP.

• Reproduction Services: VLAC provides high-quality, individualized care and attention to mares and foals, both at their clinic and through ambulatory services. Their philosophy emphasizes maximizing reproductive success.

• Podiatry Services: Understanding that foot care is crucial for equine health and performance, VLAC focuses on open communication and effective partnership between horse owners, trainers, farriers, and veterinarians. They address various performance and medical issues, such as acute or chronic laminitis, caudal heel pain/navicular syndrome, thin soles, white line disease, abscesses, toe/quarter cracks, and flexural or angular limb deformities. Digital radiographs are routinely used for accurate assessment and follow-up.

• Pre-purchase Exams: Staff veterinarians routinely perform thorough soundness and physical exams, complemented by advanced diagnostic equipment like radiography, ultrasonography, and video endoscopy. Complete laboratory services are also available upon request for these exams.

• Preventative Dental Care and Vaccinations: These essential services are provided to maintain the overall health and well-being of horses.

The features that set Vermont Large Animal Clinic apart include their team of highly knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarians. Dr. Emily Beaupre, a co-owner, is a lifelong equestrian with a focus on mare reproduction, integrative medicine (veterinary spinal manipulation and acupuncture), biomechanics/lameness, and preventative medicine. Dr. Betsy Colarusso, also a co-owner, joined VLAC after graduating from Cornell University and is highly regarded for her thoroughness and expertise in lameness, sports medicine, dental work, and routine care. Other associates, such as Dr. Alexandra Brunet, Dr. Molly Witters, and Dr. Allison Lull, contribute to the clinic’s diverse expertise. The clinic emphasizes a team-oriented approach, where veterinarians, staff, and clients work together to achieve the best outcomes for the animals. The constant availability of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, such as digital radiography, digital ultrasound, 2-meter and 3-meter endoscopes, IRAP, PRP, and Shockwave Therapy, underscores their commitment to providing cutting-edge care.

Client testimonials consistently highlight the exceptional care and professionalism at Vermont Large Animal Clinic. Customers frequently express gratitude for the attentive and knowledgeable staff, particularly in emergency situations. For instance, one client recounted a challenging experience with a colicing mare, expressing immense thankfulness for Dr. Emily Beaupre's recommendation to bring the mare into the clinic for "top of the line care," which ultimately led to the mare's recovery. Another client praised Dr. Betsy for being "incredibly thorough, knowledgeable and compassionate" across various veterinary needs, including lameness, sports medicine, and dental work. The office staff is also frequently commended for being helpful and efficient, contributing to a positive client experience.

Regarding promotional information, Vermont Large Animal Clinic leverages its comprehensive service offerings and expertise. While specific short-term promotions might vary, their consistent emphasis on 24-hour emergency services and a full range of ambulatory and in-hospital care serves as a continuous draw for large animal owners. They also maintain an online pharmacy through Covetrus, offering free shipping on orders over $49 for a wide array of products including vitamins, pain relief, joint care, dewormers, and barn supplies. This online platform enhances convenience for clients, allowing them to easily access necessary medications and supplies. Furthermore, VLAC offers payment options such as CareCredit, making high-quality veterinary care more accessible to clients. Their internship program, which offers extensive equine veterinary services and a wide range of clinical and ambulatory practice, also speaks to their commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and attracting top talent. This dedication to excellence and comprehensive care forms the core of their ongoing promotion.

In summary, Vermont Large Animal Clinic functions as a top-tier "Pet Hospital" specifically tailored for large animals, with a strong focus on equines. Its robust facility, extensive services covering everything from routine check-ups to complex surgeries and advanced therapies, highly skilled and compassionate team, and a strong client-focused approach make it a trusted partner for large animal owners in Vermont and beyond.