Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic: Equine Veterinary Care in Horry County

What Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic Offers

Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic is a full-service veterinary practice in Horry County that specializes in horse care. The clinic provides routine wellness visits, lameness evaluations, dental work, surgical procedures, and emergency services for equine patients. They work with horses of all ages and disciplines—from backyard companions to competition animals—and serve both individual owners and boarding facilities across the Grand Strand and surrounding areas.

The clinic operates from a facility equipped to handle both routine examinations and more complex cases. Their veterinarians perform on-site procedures and can refer cases requiring specialized imaging or advanced treatment to regional equine hospitals when necessary. Many owners in the area use the clinic for annual vaccinations, dental floating, lameness workups, and pre-purchase examinations before buying a horse.

Key Takeaways

• Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic provides routine preventive care, lameness diagnosis, dental services, and emergency treatment for horses in Horry County.
• The clinic serves individual horse owners, boarding facilities, and competition animals across multiple disciplines.
• Services include wellness exams, vaccinations, dental floating, surgical procedures, and lameness evaluations.
• The clinic can arrange referrals to equine hospitals for cases requiring advanced imaging or specialized care beyond their facility.
• Owners should contact the clinic directly to discuss their horse's specific needs and schedule appointments.

Routine Preventive Care and Wellness

Annual wellness examinations form the foundation of equine health management. During a routine visit, the veterinarian performs a physical examination, listens to the heart and lungs, checks the horse's weight and body condition, and reviews vaccination and deworming history. These visits are also the right time to address dental care, discuss nutrition, and talk through any behavioral or performance concerns.

Vaccinations protect horses from diseases common to South Carolina's climate and environment, including tetanus, rabies, and equine encephalitis. The clinic can advise on which vaccines your horse needs based on age, use, and exposure risk. Deworming schedules vary depending on pasture management and the individual horse's parasite load, so the veterinarian can recommend a plan tailored to your situation.

Lameness Evaluation and Diagnosis

When a horse is not moving soundly, pinpointing the cause requires a systematic approach. The veterinarian begins with a physical examination and flexion tests, then watches the horse move at a walk and trot to observe gait abnormalities. Depending on what they find, they may recommend nerve blocks or joint injections to narrow down the source of pain.

Radiographs (X-rays) are often the next step and can reveal bone, joint, or soft-tissue problems. The clinic can take radiographs on-site for many cases. If ultrasound or advanced imaging like MRI or CT scanning is needed, the veterinarian will discuss referral options with you and help coordinate care at a facility equipped for those services.

Dental Care and Floating

Horses' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and wear unevenly due to the way they chew. Over time, sharp points develop on the molars that can cause pain, difficulty eating, and behavioral problems like head tossing or resistance to the bit. Dental floating—the process of filing down these sharp edges—is one of the most common procedures performed at the clinic.

Most horses benefit from annual dental exams and floating. Older horses, horses with dental disease, or those with performance issues related to mouth pain may need more frequent attention. The clinic can perform floating with sedation to keep the horse calm and safe during the procedure.

Surgical Services and Wound Care

The clinic handles a range of surgical procedures, from routine castrations and laceration repairs to more involved cases. Wounds on horses can be deceptive—what looks minor on the surface may involve deeper tissue damage or joint involvement. The veterinarian will clean, assess, and treat wounds appropriately, which may include sutures, bandaging, or referral for specialized wound management.

Post-operative care is critical to healing. The clinic provides instructions for wound care at home, pain management, and follow-up examinations to monitor progress. Owners are encouraged to call with questions during the recovery period.

Emergency and After-Hours Care

Equine emergencies—colic, severe lameness, trauma, or difficulty breathing—require prompt attention. Contact Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic directly to learn about their emergency availability and after-hours protocols. Some emergencies may be better served at a 24-hour equine hospital, and the clinic can advise on the best option for your horse's situation and help with referrals.

Colic, in particular, ranges from mild to life-threatening. If your horse is rolling, sweating, or refusing to eat, call immediately. Do not wait to see if the horse improves on its own, as some forms of colic require surgery.

Pre-Purchase Examinations

Before buying a horse, a pre-purchase examination by an independent veterinarian can reveal health issues, lameness, or other concerns that might affect the horse's suitability for your needs. The examination typically includes a physical exam, flexion tests, and radiographs of the legs and feet. Some buyers also request additional imaging or specialized testing depending on the horse's age, intended use, or any observed problems.

The pre-purchase exam is an investment that can save money and heartache down the road. The veterinarian provides a written report detailing findings, which gives you information to negotiate price or decide whether to proceed with the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my horse see a veterinarian?

Most horses benefit from at least one annual wellness exam. Horses in heavy work, older horses, or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits. The veterinarian can recommend a schedule based on your horse's age, health status, and use.

What should I do if my horse is lame?

Contact the clinic to schedule a lameness evaluation. Avoid riding the horse until the cause is identified. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam and gait assessment, and may recommend radiographs or other diagnostics to determine the source of the problem.

Does the clinic handle emergency cases?

Contact Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic directly to ask about emergency availability and after-hours options. For life-threatening emergencies outside their hours, they can advise whether a 24-hour equine hospital is the better choice and help coordinate referral.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call the clinic directly to discuss your horse's needs and arrange a visit. Have information ready about your horse's age, medical history, and the reason for the visit so the staff can schedule appropriately.

Can the clinic do radiographs on-site?

Yes, the clinic can take radiographs for many cases. If advanced imaging like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scanning is needed, the veterinarian will discuss referral options with you.