Exams

Large Animal Exams in Lincoln, AR

Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, a full-service mixed animal practice serving large animal owners in Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and everywhere in between. We provide health care for most domestic large animal species, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other farm animals.

Understanding Large Animal Exams

Horses, cattle, sheep, goats and other farm animals are good at hiding illness until a problem is well along. A regular hands-on exam by a veterinarian is one of the simplest ways to catch trouble early, while it is still easier to manage and less costly to treat.

At our on-site large animal facility, we conduct basic health exams, vaccinations, and blood testing, and we also see animals that are unwell due to sickness or disease, as well as lame or injured animals and those that need wound care.

Whether your animal is due for a routine check or something just doesn’t seem right, an exam gives you a clear picture of where its health stands and what to do next.

What to Expect at Your Animal’s Exam

Every exam is tailored to the species, its age and how you raise or use it. Here’s what a visit usually includes:

A Head-to-Tail Check

A physical exam typically includes checking temperature, heart and breathing, eyes, mouth, coat and skin, body condition, and how the animal stands and moves. Your veterinarian will also ask about appetite, water intake, manure, behavior and any recent changes you have noticed.

Tests When They’re Needed

If the exam points to a concern, we can collect blood for testing at our on-site large animal facility. Your veterinarian will explain what the results mean and walk you through treatment options.

Planning Ahead

A routine exam is also a good time to talk about vaccines, parasite control, feeding and any upcoming travel, sales or breeding plans, so your animal’s care fits the way you raise and use it.

What to Bring

Bring any records you have, and let us know about medications or supplements your animal is getting.

Why Choose Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln for Large Animal Exams

Exams are for every large animal owner, from families with a single backyard horse or a few goats to producers caring for a herd. Routine visits help your veterinarian learn what is normal for your animals, which makes it easier to spot changes later. Schedule an exam sooner if you notice weight loss, a poor appetite, coughing or nasal discharge, diarrhea, swelling, lameness, a wound, or a change in behavior.

• Many species: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other farm animals.
• On-site large animal facility: Basic health exams, vaccinations and blood testing in one place.
• Care for sick and injured animals: Including lame animals and wound care.
• Farm calls: If you can’t easily bring your animal in, our ambulatory farm calls are available by appointment only.
• Local care: Serving Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and everywhere in between.

Exams are one part of the full range of care we offer for horses, cattle and other farm animals. To see everything we provide, visit our large animal services and food animal and equine medicine pages.