SPEARHEAD VETERINARY SERVICES
Dedicated Care for the Equine Athlete
About Spearhead Veterinary Services
Our Mission
At Spearhead Veterinary Services, our mission is to provide exceptional veterinary care tailored specifically for equine athletes. We are dedicated to the welfare of the horse first, but understand the need to improve performance while maintaining comfort and striving for career longevity in our performance horses.
About Dr. Erin Barrett
Dr. Barrett grew up in New Hampshire, showing quarter horses in the all-around events. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Findlay in Ohio (GOilers!) before earning her DVM at Iowa State University in 2021 (Roll Clones!). Her early career was spent in working on the Thoroughbred racetracks in Iowa and Arkansas. Dr. Barrett is excited to now provide the same high-level care to performance horses off the track. In her free time, she enjoys riding, spending time with her 4 rescue dogs, hiking, reading, and working on her acreage.
Services
Sports Medicine
Offered across Iowa- contact us for scheduling and pricing
Performance Exams
Whether your horse is doing great and you want to maintain that level of performance, or something seems off, a performance exam can identify potential or existing problems
Lameness Exams
Thorough examinations of the horse in movement, with flexions and diagnostic blocking, are essential to localize pain, guide diagnostics, and determine a treatment and rehab plan
Diagnostic Imaging
We currently offer portable digital x-ray that allows for high-quality images to be taken on-farm, as well as exported for referral or as part of a PPE.
COMING SOON- Ultrasound
Intraarticular (Joint) Therapies
We currently offer routine joint injections
COMING SOON- ultrasound guided SI injections, Prostride processing
Upper Airway Diagnostics
Upper airway endoscopy can reveal structural airway issues, as well as blood (EIPH) or mucus present in the trachea. Once diagnosed, those problems can be appropriately managed to ensure your horse is feeling and breathing their best.
Prepurchase Exams
COMING SOON
Event Coverage
Need a veterinarian to cover your equine event or rodeo? Please contact us for availability
Adjunct Therapies
COMING SOON- mesotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, shockwave, laser
Racetrack
Dr. Barrett will be going to the Nebraska racetracks once weekly during the racing season. Please contact us to get on the schedule.
General Services
These services are only offered within a 40 mi radius of Gilman, IA. Please note, we do not offer any reproductive services.
Wellness Care
We currently offer wellness examinations, vaccinations, bloodwork, and fecal diagnostics, as well as prescription medications based on diagnostics.
Routine Procedures
We currently offer routine dentistry, wolf tooth extractions, castrations, wound/ injury management, Caslick placement and removal