our stories: VETS
All Things Great And Small
Spring is ’sleeves-rolled-up’
time for Parker County’s
Dr. Craig Sweatt
S
pring is a time for resurgence and
new life. Trees dress themselves
for warmer weather, flowers shoot
up and unfold their singular beauty
and baby animals begin to “hit the
ground.” March through June is a very
busy time for veterinarians.
We recently asked Dr. Craig Sweatt what kinds of animals generally
need veterinary attention during the
birthing season.
“That’s a broad question. Any
animal could potentially run into
problems,” Dr. Sweatt answered. “We
take it for granted that there are so
many things that go right. But when
you look at how many things [that]
could go wrong, you’re surprised
anything could go right. By and large
most things go right. Most of our
prenatal [care] happens in the foal …
We typically see problems in firsttime mothers, whether it be a mare or
heifer cow.”
As might be expected, practicing veterinary medicine in Parker
County, the Cutting Horse Capital
of the World, means seeing lots of
horses, provided the vet practices
large animal medicine. Foals are
carefully monitored because of the
considerable financial investment
they represent to their owners. Dr.
Sweatt estimated 65 percent of North
Texas Veterinary Hospital’s work is
with horses. The balance is made-up
of small animals and food animals.
NTVH is a new 9,000-square-foot
facility in Peaster, which opened November 9, 2015. Dr. Sweatt co-owns
the business with fellow vet Dr. Tom
Hutchins. Dr. Stacy McLeod joined
BY MEL W RHODES
PHOTOS BY STEVE SCHILLIO