Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Equine Veterinary Care in Madison, WI
Irongate Equine Clinic is a dedicated team of compassionate veterinarians and support staff committed to delivering state-of-the-art equine care while fostering enduring relationships with clients and patients. With over thirty years of combined experience, our mission focuses on maintaining the health, happiness, and performance of horses through advanced clinical training and cutting-edge equipment. We prioritize compassionate care, exceptional communication, and educational opportunities for horse owners. Our services span emergency medicine, dentistry, internal medicine, reproductive care, and integrative therapies, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each equine patient. We emphasize preventative care to ensure long-term health and performance, offering biannual check-ups, vaccinations, and nutritional consultations. Our team includes three equine veterinariansDr. Howard Ketover, Dr. Lisa Nesson, and Dr. Lauren Aldermaneach bringing specialized expertise in areas such as acupuncture, spinal manipulative therapy, and large animal emergency rescue. We operate as an ambulatory clinic, providing on-site diagnostics and treatments using portable digital radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy. Our commitment to excellence extends to 24/7 emergency services, technical rescue operations, and partnerships with regional hospitals for advanced care. Client testimonials consistently highlight our professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication to both horses and their owners.
Services
Emergency Medicine
Equine Dentistry
Internal Medicine
Reproductive Services
Acupuncture
Cryosurgery
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy
Ultrasound Imaging
Lameness Diagnostics
Served areas
- Lodi, Waunakee, Sun Prairie, Madison, Oregon, Janesville, Poynette, Mazomanie, Mt Horeb
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary care for equine emergencies.
- Our team has over 30 years of combined experience in equine medicine.
- We provide on-site diagnostics with portable digital radiography and ultrasound.
- Our veterinarians specialize in integrative therapies like acupuncture and spinal manipulation.
- We prioritize compassionate care and client education for informed decision-making.
Associations and certifications
- AAEP
- WVMA
What people say
Compassionate care
Knowledgeable staff
24/7 availability
Responsive professionals
Dedicated team
Services
Emergency Medicine
Our 24/7 emergency veterinary services address colic, wounds, and systemic issues with rapid response and portable diagnostics. Each truck carries digital radiography, ultrasound, and emergency supplies for on-site treatment. We specialize in large animal technical rescue, ensuring safe extrication and minimizing further injury.
Equine Dentistry
Biannual dental check-ups prevent performance issues and infections. We use sedation and specialized tools to address tooth problems, ensuring comfort and efficiency. Services include routine maintenance, treatment of ulcers, and geriatric dental care to prolong horses' health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treats pain, lameness, and gastrointestinal issues using sterile needles and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Sessions last 30 minutes, with results typically seen after 1-3 treatments. Electro-acupuncture and aqua-acupuncture enhance outcomes for neurologic or geriatric cases.
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound and digital radiography visualize soft tissues, joints, and organs for accurate diagnoses. Immediate imaging allows same-day treatment planning. We use state-of-the-art equipment to assess lameness, respiratory issues, and internal medicine conditions.
Reproductive Services
Comprehensive reproductive care includes stallion collection, artificial insemination, and semen freezing. Our expertise supports mare breeding, pregnancy monitoring, and neonatal care. Services are tailored for performance horses and breeding operations.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer for horses?
We provide 24/7 emergency care, including colic treatment, wound management, and technical rescue for trapped horses using specialized equipment.
How can I schedule an equine dental appointment?
Contact us at (608) 845-6006 or use our online scheduling tool to book dental check-ups and treatments for your horse.
Do you offer acupuncture for performance horses?
Yes, we use acupuncture to treat lameness, pain, and gastrointestinal issues in equine athletes, combining it with other therapies for optimal results.
What diagnostic imaging services are available?
We offer portable ultrasound and digital radiography for on-site evaluation of soft tissues, joints, and internal organs.
How do reproductive services work for breeding mares?
Our services include artificial insemination, semen freezing, pregnancy monitoring, and neonatal care tailored to breeding operations.
What preventative care plans do you recommend?
We suggest biannual check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and nutritional consultations to maintain long-term equine health and performance.
Videos
Reviews (29)
Carolyn Segebrecht
Apr 21, 2022
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There is no greater comfort than knowing your horse has the best care available. From routine checks and vaccinations to emergency calls, every experience has been positive.
Calsea Ann
Oct 06, 2021
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Irongate Equine takes the best care of my horses. They are always friendly and answer any questions that I have. I will always recommend them to anyone for their service and will continue to use them for years to come.
N. Sheridan
Oct 06, 2021
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Thank you for all of your hard work taking care of my horses. I feel like my concerns are always promptly answered. The office is organized and I love all of the veterinarians and veterinary staff.
Cheryl Bumgarner
Feb 15, 2021
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Irongate Equine Clinic provides my horse with great, up to date, compassionate care. These caring veterinarians are helpful and want the best for me and my horse. Their office staff is on top of the game as well. Always helpful and professional. Thanks for everything, team Irongate.
Renee Knutson
Nov 13, 2020
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The staff and knowledge base is outstanding. Excellent follow up, and always available to answer questions via phone, or email. Dr. Ketover, when asked for a second opinion for my horse's chronic hoof issue, immediately diagnosed the problem, and surgery was done the next week. My horse is pain free, and 100%-back to riding the trails. That was 3 years ago, and I highly recommend them.
Polo Club UW-Madison
May 16, 2020
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We love Irongate! They always go above and beyond for our horses. They work closely with our student run, non-organization to make sure our horses get everything they need and are always very personable and warm. We highly recommend them to anyone in the area.
Edna B. Wilson
Jan 11, 2020
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Irongate staff cares about the horses and the people they work with. They are patient always great about answering questions and compassionate when needed. And their years of experience as vets and animals owners always comes through in their visit.
Jo Ann Clough
Apr 29, 2019
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Irongate staff are responsive and compassionate professionals delivering timely, evidenced-based and comprehensive care. We could not be more pleased with the services provided!
Colleen Hoesly
May 04, 2018
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After lots of great reviews from friends, I had my first appointment with Dr. Ketover today. I have been involved with horses for 25 years, and this was truly the greatest appointment I have had. Dr. Ketover was thorough and patient, and a good sport for my game of "20 questions," and the assistants he had with him were excellent as well. My only regret was that I waited this long to switch to Irongate!
I am just as pleased as could be. Top notch bedside manner, no heavy-handed salespitches, and he helped me build a treatment plan tailored towards my goals as a rider and the requirements of my horse as my steady eddy older gelding starts to age. Just beyond happy with the whole experience.
I am just as pleased as could be. Top notch bedside manner, no heavy-handed salespitches, and he helped me build a treatment plan tailored towards my goals as a rider and the requirements of my horse as my steady eddy older gelding starts to age. Just beyond happy with the whole experience.
Margaret Reiland
Feb 26, 2018
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There is no one better than Dr. Griffin. He got my 19 year old TB mare pregnant on the first try. She had been open for over 10 years.
Noel Miller
Feb 09, 2018
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Irongate has been a true partner through my 4yo mare's hock fracture and recovery. Dr. Ketover takes time to answer questions and shares the short and long term plan (though it may adjust over time), which allows me to plan financially and emotionally for the next steps. After 18 months, my girl is back under saddle and performing incredibly with approx 100 days under saddle.
Heather D.
Sep 29, 2017
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Howard is by far the most knowledgeable vet I've ever had on the property! Highly recommend!! Thanks for all you have done for me... the past 15 years!!
April C.
May 11, 2016
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I love Dr. Howard. That being said he is literally the only reason I am with this clinic. If they keep sending out the other doctors and screwing up my documentation I'm switching clinics. I find the other doctors hard to work with they seem very capable but less personable. But that's not the reason why I'd switch, I called and verifed my information twice, the person who held my horses for the visit verified my information again and yet all of my information is wrong.
My horses had the other horses names assigned to them, they had the wrong DOB information and the wrong pictures. They connected my account to another account at the farm so were calling the person on the other account to get information about my horses and I called to get that fixed and they still have my horses listed on a farm that doesn't even exist. To top it all off they had to come out and run my coggins again; another blood draw more pictures and I have to take off of work, otherwise I won't be able to get it done until well into show season.
My horses had the other horses names assigned to them, they had the wrong DOB information and the wrong pictures. They connected my account to another account at the farm so were calling the person on the other account to get information about my horses and I called to get that fixed and they still have my horses listed on a farm that doesn't even exist. To top it all off they had to come out and run my coggins again; another blood draw more pictures and I have to take off of work, otherwise I won't be able to get it done until well into show season.
Emily Gallagher
Mar 21, 2016
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Dr. Ketover provides top-notch care for the animals and makes it a priority to thoroughly educate the owners. You will never leave an appointment feeling like your questions were not answered or that you don't understand what he was seeing! Excellent care and customer service, one of the best veterinarians I have worked with.
Ellen Hebron
Jan 15, 2016
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Wonderful veterinarians and staff, can't say enough good about Irongate! Use them for my own horse, and have worked with them in other facilities, never have had a poor experience. I appreciate their client education seminars, on health and horse-keeping topics, and Dr. Ketover's passion for education about large animal emergency response is a fabulous asset to horse owners and municipal first responders.
Shelley Radatz
Jan 13, 2016
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The entire staff at Irongate Equine Clinic is wonderful. I have been a lifelong horse owner and have the utmost respect of their veterinary practice. They are extremely attentive and thorough when assessing an injury or even providing a routine physical exam. Their thoughtful approach to equine medicine is greatly appreciated. I feel as an owner, all issues are comprehensively explained and a wide variety of treatment options are offered. The office staff is always friendly, helpful and efficient. Can't say enough great things about everyone at Irongate!
Megan Smith
Oct 31, 2015
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Fabulous first experience with Irongate! After many recommendations I had Dr. Ketover help my horse with his lameness issues. It was the most thorough lameness exam I have ever seen. 2 weeks later my horse was sound again. Exceptional care and very reasonably priced!
Jill Sorden
Apr 15, 2015
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The veterinarians and the office staff are very kind, efficient and thorough while taking as much time with the owners, as necessary, to get the most accurate diagnosis. They call when they're running early or late as well as return calls in a timely manner. They patiently explain the diagnosis and possible treatments and partner with the owner to decide the best course of action. Their quarterly seminars are very interesting, informative, and fun. I highly recommend Irongate Equine Clinic to any horse owner who values learning, spot on diagnoses, and treatment.
Jill Sorden
The veterinarians and the office staff are very kind, efficient and thorough while taking as much time with the owners, as necessary, to get the most accurate diagnosis. They call when they're running early or late as well as return calls in a timely manner. They patiently explain the diagnosis and possible treatments and partner with the owner to decide the best course of action. Their quarterly seminars are very interesting, informative, and fun. I highly recommend Irongate Equine Clinic to any horse owner who values learning,spot on diagnoses, and treatment.
Cheri Beerkircher
Very professional and very caring. Had to put my old horse down and they helped me in so many ways I can't explain it. I won't go anywhere else. They care for you and your animals and are always there for you.
Lexi Feldmann
Irongate came with the farm I started working at, and later also boarded at. Luckily I haven't had to use them for anything of concern so far! Just yearly coggins and checking teeth. I have seen them and helped them at the farm a few times and I cannot say anything bad about them. They listen, they give you straight answers and they understand some people don't have a fortune to spend on their horse and they are great about giving you options. Absolutely by far my favorite large animal vet I've seen.
Alissa Gauger
Thank you for sending out the heat alert email during the last heat wave. I really appreciated it. Your clinic does a wonderful job. Dr. Ketover is so good to my herd and your office staff is fantastic. Keep up the good work!
Patricia Fennell
As with every visit, routine or other from Irongate Equine for our 3 horses, we realize how fortunate we are to have Dr. Howard Ketover and the rest of the Irongate team for the care of our much loved horses. We have had their excellent care for nearly a decade, and it is such a pleasure and education, with every visit. We have been through routine care as well as a very serious medical condition. Luckily, our horse pulled through and is doing great, thanks to Dr. Ketover.
It gives me great peace of mind to have Irongate Equine in our area. Patriot, Elkin, and Ferris give an extra special shout out to their favorite guy, Dr. Ketover! I can't recommend them highly enough.
It gives me great peace of mind to have Irongate Equine in our area. Patriot, Elkin, and Ferris give an extra special shout out to their favorite guy, Dr. Ketover! I can't recommend them highly enough.
Kari Hoyheim
I have had the pleasure of working with Howard and some of his staff over the years and I've had some good and some bad experiences. None of the bad ever was the fault of the staff or clinic, they have all been from the nature of the beasts we love (horses) I've had some emotional and heart to heart talks with Howard and he ALWAYS listened to my concerns. When I had to put my mare down (Sakota) at a relatively young age, Howard worked with me and provided a compassionate lending hand when the time came. I can not speak highly enough of this Clinic and the staff who work to accommodate the needs of the very simple to the complexity of the notorious Equine! Thanks!
Kendyl Sherman
I've trusted Dr. Nesson with my AQHA gelding, Titan since I moved to the Madison area almost 4 years ago. Every single visit with Dr. Nesson has been enjoyable and informative. Titan is always relaxed in her presence and it gives me peace of mind having a Dr. that truly cares about our individualized care. I am so appreciative of Dr. Nesson!
Nikki Livermore
It was my first experience with Dr. Pat Griffin and I am incredibly impressed by his communication, sincerity, genuine concern and wealth of knowledge. He listened to the history of the horse, asked questions in a very candid and meaningful way and I feel he will be a huge asset to me going forward as a sport horse owner. Luckily we didn't have to do any diagnostics or treatment at this time. Wonderful experience! Thank you so much Dr. Pat!
Jeana K
I was looking for a Veterinary Clinic that had extensive Repro experience. I have Mares & Stallions and need someone comfortable collecting Stallions and breeding Mares AI & frozen. Also a clinic that can freeze semen and possibly store as well. I think I have found a home for all my breeding needs. So far the staff has been perfect. Now lets get that Mare bred this week! Thank you!
Alissa G
Your clinic does a wonderful job. Dr. Ketover is so good to my herd and your office staff is fantastic. Keep up the good work!
Vic Z
Caring and resourceful and always respectful. Your compassion and caring for your four legged clients and also your two legged ones speak volumes!