Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Veterinary Care in South Bandera
Established in 1985, Bandera Hill Country Vet Hospital is a family-owned veterinary practice with over four decades of continuous service to the Hill Country community. Our full-service hospital provides comprehensive care for pets and equine, including advanced diagnostics like digital radiography, therapeutic innovations such as shockwave therapy and acupuncture, and both routine and complex surgical procedures. With a dedicated team of veterinarians holding specialized expertise in equine sports medicine, laser surgery, and alternative therapies, we maintain a 24-hour emergency care capability to address urgent animal health needs.Our facility combines modern veterinary technology with personalized attention, emphasizing preventative care programs while supporting local agriculture through ambulatory services. For over 40 years, our team has built trust through consistent availability, transparent communication, and commitment to animal welfare standards that meet both client expectations and professional veterinary benchmarks.
Services
Equine Surgery
Digital Radiography
Shockwave Therapy
Acupuncture Services
24-Hour Emergency Care
Pet Wellness Programs
Dental Cleanings
Laser Surgery
Boarding Services
Reproductive Health
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have provided equine veterinary services for over 40 years
- 24-hour emergency care available for urgent animal health needs
- Specialized expertise in acupuncture and shockwave therapy for animals
- Comprehensive ambulatory services for rural animal populations
- Veterinarians maintain advanced certifications in surgical laser technology
Services
Equine Surgery
Our equine surgical services cover routine procedures and complex interventions using modern veterinary techniques. With specialized expertise in sports medicine and post-operative rehabilitation, we address musculoskeletal injuries, colic cases, and dental surgeries. The facility supports both elective surgeries and emergency interventions for horses of all ages and activity levels.
Shockwave Therapy
This non-invasive therapeutic modality uses high-energy sound waves to accelerate healing in musculoskeletal conditions. Effective for treating tendon injuries, arthritis, and back pain in animals, the therapy promotes tissue regeneration and pain relief without requiring pharmaceutical intervention. The technology has demonstrated measurable improvements in mobility and comfort for treated animals.
24-Hour Emergency Care
Critical animal health emergencies receive immediate attention through our continuous emergency availability. Staffed by experienced veterinarians and equipped for urgent interventions, the hospital handles trauma cases, acute illnesses, and after-hours complications. The service ensures uninterrupted access to life-saving care for pets and equine when regular veterinary practices are closed.
Acupuncture Services
This alternative therapy applies traditional Chinese medicine principles to animal healthcare. By strategically placing fine needles at specific points, we address chronic pain management, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal issues. The service benefits horses with performance-related injuries and companion animals experiencing age-related degenerative conditions through natural pain relief mechanisms.
Digital Radiography
Our digital radiography system provides immediate high-resolution imaging for accurate diagnosis of internal conditions. The technology enables rapid assessment of fractures, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal obstructions in both small and large animals. Digital storage allows for easy comparison with previous images and facilitates specialist consultations when complex cases require additional expertise.
People
Dr. Conrad K. Nightingale
Veterinarian
1971 Kansas State University veterinary graduate with expertise in equine sports medicine, acupuncture, and laser surgery. Maintains active community involvement while practicing both conventional and alternative veterinary therapies developed through 40+ years of clinical experience.
Dr. Jerry Billquist
Veterinarian
Veterinary degree from Colorado State University with masters in reproductive physiology. Military veteran and former private practice owner with 16 years at Hill Country Vet. Specializes in combined companion animal and equine medicine while coordinating regional veterinary continuing education programs.
Dr. Donald Forthman
Veterinarian
Iowa State University graduate with mixed animal practice experience. Specializes in equine care through breeding program management and fieldwork. Brings decades of mixed animal expertise to Texas practice after relocating from Midwest veterinary operations spanning over 30 years.
Nancy Nightingale
Accounts Manager
Veterinary practice administrator with 56 years of hands-on operational experience. Oversees financial operations and personnel management while maintaining facility standards. Her administrative leadership ensures consistent service quality across departments during the hospital's four-decade operational history.
Rebecca Lippy
Office Manager
10-year team member managing client relations and office operations. Provides continuity in customer service while leveraging local dude ranch experience for animal care insights. Coordinates administrative functions that support the veterinary team's clinical activities and client communication needs.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer for large animals?
We provide comprehensive equine services including sports medicine, surgery, digital imaging, and ambulatory farm calls for herd health management and reproductive care.
Are emergency veterinary services available after hours?
Yes, our hospital maintains 24-hour emergency capability with on-site veterinary staff available for urgent animal health crises at any time.
Do you provide alternative therapies for pets?
We offer acupuncture, shockwave therapy, and laser treatments as complementary options for pain management and rehabilitation in pets and equine patients.
What preventative care options exist for companion animals?
Our wellness programs include vaccinations, parasite control, dental cleanings, and nutritional counseling to maintain pets' health through all life stages.
Can you accommodate urgent pet surgery needs?
Emergency surgical interventions are available 24/7 along with scheduled procedures for both small and large animal patients requiring specialized care.
How long has your veterinary practice been established?
Hill Country Veterinary Hospital has provided continuous veterinary care since 1985, maintaining family ownership for over 40 years of community service.
