Horse Calls

Veterinarian Richard Giacopuzzi of Somis spends a good part of his day making “ranch calls” in Ventura County, treating ailing horses, pigs, cattle, goats and an occasional llama. He travels the countryside in a specially designed pickup truck that is equipped with medical gear, a mini-pharmacy and telephone. Because the sophisticated diagnostic equipment is at the veterinary hospital, he must rely on experience and common sense in treating his patients while on call. After all, “our patients can’t tell you where it hurts.”