Equine Emergencies and what to do

 What is an equine emergency? What can you do in the event of an equine emergency? How can you be prepared for an emergency situation? We will help answer many of these questions about equine emergencies in the following article.

Equine Vitals

Knowing what is normal for your horse is a good starting point. Taking vital signs while your horse is healthy and at rest is a great idea. What are equine vitals? Vitals for a horse consist of :

• Temperature (rectal) - A regular digital thermometer can be used with a little lubricant, such as Vaseline and inserted in the rectum. (normal = 99.5 - 101.5 degrees Farenheit)
• Pulse - The pulse can be taken at several different places. (normal = 30-40 Beats per minute)

                        1. The artery below the jaw (mandibular bone) or "cheek".

                        2. Where the neck connects with the shoulder

• Respiratory Rate - Watch your horses sides move in and out. Count this for approximately 15 seconds and multiply by 4. (normal 12 - 20 breaths per minute)
• Gum Color - Gently lift the lip and look at gum color. (normal = pale pink)
• Capillary refill time - Press on gums with firm pressure and release. Count how long it takes for the gums to return color. (normal = less than 2 seconds)

Record your horses vitals and keep them in an easily accessible spot. They will come in handy if there is an emergency!

What is an equine emergency?

An equine emergency can consist of the following problems:

• Wounds with excessive bleeding, near or over a  joint or tendon sheath, lower leg at or below knee or hock puncture, obstructions under the skin, contaminated wounds, deep wounds. If you are not sure, call the office for advise. Do not attempt any wound care without the help of another person. These can be very painful/sensitive, and you do not want to contaminate the wound. Do not treat the wound with anything, except cold water or a compress, unless instructed by a veterinarian. You can stop the bleeding by covering the wound with a non-stick absorbent pad (not cotton) and apply firm, steady, even pressure.
• Colic- Signs of discomfort can include: pawing, rolling, lethargy, looking at their belly, "off" feed, lying down and getting up, depression, stretching like they are going to urinate but they do not. Passing and consistency of  manure should be monitored as well as water consumption and temperature.
• Lameness- signs of lameness can include pain, standing odd, do not want to move, do not want to get up, limping and head bobbing.
• Eye concerns/problems- Cloudiness, not holding the eye open, redness, swelling, tearing or mucus from the eye, and white spots are all symptoms that something is not normal. If it is an eye wound, do not attempt to treat. Wait for instructions from your veterinarian.
• Lethargy, depression, a horse that is "off" feed, high temperature, no manure or diarrhea are also reasons to be concerned and to call your veterinarian.

If you are unsure if it is an emergency situation, call your veterinarian. Keep the horse as calm as possible. Being calm yourself will also help the situation. Do not give any medications or sedatives unless instructed by your veterinarian. Call the office. Leave a message on the voice mail with your name, phone number where you can be reached, animals name, and the situation . You can then call our emergency pager and punch in the number where you can be reached when prompted. Have the horses temperature and symptoms, how long you have noticed the symptoms and any other information that is necessary, handy for the doctor when they return your call. Have paper and pencil ready to write instructions.

Equine First Aid Kit

An Equine First Aid kit is a good product to have on hand. You can buy one from EquiMedic USA or make your own. Some suggestions for items in your equine first aid kit can include :

• surgical scrub/iodine               thermometer                    band aids                                                                                                      
• diapers (human)                     stethoscope                     aspirin/ibuprofen (human)                
• roll cotton                              standing bandage             ace bandage
• vet wrap                                Epsom salts                     Triple antibiotic eye ointment
• instant cold packs                  Saran wrap                      List of emergency contact numbers (horse and human)
• wound cream                         plastic bags                      insurance info (if insured) 
• sterile swabs or Q-tips           rubbing alcohol                white tape
• exam gloves                           flashlight                          eye wash/saline solutions
• gauze pads/non stick pads      bandage scissors              utility knife