330.410.4899

Equine Emergency?

 

Being Prepared and remaining calm will help you through many situations.

 

In an emergency, be prepared to evaluate your horse's vital parameters as well as the following observations.

 

Pulse: 28-40 beats per minute

Respirations: 12-20 breaths per min.

Temperature: 99.5-101.5 degrees F

 

• Signs of distress, discomfort, lethargy, paralysis, depression or pain.
• Color, consistency, volume of feces/urine
• Lameness, reluctance to move.
• Bleeding or swelling.
• Feed and water intake in past 24 hrs.
• Changes in schedule in past week.
• Recent de-worming or meds changes

 

If you suspect an emergency situation, call us and provide as much information as possible so we can best advise you and provide care for your horse.

 

 

Providing First Aid for your Horse

 

Lacerations: Clean the wound to remove debris and hair. Do not apply wound dressing or ointments as theses can complicate suturing and healing. Cover the wound to keep it clean and moist. If bleeding is noted apply a pressure bandage. Call immediately as wounds should to be sutured within 6 hours of injury.

 

Acute Lameness: Restrict movement of horse, confine to stall or area the horse is in and keep quiet. If horse needs to be transported, move trailer as close to horse as possible to minimize movement. Do not give pain medications unless advised by our veterinarians.

 

Colic: Walking a colicky horse can resolve mild episodes or keep a moderately colicky horse safe from rolling until we can arrive. Use caution if the horse is violently colicky, leave the horse in a safe area to prevent injury to people. Do not administer mineral oil by mouth as this can lead to severe aspiration pneumonia. Call before providing any medications or pain relievers to ensure appropriate therapy and so as not to complicate diagnosis.

 

Eye Injuries: Saline can be used to flush the eye and keep it moist. Do not place any medications on the eye without DVM approval. Most eye injuries or abnormalities should be treated as an emergency as delaying treatment can result in permanent blindness. A fly mask can be used to keep flies away from the injury. If a foreign object is embedded in or near the eye, do not attempt to remove it.

 

Have supplies for emergency situations gathered in a convenient location. Having an emergency kit is very helpful.

 

 

Equine Emergency Kit: (assembled by Willow Creek Veterinary Service)

 

Equine Emergency KitStethoscope

Digital Thermometer

Bandage Scissors

4 rolls: Sheet Cotton

3 rolls: Vet-wrap

1 roll: White Tape

1 Bottle Betadine Scrub

1 Bottle Betadine Solution

Exam gloves

4x4 gauze squares

Telfa pads

Sterile Gauze

1 Bottle Eye Wash

 

Cost: $65