Emergency Care Information

Remember prevention is the key to stopping emergencies before they occur. Check your horses' stall and turn out area for wire, nails and sharp edges. Move horses that like to bite each other etc., provide a safe and clean environment.

The following suggestions should be viewed as guidelines:

1. Catch and calm your horse to prevent further injury. Move him to a stall or other familiar surroundings if this is possible without -causing distress or further injury to the horse. Providing hay or grain can also be a good distraction.

2. Get help before attempting to treat or evaluate a wound. It can be difficult and very dangerous to try and inspect or clean a wound without someone to hold the horse. You cannot help your horse if you are seriously injured yourself

3. Evaluate the location, depth, and severity of the wound. Call your veterinarian for a recommendation anytime you feel your horse-is in need of emergency care. Here are some examples of situations where your Vet should be called:

A. There appears to be excessive bleeding B. The entire skin thickness has been penetrated. C. The wound occurs near or over a joint. D. Any structures underlying the skin are visible. E. A severe wound has occurred in the lower leg or below knee or hock level. G. The wound is severely contaminated

4. Consult with your veterinarian regarding a recommendation before you attempt to clean the wound or remove debris or penetrating objects, as you may precipitate uncontrollable bleeding or do -further damage Io the wound. Large objects should be stabilized to avoid damaging movement if possible. Don't put anything on the wound except a compress or cold water.

5. Stop the bleeding (This may be the FIRST step, if the bleeding is profuse!) by covering the wound with a sterile, absorbent pad (not cotton), applying firm, steady, even pressure to the wound.

6. Do not medicate or tranquilize the horse unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, if the horse has suffered severe blood loss or shock, the administration of certain drugs can be life-threatening.

7. If the eye is injured or looks cloudy, do not attempt to treat- Await your veterinarian.

8. If a horse steps on a nail or other sharp object, and it remains embedded in the hoof, first clean the hoof Consult with your veterinarian regarding a recommendation before you remove the nail. If your veterinarian advises, carefully remove the nail to prevent the horse from stepping on it and driving it deeper into the hoof cavity. As you remove it, be sure to mark the exact point and depth of entry with tape and/or a marker so the veterinarian can access the extent of the damage. Apply antiseptic to the wound, and wrap to prevent additional contamination.

9. All horses being treated for lacerations or puncture wounds will require a tetanus booster.

Other Emergencies

There are far too many types of emergencies - from heat stroke to hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, bone fractures to snake bits, foaling difficulties, to colic - to adequately cover them all. However, regardless of the situation, it's important to remember these points:

1. Keep the horse as calm as possible. Your own-calm behavior will help achieve this.

2. Move the animal to a safe area where it is unlikely to be injured should it go down.

3. Get someone to help you, and delegate responsibilities, such as calling the Veterinarian, retrieving the first aid kit, holding the horse, etc.

4. Notify your Veterinarian immediately- Be prepared to-provide specific information about the horse's condition, as mentioned above, and other data that will help your practitioner assess the immediacy of the danger and instruct you in how to proceed.

5. Listen closely and follow your equine practitioner's instructions.

6. Do not administer drugs, especially tranquilizers or sedatives, unless specifically instructed to do so by the Veterinarian.

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