THE EQUINE EMERGENCY

What to do until the veterinarian gets to your farm? For best outcome in an emergency involving your horse it is essential to be prepared. Phone numbers for the veterinarian, insurance agent, and emergency services should be posted by the phone. If you do not own a horse trailer, also post the phone number of someone who can move your horse in case this is necessary. It is also advisable to list the number of someone who can make decisions regarding your horse when you are not able to be reached. Ask your veterinarian what medications he or she recommends you stock, and check these periodically to insure they have not expired. Be able to take your horse's heart rate, temperature, and respiration rate when he is healthy. Knowing what is normal for your horse will allow you to recognize when he is ill.

The most common medical emergency in the horse is colic or abdominal pain. Colic may be the result of any of a variety of intestinal disorders, ranging from gas to a life-threatening intestinal torsion or twist. It is important to notify your veterinarian when you observe your horse showing signs of abdominal pain. These include pawing, stretching out, lying down, and rolling. Heart rate and respiratory rate increase in the horse with pain. Remove all hay and grain from the uncomfortable horse. Walking your horse may help alleviate some discomfort and encourage intestinal motility, however be careful not to overdo the exercise. It is possible to exhaust a horse with colic. Avoid allowing a horse to roll, but it is fine to let them intermittently lie down quietly.

Fever is another common medical problem in the horse. A normal rectal temperature in the adult horse is 99-101 degrees F. Have a large animal thermometer in your first aid kit and know how to take your horse's temperature. If your horse's temperature is higher than 104¡, call your veterinarian. Aggressively cold water hose your horse to cool him down. An alcohol bath using 70% rubbing alcohol will further drop his surface body temperature. Depending on the situation, your veterinarian may suggest administering a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, such as phenylbutazone ("bute") or banamine.

Lacerations or wounds are another common injury. Careful evaluation of your barn and fencing may help prevent these injuries. Open hooks should not be used to hang buckets. These often cause nostril and eye lacerations. Barbed wire and horses, especially foals, are not compatible. When an injury occurs, call the veterinarian. Wounds that need to be sutured need to be seen while they are still fresh and clean. If the laceration is bleeding, direct pressure may be applied using clean gauze or towels. Cold water hosing of the area to decrease inflammation as well as cleaning the wound with an antiseptic solution such as betadine, will improve outcome. Do not apply topical medication without first consulting your veterinarian as some dressings, particularly caustic dressings, may be harmful. Know how to put a lower limb bandage on your horse and remember to always keep clean bandage supplies in your first aid kit.

Horse's eyes are very susceptible to injuries due to its protruding anatomy and the horse's inquisitive nature. Eye injuries, especially corneal injuries can become serious very quickly. Always consult your veterinarian. Avoid using any ointment that contains a steroid, such as hydrocortisone until you have talked to your veterinarian. Emergencies are always stressful. Being prepared will help reduce the stress and improve the ultimate outcome for our equine friends.

Compliments of Dianne McFarlane, D.V.M. Braden River Animal Hospital. 941-745-1513.