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Wounds:
Probably the most common
equine emergency, wounds come in all
shapes and sizes, anywhere on the body!
Severity depends on the location of the
wound and the structures involved, rather
than size. Puncture wounds over joints are
potentially more life threatening than a 12”
gash on the rump.
Colic:
Literally meaning ‘tummy ache’, this is a
relatively common emergency which most
horse owners may encounter. Clinical signs
range from a lack of appetite to sweating and
rolling. Call your vet as soon as you notice
any symptoms. Be careful not to get injured
by a horse suffering colic.
Trapped horse:
If you find your horse trapped
either in a ditch or an overturned trailer for
example, firstly call the emergency services,
asking for the animal rescue service and/or
fire brigade, followed by your vet. Always
approach a horse from the spinal (back) side
in these situations to avoid being kicked.
Lameness and Punctures:
Very lame and
non-weight bearing horses should be treated
as an emergency, including laminitis, and any
trauma to joints or tendons. Where possible
prevent any unnecessary movement until the
vet arrives. Try to keep the horse calm by
providing a small haynet and avoid giving
medication unless advised to do so by the vet.
Cold hosing or icing any swollen areas can
help reduce further inflammation. In the case
of foot punctures, please consult your vet
before removing any object. If the object must
be removed to avoid further damage, try to
take note of the depth and direction of
penetration.
Eye Injuries:
Equine eyes are prone to injury.
Corneal ulcerations
(figure one)
, eyelid
lacerations and uveitis are the most frequent
eye conditions seen. Any closed, swollen
or painful eyes should be treated as an
emergency.
Choke:
This is when food (and occasionally
bedding) material becomes stuck in the throat,
blocking the gullet. This means any saliva,
food or water will not pass into the stomach
and may result in slimy green, frothy
discharge from the mouth and nostrils. A
horse with choke may appear quite
distressed, often coughing and groaning
repeatedly. Although it can be very alarming
to observe, the horse can breathe normally
and the condition is not life-threatening, often
spontaneously clearing prior to the vet’s
arrival. Take away all food and water, and
ring your vet for advice.
Foaling Emergencies:
These are some of the
most time-critical cases, do not delay in
calling your vet if you suspect a problem
foaling.
Although noticing a bleeding wound may
make you panic, several steps can help
improve the outcome:
1. Catch and calm the horse ONLY if safe
to do so and move to a safe area.
Sometimes food can be a good
distraction to keep the horse calm.
2. Get someone to assist and hold the horse
before attempting to look at the wound.
3. Evaluate the wound for location, size
and depth - call your vet for advice. You
will require veterinary attention if:
•
there is excessive bleeding
•
the entire skin thickness is penetrated
•
the wound is next to, or over a joint
(figure two)
•
any underlying structures are visible,
e.g. muscle, bone, tendon or ligaments
•
it is a puncture wound
•
the wound is dirty.
4. The following first aid steps are
advisable, if it is safe for you to do so:
•
Cold hose the area gently
•
Apply a bandage to cover the area
•
Never apply cotton wool directly to a
wound; use a sterile dressing pad
•
Bandage firmly to help stop bleeding. If
bleeding continues through the bandage,
then apply another layer on top.
Essential information
Horse:
Owner:
Owner phone contact(s):
Name of Veterinary Practice:
Phone number(s):
Insurance company:
Current medication/allergies:
(e.g. on pergolide forCushings and reacted to penicillin last time)
Useful Tips
●
Be prepared! Make sure you are aware
of what constitutes an emergency and get
familiar with what is normal for your horse,
so you know when to ring for help. It is
helpful to have an essential information
chart, by the horse’s stable.
●
Have a transport plan ready for action. If
you don’t have your own transport, ask
around and see if someone on your yard
can help, or have a few local transport
company numbers stored if needed.
Having transport pre-arranged greatly
reduces stress for owners at the time.
●
Finally, have a small first aid kit to hand
(figure three). Having everything you might
need in a small, clean sealed box means
you are better prepared to deal with
emergencies as they arise. Contents vary,
our suggestions are in table one.
Figure two. This multiple laceration wound
required veterinary attention due to the
proximity of the wounds to the hock joint
Wound care tips
First aid kit items
Hibiscrub
Thermometer
Animalintex/poultice
Cotton wool
Self adhesive bandages e.g.Vetrap
Sterile dressing pads e.g. Melolin
New tail bandage
Latex gloves
Large dosing syringe
Sterile hydrogel, e.g. Intrasite
Sharp scissors
Torch
Towel
Epsom salts
Kitchen towel
Wire cutters
Twitch
Figure 3. The contents of
a basic first aid kit
AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
1 2
Figure one. This ulcer (stained green) is
small but unless treated promptly could
potentially lead to loss of the eye
Common Equine emergencies
Pull Out and Keep