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Equine Emergencies:

Last Modified: April 27, 2001

There is an old saying that, "if a horse can get into trouble, he will". So if you own horses long enough, chances are that at some point you will face an emergency accident or injury. There are several behavioral traits that make horses especially accident prone:

their instinctive flight or fight response
their dominance hierarchy
their natural curiosity

The most important aspect of dealing with an emergency is to remain calm and assess the situation. Knowing what constitutes an emergency, when to call a veterinarian, and what information to provide, can save your horse's life.

What's Normal?

Take the time to observe your horse and learn what is normal for each individual.

Temperature = 37.5 - 38.5 Celsius, 99.5 - 101.5 Farenheit
Pulse = 36 - 42 beats per minute
Respiration = 12 - 20 breaths per minute
Capillary Refill Time = less than two seconds
Gastrointestinal Sounds
Hydration Status

Being Prepared!

Keep your veterinarian's number available at each phone.
Know in advance the most direct route to a surgical facility.
Post names and numbers of nearby friends/relatives who can help with trailering or in an emergency situation.
Prepare and keep a first aid kit both in the barn and in your trailer.

Basic First Aid Kit

Cotton, diapers, or sanitary napkins to stop bleeding
Sterile gauze pads
Adhesive wraps & tape
Leg wraps
Sharp scissors
Thermometer
Stethoscope
Antiseptic Scrub
Antiseptic Ointment
Flashlight
Pliers

Wound Care

1. Assess the situation and potential for future injury, move to a safe area, and evaluate the wound for: location, depth & severity

2. Call your veterinarian immediately if you have:

Excessive bleeding

The entire skin thickness is affected

The wound is over or near a joint

There are any structures visible underlying the skin i.e. Tendon, ligament, bones, vessels

Your horse has a puncture wound in any location

There is severe contamination

The wound is involving the eye

3. Stop the bleeding, clean the wound with cold water, apply an antiseptic, bandage if necessary.
**Do not medicate/tranquilize without consulting with your veterinarian.

Colic

Colic is a term meaning abdominal pain. It is the number one killer of horses and improper treatment can result in unnecessary death. Signs of colic include:

Turning the head towards the flank
Kicking or biting at the abdomen
Stretching out as if to urniate but not doing so
Lying down and getting up often
Excessive rolling
Putting head down to water without drinking
Lack of bowel movement or excessive bowel movements
Sweating
Rapid respiration and flared nostrils
Elevated pulse
Lip curling

Most colics follow into three groups:

Intestinal dysfunction
Intestinal accidents
Enteritis or Ulcerations

Improper use of analgesic medication can cost your horse it's life.

Walk the colicky horse in a safe enviornment, assess it's vital signs and call your veterinarian.

Fractures

Any horse with a non-weight bearing lameness should be evaluated immediately. The most common causes of severe lameness are fractures, sole abscesses and infected joint/tendon sheaths. Failure to diagnose the condition quickly can result in a non-displaced fracture becoming displaced and a treatable condition becoming fatal. Many common fractures can now be repaired with casting, screws and wire, bone plates, or a combination.

Keep your horse calm and don't attempt to move unless in danger of further injury. Portable radiograph machines make diagnosis in the field possible. Call your veterninarian immediately who will cast/splint the area prior to transport and administer analgesics and anti-inflammatories.

The above information was presented at the Horsin' Around With UFA seminar, December 16, 2000.
Reprinted on this site with the kind permission of Dr. Krista Howden DVM, Edmonton, Alberta