Emergencies arise several times a week. Urgencies (situations that are less serious, but nonetheless require a same day visit from your DVM) occur even more frequently. Emergencies that must be seen as soon as possible are: foaling problems, uncontrollable bleeding, persistent uncontrollable abdominal pain, respiratory distress, shock, limb fractures, evisceration of any abdominal organ, prolapsed uterus or any situation where other horses or people are put in danger by a horse. In the next level of triage, common urgencies include ocular injuries, lacerations requiring stitches, esophageal choke, fevers of greater than 103°, retained placenta and profuse, watery diarrhea. In addition, our equine friends find many other ways to provide us with concern.

The best way for you to react to an emergency or urgent situation is to make a quick assessment, which includes the horse’s vital signs if possible (see list below), and then get to the phone. If you can, leave a responsible adult with the patient. Have your vet’s emergency number handy, day or night, seven days a week. When you call, give clear, correct information. Be sure to give the correct telephone number where you can be reached, which is not always your home phone number. You should then wait by the telephone and make no outgoing calls. Unless something is seriously awry, a veterinarian should contact you within ten minutes. If you hear nothing by then, call the service again. Depending on the situation, the DVM will give you instructions to follow until she/he can be there.

Once the vet has arrived, it is important that they be able to assess the horse in as favorable a situation as possible. It is preferred to evaluate the horse in a well lit, dry, slip proof area. This is often the stall or the barn aisle. While waiting for the DVM, try to optimize the area where the horse is to be treated or examined by hanging lights or laying down mats. A bucket of warm water is often handy for use on the horse or for the DVM.

It is wise to call as soon as you know you have a problem so that the office or on-call DVM can provide you, the patient with service in the most timely fashion. Most office staff are accustomed to dealing with the timing of the urgencies listed above and will always consult with a DVM about appropriate timing if there is any question.

First Aid Kit for Barn and Trailer

Stethoscope (easiest and most reliable way to assess heart rate, also handy for listening for motility in colic situations)

Thermometer (mercury or digital—available at pharmacies and grocery stores)

Antiseptic solutions such as Betadine or Chlorhexadine

Antiseptic soaps such as Betadine or Chlorhexadine scrubs

Sleeve of 4" x 4" gauze squares for cleaning wounds

Spray bottle with dilute Betadine solution for cleaning wounds

Antiseptic and/or antibacterial ointments such as Furacin, Nolvasan, triple antibiotic, etc.

Sterile wound dressing pads or box of panty liners

Roll gauze or stretchy foam wrap for applying dressing pad to wound

14" and 16" leg quilts (two of each) for wrapping fore and hind limbs

Non stretch track bandages or Vetrap for securing quilt to leg

Small, clean bucket or dish pan and clean towels

Epsom salts

Pantyhose or knee-highs for foot wraps

Duct tape

Low rubber feed tub for soaking feet

Bandage scissors

Spare halter and lead

Hammer and sturdy nail for hanging IV fluid bags
Flashlight, work light and extension cord

Two 10 foot pieces of heavy rope (for assisting a cast horse, for example)

Old broomsticks or PVC pipe for use as splints

Normal Equine Vital Signs

Temperature: 99.5° to 100.5° Fahrenheit
Heart Rate: 32 to 44 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate: 12 to 24 breaths per minute

If you have any questions regarding a horse insured with our office, please do not hesitate to contact us. Failing to report and or late reporting can jeopardize your coverage benefits.

Newsletter written by W. Anthony Pontrello