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First
Aid until the Vet Arrives
The horse's normal temperature should be 99-101 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the
temperature with any size thermometer by placing it in the rectum for 3 minutes.
A little Vaseline should make that job easier.
Listen to the horse's heart rate in a quiet area, a stall or away from other
horses in the pasture. You can hear it with a stethoscope behind the point of
the left elbow. If you don'' have a stethoscope, palpate the pulses along the
ventral line of the jaw or on the medial and lateral side of the fetlock. Count
the number of beats in 15 seconds and then multiply times 4. Normal heart rate
is 38-42 beats per minute. A pulse near 50-60 indicates a moderate amount of
pain. A pulse above 80 indicates severe distress, pain and stress to your
horse's vital systems.
Check the color of the gums just around the front teeth. They should be pink or
pale pink. Blanch them with finger pressure and then count how many seconds it
takes for them to color again. Normal is 1-2 seconds.
SPECIFIC THERAPIES
Colic: This is where you can help the
veterinarian immensely with a good physical exam. Tell them the horse's
temperature, heart rate, gum color and refill time. Take all food away, but
leave water in case the horse wants to drink. Do keep them walking especially if
they are wanting to roll. If the horse lies down, and rests quietly they can
stay down.
Down Horse: Try to get them up and
moved to a sheltered area. If they refuse, simply cover with a blanket and do as
much of a physical exam as possible.
Lacerations: Most lacerations will be
oozing dark blood. This is venous blood and will clot easily. If the wound is
pulsing bright red blood, this is an artery and is a bit more serious. First, if
the horse refuses to walk or is in too much pain to walk, don't make them.
Second, begin hosing with cold water. This not only will clean the wound well,
but aids in clotting of blood. In case of arterial bleeding do this only for 5
minutes and then apply a pressure bandage. A disposable diaper works well.
Bandages: Provides support for
injured legs as well as keeps wounds clean. Begin by placing a Telfa pad or
diaper on the laceration and rolling gauze lightly around to keep the wound
covered. A layer of Vetwrap or an Ace bandage can aid in bandage stability.
Then, place a think layer of roll cotton or a quilt around the area. Roll a soft
cloth bandage counterclockwise around the quilt starting midway, rolling down
and then ending at the top overlapping the previous layer halfway. Placing the
quilt or roll cotton first allows you to roll on the top bandage tightly to aid
in support of the limb. The bandage when thumped with a finger should sound like
you're thumping a watermelon. You should be able to slide a finger down behind
the quilt, but it will feel snug.
Laminitis: The quicker your
veterinarian treats this disease, the less serious the consequences may be.
Don't make your horse walk! Give your horse 2 grams of Bute if you have it.
Either cold hose his feet or place them in ice above the coronary band for 15
minutes. Giving him some sand to stand in while awaiting the vet will give the
soles of his feet support and may make him more comfortable.
Foot Puncture/Abscess: Don't pull the
nail out !!! I know that sounds funny, but it will aid the vet in determining
the seriousness of the problem and allow them to get more diagnostic
radiographs. If you're worried about a simple abscess, soaking the horse's foot
in Epsom salts and warm water may help.
Do nothing but call your veterinarian if you have an eye problem or a fracture!