First Aid for Horses

When you own horses for any length of time, chances are you will be confronted with some sort of medical emergency. From cuts and scraps, to colic and shock, there are many emergencies you may encounter. Too few horsemen maintain adequate equine first aid and emergency kits for their horses. Even those few who do have some supplies on hand do not routinely update them. Some medicines have expiration dates on them, and once that date passes the medicine may not be fully effective. Here is a list of items for a complete first aid kit. These items will be invaluable to you when you are in an emergency situation.

-Cotton gauze squares

-Cotton gauze wraps. They can be used for cleaning cuts and also to pack bleeding cuts. Be sure to keep opened packs of gauze clean and dry by putting them in self-locking bags.

-Cotton leg wraps. These are thin wraps used as the first layer of a standard leg wrap.

-Vet wrap, Coflex, or Flexus. These products are usually the last layer of a leg wrap and provide support and compression. They hold bandages in place and can close the tops and bottoms of wraps, keeping dirt out.

-Hand towels. When cleaning wounds you will need to be able to clean yourself and your horse. Occasionally large wounds will need towels for pressure or support.

-Cold packs. This can be anything from a frozen bag of peas to refrigerated equine boots. Treatment with cold is still the first and most important thing you can do to help a sprain or strain. Coldness can also slow bleeding and protect damaged tissue.
-Duct tape. This can be great for hoof wraps, it's inexpensive, conforms to the hoof, and it's water-resistant.

-Thermometer. Normal temperature for a horse is 99.5 to 101.5. It is essential to keep a plastic thermometer in your kit.

-Stethoscope. These are inexpensive and can be used to determine intestinal sounds in cases of colic. Ask your vet to show you the proper use and procedure.

-Forceps. These can be used to remove debris from punctures or cuts. They can be cleaned with alcohol between uses and should be sterilized if they become contaminated.

-Scissors. Wide with a blunt end for cutting bandages.

-Wound scrub such as Betadine or Nolvasan.

-Wound ointment for horses.

-Topical eye ointment for horses.

-Fly spray/repellant.

-Poultice. Poultices help reduce leg swelling.

-Electrolytes. They can be used in extreme humidity and heat and in medical conditions such as colic or shock.

-Clinch cutter and shoe puller. Every horseman should know the proper way to remove a loose shoe. This can help protect the hoof wall.

-Flashlight.

-Twitch.

-Pliers/wire cutters.

-Hoof pick.

Along with having the correct supplies you must be comfortable using them. Certain skills, such as checking your horse's temperature and heart rate, or wrapping a foot or leg are required. If you don't know how to do these things or are not sure of a specific procedure, ask your veterinarian to show you the correct procedures.

Preparation is vital when you are confronted with a medical emergency. No matter what situation you may face, mentally rehearsing the steps you will take to avoid letting panic take control will benefit you when any situation arises. You must be able to recognize and respond appropriately to each situation. You do not want to waste time in an equine emergency. In an emergency, time is critical. Follow these guidelines to help prepare you for an emergency situation with your horse:

1. Keep your veterinarian's number by each phone, including after hour numbers.

2. Consult with your regular veterinarian regarding a back up in case your usual veterinarian can not be reached.

3. Know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center in case you need to transport your horse. This is including any trips you may take with your horse.

4. Keep the names of nearby neighbors and friends who can assist you in an emergency while you wait for a veterinarian.

5. Keep your first aid kit in a readily accessible place. Make sure family and barn users know where the kit is. Also keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle, and on the trail. You never know when you will have a need for it.

Some emergencies are inevitable, but you can still be prepared for them. Remember to treat the immediate situation as best you can, and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.