Equine Emergency First Aid

time for a trailer loading lesson.
Know Your Horses Vital Signs
As the person responsible for the horses care and wellbeing its important to know what is normal for your horse so you can quickly determine when he is not well. Start by recording your horses normal vital signs when he is healthy and calm and store them where they are easily accessible. In the event of illness or injury to the horse being able to check and report his vital signs to your veterinarian can help him to determine the horses condition.
Temperature The body temperature of an adult horse at rest can vary from about 37 degrees C to 38 6 degrees C. With the horse secured body temperature is taken with a thermometer positioned just inside the anus. Todays digital thermometers do not necessarily need lubricating and a temperature reading can be achieved quickly. Temperatures higher or lower than the horses normal range should be cause for concern.
Heart Rate The pulse is the rhythm of the blood flow in response to the heartbeat. A horses pulse rate is 30 to 40 beats per minute at rest and it can be taken by feeling the artery just under the cheekbone. Using the flat side of your fingertips not your thumb or youll feel your own pulse press inward and upward against the inner edge of the lower jaw until you detect your horses pulse. A simple way to measure is to count the number of beats in 15 seconds then multiply by four to get the rate per minute. More than 60 beats per minute at rest or a weak or irregular heartbeat should be cause for concern.
The skin pinch test is done on the neck in front of the shoulder by taking a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger lifting it away from the underlying tissues twisting it slightly and releasing. The pinch fold should disappear within one second. A fold that remains for more than two seconds indicates dehydration.
For the capillary refill test lift the upper lip of the horse and look at the gums above the teeth. These mucous membranes should be a healthy pink shiny moist and slippery. If they are pale dry or tacky this can indicate dehydration. Mucous membranes that are pale white jaundiced brick red bluish purplish or muddy are indicative of a serious problem. Next press your thumb or finger on the gum to push the blood out from under the finger to determine capillary refill time. Upon release of the pressure the pressed spot will be white and should return to pink within 1 5 seconds. A delay of two or more seconds is cause for concern. A prolonged capillary refill time may also be a sign of shock.
Gut Sounds Check your horses gut sounds by pressing a stethoscope or your ear against his barrel behind the ribs in front of the stifle. Normal gut sounds vary widely but gurgles and growls should always be present. Faint infrequent or absent gut sounds usually indicate colic and your veterinarian should be called.
Learn the Signs of Pain or Illness
Familiarize yourself with the following symptoms horses can display when they are in pain and discomfort
Restlessness and sweating on neck and flanks.
Anxiety.
Repeatedly lying down and getting up.
Depressed appearance.
Dilated pupils glassy eyes or eyes either dulled or staring.
Flared nostrils and increased breathing.
Muscle tremors.
Increased pulseheart rate.
Difficulty moving abnormal gait or changes in weight bearing.
Loss of appetite.
Rolling pawing or flank staring.
Four Essential First Aid Rules
When an incident happens remind yourself and anyone helping you to follow these first aid rules
Remain calm Your calm attitude will help reduce