by Kendra Sagers
If you own, work with, or are very often around a horse, you will have the need for first aid. All horses are susceptible to injury and/or illness. 
As a responsible horse person, it is important that you know at least the basics of first aid. You should know how to recognize signs of injury and illness in a horse. Including knowing the vital signs and recognizing when a horse is in distress or just “off”.
Review of Vital Signs:
Heart Rate or Pulse: 28 - 40 Beats per minute
Respiration: 8 – 16 Breaths per minute
Temperature: 99 – 101 degrees F
Capillary Refill Time (CRT): Approx. 2 sec.
Hydration (Pinch Test): Skin flattens immediately.
You can review how to take vitals signs by clicking here.
It is important that you know your horse and his normal range. For example, if I have a horse that has a normal temperature of 101, then I am not going to get too excited if his temperature rises to 102. However, if I have a horse with a normal temp of 99 a rise to 102 is more of a concern.
How do you know when your horse requires first aid?
There are some obvious signs. If your horse is bleeding, it is obvious that he requires first aid. But, if a horse is simply standing in the back of his stall with his head hung low, unless you know the horse, you may not know there is a problem. I suggest you keep your horse’s normal vital signs on hand in your first aid kit so that you or whoever is caring for your horse will have access to them.
Once you have determined that you have a need for first aid, the following steps are helpful:
PRIMARY RULES OF EQUINE FIRST AID:
1. Don’t panic! Calm yourself and gather your thoughts. Then, proceed in a slow and calm manner. Panicking will only add further stress to a situation. Remember, your horse is likely already excited and scared. He is depending on you to handle the situation.
2. Evaluate the horse and his actions. Is he acting in such a way that you can safely approach and help him? If he his not, do not approach. This could cause you injury as well. Wait for or call for help.
3. Reassure the horse. If it is possible, move him to a quiet and familiar place. Help to calm your horse by rubbing him and talking calmly to him. Move quietly and slowly around the horse.
4. Once you are safe and the horse is calm enough to work on, assess the situation. Determine the extent of the injury or illness. If the emergency is something you can handle begin first aid care.
5. If you are not able to adequately care for the emergency, consult a veterinarian immediately and follow his advice.
In many cases, especially cases of illness, it is a good idea to have current vital signs on hand when contacting a veterinarian. This can give him a better assessment of the situation.
As a responsible horse person, it is important that you know at least the basics of first aid. You should know how to recognize signs of injury and illness in a horse. Including knowing the vital signs and recognizing when a horse is in distress or just “off”.
Review of Vital Signs:
Heart Rate or Pulse: 28 - 40 Beats per minute
Respiration: 8 – 16 Breaths per minute
Temperature: 99 – 101 degrees F
Capillary Refill Time (CRT): Approx. 2 sec.
Hydration (Pinch Test): Skin flattens immediately.
You can review how to take vitals signs by clicking here.
It is important that you know your horse and his normal range. For example, if I have a horse that has a normal temperature of 101, then I am not going to get too excited if his temperature rises to 102. However, if I have a horse with a normal temp of 99 a rise to 102 is more of a concern.
How do you know when your horse requires first aid?
There are some obvious signs. If your horse is bleeding, it is obvious that he requires first aid. But, if a horse is simply standing in the back of his stall with his head hung low, unless you know the horse, you may not know there is a problem. I suggest you keep your horse’s normal vital signs on hand in your first aid kit so that you or whoever is caring for your horse will have access to them.
Once you have determined that you have a need for first aid, the following steps are helpful:
PRIMARY RULES OF EQUINE FIRST AID:
1. Don’t panic! Calm yourself and gather your thoughts. Then, proceed in a slow and calm manner. Panicking will only add further stress to a situation. Remember, your horse is likely already excited and scared. He is depending on you to handle the situation.
2. Evaluate the horse and his actions. Is he acting in such a way that you can safely approach and help him? If he his not, do not approach. This could cause you injury as well. Wait for or call for help.
3. Reassure the horse. If it is possible, move him to a quiet and familiar place. Help to calm your horse by rubbing him and talking calmly to him. Move quietly and slowly around the horse.
4. Once you are safe and the horse is calm enough to work on, assess the situation. Determine the extent of the injury or illness. If the emergency is something you can handle begin first aid care.
5. If you are not able to adequately care for the emergency, consult a veterinarian immediately and follow his advice.
In many cases, especially cases of illness, it is a good idea to have current vital signs on hand when contacting a veterinarian. This can give him a better assessment of the situation.
Owning horses is just like being a mom it isn't if you are going to need your first aid skills but when. I usually listen to my gut instinct and things turn out ok. So all I would had to this helpful article is trust yourself to help your horse.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Kendra!!!
ReplyDelete