Horse Emergency: Call The Vet!

There are some basic guidelines that can help you decide how serious the situation is and what actions you should take.
Know your horse's normal vital signs. Vital signs are the first clue to anything out of the ordinary, and having this information will assist your veterinarian in a horse emergency.

You can learn how to take and interpret these important benchmarks in Colic Preparedness Report. The methods explained in this report can be used to interpret any abnormality your horse may be experiencing. Know what's normal for you horse BEFORE a horse emergency.

Critical, Acute or Minor?

All horse wounds, injuries and illnesses fall into three categories: critical, acute, and minor. Critical emergencies require immediate care; no wait and see. Acute emergencies require a call to the vet, but may be managed with first aid measures and close observation. Minor emergencies can usually wait until your next veterinary appointment but should be closely watched.

But in any emergency, no matter how minor: when in doubt, call your veterinarian.

Before You Call

In order to assess the situation, your veterinarian will need some basic information. Refer to the Colic Preparedness Report for instructions on how to take your horse's temperature, pulse/heart rate and respiratory rate. You'll also need to tell her the location and severity of the wound, injury, lameness or swelling. Make note of your horse's demeanor, too.

Critical Emergencies - Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately

The following are just some of the situations that are serious and potentially life-threatening. Immediately contact your equine veterinarian if your horse suffers:

Bone fractures or severe lameness on which your horse cannot bear his weight.

Abnormal respiration, including rapid, distressed breathing or blocked airways.

Profuse, bright red bleeding from any injury or wound.

Neurological dysfunction (staggering, lack of coordination, or behavior change).

Eye injury or trauma, especially if your horse is unwilling to open his eyelids.

Injury to any vital structure (eyes, genitals, joints, etc) or wounds requiring stitches.

Signs of severe colic, including loss of appetite and reduced fecal production.

Abnormal vital signs: Temperature over 102°F; Pulse over 80 beats per minute; Elevated breathing while at rest.

Acute laminitis, seizures, heat stroke, severe or persistent colic, or watery diarrhea.

Suspected or known ingestion of a poison or toxin, including poisionous plants.

Puncture wounds

Acute Emergencies - Contact Your Veterinarian For Advice

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if your horse exhibits:

Sudden onset of lameness on which your horse can bear his weight.

Superficial trauma or injury away from the eyes, genitals, joints, etc.

Chronic laminitis or chronic inflammatory respiratory disease flare-ups.

Slightly elevated temperature, respiration, or heart rate.

Minor Emergencies - Schedule An Appointment With Your Veterinarian

The following situations can usually wait for a scheduled appointment. Observe your horse closely and make a note to discuss with your veterinarian if your horse exhibits:

Slight lameness.

Skin rashes or other irritations.

Slight eye or nasal discharge without pain or fever.

Slightly reduced appetite or difficulty chewing.

To keep your horse healthy and happy, schedule regular physical exams, immunize your horse with the correct vaccines, control internal parasites with appropriate dewormers, control insects with appropriate repellents, fly sheets, and traps and schedule regular dental exams and farrier visits. These steps in combination with a healthy diet and sensible barn and pasture safety plans will keep horse emergencies to a minimum.

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