How to Recognize and Handle Medical Emergencies in Horses

As horse owners, we know that horses can sometimes be their own worst enemies, actively finding ways to hurt themselves in ways that seem as bizarre as they are unexpected. It’s essential to be able to recognise when something isn’t quite right with your horse, and to respond swiftly and appropriately. Here’s what to look for and how to handle medical emergencies when they arise.

Common Signs That Something Might Not Be Right

Recognizing early signs of a potential problem is key to minimising the severity of a medical issue. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

1. Lameness
   1. Any limping, reluctance to move, or favouring one leg
2. Breathing Difficulties and/or Nasal Discharge
   1. Laboured or rapid breathing, coughing, or unusual discharge from the nose (clear, yellow, or green).
3. Colic
   1. Signs include rolling, pawing at the ground, looking at the flank, or excessive sweating.
4. Not Eating
   1. Sudden refusal to eat, especially if it’s combined with other signs of distress.
5. Fever (over 38.5°C)
   1. Elevated rectal body temperature, which may indicate an infection or inflammation.
6. Wounds
   1. Horses can easily cut themselves on fences, gates, or other sharp objects. Even minor wounds that don’t seem to cause much bleeding can quickly become infected.
7. Just Not Quite Right
   1. Sometimes, horses don’t show obvious symptoms of a specific issue but just don’t seem themselves. They might be quieter than usual, showing signs of discomfort, or behaving in a way that’s out of character. If you’re noticing subtle changes in your horse’s behaviour or health, trust your instincts and call your vet. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy—you know your horse best!

What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect that your horse is facing a medical emergency, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here’s what to do:

1. Call the Vet
   1. Always call your vet first in an emergency. We’re here 24/7 to provide expert advice and assistance. Over the phone, we can guide you on what to look for and help assess how urgent the situation may be. The earlier you call, the better!
2. Stay Calm
   1. It’s essential to remain calm in an emergency. Horses are sensitive to human emotions, and they can pick up on stress or panic. Take a deep breath and focus on assessing the situation so that you can provide the necessary information to your vet.
3. Create a Calm Environment
   1. If possible, try to keep your horse in a calm and quiet area, such as a stable or a secure yard. Avoid overcrowding the horse with other animals or people, as this can increase stress levels.
4. Check for Profuse Bleeding
   1. If your horse has any visible bleeding, assess how severe it is. If bleeding is profuse, apply a clean cloth or bandage and apply firm pressure. If you’re unsure, it’s better to get professional advice over the phone than to take chances.
5. Ensure Your Own Safety
   1. If your horse is extremely distressed or unsafe to handle, your safety should always come first. Don’t put yourself in a position where you could get injured. Try to keep the horse in a safe environment but avoid trying to handle the situation alone if it’s unsafe.
6. Provide Information
   1. When you call, give us as much detail as possible:
      1. What happened? (Describe the events leading up to the emergency)
      1. When did it occur? (Time of the incident)
      1. What signs have you observed? (Lameness, pain, abnormal behaviour, etc.)
      1. Have you administered any medication or first aid measures?
      1. Is your horse on any regular medication?
      1. Directions for accessing your property (including any W3W locations to help us find you quickly)

We’re Here for You 24/7

At our practice, we provide round-the-clock care for any emergency, both through mobile vet visits or at our equine clinic. Equine health can change rapidly, and the earlier you reach out, the better we can assist. Whether it’s a simple query or a full-blown emergency, we are always happy to help and guide you through the process.

Remember: You don’t have to handle emergencies alone. We’re here when you need us the most.

For more information or to discuss specific needs, please contact us on 01342 300008 or in**@*****************ts.com