EQUINE EMERGENCY CARE

Presented by Dr. Joe Varga, DVMMairs Veterinary Hospital

389 W. Liberty St. Wooster, Ohio 44691

(330)-262-7921

Emergency Care

Chances are goodthat if you spendenough time withhorses you will likelybe confronted withan equine medicalemergency.

EQUINE EMERGENCIES• LACERATIONS• COLIC• PUNCTURE WOUNDS• GRAIN OVERLOAD• LAMINITIS• TYING-UP• “STREET NAILS”• EYE TRAUMA• FOALING EMERGENCIES• FRACTURED BONES

The goal of this presentation is to helpyou recognize a serious emergency and

know what to do while awaiting yourveterinarian’s arrival.

EQUINE EMERGENCIES

A- Temperature

B, C or D – Heart Rate

E or F – Respiration Rate

NORMAL vs. ABNORMALWe will start by discussing signs of distress in thehorse as well as normal versus abnormal physical

exam parameters.

WHAT IS NORMAL?• ADULT HORSE:• Temperature: 99.5 – 101.5 degrees F• Pulse: 28 – 44 beats per minute• Respiratory Rate: 10-24 breaths per minute• FOAL:• Temperature: 99.5 – 102 degrees F• Pulse: 80-120 beats per minute• Respiratory Rate: 24–40 breaths per minute

EMERGENCY RESPONSEMOST IMPORTANTLY…STAY CALM. This is especially important when

you are trying to describe the emergency to your vet over the phone.

KEEP AN EMERGENCY CARE KIT. This will help you treat your horse before the vet can get there, or could prevent the need for a vet.

Next, we will discuss situations that you should probably CALL THE VET…

WOUNDS AND LACERATIONS

Four-year-old quarter horse gelding received multiple wounds of the upper right leg and brisket area after running into a barbed wire fence.

Wound of the four-year-old quarter horse gelding after 6 weeks of treatment with Woundade with nearly complete healing of the wounds.

WHEN EVALUATING A WOUND

CALL YOUR VET IF…• There appears to be excessive bleeding• The entire skin thickness is penetrated• The wound is near or over a joint or

tendon sheath• Any structures underlying the skin are visible• A puncture has occurred• The wound is severely contaminated• You suspect a broken bone

EQUINE EMERGENCIES“STREET NAIL”

EQUINE EMERGENCIESCOLIC

“TYING-UP”CLINICAL SIGNS•Stiff gait•Reluctance to move•Hard painful muscles•Sweating•Increased heart rate

and respiratory rate

Sporadic tying-up: Over-exertion for horse’s level of fitness &Electrolyte imbalanceRecurrent tying-up: Underlying muscle disorder coupled with high level of carbohydrate in feed & inconsistent exercise (breed predisposition)

Tying Up(AKA :azotoria, myositis, Monday morning sickness)

TREATEMENT IN ACUTE PHASE• Un-tack horse• Put cooler on horse• DO NOT force exercise• Call your VETERINARIAN• May require HYDRATION THERAPY

(prevent kidney damage from myoglobin release)• May require Acepromazine &/or Methocarbamol

vasodilation and muscle relaxation• Ohio is deficient in Selenium (Vitamin E & Selenium

Supplements may be helpful)

EQUINE EMERGENCIESEYE TRAUMA

EQUINE EMERGENCIESNEUROLOGIC EMERGENCIES

EQUINE EMERGENCIESACUTE NON-WEIGHTBEARING LAMENESS

FOOT ABSCESSES

CLINICAL SIGNS• SEVERE LAMENESS• OFTEN NON WEIGHT BEARING ON LEG• STRONG DIGITAL PULSES• SWELLING AT CORONARYBAND & HEEL BULBS • MAY DRAIN AT CORONARY BAND

Simply put, an abscess is the way a hoof rids itself of dead cells and damaged tissue caused by trauma to the internal structures of the hoof. Much like a boil or pimple, pus forms and festers andsooner or later, out it comes. It can burst through the coronet, the sole, the bulbs, the frog or wherever it finds the easiest path.Abscesses can develop many different ways.

The most common is at the solar surface when an area of the sole becomes compromised, and bacteria are able to get under the surface of the hard lamina. More commonly, abscesses are the result of damage to the corium WITHOUT penetration of a foreign object. This damage could be caused by solar bruises, laminitis, lack of circulation as a result of incorrect hoof form or shoeing - all sorts of things can result in an abscess. When your horse develops an abscess what happens is purulent fluid (pus) collects as the body fights off the source of the infection. Since the hoof cannot expand to accommodate the increasing collection of pus, the increased pressure within the hoof causes a great degree of pain. Most often the signs of an abscess are dramatic and sudden.

FOOT ABSCESSESTREATMENT• VET OR FARRIER MAY CAREFULLY

OPEN ABSCESS POCKET• REMOVE SHOE• SOAK IN BETADINE &/or

EPSON SALT• ICHTHAMOL DRAWING AGENT• KEEP HOOF BANDAGED &

PROTECTED UNTIL HEALED• USUALLY NO BUTE OR

ANTIBIOTICS - MAY SLOW PROGRESS OF ABSCESS DRAINAGE

LAMINITISSIGNS OF LAMINITIS (“Founder”)

• Lameness, reluctant gait, difficulty walking

• Heat and increased pulse in feet

• Pain in toe region when pressure is applied

• Sawhorse stanceAlterations in blood supply to hoof result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients to sensitive laminae. As a result of this damage, the vessels leak fluids which

in most instances would cause swelling, HOWEVER, the hoof capsule prevents laminae

from enlarging. This increases pressure in the foot and is very painful to the horse.

LAMINITISIf you see any of these signs of acute laminitis…

• Put horse in deeply bedded stall• Do not force horse to walk• Call vet immediately• Apply Styrofoam pad IF you arecomfortable with foot bandaging technique

GRAIN OVERLOADCAN CAUSE• COLIC (colitis)• FOUNDER

Due to high levels of carbohydrate killing off regular gut bacteria

• REMOVE ALL FEED FROM STALL• CALL VET IMMEDIATELY• ICE HORSES FEET (OR STAND IN ICE WATER)

20 MINUTES PER HOURChicken feed is most toxic due to antibiotics in feed.

Poisoning Poisoning Symptoms can be difficult to detect, and

may mirror other illnesses.• Try to find out what your horse might

have ate & where they were.• Check & record symptoms, TPR• Because toxins affect different systems:

digestive, neurological & cardiac – the toxin may be difficult to diagnose & treat.

• Help your vet by knowing what is “normal” for your horse. The time symptoms appear vary.

In Summary…When injured, what your horse needs most is for you to remain calm

and focused on getting her the help she needs. It helps if you are prepared with a suitable first aid kit, whether that kit is pre-made or assembled yourself from select horse supplies. In addition, keep the following tips in mind:

• Stay Calm - you can better help your horse when you're calm and collected. • Call for Help - an additional pair of hands will get more done faster. • Stay Safe - you won't be able to help your horse if you get hurt trying to

help her. • Wash Your Hands - avoid wound contamination by washing hands and

wearing gloves. • Keep Your Horse Vaccinated - current vaccinations help protect your

horse from a range of serious conditions, some of which can result from wounds. This is especially true of tetanus or lockjaw.

• Easy access to your veterinarian's and farrier's contact informationis vital in any first aid situation. In addition, a complete record of all your horse's medications, vaccinations, and wormers is essential - especially in an emergency. Try to keep track all of this information & have it on record.

QUESTIONS?

Special Thanks to Dr. Joe Varga!

Next, we will discuss items to have in your own emergency care kit.

Kelly Riley will display and go over her own emergency kit.

Natasha Lefkowitz, DVM503.841.6566www.hoodtocoastequine.comdrlefkowitz@hoodtocoastequine.com

This Power Point was created by Kelly Riley, Wayne SWCD 2/2009. It was an accumulation of slides that were created, as well as ones that were taken from the WWW. Please credit these individuals & organizations.

EQUINE 1ST AIDEmergency: An unexpected occurrence leading to a

sudden need for action.First Aid: Immediate help given in the case of injury or

sudden illness given by a lay person before the arrival of a veterinarian.

THE NORMAL HORSEIf you know what is normal for your horse, it will make it much easier to assess what is abnormal should an emergency arise. I believe that every horse owner should take the time to observe his or her horse over a period of time to find out what normal behavior is for that animal.

1. Be Educated

• Learning is Lifelong.• You cannot buy experience.• Read, research, ask/call a friend,

look in a book, but try to get help however you can, as fast as you can.

• Be Prepared. Accidents have no reference of days, hours or locations.

2.Emergency 1st Aid KitsFirst aid kits can be simple or elaborate,

but there are some essential items. You can purchase a variety of pre-made

kits, from $30 to up to $300. OR….

3.You can Create your own Kit

• Use a tool box, tackle box, or any storage container

• Buy the basics first, add as your budget will allow.

• Always keep vet info handy• Keep kit handy – you may

have more than one. (depends on your situation: if you trail ride: have a saddle bag, if you show: have in the trailer, in general: have one easily accessible in barn)

4. What do you put in a Kit?

I will cover the 4 basic categories:

1. DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPTMENT2. BANDAGING MATERIAL3. MEDICATIONS 4. OTHER…

Diagnostic Equipment:• Stethoscope • Thermometer (recommend lubricant: oil or vaseline)

• Flashlight with fresh batteries • Hoof pick

Recommend Booklet – 1st aid guide for reference ☺Trailering / Other Emergency:

Wire cutters, pliers, screw drivers, ties, cords, scissors, snaps, knives, etc.

Expect the un-expected…

Bandaging Material• Scissors • Non-stick wound covering (Telfa Pads) • Gauze wrap (Kling) • Leg cottons (Fleece leg wraps,

roll cotton, or quilt batting) • Adhesive elastic bandages (Elasticon) • Adhesive non-elastic bandages

(white medical tape or duct tape) • Ace bandages • Non-adhesive wraps (Vetwrap or Co-Flex) • Diapers (these make nice, clean, absorbent

temporary wraps)

Medications

• Disinfectant (Povidone-iodine solution (Betadine ))

• Antibacterial ointment (Furacin or chlorhexidine)

• Phenylbutazone (bute) • Contact Lens Sterile Saline (can flush wounds

or flush matter from eyes)

Other Equipment:• Clean plastic bucket • Clean warm water • Clean towels • Twitch (Can use binder twine + hammer handle with a

hole drilled in it. • Your veterinarian's phone number and list of alternatives • Please note that it is preferable to talk to your

veterinarian before attempting first aid on your horse, especially with regard to splinting, treating or wrapping wounds or using medications such as phenylbutazone.

Helpful Hints: from Kelly• Keep Everything in Zip-Lock Bags!

(if something leaks or breaks, it won’t get all over…)

• Keep Prescription Medicine on Hand.(for “after hours” emergencies = save $, & happy vet)

• Be aware of temperatures- Too Cold/Hot(some products will freeze, crack, or melt – put in ok area)

• Favorite Must haves: Blue Kote, Wonder Dust, Ointment, Liniment,& Vet Wrap.

• Use what you have. (It’s expensive! I cut up old socks, worn out towels, use triple antibiotic ointment, etc.)

Banamine Paste is a must!Alleviates pain & inflammation

Hoof – Abscess KitI created my own kit, since we seem to experience abscesses quite often.

Once a Farrier or Vet has determined, and hopefully cut open the abscess- then you can treat it. I keep these items:

• Epson Salts, Ichthammol (drawing agents)• Soaking Boot – Bucket or Tub • Paper Towels, Rags, Gauze• Vet Wrap, Duct Tape & Scissors• Hoof pick, Iodine & Syringe (+gloves)

F.Y.I. (for your information)Other Suggestions:

Keep a horse health record, as well as your Vet & Farrier’s

phone numbers.Either in the barn, on

computer, or in a notebook.Include: Worming, vaccination,

shoeing, dental, & other important information & dates!

Diagnostic Equipment: ($16.50) Thermometer $ 8.00 Vaseline or Lubricant $ 2.00 Flashlight w/ batteries $ 3.00 Hoof Pick $ 1.25 Tweezers $ 2.00 Bandaging Material: ($18.50) Scissors $ 3.00 Duct Tape $ 4.00 Adhesive Tape 2” roll $ 4.50 Vet-wrap /Co-Flex (2-3) $ 1.50 each Non-stick wound pads $ 4.00 Quilted leg wrap --- Elastic bandage --- Diaper --- Towels, Rags, Paper Towels --- Topical Medications: ($85.00) Blue Kote 5oz aerosol $ 5.25 Schreiners Herbal Solution 2oz. $ 4.50 EMT Gel 1oz $13.25 Privasan Antiseptic Oint. 7oz $ 9.00 Corona Ointment 2oz $ 3.00 Wonder Dust $ 6.00 Mineral Ice 1lb $ 8.00 Absorbine Linament 16oz $10.50 Clear Eyes $ 5.75 Terramycin Eye Oint.3.5gms $13.75 Saline Solution $ 3.00 Hydrogen Peroxide $ 1.50 Rubbing Alcohol $ 1.50 MATERIALS IN HOOF/ABSCESS KIT: Epson salts $ 3.00 Epsom salt poultice 20 oz. $ 8.50 Ichthammol Ointment 14oz $10.00 Iodine Tincture Pt. spray $ 5.00 Syringe $ 1.00 Paper Towels --- Rags (I use old socks –cut up) ---

Internal Medications: ($94.00) Aspir-paste 60cc $ 11.50 Selenium-Vit E gel 80ml $ 13.00 (@Horse Health – cattle section) Gas Relief Gel 300ml $ 9.50 (@H.H. Activated Charcoal made by Walther) *Flunixin(Banamine) Paste 30gms$30.00 *Phenylbutasone (Bute) Pills $30.00 * 3cc of Ace -traq.- help calm horse --- *need to get product from Vet - Rx Other: ($14.00 & up) Syringes (assorted sizes) $ 6.00 Needles (assorted) (.30each) $ 2.00 Stitching Needles & line $ 3.00 Tools (pliers, screw driver, wire cutters) --- Bungee cords & Lock ties ---- Band-Aids ---- Trip.Antibiotic ointment tube $ 3.00 Gloves ---- ( $45.00 plus $25.00 = $70.00 )

Hoof Pick $ 1.50 Vet Wraps – 2 rolls $ 3.00 Duct Tape $ 4.00 Bandage Scissors 5.5” $ 9.00 Easy Boot for soaking $25.00

Rough Estimate of Cost:

1st Aid Kit – toolbox = $228.00 +

Abscess Kit – clear box = $70.00

1.Did you Know?

Don’t swab wounds or flush wounds with hydrogen peroxide. The bubbles make you think something good is happening, but hydrogen peroxide is known to destroy the new skin cell development.

2.Did you know?Don’t treat wounds with vitamin E. Despite what you may have heard, vitamin E has been shown in human studies at the University of Miami, to impair wound healing. In addition, one-third of the human patients tested with Vitamin E also developed an allergic reaction.

You can’t go wrong with basic Triple

Antibiotic Ointment!

3.Did you know?Never place alcohol or tincture of iodine [Strong Iodine or 7% Iodine] on a horse wound. Like peroxide, these solutions damage tissue and delay healing. Rule-of-thumb is if you would not apply a particular product on your own wound, don’t use it on your horse.

In Conclusion…• Be Prepared. • Don’t be afraid to call the vet!• Have your vet info handy – ready to call.• STAY CALM. Call for help. Stay Safe.• Always learn – even from your mistakes.• Buy a kit, or create your own – work within

your budget. • “An ounce of Prevention is worth

a pound of cure”

Equine Open HouseHosted by Wayne SWCD & OSU Extension

Contact Information:Dr. Joe VargaMairs Veterinary Hospital 389 W. Liberty St.Wooster, Oh 44691Office 330-262-7921Hours: 8:30-5:00 weekdays9:00-11:30 Saturday By Appointments

Kelly RileyEducation SpecialistWayne Soil & Water Conservation District428 W. Liberty St.Wooster, Oh 44691Office 330-262-2836Email: kriley@wayneoh.org

Ron BeckerOSU Extension- Wayne Co.428 W. Liberty St.Wooster, Oh 44691Office 330-264-8722Email: becker.4@osu.edu

Contact us with your questions & how we can help you! Thanks for your interest!

I would like to say thanks to everyone, Especially…

Pete Armstrong & Wayne Co. Fair BoardPie Coordinator & Ms.Hospitality, My Mom!

Wayne SWCDDr. Joe VargaMr. Ron Becker

Wooster Town & Country – Chad ZimmerlyFor the door prizes & support!