Common Equine Emergencies

Scott Spaulding DVMScott Spaulding DVM Badger Veterinary HospitalBadger Veterinary Hospital

Janesville, WisconsinJanesville, Wisconsin

Emergency Care

Recognizing Signs Of Distress

•Temperature, pulse & respirationTemperature, pulse & respiration

•Behavior patternsBehavior patterns

•Recognize signs of ill healthRecognize signs of ill health

Know what's normal for your horseKnow what's normal for your horse

Recognizing Signs Of Distress

Subtle signs may include: • Anorexia, decreased appetite

• Lethargy• Laying down longer than usual• Single animal off to themselves• Squinting or tearing (holding the eye

closed)• Red, purple, white, or yellow gum color• Fever (temperature greater than 101.5)

Recognizing Signs Of Distress

More obvious signs may include: • Rolling, pawing ,stretching, looking at the

flank• Inability to move• Ataxia (wobbling when walking)• Sweating profusely• Labored breathing (nostrils flaring)• Yellow or green nasal discharge• Lameness, reluctance to move, odd

stance• Bleeding, swelling, evidence of pain

Identify Normal Vital Signs

• Temp 99.0° – 101.5° F• Pulse 32 – 44 bpm• RR 10 – 24 bpm• MM Pink & Moist• CRT < 2 sec• Gut Sounds: Gurgling, Gas-like Growls

Normal Adult Values

Various Emergencies

Colic (abdominal pain) • Anorexia • Rolling• Stretching• Pawing• Lying down• Kicking at the belly• Looking at the flank• Decreased manure output

Various Emergencies Eyes

• Eye problems require immediate veterinary attention

Various Emergencies Acute non-weight bearing lameness

• Foot abscess• Laminitis (founder)• Foreign objects (nail in foot)• Fractures• Infection in the joint or tendon sheath

Various EmergenciesVarious Emergencies

Lacerations

Various Emergencies

Choke (esophageal obstruction)

Choke occurs when a horse is eating and feed becomes lodged in the esophagus.

Clinical signs - Green frothy (or feed) nasal discharge - Coughing or gagging

Various Emergencies

Reproductive Emergencies

• Dystocia (difficulty foaling)• Red bag delivery (tear open

immediately)• Uterine torsion• Uterine Prolapse

Follow the basic 1-2-3 Rule

1. Foal should stand within 1 hour2. Nurse within 2 hours 3. The placenta should pass within 3 hours

Neonatal Foal

Neonatal Foal Emergencies Contact your Veterinarian

• Neonatal exam by 24 hours old• IgG blood test• Call sooner if the foal cannot stand • Cannot nurse (Normal foals will suckle

several times an hour)• If the foal sleeps for a prolonged periods of

time• Displays abnormal behavior

Action Plan

• Veterinarian’s phone number• Nearby friends or neighbors who can assist

until the veterinarian arrives • Trailer for transporting• First aid kit

First Aid KitsBasic essential items

• Digital thermometer• Antiseptic soap, latex gloves• Gauze pads, telfa pads, assorted sizes• Cling wraps• Cotton Roll• Leg Wraps, 14” 16”• Vetwrap • Adhesive wrap (elasticon)• Bandage Scissors

Questions?