Scott Spaulding DVM Scott Spaulding DVM Badger Veterinary Hospital Badger Veterinary Hospital Janesville, Wisconsin Janesville, Wisconsin Emergency Care
Dec 20, 2014
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?