In sickness and in health

First aid for horse owners

source: Wendy Findlay
Country Smallholding December 2002
starts p62, 2 pages long

Daily health checks are important for horses so that any problems can be dealt with before they develop into something serious. Horses are also easier to handle if they are used to a daily check, and handling foals properly means that they are easier to train when they grow older.

Emergency problems include high temperature with abdominal pain, suspected laminitis, wounds requriring stitching, or puncture wounds, especially close to joints, severe lameness with no apparent reason, and foaling problems for a mare.

Horse owners should have first aid equipment, such as a stable bandage, Gamgee pad, antiseptic powder or iodine spray, salt, antiseptic, cotton wool, scissors, tape, a hoof pick, and Animalintex.

Useful techniques include cold hosing for cleaning leg wounds and reducing inflammation. The water should first be applied as a slow trickle, initially to the hoof, working upwards to where the injury is. Minor cuts can be swabbed with cotton wool and salts dissolved in water that has been boiled and left to cool. Iodine spray or antiseptic powder can then be used. Poultices such as kaolin and Animalintex, can be used to bring pus out of wounds, or reduce inflammmation.Useful techniques include cold hosing for cleaning leg wounds and reducing inflammation. The water should first be applied as a slow trickle, initially to the hoof, working upwards to where the injury is. Minor cuts can be swabbed with cotton wool and salts dissolved in water that has been boiled and left to cool. Iodine spray or antiseptic powder can then be used. Poultices such as kaolin and Animalintex, can be used to bring pus out of wounds, or reduce inflammmation.

Horse owners can prevent health problems in a number of ways. Worming and vaccinations help, as do having feet and teeth dealt with regularly. Fields should be checked for hazards like broken glass and poisonous plants. Horses need to be warmed up before riders gallop them, and it is dangerous to make an unfit horse gallop. Horses should be ridden slowly where the ground is difficult, such as down hills, and in stony areas. They should be ridden slowly before returning hom to their stables, so they are dry and cool. Tack should fit well and be supple and clean.

Vets can provide help and reassurance on the phone if owners are worried about whether or not a problem is serious. 
HO,HD