By: Matthew M. Brendal
THE BEST DOCTOR IN THE WORLD IS A VETERINARIAN. HE CAN’T ASK HIS PATIENTS WHAT IS THE MATTER - HE’S JUST GOT TO KNOW. When you have narrowed down your choice(s) make a visit to the clinic(s), see how the place looks and introduce yourself to the veterinarian and staff. You now know where the clinic is located and have an idea what your horse doctor is like. This would also be a good time to ask if any special circumstances exist for your area. Your veterinarian is the source for asking veterinary questions about your horse. Use your scheduled vet visits to ask questions about your horse. Keep a notebook or questions list and ask the veterinarian. Questions you want to ask may include nutrition, supplements, medications, dewormers, behavioral problems and the list goes on. GENERAL SIGNS OF DISEASE OR MEDICAL PROBLEMS
The American Veterinary Medical Association lists the following guidelines when you need to consult your veterinarian:
- Abnormal discharges from the nose, eyes or other body openings
- Abnormal behavior, such as sudden meanness or always sleepy
- Abnormal lumps, limping or difficulty getting up or lying down
- Loss of appetite, rapid weight gain/loss or excessive thirst
- Difficult, abnormal or uncontrolled waste elimination
- Excessive head shaking, scratching/licking/biting a body part
- Dandruff, loss of hair, open sores or a ragged/dull coat
- Foul breath
- Veterinary Clinic
- Farrier
- Horse friendly friends
- Assistants that will help you
- Equine First Aid Handbook
- Stethoscope
- Thermometer
- Small Flashlight
- Syringes (Assorted sizes)
- Hypodermic needles (Assorted sizes)
- Tweezers
- Multitool®
- Scalpel with Blades
- Hoof Knife
- Fly Mask (Protect an injured eye)
- Cotton Roll
- VetWrap ™
- Gauze Pads
- Surgical Scissors
- Hemostats
- Cup
- Latex Gloves
- Saline Solution
- Betadine Solution/Scrub
- Chemical cold pack
- Flunixin Meglumine (Banamine)
- Phenylbutazone (Bute)
- Vet Skin with iodine or Derma Gel
- Baby Disposable Diapers (4 minimum)
- Heavy Duty Wire Cutters
- Sharp Knife
- Stay calm and stay patient with the person helping you.
- Be accurate and truthful if you do not know the answer to tell them so.
- Location of problem, know where you are and how to get the help to you.
- If you are calling from a cell phone try to get a cell phone number from any one around incase your battery goes dead.
- Describe what happened. Will the event cause any more injuries to humans or horses? Such as downed power lines, broken gas lines, fire, etc.
- Number of victims, listed by worst condition first.
- Victim’s (horse or human) condition and any vital signs and other information that will help the person helping you (vet/poison control/hospital).
- Assistance already given to horse or human, be prepared to modify anything you have already done.
FIRST AID KIT INVENTORY LIST
The First Aid Kit should be stocked in direct proportion to the distance from a doctor or veterinarian, the further the distance the more complete the kit should be. Placing items in plastic vacuum-sealed bags will keep moisture out and maintain cleanliness of instruments.
HORSE FIRST AID KIT
EMERGENCY PHONE CALL
If possible, gather some help immediately and delegate work assignments, emergencies should not be a one-person show if others are around to help. Such examples are designating a person to call the Veterinarian or call 911.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Selection of a veterinarian may be dependent on availability and specialty. When moving to a new area or becoming a first time horse owner you should learn which veterinarians are horse specialist or have additional training or interest in horses.
