( FIRST AID ) Photo courtesy of Manfred Grebler. © Ballinger Equine © Ballinger Equine
Learn to recognise signs of colic and what is normal behaviour for your horse
If in doubt, call the vet immediately. The rule with wounds is the small and insignificant can be serious.
Pyrexia (fever)
Pyrexia is having a body temperature above the normal range. A rectal temperature in excess of 38.5oC is considered significant. To take a horse’s temperature use a small amount of lubricant and gently insert a thermometer several centimetres into the rectum. Take care not to get kicked and be sure not to lose the thermometer!
Pyrexia is caused by infection, inflammation or pain. Clinical signs accompanying a pyrexic horse can include inappetence, lying down, dull demeanour, increased heart and respiratory rates and sweating. Pyrexia is a symptom of a problem the nature of which is likely to require a veterinary examination and further tests.
Veterinary consultation, treatment and good nursing are important in managing pyrexia whilst the underlying problems are identified and treated.
Acute lameness
Very lame horses are always a concern, particularly if the onset of lameness is sudden. Lameness is caused by pain which is a nervous system response designed to protect the horse to limit further damage. It is natural not to want to move a very lame horse, but most can be moved from the field to the stable and if possible, facilitates easier examination. Stable confinement is in any case likely to be required following examination. As always, if in doubt, wait for the vet to assist. As a rule of thumb, if the contralateral limb can be liſted, the horse will be able to walk slowly with encouragement.
Causes of acute lameness include fractures, tendon injuries, trauma including kick injuries with and without wounds, abscesses, laminitis and cellulitis (infection). Sometimes the lameness is accompanied by other pain signs including increased respiratory and heart rates, sweating and lying down.
Acute lameness requires a veterinary surgeon to assess, establish the underlying problem, administer appropriate analgesia and support bandaging, sometimes with further diagnostics including radiographs.
Eye problems
Eyes are delicate and most issues concerning the eyes require urgent veterinary attention.
Eye problems present with a variety of symptoms, most of which are signs of pain. These include being swollen and puffy, excess lacrimation (tears) or other discharge or obvious wounds. Mild
Some wounds are obvious and require immediate veterinary attention
All eye injuries are emergencies - call the vet immediately
conjunctivitis, inflammation of the tissues in the eyelids, can be painful, and rubbing of the eye can cause a corneal ulcer to develop. Having called the vet, remove haynets and any other obvious things the horse is likely to rub its eyes on. Applying a cold pack to the inflamed area may provide relief.
The vet will undertake an examination using an ophthalmoscope. Sedation and local anaesthetic may be needed to facilitate this. Testing to determine the presence of an ulcer requires topical application of fluorescein dye which highlights corneal defects. Medications involve topical drops, creams and systemic treatments.
Remember – issues with eyes are emergencies! The recumbent horse
Not being able to get your horse up can be worrying and distressing. Remember though to be aware of your safety and that of others around you as horses and ponies may kick out, move unexpectedly or roll without warning. Is the horse lying flat out or in sterna recumbency (‘sitting up lying down’) and are they bright and wanting to eat treats?
The attending vet will need a clinical history before undertaking a clinical assessment. Reasons for not being able to get up include stiffness in an older horse, a fractured neck or spine, severe colic, infection such as herpes virus, tetanus or laminitis. Medications may be administered before the vet can oversee attempts to assist the horse to rise.
This is only a brief overview of the most common equine emergencies. As always, if you have any doubts about the health or wellbeing of your horse or pony, call your vet. At Ballinger Equine we are always happy to have a chat about any possible emergencies however minor they may seem and would far rather visit or offer advice than attend an exacerbated situation that might have been avoided with prompt attention.
Dr Susanna Ballinger BVSc CertAVP(EP) MRCVS is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Practice. Susanna is Veterinary Director at Ballinger Equine, a leading first opinion ambulatory equine veterinary practice, is an FEI Permitted Treating Veterinarian and an accredited ARVS Racecourse Veterinary Surgeon.
Find out more at
ballingerequine.com Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements JULY/AUGUST 2019 9
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