While no one likes to think about their horse developing an illness or injury, emergencies can happen without warning, and being prepared can make all the difference in your horse’s outcome.  One of the most important things you can do as a horse owner is be able to recognize the symptoms of a serious issue in your horse and know who to get a hold of in case of emergency.

All of the following are examples of emergencies that should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible;

• A laceration, especially one that you suspect is in close proximity to a joint
• Colic (signs include flank watching, pawing, repeatedly lying down and rolling, stretching out to urinate without producing urine, elevated heart and respiratory rate, and disinterest in feed).
• Grain overload
• Choke (signs include coughing, stretching neck out, gagging or retching, feed material coming from the mouth and nostrils, and disinterest in feed).
• Non weight bearing lameness or severe lameness at the walk
• Being down and unable to rise
• Fever (rectal temperature >101.5*F)
• Difficulty breathing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Labor in a mare lasting longer than 30minutes.
• Mare and foal not meeting normal benchmarks (new foal should be standing in one hour, nursing in two, and the mare should have passed her placenta in three hours). New foals should be seen the same day for an exam and IgG blood test regardless of signs of concern.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible emergencies, so trust your instincts! If something seems seriously wrong, it's always better to call your veterinarian to ask for their advice.

In the event of an emergency, we recommend staying calm. Contact your regular veterinarian immediately and explain the symptoms your horse is displaying. Once you have an eta for your vet, make sure your horse is in a safe, clean area if it is possible to move them. While you wait for your veterinarian you can monitor your horse’s vital parameters. Make sure you know what normal is!

• Temperature - 99*F-101.5*F
• Pulse - 28-44bpm
• Respiration rate - 8-24brpm

Practicing when your horse is feeling well and keeping a record of their normal vitals will also be helpful as these values may vary from horse to horse and between donkeys and horses.

Build an Equine First Aid Kit:  Every barn should have a well-stocked first aid kit that is easy to access. Consider including the following:

• Digital thermometer
• Stethoscope
• Bandage materials and gauze
• Vet wrap
• Antiseptic solution
• Saline for wound flushing
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Bandage scissors
• Flashlight
• Clean towels
• Emergency contact list

Check your supplies regularly and replace expired, used, or damaged items.

Keep Important Numbers Handy:  During an emergency, you don't want to waste time searching for phone numbers. Keep these contacts posted in your barn and saved in your phone:

• Your veterinarian
• A nearby equine emergency clinic
• Numbers for a few trusted individuals that may be able to transport your horse if you don’t have access to a truck or trailer.

If you do have access to a trailer, make sure your truck and trailer are ready to go at a moment's notice (check tires, lights and flooring to ensure safety for you and your horse), and practice loading your horse and going on short drives to make sure the loading and transporting process are seamless.

Know Your Options When it Comes to Getting the Help Your Horse Needs:

Your regular veterinarian should always be your first call in the event of an emergency. However, if you believe that your horse will need to be hospitalized after speaking with them, you may choose to self refer into a hospital where your horse can receive prompt attention and aggressive medical management or surgical intervention.

If you are unsure what the best course of action is or your regular ambulatory veterinarian is unavailable you may elect to bring your horse into Woodside’s urgent care. With urgent care, your horse may be seen for a minor emergency and leave the same day without the cost of a farm call. If additional care is recommended, the horse will be seen by our hospital staff and will be hospitalized for medical or surgical management.

Preparation Brings Confidence.  Medical emergencies are stressful, but preparation can significantly improve your ability to respond effectively. By learning your horse's normal health, keeping emergency supplies on hand, recognizing warning signs, and maintaining a valid veterinary client patient relationship with your veterinarian, you'll be ready to act when every minute counts