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Powered by  TranslateI thought that a page on your horses health might be useful, I will provide links to certain health issues so that you can have a look at more information There are pictures and links on this page as you scroll down I have put quite a few horse ailments and illnesses on this page and the next one, scroll down or go onto the next page and you will see x All horses have their own habits, get to know your horses habits, also I would suggest taking your horses temperature, pulse and respiratory while he is healthy over a 2 week period. This will give you his temperature, pulse and respiratory that is normal for him. Write the readings down and keep them safe, then if he becomes unwell you will know by taking his vitals ( pulse, temp, respiratory) as they will be different from the ones that you took when he was well and you will have clear readings to give to your vet. |
Be Prepared The health of a your horse is dependant upon you. Spotting problems early and acting quickly to sort things out are the best way to looking after your horses health. But,sometimes although we should be able to cope with minor injuries or health problems, there are times when the expertise of your vet will be needed. If at any time you are in any doubt as to whether your horse has a problem, itelephone your vet and ask for advice, it is better to do this than wait until your horse is worse and no doubt in more pain! To make sure that you are prepared for an emergency why not read up on books and magazines or go on the internet and read up on common illness and first aid on horses. Make sure that you horse care knowledge is up to date so that if a problem occurs you are more able to deal with it and also spot early signs of any illness Plan ahead for that emergency if it should ever happen. Sometimes at a time of crisis we cannot think as clearly as we normally would. Having something in place for that emergency puts us back a bit into control and more able to cope
One of the most important items in your first aid kit is your vet’s telephone number. In an emergency the last thing you need is to be panicking looking for the number, so keep it by your stable, and stuck to the lid of your first aid box, as well as put into your mobile. If your horse is on a large yard where different people may use different veterinary surgeons it will be useful to have your vets number available for other people to use for your horse if you are not around....... make sure that other yard uses know where you keep your emergency numbers or have a laminated sign outside your stable door with your vets number on it It would also be useful to write down name, address post code and exact location of where you keep your horse. This is so that you have precise directions if needed. Directions could save a lot of time in your vet getting to your horse. I think also it would be useful to have a picture of a horse's anatomy in your first aid box so that you can tell your vet where your horse has been injured (if an injury has occured) or where there is swelling etc this will help you if your mind goes blank while trying to explain to the vet.
Remember the vets will need your phone number so make sure that is written down also, even if you remember it! At a time of crisis our minds go blank and can often not think! If an emergency should happen to your horse it is so important to stay calm. When you phone the vets you will probably speak to the nurse, you will need to give details of your horse, what is wrong, where your horse is and your phone number. Then usually the vet will phone you back and give you advice until he can get to you If you suspect a serious problem, act quickly and call your vet your horse will stand a much better chance of making a full recovery.............
Do you know what your horses temperature should be? The normal temperature for a horse is 99.5 to 101.4 degrees F (37.5 to 38.5 degrees C). Foals and yearlings may have higher temperatures, especially if they are nervous.
Horses respiration rate is between 18 an 16 breaths per minute. To measure the horse's respiration rate, stand back and watch it's ribs move. The normal pulse for an adult horse at rest is between 26-40 beats per minute. You can feel the horse's pulse easily by placing your hand under the horse's jaw. You can also take the pulse by feeling behind the left elbow, or by feeling behind the horse's fetlock, at the widest part. The Blue Cross do a very good web page on first aid for horses, www.bluecross.org.uk |
 As you get to know your horse you will recognize the beginnings of a problem. For example, he may go off his feed, not as friendly to your self or other horses, his coat looks dull, lowered head, not drinking so much or not at all, not taking an interest in his surroundings, becomes grumpy for no reason that you can think of. Then there certainly is a reason for this Catching the first signs of an impending crisis can often help avoid a lethal disaster. It is also imperative to be well prepared in the event of an emergency. This means having the necessary supplies on hand as well as the knowledge to deal with the situation as calmly as possible until the vet arrives.
A bright torch to look at wounds in poor light |
 Remember if you are ever in an emergency you MUST stay calm....... easier said than done when everything around you is in a mad panic but you have to stay calm or someone else has to take over the situation until the vet arrives. But hopefully now after reading this page you will now be more prepared should an emergency ever happen (hopefully it won't but our horses are just like all of our animals oh and children, they do have accidents!)
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Tonette Stockton
