Do you have an Equine First Aid kit?
Your animal depends on you for his or her well-being. In addition to providing love and affection, and daily care, they also need you in an emergency. Anyone who owns a horse should have a well stocked First Aid Kit. A plastic bucket with a lid is a great starting point. Have a bucket with a sealed lid large enough to hold the following supplies:
Stethoscope
Iodine solution
Hydrogen Peroxide
Neosporin
Saline
Sterile gauze sponges
Self-adhesive tape
Blunt-tipped bandage scissors, tweezers, digital thermometer
Cold packs (instant type)
Latex gloves
Duct tape use on hoof
Flashlight
Remember that when you travel to always take your First Aid Kit with you.
If any concern arises, NEVER HESITATE TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN!
Do you know your animal’s vital signs?
Temperature – normal body temperature is 99 – 101 F. (Most accurate way to take a horse’s temperature is rectally).
Pulse – the pulse rate of an adult horse at rest averages 30-40 beats per minute. (Horses’s rate can be found near the front of the left jawbone. Under the jaw bone there is a major artery that sticks out slightly, using your fore finger press against the artery firmly. Use a clock to time a 15 second period, multiply the number of beats by 4)
Respiration - the average respiration rate of an adult horse is 8-15 breaths per minute. Rates can increase or decrease with temperature changes, exercise, pain or fever. (Watch or feel the ribcage for one minute. Count 1 inhale and 1 exhale as one breath.