1964-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1964 April Voice | Page 33

FIRST AID FOR
THE HORSE
Most boys and girls receive Fh;
Aid instruction from their paren
in school, in scouts, and/or in 4-H
Club work. Also, from infancy,
they are implored not to speed,
jaywalk, swim alone, or store gas­
oline in the woodshed. Yet, human
nature being what it is, people go
right on being killed, mauled or
maimed every day; simply because
someone failed to observe the
rules. To minimize human suffering
and lessen deaths, almost everyone
is instructed in First Aid; including
how to administer artificial respi­
ration, how to apply a tourniquet
to stop bleeding, how to improvise
and use a splint, how to use a
stretcher, and how to treat a per­
son who has fainted. Also, First Aid
kits are commonplace in homes,
offices, and factories. But no such
consideration is accorded the horse,
despite the fact that equines are
about as prone to accidents as
people. Horsemen seldom receive
First Aid instruction, and the feel­
ing presists that anyone possessing
a medicine shelf is a “quack.”
Why?
First Aid for horses, as for hu­
mans, refers to the immediate and
temporary care given in the case
of accident or sudden illness before
the veterinarian arrives. Its pur­
poses: (1) To prevent accidents, (2)
to avoid further injury and un­
necessary suffering in case of in­
jury, (3) to recognize serious
trouble if and when it strikes, (4)
to assist the veterinarian in carry­
ing out the prescribed treatment,
and (5) to teach simple remedies
and treatments which may be used
safely if it is not possible to get a
.'actitioner.
First Aid does not alleviate the
need for professional assistance;
rather, a well thought out plan in
advance of a possible emergency
may save the hors e’s life and use­
fulness. To this end, the horseman
needs to be knowledgeable relative
to the following:
# Wounds—Lacerations may or
may not require suturing. Minor
wounds, not of sufficient severity
to require the services of a veteri­
narian, may be treated by (1) con­
trolling bleeding, (2) clipping the
hair from around the edges of the
wound, (3) removing any dirt with
a physiologic saline solution, (4)
clipping away any jagged or dam­
aged tissue, (5) applying a mild
antiseptic, but no greasy ointments
(as the latter delays healing), (6)
bandaging for two or more days if
necessary, then removing the band­
age and applying a healing powder
as required, (7) treating with For­
mula 62 in screwworm-infested
areas, and (8) administering tenta-
nus antitoxin or a tetanus booster.
Where the wound needs suturing,
call the veterinarian. Then, while
awaiting his arrival, control bleed­
ing and keep the wound moistened
with physiologic saline solution.
Severe bleeding accompanying
wounds can be fatal. Arteries bleed
with intermittent spurts, whereas
veins flow steadily. A pressure
pack is usually applied to body
wounds, while a tourniquet can be
used on limbs. The latter may be
made from rubber tubing, bound
tightly above the laceration. The
pressure of a tourniquet should be
released every 15 to 20 minutes to
prevent gangrene.
Nail and rock puncture wounds
of the hoof are rather common.
Where severe, and especially when
the horseman is inexperienced, it is
best to call a veterinarian. If the
veterinarian is not readily avail­
able, or if the horseman is experi­
enced, proceed to (1) remove dirt
and debris with a hoof pick, (2)
wash the hoof with warm water
and soap, (3) remove the foreign
body and immediately (before you
lose track of the location of the
hole) enlarge the puncture to as­
sure drainage, (4) poultice for
several days the wound with a cot­
ton pack saturated with disinfect­
ant solution, (5) protect with a pad
or other means until healing is
complete, and (6) treat the horse
with tetanus antitoxin or tetanus
booster.
Following any wound treatment,
the horse should be placed in a
clean place and watched to make
certain that he does not mutilate
the injured area.
• Bruises and swellings—Blows
may produce hemorrhages in the
tissues under the skin. First Aid
for such injuries consists of (1)
measures to stop the hemorrhage
— cold applications together with
firm, even pressure, (2) cold water
showers and cold water bandages
until the swelling stops, and (3)
heat or linament applied after the
swelling has stopped.
• Fracture — In all cases of
fracture, professional assistance
should be secured as quickly as pos­
sible. Until help arrives, keep the
horse as quiet as possible. With leg
fractures, it may be necessary to
splint the affected limb with wood
or pipe to hold the break in place;
then wrap it with towels or other
padding.
• Colic — When colicky symp­
toms appear, keep the animal on its
feet; walk slowly and quietly, by
leading; and apply heat to the
abdomen.
• Asoturia — When the charac­
teristic wine-colored urine, sweat­
ing distress and stiffness are noted,
(1) stop all exercise, (2) rub the
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37
APRIL 1964