I have been in practice since 1986 after graduating from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. Over the years I have dealt with many, many emergencies from horses falling into swimming pools in the frigid
and ponies in one location. Additionally, we have extra stalls for trainers to operate their business from, thus supplementing the barn income.
Having the benefit of working in an ambulatory practice has given me insight to many great ideas from a variety of equine facilities. I would like to share some simple, cost effective measures that you can institute in case of emergencies in your own barn, whether you have one horse, one pony or are entrusted with the care of boarders.
The first thing I ask my clients when they call with a problem is “have you taken the horse’s
VETERINARIAN
temperature?” Of course this procedure should be done only if the animal is not frantic or dangerous. Typically this ensues with a scramble to find the thermometer, "Where did we put it?" What I have done in my barn is tape the thermometer to the
bers I tell them a simple way to remember what is a normal temperature. What is the best grade you can get on your tests at school? Of course the response is 100. So give or take 1 point in either direction you get 99 to 101 degrees as a normal range. You must take into consideration if your horse has just exercised and if the environmental temperature is really hot or cold. But as a general rule 99 to 101 degrees is what you should remember.
Safety is important when taking a temperature. Apply some Vaseline (and yes, I have been known to spit on the end of the thermometer) stand near the horse’s hip, pet them a few times near their tail base and gently and slowly insert the thermometer.
ACTHA Monthly | March 2015 |52
PREPARING FOR EQUINE EMERGENCIES
By Dr. Mary Beth Hamorski VMD
Mixed Animal Veterinarian/Co-Owner Califon Animal Hospital
Califon, New Jersey
winter months, horses impaled on fence posts, foaling emergencies and countless other incidents. That being said, we recently bought a nice piece of property where my daughter and I could have all our horses
wall in the feed room with neon orange duct tape. After the temperature is taken make sure to return the thermometer back to the exact location. Since I also spend time teaching the local pony club mem-