All digital thermometers will beep when the temperature remains at a steady reading. I typically take the reading 2 to 3 times making sure as best I can, I am not up against a fecal ball. Knowing what the temperature is will help guide your veterinarian to determine what else you can do to help your horse until they arrive.
Emergency preparedness doesn’t just stop with knowing where your thermometer is. A brightly colored flashlight with fresh batteries should be kept next to the thermometer because as we all know, emergencies can happen outside under the cover of darkness.
Remember, cold water hosing for 15 minutes can greatly reduce inflammation as well as rinse debris from wounds. Always check with your veterinarian before you proceed with any emergency situation. In certain instances your veterinarian may not want you to place any occlusive product on a cut or puncture would.
In the tack room I have a cork board with the address of the farm in case of an emergency like a fire or injured person. Often times the person dialing 911 may not know the physical address of the farm. On the same cork board is a list with all the boarders’ names, horse’s name, cell and/or home phone number, whether the horse is insured and if so, the number of the insurance company.
Remember, being organized in the state of an emergency allows you to focus on what needs to be done to ensure the best and most efficient care for your horse.
Don’t wait for a problem,
do it today!
.
Dr. Mary Beth's Emergency Supply List:
Front and back pillow bandages
Standing polo type wraps
Jar of Furacin
Small bucket of poultice
Roll of plastic wrap
Brown paper bags
Betadine scrub
Small bucket
Clean wash clothes, cotton roll
Non stick Telfa pads
Vet wrap
ACTHA Monthly | March 2015 |53