Basic Equine First Aid
The thermometer should be held in place for a full minute beforebeing removed and wiped clean. The reading may then be viewed.
The pulse rate of a horse at rest is 30 to 40 heartbeats per minute. This rate increases normally with exercise and excitement, but can also increase when the horse has a fever or is in acute pain. Likewise, the horse’s normal breathing rate can also alter, or appear laboured, indicating possible ill health or distress.
The pulse can be taken at the point where the facial artery passes under the lower jaw. When the artery has been located, light pressure should be applied, using the flat of two or three fingers. The number of pulses over a period of 15 seconds should be counted, then this number multiplied by four to obtain the pulse rate. If the horse shows signs of a fever or appears to be in pain, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted.
It is worth practising taking a horse’s pulse before the actual need arises.
Nursing a sick or injured horse
The advice of your veterinary surgeon should be followed in respect of treatment and care during recovery. Additionally, the veterinary surgeon should be contacted if there is any worsening of the horse’s condition.
A sick or injured horse which is being kept confined to its stable (referred to as box rest) needs additional care and attention to ensure well-being and aid recovery. If a horse is ill, it is more important than ever to observe the animal regularly and to ensure that your horse is comfortable and that the environment is clean.
Effective ventilation of the stable is essential and a light weight rug can help keep a convalescing horse warm.
Clean fresh water must be available at all times. If water intake has to be monitored, buckets should be used rather than automatic drinkers.
An infectious horse should be kept in isolation. All equipment associated with the horse should be kept separate from that of other horses, and disinfected thoroughly when the horse has recovered. Handlers should adopt strict hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infection.
Feed should be tempting and palatable to encourage a sick horse to eat. Good clean hay should form the basis of the ration and this may require soaking prior to being fed, to increase its palatability and minimise dust. The veterinary surgeon may advise a special diet if the horse has a digestive problem or a nutrition-related condition. A horse that was in regular work prior to injury should be given a reduced feed ration to take account of the decrease in activity level.
The horse’s feet should be picked out twice daily and, depending on the nature of the injury, the horse may benefit from being groomed regularly.
Boredom can be alleviated by subdividing the hay ration into several small feeds given throughout the day. If necessary, stable toys or a neighbouring companion horse can be introduced.