For the Health of It
Horses with elevated respiratory rates or persistent cough may require veterinary intervention , including bronchial dilators , airway hydration , and further testing . Smoke inhalation from immediate association with fire can produce thermal injury to the lungs from hot gases and the toxic effects of the smoke components . Often these horses also show evidence of thermal skin injuries .
Thermal injury burns to the skin , eyes , limbs , and hoofs can be seen in horses exposed to excessive heat and flames . Horses can incur first- , second- , and third-degree burns . The extent of affected body surface area and the degree of burns can determine prognosis . Equine burn victims may require daily treatments lasting several weeks .
Flight-related injuries may be diverse and occur when horses are fleeing the loud noises associated with rapidly approaching wildfires and related responses of emergency personnel and fire suppression vehicles .
Horses left behind during evacuation may remain uninjured by the fire . However , they can be without
food and water for extended periods , because owners are often prevented from returning to the affected area for several days .
Horses are frequently evacuated from areas at risk . Evacuation carries many risks to horses associated with trailer loading mishaps and injuries , exposure to infectious diseases due to housing in new areas with high densities of horses , and poor biosecurity . Many evacuations must occur rapidly and at night , which produces additional risks . Early evacuation is strongly suggested using a previously prepared plan that addresses capture , movement to a safe area , and horse identification .
CONTACT : John Madigan
DVM , MS Diplomate ACVIM , ACAW , Distinguished Professor-Emeritus jemadigan @ ucdavis . edu
530-304-1212 University of California-Davis Davis , California
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