Horse ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. If you own one or several horses, you will likely experience a medical emergency sooner or later. Horses have behavioral traits that make them accident-prone. Their natural curiosity, dominance hierarchy, and flight-or-fight response can lead to accidents and injuries. Understanding equine emergencies is a vital part of ownership. 

Bleeding and Lacerations

Lacerations are common in horses. Their curious nature and other factors can result in cuts and bruises. Dealing with the injuries will depend on the wound's location, size, and severity. Superficial lacerations are easy to manage. 

If the laceration is bleeding profusely or is a source of discomfort, it may constitute a medical emergency. You can try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure, but you need to get professional care. Run cold water over the laceration to stop bleeding and soothe the injury. 

Choking 

Choking is a common equine medical emergency. Various factors can lead to choking, including dehydrated feed and improper dental care. Coughing and gagging are common signs of choking. Hydration and blockage breakdown can help resolve the issue. 

Sending warm water through a stomach tube (lavage) can clear the blockage. If not resolved promptly, choking can lead to infections or aspiration pneumonia. If your horse is experiencing respiratory distress, keep it calm as you seek emergency care.

Abdominal Pain/Colic 

Most horses suffer from abdominal pain or colic at some point. Signs of abdominal pain include pawing, rolling, and flank-checking. Some forms of colic resolve themselves without treatment. Keep the horse comfortable and try gentle movements. 

Medications can treat most cases of colic or gastrointestinal issues. The veterinarian will use various parameters to assess the severity of the condition. Some cases may require hospitalization. If the pain is a symptom of tissue destruction, humane euthanasia may be the only option. 

Fractures 

Fractures are a relatively common medical emergency. They can be traumatic for both the equine and the owner. Initial treatment steps include pain control, stabilization, and sedation. Keeping the horse comfortable and immobile will help with transport. 

The severity of the fracture will determine the level of care. Slight fractures may be managed at home, but some may require extensive care and hospitalization. Humane euthanasia may be an option for severe fractures.

Foaling Emergencies 

Quick delivery is crucial for the health of the horse and its offspring. Prolonged labor or delivery can lead to the death of the foal or affect the health of both the mare and the foal. It is usually a result of abnormal positioning or presentation. 

Foaling emergencies may also be due to premature placental separation. Getting immediate professional care can help protect the animals. The delivery process may require general anesthesia. Other common equine medical emergencies include "tying up," or breakdown of muscle tissue, foot puncture wounds, laminitis, and anaphylaxis.

Eye trauma can cause severe damage. If not treated, slight abrasions can lead to infections that can cause blindness. It is essential to contact the veterinarian as soon as the injury occurs. Fever and the inability to rise are equine medical emergencies that require professional treatment. 

For more on common equine medical emergencies, visit South Willamette Veterinary Clinic at our Creswell, Oregon office. Please call (541) 895-5665 to schedule an appointment today.