If you have a horse or take care of horses, it's essential to be prepared for any situation. This is why a first-aid kit is a must-have. Injuries can occur unexpectedly, so it's essential to be prepared. While you can purchase a ready-made first aid kit for your horse, you can also assemble one yourself. If you plan on creating your own equine first aid kit this guide should help you choose the necessary items, where to store it, and when to seek veterinary assistance.
Why An Equine First-Aid Kit is a Must?
If you're a horse owner, you must have a first-aid kit, just like you'd have for yourself and your loved ones. Instead of frantically searching for medical supplies when your horse gets injured, it's much more efficient to have a well-stocked kit readily available. Leaving the injured horse unattended and rushing to the store for supplies is not an ideal scenario either.
An equine first aid kit ensures that you are always prepared to provide immediate assistance to the animal. A well-equipped emergency kit will enable you to handle various situations, from treating minor wounds like scrapes to stabilizing more severe injuries until a veterinarian arrives. In emergencies, time is of the essence, and wasting precious moments searching for bandages, gauze, or other necessary supplies can be risky.
What to Include
Ensure that your first aid kit is well-stocked with essential supplies to effectively treat wounds and injuries. It's crucial to carefully choose the items you include in the kit to avoid overcrowding it with unnecessary items.
Wound and Injuries Treatment
Consider keeping any replacements or additional supplies in a separate kit that is easily accessible. Include gauze rolls, non-stick sterile gauze squares, self-sticking bandages, ace wraps, sanitary napkins, diapers, sports medicine tape, pillow wraps, standing bandages, pre-moistened alcohol swabs, peroxide, cleaning solutions, sterling water, sterile sheet cotton, wound treatment creams, Epsom salt, ice wraps, Vaseline, Alu Shield, and swat fly ointment or sprays in your first aid kit.
Basic Equipment
No matter your level of expertise in horse care, be sure to have a first aid manual on hand. Additionally, it's a good idea to stock up on syringes of various sizes ranging from 5ml to 60ml, along with towels in different sizes, bandage scissors, a thermometer, and a headlamp or flashlight. Ensure that you have a stethoscope, a hoof pick, a box of nitrile gloves, and an emergency halter. Duct tape is crucial in situations involving broken bones or when bandaging a larger area. Remember to include tweezers, horse treats, and a cold pack in your first aid kit. Keep a clean bucket nearby, as well as a sharp pocket knife and wire cutters. A twitch can also be useful for restraining your horse when necessary.
Medications and Supplements
Your horse first aid kit should be stocked with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) like phenylbutazone, commonly referred to as "bute paste." It is essential to consult your veterinarian for the correct dosage. Additionally, include an electrolyte paste for treating dehydration, Dormosedan gel as a sedative, triple-antibiotic eye ointment, and gastric ulcer prevention medication. Remember to also include any daily medication your horse may require for existing health conditions.
What Containers to Use
The kit needs to be portable. It should have dividers and compartments that can make it easier to organize and access smaller items. Consider using a tight-sealing plastic container, a large fishing tackle box, a toolbox, or a grooming tote, as these options typically offer multiple compartments. Ensure that the chosen container is clean, waterproof, and airtight to maintain the sterility and readiness of the supplies.
Where Should You Store the First-Aid Kit?
When deciding where to store your horse first aid kit, it's important to consider easy accessibility. Keeping it in your barn ensures that it's within reach whenever you may need it. However, if you're attending shows, it's necessary to transfer the kit to your horse trailer. To ensure you don't forget, you can include one in your horse show checklist. Alternatively, you can create a second kit specifically for your trailer, reducing the risk of forgetting it altogether. It's essential to have your horse's first aid kit readily available at all times.
Also, be mindful of the storage location for your first aid kit. Extreme temperatures can affect certain supplies. So, you may need to relocate your kit or only move the supplies that are susceptible to weather conditions during specific times. This precaution will prevent the contents from overheating or freezing.
When to Call the Vet?
Call your veterinarian in case of any serious injuries or conditions that go beyond basic first aid measures. This includes situations such as respiratory distress, continuous bleeding, deep wounds, fractures, acute abdominal pain or colic, severe diarrhea, high temperature accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, fever of unknown origin, abnormal sweating, and loss of appetite. Seek veterinary assistance if your horse is unable to stand or move, or if a mare is in labour and is straining for more than thirty minutes.
