A sudden-onset illness is one where the symptoms appear suddenly and seemingly out of the blue. The horse is healthy one minute, but obviously ill the next minute.
Diseases caused by viruses, colic, poisonings, adverse drug reactions, hemorrhages, and heart arrhythmias are typical conditions that can appear without warning and need immediate attention.
Symptoms of sudden-onset illness in the horse
Being prepared to deal with any emergency by having a first aid kit readily available, knowing your horse's normal vital signs, and knowing what to do in each case is extremely important for any horse owner or care-taker.
Typical symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Stiffness
- Change in gait
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination
- Nasal discharge
- Depression
- Lymph node swelling
- Paralysis
- Convulsions
- Coma
Dealing with a sudden-onset illness in the horse
- Check the horse's vital signs and compare them with normal readings.
- Note symptoms and call your veterinarian for advice and follow-up treatment.
- Keep the horse calm and restrained if necessary.
- Follow the advice your veterinarian gives you for immediate first-aid care for your ailing horse and make arrangements for necessary follow-up treatment.