During these days of the covid-19 pandemic, both veterinarians and horse owners find themselves in somewhat of a bind when it comes to communication and especially vet visits to farms and horseowner's visits to equine clinics.
Little girl on telephone discussing horse health issue
With many equine veterinarians establishing telemedicine services, a call will often help solve health issues and determine if in-person/horse visits are necessary.
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With many equine veterinarians establishing telemedicine services to help horse owners maintain the health of their horses, a call will often help solve health issues and determine if in-person visits are absolutely necessary.
Whether or not to call the veterinarian is a dilemma all observant horse owners face on a regular basis. Fortunately a few guidelines can make the decision-making process a little easier.
Anytime a horse has life-threatening injuries or illness, the veterinarian should be called immediately. Emergency signs that indicate a vet is needed sooner rather than later include the following:
- Colic symptoms that indicate extreme pain suggesting that the colic is obstructional with possible displacements of parts of the intestine which have become twisted, trapped or pinched in the body cavity, always require a vet's services. The horse may go into shock or die without intervention and possibly surgery.
- Severe injuries or deep wounds that expose bone and puncture wounds. If a less serious wound shows signs of infection a vet's services will be needed to prevent further complications.
- Profuse bleeding from any part of the horse's body. Even if you are able to stop the bleeding, call the vet.
- Inability to stand indicates that the horse has serious health complications. If the horse is staggering or has trouble staying on its feet, a vet should be called ASAP.
- Diarrhea that is severe, foul-smelling and watery can be life-threatening.
- Blood in Urine indicates a severe infection or bladder injury.
- Choking on food that has become trapped in the esophagus can lead to damage and scarring of tissue with a subsequent narrowing of the esophagus. If the horse coughs and salivates with his head down and with watery food coming out of his nose and mouth, acts anxious, and swallows repeatedly, the services of a veterinarian are crucial to prevent damage to the esophagus, although the horse can continue to breath.
- Rapid, labored breathing or heavy coughing indicate problems that can be life-threatening.
- A painful eye or eyes may indicate corneal ulcers or equine recurrent uveitis which require a vet's attention.
- Swelling on any part of the horse's body that is hot to the touch indicates infection and needs immediate attention.
- Refusal to eat is a sign of severe illness or possibly mild colic and should be diagnosed immediately.
- Straining to urinate or defecate with nothing or very little coming out may indicate an intestinal or urethral blockage and the horse should be examined as soon as possible.
A prepared horse owner will always have the veterinarian's phone number readily available along with a well-stocked first aid kit to be used in emergencies until the vet arrives.
Dig deeperTM
Finding a vet close to your horse is an important step for new horse owners that should happen before an emergency occurs. EquiMed recommends networking with other horse owners to find a good horse veterinarian. You can also use EquiMeds veterinarian locator to find a list of vets in your area that specialize in equine care.