Horse First Aid

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-time horse owner, it’s important to understand the basics of horse first aid. This guide provides an overview of essential first aid practices, wound care, general health issues, and how to handle common emergencies and ailments.

Horse First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any horse owner. Having a kit on hand can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Regularly check and replenish your kit to ensure all items are up to date and ready for use.

Horse First Aid Supplies

Your first aid kit should include:

Horse First Aid Kit Checklist

• Cohesive & elastic bandages
• Non-stick wound pads
• Sterile gauze swabs
• Cotton rolls
• Antiseptic wound spray
• Saline solution
• Antiseptic solution (betadine)
• Wound gel/cream
• Thermometer
• Stethoscope
• Syringes (10, 20 & 60ml)
• Bandage scissors
• Hoof pick
• Poultice
• Epsom salts (for injured hoofs)
• Local equine vet contact details

Horse First Aid Kit Australia

Don’t forget to localise your first aid kit. In Australia, horse owners should ensure their first aid kits have the necessary medical supplies to combat the strength of the sun, as well as heat exhaustion and insect-related issues.
Some extra items to consider include:
• Sunscreen
• Fly repellent
• Tick remover
• Electrolyte solution (for heat stress)

Normal Horse Vitals

Knowing what your horse’s normal vitals are is useful for early detection of potential issues.

Normal Horse Temperature

37.5 – 38.5 degrees

How To Take a Horse Temperature

To take your horse's temperature, gently insert a lubricated digital thermometer into their rectum, hold it in place until it beeps and then carefully remove it to read the temperature.

Horse Pulse Rate

30-44 beats per minute

How to Check a Horse’s Pulse

To check a horse’s pulse, place your fingers (not your thumb) on the underside of your horse’s jaw or behind their knee (where the artery runs), and count the beats for 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to get the beats per minute.

Respiration Rate Horse

8-20 breaths per minute

Horse Gums (Mucous Membrane)

Pale Pink and Moist

Horse Skin

Neck pinch snaps back quickly

How to Take Care of a Horse?

Once you’ve got your first aid kit together, it's a good idea to be aware of the various situations you might find yourself in as a horse owner. This guide will walk you through some common scenarios and how to handle them effectively.

Injured Horse

These are some of the injuries you might see. Minor injuries can be managed with first aid, but severe injuries require professional veterinary care.

Horse Wound Care

Horse Wounds on Legs

Leg wounds can be tricky to manage as horse’s move around constantly which means these wounds tend to have continuous exposure to dirt and debris.

1. After cleaning the wound with an antiseptic solution, apply a sterile dressing and secure it with a bandage.
2. Ensure the bandage is snug but not too tight to avoid restricting blood flow.
3. Check the bandage regularly to make sure it stays clean and dry, and change it as needed.
4. Keep your horse in a clean, dry environment and limit their movement as best you can.
5. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Infected Horse Wound

If your horse has a wound, you must monitor it for signs of infection – as an infected wound will require vet care and potentially a course of antibiotics.

• Swelling around the wound
• Heat in the area surrounding the wound
• Redness and inflammation
• Discharge or pus from the wound
• Foul odour emanating from the wound
• Horse exhibits pain or sensitivity when wound is touched
• Signs of lameness or discomfort
• Fever or elevated body temperature
• Loss of appetite
• General lethargy or depression in the horse

If you notice a wound is getting worse rather than better, proper medical intervention is required

Horse Hoof

Horse hooves are incredibly sensitive and require meticulous care and attention. Healthy hooves are essential for a horse’s overall well-being, as they support their entire weight and endure significant wear and tear. Regular maintenance, prompt treatment of injuries, and vigilance against infections are all key components of proper hoof care.

Horse Hoof Abscess

An abscess can cause significant discomfort and lead to more serious health issues if not treated promptly. Signs of hoof abscess include swelling, heat, discharge, foul odour, and lameness.

Horse Hoof Abscess Treatment

1. Clean the area thoroughly.
2. Soak the hoof in a solution of warm water and Epsom salts to help draw out infection.
3. Apply an antiseptic solution and cover it with a poultice & bandage.
4. Keep your horse in a clean, dry environment

Degloved Horse Hoof

A degloved hoof, where the outer hoof wall is partially or completely torn away, is a severe and painful injury that requires immediate veterinary attention. This type of injury exposes the sensitive inner structures of the hoof, making the horse highly susceptible to infection and further damage.

Initial First Aid:

1. Gently clean the area with saline solution, applying an antiseptic dressing, and bandage the hoof to protect it from dirt and bacteria.
2. Keep your horse calm and immobilised until a vet can provide further treatment.
3. Long-term care involves regular cleaning, bandaging, and possibly corrective shoeing to aid in the healing process.
4. Keep your horse in a clean, dry environment

Snake Bite Horse

In Australia, snake bites are a serious risk for horses. Knowing how to respond to a snake bite can save your horse’s life. Keep your horse calm, minimise movement, and seek immediate vet assistance.

Snake Bite Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of snake, the location of the bite, and the amount of venom injected.
Common symptoms include:

• Swelling: Rapid and severe swelling around the bite site, which can spread to surrounding areas.
• Pain and Distress: Your horse may exhibit signs of pain (such as restlessness or agitation).
• Bleeding: Visible puncture wounds with bleeding or oozing from the bite site.
• Difficulty Breathing: Respiratory distress or laboured breathing if the bite affects the throat or chest area.
• Lameness: Limping or reluctance to move, especially if the bite is on a leg.
• Muscle Tremors: Shaking or twitching muscles.
• Weakness and Collapse: Sudden weakness, lethargy, or even collapse in severe cases.
• Elevated Heart Rate: An increased heart rate as the body reacts to the venom.
• Discoloration: Darkening or discoloration of the skin around the bite area.
• Excessive Salivation: Increased saliva production or frothing at the mouth.

Sick Horse

While some horses get injured, it’s also possible for them to contract illnesses. Conditions like colic, laminitis, and strangles require immediate attention. Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of these conditions so you can recognise when your horse needs a vet check.

Horse Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the eye's conjunctiva, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or irritants. Signs include red, swollen eyes and discharge. Conjunctivitis is a serious condition for horses as their eyes ulcerate quickly; if left untreated, your horse could lose their eye. If you suspect your horse has conjunctivitis, call your vet immediately as your horse may require antibiotics.

Colic in Horses

Colic is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, characterised by severe abdominal pain. It can result from various causes, including digestive blockages, gas buildup, or parasites.
Signs of colic include restlessness, pawing at the ground, rolling, sweating, and looking at their sides. Horses with colic will also often present with a high temperature. Immediate vet attention is crucial. While waiting for the vet, keep your horse calm, prevent them from rolling, and avoid feeding them. Keep checking their temperature so you can monitor if their temperature is trending up or down.

Strangles in Horses

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses. It primarily affects the lymph nodes of the upper respiratory tract.
Signs of strangles include fever, nasal discharge, swollen and abscessed lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. Isolate affected horses immediately and seek vet care for proper diagnosis and treatment. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of infection and it’s recommended to give your horse a booster dose every 12 months. This can be combined with your horse’s tetanus shots to avoid extra vet visits.

Did you know you can administer booster doses yourself? Head to Petstock to find out more.

Laminitis Horses

Laminitis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition affecting the hooves of horses, caused by inflammation of the laminae tissues that bond the hoof wall to the coffin bone.
Signs of laminitis include lameness, reluctance to move, heat in the hooves, and a characteristic stance where the horse shifts weight off the affected feet. Immediate removal from grazing & vet attention is crucial.

Laminitis Treatment

Immediate vet care is essential for effective treatment. Further treatment may include pain management, dietary changes, and corrective shoeing. Early detection and prompt care can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Prevention of Laminitis in Horses

Preventing laminitis in horses involves managing their sugar intake, restricting their grazing, ensuring regular exercise, maintaining hoof care, monitoring for metabolic disorders, managing weight, and reducing stress.

Equine Influenza

Equine Influenza, commonly known as horse flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
Signs of equine influenza include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Infected horses should be isolated and provided with supportive care, including rest and hydration. Seek vet advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Horse Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in horses can be caused by various factors such as dietary changes, infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), stress, or underlying health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colitis. Symptoms include frequent, loose, and watery stools, dehydration, weight loss, lethargy, and a dull coat.

Horse Diarrhoea Remedies

• Monitor Hydration: Ensure the horse has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. Electrolyte solutions can also be beneficial.
• Adjust Diet: Temporarily switch to a bland diet, such as soaked hay and bran mash, and avoid grains and rich feeds. Gradually reintroduce regular feed once the diarrhoea subsides.
• Maintain Hygiene: Keep your horse’s environment clean and dry to prevent further contamination and spread.
• Consult a Vet: Seek vet advice to identify the cause of diarrhoea.
• Administer Medications: As per vet advice.

Horse First Aid FAQs

How long does it take for a snake bite to kill a horse?

This can vary depending on the snake species and the location of the bite. Immediate vet care is crucial to save your horse.

When to call the horse vet?

If you suspect your horse is unwell, take their temperature. If they have a temperature, call the vet. Similarly, if they have a wound call the vet if the wound is deep or infected, or if there is significant bleeding. Additionally, call your vet if your horse is significantly lame or has been lame for a prolonged period.

When to use hose on horse injuries?

If your horse has a swollen or inflamed leg or tendon, it may be beneficial to run cold water over it. If they also have an open wound, use a saline solution and ensure you’re using clean water. If your water is coming from a dam (or even a tank depending on the water quality), do not use it on an open wound as you may introduce microorganisms into the cut.

FAQs about Horse Care Products

What is…

Purple Spray for Horse Wounds

Purple spray, an antiseptic dye, helps prevent infection in wounds and allows for easy monitoring of the healing process.

Manuka Honey for Horse Wounds

Manuka honey is a natural antiseptic that promotes healing and prevents infections. Applying a thin layer of Manuka honey to a wound can help speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.

How to…

Horse Bandages and Wraps

Properly applying bandages and wraps is a key skill in horse first aid. Use bandages to protect wounds, support injured limbs, and reduce swelling. Ensure bandages are applied evenly and not too tightly to avoid restricting blood flow. Regularly check bandages to ensure they remain clean and in place.