Doctor's Corner: Preparing for an Emergency
Knowing Your Horse's Anatomy
Familiarize yourself with the basics of equine anatomy. Detailed study is
not necessary, but attention to detail is absolutely essential.
Stocking a First-Aid Kit
Have an emergency first-aid kit convenient at all times, including one in
an easily accessible, central location in your barn, another in your trailer
and a portable one for the trail.
Using a Tourniquet
While you can apply a tourniquet to the tail and extremities, do this in
emergencies only.
Knowing Your Horse's Anatomy
Familiarize yourself with the basics of equine anatomy. Detailed study is
not necessary, but attention to detail is absolutely essential.
- Look at your horse and take note of obvious blood vessels; some
of the more prominent ones are on the upper legs, chest and
abdominal areas. - Bear in mind that the location of these vessels, along with the
nature of the horses themselves, makes them particularly
vulnerable to injury.
Stocking a First-Aid Kit
Have an emergency first-aid kit convenient at all times, including one in
an easily accessible, central location in your barn, another in your trailer
and a portable one for the trail.
- Keep the kit stocked with items to stabilize and treat wounds,
including a tourniquet, hemostat, bandage scissors,
antimicrobial solution, a large syringe, gauze pads and rolls,
elastic adhesive wrap, cotton roll, and an all-purpose healing
salve like MeliHeal. - You’ll also need an easyboot for injuries to the foot and a roll of
duct tape to secure and waterproof bandages. - And don’t forget to keep an extra Tetanus toxoid on hand in the
refrigerator.
Using a Tourniquet
While you can apply a tourniquet to the tail and extremities, do this in
emergencies only.
- You can use just about anything for a tourniquet, but a strip of
cloth, roll of gauze, or piece of rubber tubing works best. - Place the tourniquet “above” the wound, between the injury and
heart. Tighten it by hand or use a stick as a lever. Loosen the
tourniquet briefly every 20 minutes and massage the area to
prevent tissue death.
© 2009 MeliHeal ™
We want to hear from you.
Suggest a topic to cover in
the Doctor's Corner.
Suggest a topic to cover in
the Doctor's Corner.
