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Be Prepared for an Equine Health Emergency

9/7/2020

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to confront a medical emergency. From lacerations to colic to foaling difficulties, there are many emergencies that a horse owner may encounter. You must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly, taking appropriate action while awaiting the arrival of your veterinarian.

Preparation is vital when confronted with a medical emergency. No matter the situation you may face, mentally rehearse the steps you will take to avoid letting panic take control.

Follow these guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to help you prepare for an equine emergency:

Keep your veterinarian’s number in your phone, including how the practitioner can be reached after hours.
Consult with your regular veterinarian regarding a back-up or referring veterinarian’s number in case you cannot reach your regular veterinarian quickly enough.
Know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center in case you need to transport the horse.
Store the names and phone numbers of nearby friends and neighbors who can assist you in an emergency while you wait for the veterinarian.
Prepare a first aid kit and store it in a clean, dry, readily accessible place. Make sure that family members and other barn users know where the kit is. Also keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle, and a pared-down version to carry on the trail.

First aid kits can be simple or elaborate. Here is a short list of essential items:

Cotton roll
Cling wrap
Gauze pads, in assorted sizes
Sharp scissors
Cup or container
Rectal thermometer with string and clip attached
Surgical scrub and antiseptic solution
Latex gloves
Saline solution
Stethoscope
Clippers

Many accidents can be prevented by taking the time to evaluate your horse’s environment and removing potential hazards. Mentally rehearse your emergency action plan. In an emergency, time is critical. Don’t be concerned with overreacting or annoying your veterinarian.
By acting quickly and promptly, you can minimize the consequences of an injury or illness. For more information about emergency care, contact our office. More information can also be obtained by viewing our Disaster Preparedness page or visiting the AAEP’s website, www.aaep.org/

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

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Don’t Skip the Purchase Exam

9/1/2020

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Owning a horse can be a big investment in time, money and emotion. Unfortunately, horses seldom come with a money-back guarantee. That’s why it is so important to investigate the horse’s overall health and condition through a pre-purchase exam conducted by an equine veterinarian. Whether you want a horse as a family pet, a pleasure mount, a breeding animal or a high-performance athlete, you stand the best chance of getting one that meets your needs by investing in a pre-purchase exam.

Pre-purchase examinations may vary, depending on the intended use of the horse and the veterinarian who is doing the examination. Deciding exactly what should be included in the purchase examination requires good communication between you and your veterinarian.

The following guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will help ensure a custom-tailored exam

Choose a veterinarian who is familiar with the breed, sport or use for which the horse is being purchased.
Explain to your veterinarian your expectations and primary uses for the horse, including short- and long-term goals (e.g., showing, then breeding).
Ask your veterinarian to outline the procedures that he or she feels should be included in the exam and why.
Establish the costs for these procedures.
Be present during the purchase exam. The seller or agent should also be present.
Discuss with your veterinarian his or her findings in private.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request further information about your veterinarian’s findings in private.

The veterinarian’s job is neither to pass or fail an animal. Rather, it is to provide you with information regarding any existing medical problems and to discuss those problems with you so that you can make an informed purchase decision. Your veterinarian can advise you about the horse’s current physical condition, but he or she cannot predict the future. The decision to buy is yours alone to make. But your equine veterinarian can be a valuable partner in the process of providing you with objective, health-related information.

For more information about pre-purchase exams, contact the Starwood Equine office. Additional information can be found on the AAEP’s website www.aaep.org/.

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners

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Be Prepared for an Equine Health Emergency

Don’t Skip the Purchase Exam

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