June 2023

Equine Emergency Preparedness:

Developing an Effective Equine Emergency Plan

By Dr. Bethany Roof, Equine Internal Medicine Intern

Equine emergencies can arise suddenly and unexpectedly, presenting unique challenges and potential risks to both horses and their caretakers. From injuries and colic episodes to natural disasters and transportation accidents, the need for a well-thought-out equine emergency plan cannot be overstated. An equine emergency plan is a comprehensive and proactive strategy designed to mitigate the impact of emergencies, protect the welfare of horses, and ensure the safety of everyone involved in their care.

By understanding the critical elements of emergency preparedness and response, horse owners, facilities managers, and equine professionals can effectively safeguard the health and well-being of their horses during unexpected events. This document discusses the creation of an emergency contact list, identification of potential emergencies, necessary equipment and supplies for an equine first aid kit, and basic first aid techniques for common emergencies. This information is intended to assist with planning at the individual or stable/farm level. Planning for emergencies will depend on a variety of factors, but it is important for equine enthusiasts that manage horses to identify what risks and potential threats exist for appropriate planning and intended favorable outcome(s).

Emergency Response Plan

Developing an equine emergency response plan is crucial to ensure the well-being of your horses in unexpected situations. Here are some key steps to consider when creating your plan:

Identify potential emergencies: Make a list of common emergencies that could occur, such as colic, injuries, respiratory distress, barn fires or weather emergencies. Tailor the plan to address the specific needs of your horses and facilities.
Establish clear communication protocols: Determine how you will communicate during emergencies with key personnel, including veterinarians, barn staff, and emergency services. Ensure everyone knows the appropriate contact information and procedures for reporting emergencies.
Create an emergency contact list: Compile a list of important phone numbers, including your regular veterinarian, local equine hospitals, farriers, and any people you can call to assist you in the event of an emergency. Keep this list easily accessible and share it with all individuals involved in the care of the horses. It is important to be an active client of a vet practice with annual appointments for preventative care, as many practices will only see active clients for emergencies. Additionally, some vet practices will not see after hours emergencies even for active clients. Therefore, it is recommended to have communication and a plan organized prior to an emergency. Example of emergency contact form.
Ensure that everyone involved in the care of your horse, including barn staff, volunteers, and family members, is familiar with the emergency response plan and trained in basic equine first aid, including recognizing signs of distress, controlling bleeding, and bandaging limbs. It is recommended to conduct training sessions to teach them basic first aid, evacuation procedures, and how to handle specific emergency situations.
Stock your barn or facility with an equine first aid kit. Regularly check the inventory and replenish any expired or depleted items. Here is a comprehensive list of first aid kit items on the VHC website.
Create a clear plan for evacuating horses in case of emergencies like fires, floods, or severe weather events. Identify primary and alternative evacuation routes, assembly points, and locations to bring your horses if needed. Also, establish protocols for sheltering in place during certain emergencies. Identify safe areas on your property where horses can be temporarily housed during emergencies, such as sturdy paddocks or open fields away from hazards.
Plan in advance how you will transport your horse in case of an emergency. If you have your own trailer conduct routine inspections to ensure the trailer is in good working order. This includes evaluating for any damage to the trailer or flooring, tire maintenance, and checking the lights. It is also important to have copies of proof of ownership, registration, and insurance in the trailer. If you do not own a trailer, have a plan in place for how you will transport your horse. This could include a neighbor or nearby friend that owns a trailer.
Conduct routine reviews of your equine emergency response plan at least annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Update contact information, make any necessary adjustments based on lessons learned from previous emergencies, and communicate changes to all involved parties.
Keep accurate and up-to-date records for each horse, including medical history, vaccination records, and any specific care instructions. Every horse should have a yearly Coggins (negative test results) should the need to evacuate arise. This information will be invaluable in an emergency situation.

Remember, each equine facility or situation is unique, so tailor your emergency response plan to meet your specific needs. Regularly evaluate and refine your plan to ensure its effectiveness and the safety of your horses.

Common scenarios

Acute Non-Weight Bearing Lameness

If your horse is non-weight bearing on a limb, it is considered a severe lameness and requires immediate veterinary attention. Non-weight bearing lameness is often indicative of a significant injury or condition. The first thing you should do if you find your horse suddenly non-weight bearing or toe touching lame is inspect the horse's hooves, legs, and body for any visible injuries, swelling, or signs of trauma. Reach out to your veterinarian to report the lameness and discuss the situation. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the duration of lameness, any observed abnormalities, and any recent activities or events that may be relevant. Until the veterinarian arrives, it is important to limit your horse's movement to prevent further injury. If possible, confine the horse to a safe, small area such as a stall or small paddock. Avoid excessive walking or exertion. Minimize stress and anxiety of the horse. Ensure your horse has access to clean, dry bedding and fresh water. Remove any obstacles or hazards from the immediate environment to minimize the risk of additional injuries. Do not give any medications to the horse until you have spoken to a veterinarian.

Nail in Foot

If you find a nail in your horse’s foot do not remove the nail yourself. The location and possibly with radiographs of the nail or metal object can help the veterinarian determine next plan of action. Contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance and assistance. Restrict your horse's movement to prevent further injury. If the nail is causing severe pain or excessive bleeding, you may apply a clean, sterile bandage to help control bleeding until the veterinarian arrives.

Wounds

If you find your horse with a wound it is important to move the horse to a quiet, clean environment such as a stall or shelter. Only move the horse if you are able to do so without causing more distress or damage to the horse. Carefully examine the wound to determine its severity. Look for signs of bleeding, the depth of the wound, and any foreign objects that may be present. Take note of the wound's location and size (even digital pictures that you can send to your veterinarian can be beneficial). If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to control the bleeding. Maintain pressure for several minutes until the bleeding subsides. Consult with a veterinarian before cleaning the wound or removing any foreign objects. General rule of thumb: do not put anything on the wound that you would not be willing to put in your own eye. Apply a clean, sterile dressing or non-stick pad to the wound to protect it from further contamination while waiting for the vet to get to you. Secure the dressing in place with a bandage or adhesive tape, ensuring it is snug but not too tight. This will help prevent dirt, debris, and insects from entering the wound. Avoid giving any medications to the horse before speaking to a veterinarian.

It is recommended to call a veterinarian immediately/soon for a wound in the following situations:

the wound is bleeding profusely and you are unable to control it within a few minutes of applying direct pressure.
the wound penetrates through the entire thickness of the skin, indicating a deep or severe injury.
the wound is located close to a joint as there may be a higher risk of joint involvement or potential damage to vital structures.
underlying structures such as tendons, ligaments, or bones are visible through the wound, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
puncture wounds can be deceptive, as the external opening may be small while significant damage can be present internally.
wounds in the lower limbs, particularly at or below the knee or hock, have a higher risk of complications.
the wound is heavily contaminated with dirt, debris, or foreign objects. Proper cleaning and debridement may be necessary to prevent infection.

In general, it is always better to error on the side of caution and involve a veterinarian if you have any concerns about a wound. A professional evaluation will help determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of complications and promoting optimal wound healing for your horse.

Colic

If your horse is demonstrating colic signs, it is crucial to take immediate action. Observe your horse's behavior and assess the severity of the colic. Look for signs such as not wanting to eat, restlessness, pawing the ground, repeatedly lying down and getting up, rolling excessively, sweating, or showing signs of discomfort (e.g., kicking at the belly, looking back at the flank). Monitor your horse's vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. In addition, try to determine if the horse has recently defecated. Document these findings and share them with the veterinarian. They will guide you on next steps and may ask you to provide additional information. Ensure that the horse is in a safe and quiet area, away from hazards such as sharp objects or slippery surfaces. Unless specifically advised by a veterinarian, avoid giving any medications or home remedies. Medication administration can interfere with the veterinarian's ability to make an accurate diagnosis. If your veterinarian advises it and the horse is calm and able to move, take the horse for a walk. Walking can help stimulate gut movement, provide some relief and can help prevent the horse from rolling, which has the potential to worsen the situation. Remember, colic can have various causes and degrees of severity, and early veterinary intervention is essential. Prompt assessment and treatment increase the chances of a favorable outcome for your horse.

Choke (esophageal obstruction)

Signs of choking may include abruptly stopping eating, excessive salivation, coughing, extended neck, discomfort, nasal discharge of green tinge, saliva and/or food material. If you suspect that your horse may be having a choke episode, take away any food and water immediately to prevent further obstruction and to limit risk of complications (especially aspiration pneumonia). Keep your horse calm and minimize its movement to reduce the risk of further distress or injury. Call a veterinarian right away and inform them about the situation. They will provide guidance. It is crucial to avoid attempting to relieve the obstruction yourself.

Down (recumbent) horse

If you find your horse down and unable to get up, it is a critical situation that requires immediate attention. Assess the situation to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Call for assistance and for your own safety avoid approaching a down horse alone. Assess the horse for possible causes of being down. Is the horse responsive and has normal mental activity? Is the horse trying to stand but is uncoordinated in its attempts to stand? Is the horse cast/stuck? Contact a veterinarian immediately and provide them with details about your horse's condition (including vaccine status). Explain that your horse is unable to get up and request their urgent presence for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Safely remove any objects or obstacles that may obstruct the veterinarian's access or further endanger the horse. Monitor your horse's vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, if possible and safe to do so. Share these readings with the veterinarian when they arrive. Place soft bedding or supportive padding around the horse to help prevent injuries or pressure sores. Pay particular attention to padding the head and protecting the down eye. Avoid attempting to force or encourage the horse to get up on its own, as this may worsen the situation or cause further harm. Wait for the veterinarian's guidance before attempting any intervention. Remember, a horse's inability to get up is a serious condition that may have various causes, such as injury, neurological disease or trauma, or systemic illness. Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial to identify and address the underlying problem and provide appropriate treatment and care for your horse.

General Advice

There are far too many types of equine emergencies to sufficiently cover them all in a brief writing. However, regardless of the situation, it is important to remember these points:

Keep the horse as calm as possible. Your own calm demeanor will help achieve this outcome.
Move the animal to a safe area where it is unlikely to be injured should it go down but only if it is safe to move the horse without causing more damage.
Get someone to help you, and delegate responsibilities, such as calling the veterinarian, retrieving the first aid kit, holding the horse, or other basic needs.
Notify your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to provide specific information about the horse's condition and any other information that will help the veterinarian assess the immediacy of the danger and instruct you with how to proceed.
Listen closely and follow your veterinarian’s instructions while you wait for their arrival.
Do not administer medications unless specifically instructed to do so by the veterinarian.

Remember, every horse emergency is unique, and veterinary assistance is crucial. Prompt communication with a veterinarian is vital to ensure appropriate action and the best outcome for your horse. Through the development and implementation of a comprehensive equine emergency plan, horse owners and equine professionals can minimize the potential for injuries, facilitate prompt and appropriate care, and increase the chances of positive outcomes during critical situations. By proactively preparing for emergencies, we can provide our equine companions with the best possible chance of recovery and survival.