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Equine Health & First Aid. Use of First Aid. Why First Aid. Equine are accident prone: Kicks & Bites, Falls & Injuries Equine naturally curious – pawing objects, sticking heads through fences-stall holes. Why First Aid.
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Equine Health & First Aid Use of First Aid
Why First Aid • Equine are accident prone: • Kicks & Bites, Falls & Injuries • Equine naturally curious – pawing objects, sticking heads through fences-stall holes
Why First Aid • Develop unsoundness because of stress/strain to tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones • Overworking • Improper exercise (too little followed by too much)
Why First Aid • Open Wounds • To control excessive bleeding (Some controlled bleeding good-helps flush wound of contaminated material – helps clean wound) • Wound heals quickly
Why First Aid • Reduce Pain • Calm animal waiting for vet • Prevent further injury
Common First Aid Treatments 1. Wounds • Abrasions (Skin scrapes) – superficial wounds from falls or tack Treat by gentle / thorough washing with lukewarm water or saline solution Apply light bandage ??
Common First Aid Treatments B. Open (Serious) Wounds Use first aid until vet arrives 1. Move to quiet area 2. Hose area to remove dirt / contaminants (Water pressure may force dirt deeper into the wound 3. Clean area with saline (1 teaspoon salt in 1 pint of boiled water - .84% salt solution) Diluted solution of mild skin antiseptic in warm water (1% iodine-based wash – Povidine Iodine
Common First Aid Treatments B. Open (Serious) Wounds 4. Remove objects from puncture wounds. Apply poultice to draw out contaminants 5. Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile pad to control arterial bleeding. Reconstituted cellulose & absorbable gelatin sponges help clot blood 6. Silver nitrate applied to help stop bleeding
Common First Aid Treatments 2. Lameness A. Check hoof for foreign objects lodged in sole or frog, observe for lameness, rest equine B. First Aid for Closed Wounds, Injuries, Swelling 1. Apply cold press, reduces pain and swelling 2. Cold press no more than 48 hours 3. Apply cold treatment for 20 to 30 minutes, wait 1 hour, additional 30 minute treatment
Common First Aid Treatments 3. Bruises & Fractures a. call vet b. Immobilize suspected fracture with pillow wrapped tightly with bandages
Common First Aid Treatments 4. Strains / Sprains a. Treat tendons/ligaments with alcohol rub or liniment b. Wrap legs in rest bandages
Types of Bandages • Protect wounds from dirt, decrease movement of area, allow faster healing, cover medication, minimize swelling, provide support • Padding material and adhesive, elastic or non-elastic wrap • Vetrap – self adhering, contouring qualities. • Good for difficult areas
Types of Bandages 2. Stable Bandage – extends below knee or hock to fetlock to support lower leg, support leg opposite injured leg a. Wrap padding snug around leg below the joint to below the fetlock. Cover with wrapping flannel or knit near the middle of cannon bone. b. Tuck end of wrap under edge of padding, wrap once around leg to just below fetlock joint c. Wrap bandage below back of joint but rise higher in front, causing upside down V on the front of the joint.
Types of Bandages 3. Cold Water Bandages – apply cold pressure to cool a warm strained leg. Apply cold water to leg or soaking padding in ice water and apply directly to leg. a. Wrap padding snugly with knit leg wrap b. Run cold water over bandage. Don’t let dry out.
Types of Bandages 4. Change Bandage When: 1. no longer functional 2. leg is swollen above or below bandage 3. signs of pain 4. slips out of position 5. becomes dirty
Equine Health & First Aid Vital Life Signs
Know Your Equine • Good Body Condition – Move Freely • Normal Vitals Vary • Determine normal vitals at rest • Recognize changes: • Loss of Appetite • Nature of manure • Dull eyes and coat, runny nose
Respiration Rate • At rest – 8-16 breaths per minute • Distress & activity increase rates • Serious Problem – respiration exceeds heart rate. • Normally heart beats four times per breath
Determine Respiration Rate • Count times flanks move in and out per minute • Count times nostrils flare and contract per minute • Feel the breaths by holding hand in front of nostrils
Temperature • Normal – 99.5 to 101.5 F • 102 F – mild fever • 104 F – moderate fever • 106 F – high fever • Low chance of recovery with high temperature • Rest equine at 102 F and call vet at 103 F
Temperature • Use veterinarian thermometer • Take rectally • Allow three minutes for accurate reading • Secure thermometer with string • Insert thermometer full length to prevent breaking
Temperature • Procedure • Shake mercury down to 95 to 97 F • Dip thermometer bulb into lubricant • Insert to full length • Fasten thermometer to tail with clip-on string • Remove after three minutes • Read and wash with soap and cool water • Dip into disinfectant and rinse again
Heart Rate • Normal Rates: • Adults – 28-40 beats/minute • Newborns – 80-120 beats/minute • Older Foals – 60-80 beats/minute • Yearlings – 40-60 beats/minute
Heart Rate • Determine normal rate at rest • Check several times to determine comfortable range for normal rate • Sick equine may have heart rate from 80-120 beats/minute for long periods
Heart Rate • Determine heart rate by counting pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 • Points to locate artery • Lower jaw • Cheek 4” below the eye • Under tail close to body • Inside the foreleg • Inside left elbow • Behind the knee and inside or outside the pastern • Press finger against artery • Use stethoscope just behind equine’s left elbow X X