• Find someone to hold the horse while you examine the wound
• Do not manipulate the wound, but try to assess its location, depth and severity
• Do not put anything in the wound; use only water if it is heavily contaminated
• If there is bleeding, cover the wound with a clean absorbent pad or other material; apply steady pressure
• The veterinarian may advise the use of a tourniquet, but don t attempt without explicit instructions
• Do not remove any foreign object from the wound until you have discussed it with your veterinarian

Call the Veterinarian

• If there is excessive bleeding
• If the wound extends through the entire skin thickness
• If there may be a fracture
• If the wound is near a joint
  
• If you see structures under the skin
• If the wound is on the lower limb
• If the wound is heavily contaminated
• If the horse is unable to bear weight on the affected limb

• Do not apply any topical medication to the eye
• Ocular emergencies can progress very rapidly

• Many serious problems start with mild signs, so don’t wait!
• Signs of Colic
  • Mild/ Moderate Discomfort
    Excessive time lying down
    Standing stretched out
    Frequently getting up and down
    Turning to look at abdomen
    Curling upper lip
    
  • Severe Pain
    Biting and kicking at abdomen
    Pawing at ground
    Rolling
    Thrashing
    
• Ask the veterinarian what you should do until he or she arrives
• Arrange for a trailer in advance if the horse is very painful and may need referral

Call the Veterinarian

• If the horse has a temp of 102 F
• If the horse has diarrhea
• If he is in respiratory distress or has noisy labored breathing
• If there are signs of choke
• If the horse seizures
• If the whites of the eyes or gums are abnormally colored
• If you see any signs of colic