How fast can you spot horse colic? How fast can you react?
Will you do the right thing?
Horse colic is often misunderstood and this lack of understanding can result in
delayed care. Most horses recover if they receive proper treatment quickly so it's
important to be ready for this common equine emergency. Follow these steps
during a suspected colic emergency to ensure the best possible results for your
horse.
1. If you suspect colic, call your vet immediately. Follow any instructions given to
you by your veterinarian.
2. Stay calm. A few deep breaths will help you focus and do what needs to be
done to support your horse. Remember that colic is serious but most often
survivable.
3. Remove grain and hay from the area around your horse.
4. If possible, check and record your horse's vitals every 5 minutes. This
information will be helpful to your vet, but don't panic if you can't do it. It's helpful
but not required!
5. If your horse is calm, let her be. If she allows it, try grooming her with a soft
curry or a gentle massage. She may be tender, so use a soft touch and beware
of kicking or biting. Remember that you're trying to soothe her...if she doesn't
want to be touched, don't!
6. If your horse is restless, try taking her for a walk. This may take her mind off
her pain and help pass or move gas or obstructions. Let your horse set the pace.
She may want to walk slowly or trot. Do not force walking. Keep your horse
comfortable. Think stress reduction!
7. Do not put your horse in cross ties or unnecessarily restrict his movement. She
may panic and hurt you or herself. Remember that your horse is in pain.
8. If possible, keep your horse from dropping and rolling. She can injure herself
and there is a chance that it may complicate her colic. WARNING: Do not
endanger yourself or others trying to stop her!
9. Protect your horse from injury. Remove anything that could cut or injure her. If
she's in her stall, line the walls hay bales to prevent injury.
10. If you're by yourself, you'll be fine. But if you can enlist help, do so. Having
someone to hold your horse while you take vitals or groom your horse is helpful.
Above all, keep a positive attitude. You can do this!
Other Stress Reducing Tips:
While there's no scientific evidence to confirm it, some horses seem to respond
favorably to relaxing music. Classical? New age? Folk? Experiment! You never
know what might appeal to her!
And much like people, some horses are comforted by companionship, others
just want to be alone! If your horse is happier in the company of a pasture mate,
let them socialize. Keep them close, but keep them safe.
What About Water?
Until you know what type of colic you're dealing with, water should be removed.
Check with your vet before reintroducing water. Always err on the side of caution!
Be prepared for a horse colic emergency. Get our free, veterinarian approved
Horse Colic Preparedness Report and learn to identify and prevent common
colic triggers, recognize the signs and symptoms of colic, prepare an emergency
plan, record vital information to assist your veterinarian and ensure the best
possible outcome for your horse.
Let Practical Horsekeeping show you how to become an efficient, effective
equine expert! Moira Clune and Noreen Girao provide helpful horse care
information with a practical twist at http://PracticalHorsekeeping.com - Our free
horse care ezine shows you the fastest, safest, smartest ways to care for your
horse and create an organized, appealing environment that works for horse and
rider! Sign up today and get our free, veterinarian approved Colic Preparedness
Report that shows you exactly what to do in a horse colic emergency. Join us
today at practicalhorsekeeping.com/horsecarenewsletter.html and start getting
practical!Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moira_Clune