Basic Health Knowledge You Must Prepare Before It Happens: How To Plan For A Horse Colic Emergency? 2021

The best time to plan for a horse colic emergency is before it happens. 

Talk to your veterinarian about colic. Based on her knowledge of your horse, she will be able to give you a set of horse care guidelines that will help you make quick, smart decisions.

• Learn how to take and interpret your horse’s vital signs.
• Know how to reach a veterinarian in an emergency and be prepared to provide basic horse health information.
• Keep accurate, dated medical records for your horse, including vaccinations, medications, and deworming protocols. Include any supplements or alternative preparations as well.
• Provide clear instructions to anyone caring for your horse.

Colic kills horses—this is a fact. But most horses survive and thrive without surgical intervention or long-term damage. Remember this during an emergency.

Be concerned and proactive about equine colic, but do not panic or presume the worst. Your horse is counting on you to stay calm and effective!

You should learn also

• Colic Signs and Symptoms
• Your Horse’s Vital Signs

In A Colic Emergency

Preparation and fast action are the most important steps you can take to promote a successful outcome for your horse. 

Be prepared for a colic emergency.

• Put your veterinarian’s phone number on your speed dial and be sure the number—and an emergency backup number—are available to anyone caring for your horse.
• Learn to take, record, and interpret your horse’s vital signs. Your veterinarian will use this information to determine the severity of the colic. Use our Horse Colic Preparedness checklist to record your horse’s vital signs.

Stay calm during a colic emergency.

• Call your veterinarian and be prepared to calmly report the signs and symptoms your horse is showing. If you are able to take and record her vital signs, share this information with your veterinarian. 
• Remove hay, grain, and water from the area around your horse.
• If your horse will allow it, gently groom or massage her. Walk her around to take her mind off the pain. 
• Do not administer any drugs, fluids, or substances without instruction from your veterinarian.

Horse Sitting Instructions

Does your horse sitter know what to do in horse colic emergency? 

When you hire a horse sitter for a short- or long-term assignment, be sure they are familiar with the signs and symptoms of horse colic. Be sure you provide emergency contact information, veterinarian contact numbers, and a signed veterinary care authorization.