What should I do if my horse is colicing whilst I wait for the vet?
What should I do if my horse is colicing whilst I wait for the vet?
It's often hard to write out a list of dos and don'ts when it comes to colic, unfortunately or for some fortunately each horse will show signs and symptoms of colic differently, their bodies will react differently and therefore it will vary in severity.
Monitoring your horse's vital signs and condition whilst you wait is extremely important, this will streamline the process upon the veterinarians arrival.
Your horses vital signs should sit between the following ranges:
Temperature: 37.0 - 38.5 degrees
Heart Rate/Pulse: 28 - 44 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate: 10 - 24 breaths per minute
Mucous Membranes: Moist and Pale Pink
Capillary Refill Time: Less than 2 seconds
Hydration: Skin pinched in the neck should snap back in less than one second, a prolonged skin tent can indicate dehydration.
Appetite: A sudden reduction in appetite usually indicates ill health.
It is important to note temperature, pulse and respiration can be affected by exercise, excitement, size, age and environmental factors.
Remaining calm during these stressful situations is important.
Should you require a veterinarian our office can be contacted 03 5975 6586.
It's often hard to write out a list of dos and don'ts when it comes to colic, unfortunately or for some fortunately each horse will show signs and symptoms of colic differently, their bodies will react differently and therefore it will vary in severity.
Monitoring your horse's vital signs and condition whilst you wait is extremely important, this will streamline the process upon the veterinarians arrival.
Your horses vital signs should sit between the following ranges:
Temperature: 37.0 - 38.5 degrees
Heart Rate/Pulse: 28 - 44 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate: 10 - 24 breaths per minute
Mucous Membranes: Moist and Pale Pink
Capillary Refill Time: Less than 2 seconds
Hydration: Skin pinched in the neck should snap back in less than one second, a prolonged skin tent can indicate dehydration.
Appetite: A sudden reduction in appetite usually indicates ill health.
It is important to note temperature, pulse and respiration can be affected by exercise, excitement, size, age and environmental factors.
Remaining calm during these stressful situations is important.
Should you require a veterinarian our office can be contacted 03 5975 6586.
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Darby Lodge
25 Leilani Court
Mornington VIC 3931
Australia
DR EOIN KELLY : 0418 978 558
OFFICE 03 5975 6586
