Your Horse First Aid Kit - Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?

April 05, 2020

While you can never be prepared for every eventuality, with horses, something unusual usually happens. Taking the time to think through possible scenarios and plan ahead will make a huge difference if a problem arises with your horse. Even being able to address a wound early and preventing infection will shorten healing time and help to achieve a better long term result. 

There is a common adage that says “two is one and one is none” meaning only having one of each item is almost like having none because these supplies get borrowed, lost, broken and left behind when travelling. You’ll be glad to have the extras during an emergency. Consider putting together a second first aid kit if you are travelling your horses regularly. It may also be beneficial to have an inventory printed to make restocking easier and take note of expiration dates of any drugs or topical ointments.

Save the number of a 24 hour Vet on Call in your Mobile. The last thing you need in an emergency is trying to look up phone numbers. Our number is 03 5975 6586 and we offer a 24 hour on call service in the event of an emergency.

 

• Torch or headlight (make sure batteries are working)

• Latex gloves

• Gauze swabs

• Adhesive bandage (Tensoblast)

• Cohesive bandage (Vetwrap)

• Rolled cotton or Gamgee

• Antiseptic scrub- Chlorhexidine or Povidone iodine. A 20% salt solution also works well for cleaning wounds.

• Poultice dressing (Animalintex)

• Antibiotic/anti-inflammatory cream (e.g. Neocort cream)

• Epsom salt 

• Ice packs

• Fly repellent and fly mask

• A large syringe

• Duct tape

• Scissors

• Tetanus toxoid (also ensure all horses on the property are fully vaccinated)

• A container or bucket

It is important to not just have a supply of these items but also to know how and when to use them. If you have any queries about first-aid care, wound management or bandaging then contact Eoin (0418 978 558), Finbar (0438 166 578) or Pieter (0429 326 700).

Horse owners can also purchase many of these supplies from Racetrack Veterinary Services at our office in Mornington which is open daily. Please contact us on 03 5975 6586 to arrange collection.

---

Also in News