19/05/2024
When to call the vet? The following are some common triggers:
Your horse is lame and unable to take weight on its leg, unwilling to move, and you are not sure why it is sore.
Your horse has a cut/wound which is still bleeding under pressure, is more than 2.5cm long, and seems infected (pus).
Your horse is looking at its belly, wanting to roll, pulse is >50 beats per minute and has spasmodic pain bursts, or the pain had stopped and has now started up again.
Your horse is dull and lethargic, lying down, not passing manure, kicking or biting its belly, wanting to roll.
Your horse is coughing, choking and salivating, or with a nasal discharge and high temperature.
Your horse has off its food for no obvious reason (eg separation anxiety or a new environment, bullying etc.).
Your horse's temperature is >38.8 degrees c
The following could be a useful overview to put up in your tack shed...
Remember that when your horse is in pain it may act towards you in an uncharacteristic way (much like we do when we are in pain!) and not respond in its usual way. Take extra care for your safety and keep well meaning but inexperienced people away.
