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EQUINE MEDICAL ALERTS

The following information provides a suggested general guideline for maintaining optimum equine health and identifying health crises. Remember that all horses are different, and individual needs and symptoms may vary. For more specific information, contact your veterinarian.

Conditions Requiring Emergency Care
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MAY BE LIFE-THREATENING AND REQUIRE FIRST AID AND/OR IMMEDIATE VETERINARY ATTENTION:
•Persistent or severe blood loss
•Colic
•Grain Overload
•Fracture or dislocation
•Injury into a joint
•Overheating
•Head trauma
•Eye trauma
•Difficulty breathing
•Injury invading a body cavity
•Unconsciousness
•Shock
•Refusal to get up
•Sudden uncoordination
•Unexplained Weakness
•Profound injury
•Pronounced diarrhea
•Mental alterations

Conditions Requiring Urgent Care
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE SERIOUS AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; HOWEVER, THEY MAY NOT BE LIFE-THREATENING:
•Any eye condition
•Sudden or severe colic
•Puncture wounds
•Anorexia (not eating)
•Excessive salivation
•Any injury that is not minor
•Constipation
•Hypothermia
•Swelling, drainage, or tenderness in foal’s navel
•Exhaustion
•Diarrhea that is not pronounced
•Foal getting weaker rather than stronger
•Unexplained swelling or pain
•Fever
•Nerve damage

Conditions Requiring Prompt Care
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED, BUT ARE NOT EMERGENCIES:
•Cough
•Nasal discharge
•Weight loss
•Chronic lameness
•Skin disease
•Exercise intolerance
•Change in performance
•Non-healing wounds

Conditions Requiring Veterinary Attention
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MAY NOT SEEM SEVERE, BUT MAY INDICATE A SERIOUS UNDERLYING DISEASE:
•Isolated areas of muscle atrophy
•Unexplained nosebleeds
•Chronic discharge from only one nostril
•A change in temperament
•Recurrent minor colic
•Unexplained weight loss
•Declining performance
•A foal navel which is swollen or draining