Improve the trailer environment for longer trips by taking a
few extra minutes to do the following:
• Open the vents and windows. Ventilation also removes
hay dust.
• Soak hay for at least ten minutes (up to 12 hours) before
putting it in the trailer; this will greatly reduce the number of
spores floating around in the trailer.
• Remove urine and manure frequently. On long trips, ammonia
and other noxious gasses from can build up in the
trailer and cause respiratory stress.
• If you normally use bedding to soften the ride for your
horse, use good, thick rubber mats instead, and consider a
trailer with better suspension.
Both human and horse safety can quickly deteriorate in an
emergency. An injured, panicky horse(s) can create a very
dangerous situation to itself and those around it. To protect
yourself and others, stay calm and take control. When help
arrives, ask about their experience in handling and rescuing
horses and if trained, let them handle it. If not, it’s likely
that you will need to make the decisions as to what needs
to be done.
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Despite your best efforts, problems can still arise on the
road. If you have assembled your emergency kit, and have
discussed how to use the items with your veterinarian, you
will be in a much better position to handle a crisis.
Three of the most common life-threatening problems that
may occur on a trip are dehydration/heat exhaustion,
colic, and major cuts with blood loss.
Dehydration/heat exhaustion
If water loss is extreme, dehydration can lead to heat
exhaustion and even circulatory “shock.” Initial symptoms
are increased body temperature and sweating. These
may progress to include increased respiratory rate and, in
severe stages, weakness and incoordination. If you suspect
your horse is suffering from this condition, take his temperature,
check his heart (or pulse) and respiratory rate, do the
skin pinch test, and check capillary refill time (CRT). Convey
these vital signs to the vet on the phone. A cold water bath
(or alcohol and water) is an appropriate treatment until the
vet arrives.
Colic
This is a condition made worse by being on the road. Recognizing
the early symptoms -- pawing, increased respiratory
rate, lip flipping, looking at sides – will aid you in getting
help before the problem gets too severe. If colic arises, you
can only help with symptomatic treatment -- a veterinarian
should always be called.
Lacerations
Occasionally, life-threatening lacerations occur. You must
act calmly and quickly to get blood loss under control. A
well-applied pressure bandage is usually the best response.
Take a stack of 4”x4” gauze squares and put them directly
over the wound. Hold them in place by wrapping with your
roll gauze. Firmly apply a quilt and outer wrap (standing
bandage) over the top. If the wound location prevents the
use of roll gauze and an outer bandage, then you must
utilize a tape-like bandage.
TRAILER ENVIRONMENT
A FINAL WORD ON SAFETY
IN ROUTE EMERGENCIES
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